15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: Aug. 29 to Sept. 1
Welcome to the long weekend, everyone! Let’s make the most of it by finding some fun things to do in Vancouver!
From Gastown Sunday Set to Dutch Street Market and more, here are 15 fantastic things to do from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Enjoy!
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Kathmandu World’s Biggest Hike
Kathmandu
What: Kathmandu, a popular New Zealand-based outdoor brand, is celebrating its entrance into the Canadian marketplace by hosting the free Kathmandu World’s Biggest Hike on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Not only is the event attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the “most people hiking simultaneously,” it’s also helping to raise funds for several local non-profit organizations.
Kathmandu World’s Biggest Hike will see up to 2,000 participants gather at Cypress Mountain to trek up the 4 km path to the top of Sky Quad. The all-ages and free event continues at the base of the mountain with live music, informative vendor sessions, and a variety of food and beverages available for purchase.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025
Time: Check-in and day-of registration open at 9:30 a.m., land acknowledgement at 10:30 a.m., hike at 11 a.m.
Where: Cypress Mountain – 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd., West Vancouver
Cost: Free
PNE Fair 2025
What: The PNE Fair in Vancouver is back for a big 2025, and you’ll want to prepare your summer schedule accordingly.
A highlight of the fair every year is the huge summer night concerts. Music lovers won’t want to miss the exciting mix of music legends and rising stars coming to The Chevrolet Stage inside the Pacific Coliseum.
It wouldn’t be the PNE without some exciting entertainment. Save room in your fair schedule to see the SuperDogs’ new western-inspired show “Wild Wild Wolf” in the Agrodome, the ultimate aerial I-FLIP Show, The Flying Fools High Dive Show, and The Big Backyard free play zone. And don’t forget all of your favourite fair food!
When: Now until Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
TAIWANfest Vancouver
What: The popular annual TAIWANfest will take place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at several locations in Downtown Vancouver, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Granville Street, the Annex, Wilms Salon, and more.
Attendees will enjoy a huge lineup of free events, including live music and performances, family-friendly activities, art markets, and public talks.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations, including šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Granville Street, and The Annex at Orpheum
Dutch Street Market
Tsuguliev/Shutterstock
What: The Dutch Street Market returns from Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1, bringing Dutch street foods and DJ culture to Granville Street.
This free festival welcomes over 45,000 visitors to enjoy an exhibit from Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, workshops, draaiorgel (hand-powered street organ), wooden shoe making, and Dutch household and food shops.
Each day has a highlight, including Dutch Flowers on Saturday, Dutch Underground Block Party with DJs and tasty Bols cocktails all Sunday, and Monday’s focus on Dutch Cycling Culture. A family-friendly celebration, the Dutch Street Market fosters creativity, connection, and cross-cultural exchange on Vancouver’s “hoofstraadt” (high street).
When: Saturday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
Time: Noon to 6 p.m. (Saturday and Monday), noon to 8 p.m. (Sunday, open later for DJ event)
Where: 500 and 600 Block Granville St., Vancouver
Admission: Free
Smut Slam Vancouver
What: Smut Slam, the adult-only storytelling open mic, was created by award-winning playwright, performer, sex activist and educator Cameryn Moore. Consenting Slammers sign up at the event to tell a five-minute dirty story, based on real life.
The audience can also ask a question or share a confession in the F-BUCKET, which will be anonymously read out on stage.. The open and inclusive event is hosted by DD Brassiere.
When: Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Time: 9 p.m.
Where: Chill Pill Comedy – 2270 Manitoba St., Vancouver
Tickets: $20.60 including fees, purchase online
The Magic of Sunflowers and The Magic of Fall
What: Taves Farms invites guests to the Magic of Sunflowers to explore the season’s stunning blooms and take pictures in the various photo spots until Sunday, Sept. 7.
Then head back from Saturday, Sept. 13, until Friday, Oct. 31, for the Magic of Fall, with a giant pumpkin patch, three corn mazes and over 30 acres of fall activities.
When: Now until Sunday, Sept. 7 (Magic of Sunflowers), Saturday, Sept. 13 to Friday, Oct. 31 (Magic of Fall). Closed Mondays and Tuesdays until Friday, Sept. 26, and on Tuesdays until the end of the season, except for Tuesday, Sept. 30, which will be open
Time: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Now until Friday, Sept. 26), 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m
Where: 333 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, B.C.
