34 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 30 to September 2

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So long August, hello September! Enjoy your long weekend with these 34 things to do in Vancouver on Friday, August 30, Saturday, August 31, Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2. Richmond World Festival, The Fair at the PNE, and more.

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

See also

• 4 food events to check out at TAIWANfest Vancouver 2019
• Comedian Dave Merheje is performing in Vancouver this month
• An all Canadian, all male burlesque show is coming to Vancouver this month

Friday, August 30

Richmond World Festival 2019

What: The fifth annual Richmond World Festival features a smorgasbord of music, arts, food and culture from around the globe. Presented by Coast Capital Savings, the nationally award-winning festival showcases over 90 artists on nine stages, Your Kontinent Digital Carnival,over 50 food trucks in the FEASTival of Flavours, artisan marketplace, and more. The Strumbellas and Bedouin Soundclash are headlining the festival.

When: August 30 to 31, 2019
Time: 4 to 10 pm (Friday) and 11 to 10 pm (Saturday)
Where: Minoru Park & Richmond Cultural Centre Plaza – 7191 Granville Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Free

Reel to Real Outdoor Summer Film Series – Heidi

What: Reel to Real’s Outdoor Summer Film Series features free evenings of animation workshops at Performance Works and films at Ron Basford Park’s amphitheatre. Enjoy a screening of Heidi on August 30.

When: August 30, 2019
Time: Animation workshops at 6 pm, film at 9 pm
Where: Ron Basford Park on Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
Admission: Free

Dave Merheje

What: For nearly two decades, Merheje has grown into a comical force across Canada, with appearances on MTV, CBC, CTV, Comedy Network, and a number of major Canadian comedy festivals. Most recently, he was the 2019 Juno Award Winner for Comedy Album of the Year for Good Friend Bad Grammer. He’s also made a number of appearances in the hit TV shows Mr. D and Ramy. 

Merheje will be performing in Vancouver on Friday, August 30, at Yuk Yuk’s. He’ll be joined by Vancouver’s own Chris Griffin, who has won several awards at JFL Northwest.

When: August 30, 2019
Where: Yuk Yuk’s – 2837 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Time: 10:30 pm
Tickets: Available online for $20

Bike the Dyke

What: What better way to end summer than by enjoying the breathtaking waterfront trails along the Fraser River? Bike the Dyke—a signature BC experience on Richmond’s Dyke Trails—provides the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level to uncover a truly authentic, pacific experience. Along the way, bikers will discover several of Richmond’s most celebrated attractions (including Richmond Olympic Oval, Garry Point Park and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site), plus dozens of food and beverage options to taste in the picturesque Steveston Village.

When: Anytime from now until the end of September
Time: Biking one direction with no breaks takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. However, making stops along the way to make it a full day experience is recommended
Where: Bike the Dyke starts about 150 meters west of the Aberdeen Canada Line Station. You can park nearby, bring your own bike along the Canada Line, or rent from one of many U-bicycle stations.
Admission: Free

Cinema Under the Stars – Mary Poppins Returns

What: Enjoy Mary Poppins Returns on a 26-foot-tall enormous screen at Gates Park. In the event of rain, the movie will be moved to the next available Friday.

When: August 30, 2019
Time: 8:45 pm
Where: Gates Park, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Friday Night Live 2019

What: Hastings Racecourse will be hosting its exhilarating Friday Night Live series until September 6, starting at 7 pm every Friday. This year, every Friday Night Live event will feature a cool playlist with their resident DJs spinning your favourite tracks all night long with a great mix of Hip Hop, R&B, Old School, Reggaeton, Top 40, EDM Music, and more.

As well as the amazing music and electric atmosphere, you can catch races happening under the stars. There’s also going to be outdoor beer tents with a great selection of highballs, your favourite beers on tap, as well as food trucks on site. Don’t forget the legendary Silks Buffet which offers the most incredible views of the racecourse and the mountains in the backdrop.

When: Every Friday until September 6, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Hastings Racecourse – 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Price: FREE admission

Summer Sounds on Jack Poole Plaza

What: The convention centre is launching Summer Sounds on Jack Poole Plaza, a music experience which takes place across four weeks in August. Each event will run on Friday from 3 pm until 6 pm, and feature a local musician taking the stage to perform amidst a stunning Coal Harbour backdrop. The all-ages event will also feature light refreshments available for purchase as well as a featured beer garden for attendees 19 years of age or older.