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver Rise vs Montreal Roses
Vancouver Rise
What: It’s the inaugural season of Vancouver Rise FC and history is being made at Swangard Stadium. Come cheer on the hometown professional women’s soccer team and feel the energy rise with every goal, save, and tackle.
You can get your tickets starting at $19 plus service charge and fees.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. kickoff
Where: Swangard Stadium – 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Starting at $19 plus service charge and fees; purchase online
Prophecy presents: A Cocktail Saloon
What: Prophecy, recently named Canada’s Best New Bar by Canada’s 100 Best, invites you to saddle up for a country-inspired shindig. Put on your finest western fit and glamorous looks for live country music, flash tattoos, a whiskey bar, a photo booth, and more.
When: Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Prophecy Bar inside Rosewood Hotel Georgia – 801 W. Georgia St., Vancouver
Tickets: Free, register online
Jokers Canada’s Kitsilano Comedy Classic- End Of Summer Bash
What: Jokers Canada is a travelling comedy club that showcases professional and hilarious stand-ups all over Vancouver. Laugh your way through the end of summer with a lineup that includes Julie Kim (Just For Laughs Montreal), Sharon Mahoney (Comedy Store LA), Myles Anderson (CBC), Ty Boissonnault (Kam Comedy Fest), Graham Clark (CBC Debaters) and Faris Hytiaa (Just For Laughs Montreal).
When: Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 West Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
Nikkei Matsuri Japanese Festival
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
What: The Nikkei Matsuri festival is a massive celebration of Japanese arts, culture and heritage at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre on Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31. Guests of the annual cultural celebration will enjoy live performances, food trucks, and more.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30 and Sunday, Aug. 31., 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre — 6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Free for NNMCC members, children and youth 17 years old and younger, and seniors over 65. Purchase online
Gastown Sunday Set
What: Inspired by global pedestrian-first movements, the new Gastown Sunday Set car-free series will transform the cobblestone streets of Gastown into a gathering spot with exciting activations.
Check out live DJ sets, an outdoor flower market, an open-air art crawl, and plenty of expanded patios every Sunday until the end of August.
When: Every Sunday until Aug. 31, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Water Street in Gastown
Cost: Free admission
Teddy Swims
What: Fast-rising music star Teddy Swims is coming to Vancouver next summer on his world tour, and local fans are ready to “Lose Control.”
The four-time MTV Video Music Award nominee is bringing the I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy tour to Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Centre on Saturday, Aug. 30.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre — 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Purchase online
Big Splash Water Park
Big Splash Water Slide Park
What: Big Splash Water Slide Park in Tsawwassen is reopening for the summer season on Saturday, June 28. The seven-acre resort-style park features 13 body and tube slides, a kids’ zone, hot tubs, and more to help you beat the heat.
Big Splash’s highlight is the Boomerango, an exhilarating tube slide with a six-story drop. According to the park, it’s the only one of its kind in Western Canada.
When: Now until Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting
Where: 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen
Admission: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver Aquarium presents Survival of the Slowest
What: Vancouver Aquarium’s new exhibit, Survival of the Slowest, celebrates all things slow in the animal kingdom by giving you a sneak peek behind some of nature’s most inventive creatures. From now until Monday, Sept. 1, this limited-time exhibit lets you step into a world where being slow, small, and even weak can be a powerful survival strategy.
Throughout the exhibit, you can dive into interactive displays to uncover how these naturally slow critters, like the two-toed sloth, have adapted to survive in the wild. Relax into daily Slow & Tell animal presentations so you can chill with the coolest sluggish creatures like the four-toed hedgehog and the armoured armadillo.
When: Now until Monday, Sept. 1, 2025
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets are on sale now, starting at $41.95
Car-Free Day Burnaby
What: Car-Free Day Burnaby is happening on Sunday, Aug. 31, on Edmonds, between Kingsway and Mary Avenue.
The massive events are presented by TransLink, Interac Corp., local municipalities, and BIAs to promote the growth of car-free culture and spaces. Attendees will discover local musicians and artists, family activities, vendors, food trucks, and more in the pedestrian paradise.
When: Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Time: noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Edmonds, between Kingsway and Mary Avenue
Cost: Free