When: August 30, 2019
Time: 3 to 6 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza
Admission: Free

Saturday, August 31

Downtown Eastside Women’s Summer Fair & Flea Market

What: The fourth annual summer fair and flea market is put on by the women of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) as a celebration of culture, inclusion, and community. Each week will feature music performances, food, and plenty of creative and unique goods.

When: Every Saturday until August 31
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Columbia Street between Pender and Hastings
Admission: Free

Vancouver Whitecaps vs New York City FC

What: Vancouver Whitecaps take on New York City FC in MLS action at BC Place. Plus enjoy hours of fun with your family and friends at The Warmup, the new pregame party held at the Plaza of Nations.

When: August 31, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

BoylesqueTO Presents Oh Manada!

What: Canada’s own Boylesque T.O. will be coming to Vancouver during their Canadian tour of OH MANADA, the troupe’s signature Canadian themed show. The tour will feature BoylesqueTO’s core members, including James and the Giant Pasty, Dew Lily, Wrong Note Rusty, and Newfound Lad. And of course, no show would be complete without Shagina Twain hosting as our own Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

When: August 31, 2019
Time: 9 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre — 1660 East Broadway Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online $25 or at the door for $30. Show is 19+

Peak Yoga at Grouse Mountain

What: Grouse Mountain and YYOGA present Peak Yoga every Saturday in the Plaza at the top of Grouse Mountain, outside the Chalet. Stretch it out after hiking up the grind, or take the Skyride up for the class.

When: Every Saturday until August 31, 2019
Time: 10 to 11 am
Where: Plaza at the top of Grouse Mountain
Admission: Complimentary with a Grouse Mountain membership or admission ticket.

Public Disco Laneway Series 2019

What: Vancouver’s Public Disco pop-up events will make its return this summer, transforming outdoor spaces into daytime dance parties. The 2019 Laneway Series is an all-ages summer concert series in partnership with Creative BC, Downtown Vancouver, FACTOR, and Granville Island Brewing. The Disco will be most similar to past events held by the group, showcasing feel-good music from up-and-coming artists and curated dance performances.

When: August 31, and September 29, 2019
Time: Hours vary based on the date
Where: Alley Oop (August 31), and the Flats (September 29)
Admission: Free

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking

What: Bowen Island Sea Kayaking offers rentals and guided tours from 2 hours to multi day, allowing you to explore beautiful Bowen Island and Howe Sound on the water. They also offer kayaking and paddle board lessons as well as Paddle Canada certifications. You can also join their popular sunset and full moon tours.

When: April to October
Time: Hours vary. Check website or call.
Where: Bowen Island is a natural wonderland, and is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.
More Info: Book online here.

Music in the Park

What: Enjoy the summer with an afternoon performance in Lions Park every Saturday. Music in the Park features musicians from across Metro Vancouver playing a variety of genres including jazz, pop, rock, blues, folk, world fusion, and contemporary.

When: Every Saturday until August 31, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Lions Park – 2300 Lions Way, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Steveston Alive!: Walking Tour Vignettes

What: The Steveston Historical Society, together with the Steveston Museum, present the third season of Steveston Alive! Walking Tour Vignettes – a play in five parts during a walking tour of Steveston. Through these vignettes, residents and visitors alike will learn about what makes Steveston unique, and about how its early immigrants overcame hardship, and learned to live and work together in this diverse community. This year, the vignettes will be acted by talented drama students from Steveston-London Secondary School, with returning cast members from Hugh McRoberts Secondary

When: Every Saturday until August 31, 2019
Time: 1 pm and 3 pm
Where: Steveston Museum – 3811 Moncton Street, Richmond
Tickets: Online

Summer Cinema Series – Captain Marvel

What: Enjoy Captain Marvel on the outdoor big screen at Rocky Point Park. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and round up some friends. Enjoy food trucks, meet local businesses, and shop vendors as well. Hosted by Panatch Group.

When: August 31, 2019
Time: Sunset, estimated to be 7:57 pm
Where: Rocky Point Park – 2800 Murray St, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Star Wars: A Nude Hope Burlesque

What: The Geekenders invite you to travel to a galaxy far, far away for a Vegas-style spectacular that combines striptease, comedy, dance, showgirls, vaudeville, nostalgia, glitter, droids, body positivity, and more fun than a jawa can shake a stick at… and space.

When: Every Friday and Saturday until August 31, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Red Gate Revue Stage – 1601 Johnston St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $25 Regular or $40 for “splash zone”

Sunday, September 1

Le Burger Week Vancouver

What: Restaurant’s special creations are typically offered at a special “burger price” for the public to taste and cast their votes on leburgerweek.com. There will be winning burgers in several categories including People’s Choice, Most Creative, and Healthiest Burger. The celebration also sends undercover tasters all over the country to choose which creation will earn the Judges’ Choice title.

When: September 1 to September 7, 2019
Time: Regular Hours
Where: Various restaurants around Vancouver
More Info: Online

Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival 2019

What: Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this month with seven days of top tap talent. The festival features local and international tap dance artists in premiere performances, workshops and intensives, and community events. There will also be a 20th Anniversary Gala at The Orpheum Annex on August 31. Presented by Vancouver Tap Dance Society.

When: Now to September 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues in Downtown and East Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Victory Square Block Party 2019

What: CiTR Radio 101.9FM, Music Waste Festival and Discorder Magazine team up for their annual summer party. Featuring live music all day, food vendors, and raffle prizes. Proceeds from the raffle and sponsorship go towards Megaphone, Vancouver’s street magazine sold by homeless and low-income vendors.

When: September 1, 2019
Time: 2 to 9 pm
Where: Victory Square – corner of Hastings and Cambie, Vancouver,
Admission: Free

WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020

What: Fresh off winning a Silver Medal at the Pan Am Games, the Canadian Women’s National Softball Team is looking to clinch one of two available berths for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Eleven teams from North, Central, and South America will participate in the tournament, with the top three National Teams in each group advancing to a Super Round. The top two National Teams in the tournament final standings will gain a spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

When: Now until September 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Softball City – 2201 148 St, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Aritzia Warehouse Sale 2019

What: The 2019 Aritzia Warehouse Sale takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre from Wednesday, August 28 to Monday, September 2. Expect a constant rotation of new stock coming in daily, with price cuts of 50% to 90% off the original retail cost. Shoppers will be able to find brands such as Wilfred, TNA, Babaton, and Talula, to name a few, with clothing from both Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.

When: Now until September 2, 2019
Time: 7 am to 9 pm (Wednesday to Saturday), 9 am to 7 pm (Sunday and Monday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West Building — 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Summerset Music Festival

What: The inaugural Summerset Music Festival at Fort Langley National Historic Site features Paul Brandt, Rival Sons, April Wine, Kim Mitchell, The Washboard Union and more. The festival also has art installations, local food trucks, breweries and more.

When: August 30 to September 1, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site – 23433 Mavis Ave, Fort Langley
Tickets: Online

TAIWANfest 2019

What: TAIWANfest 2019 is making its annual return to downtown Vancouver this Labour Day weekend. Continuing the Dialogues with Asia series, this year’s event celebrates a ‘Riding the Waves with Vietnam.’ Visitors of the festival will experience live music and performances, food, fashion, film, workshops, cuisine, and more.

When: August 31 to September 2, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square (Formerly known as Vancouver Art Gallery, North Plaza), Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, and The Annex at Orpheum
Admission: Free

MBCA Show and Shine

What: The MBCA Show and Shine at Waterfront Park is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of the Mercedes-Benz automobile.

When: September 1, 2019
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Waterfront Park, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Surrey’s Heritage Rail

What: Take a trip back through time by riding Surrey’s Heritage Interurban rail car. The 50-minute trip goes from Cloverdale to Sullivan and back. Then check out the interactive exhibits and explore the Discovery Centre.

When: Saturdays and Sundays until September 29, 2019
Time: First train at 10 am, last train at 3 pm
Where: Cloverdale Station – Hwy 10 & 176A St, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Maan Farms Abbotsford Sunflower Festival

What: The event will feature plenty of opportunities to capture Instagram-worthy shots, with a classic truck and vintage furniture on-site to use as props. There will also be a premium U-Pick sunflower field, a wine garden with goats, and select days when dogs are welcome.

If you’re feeling hungry, Mama Maan’s Kitchen will be cooking up delicious Indian dishes and treats, including butter chicken, pakoras, samosas, and tornado potatoes. And if you’re feeling thirsty for some adult beverages, wine can be sampled at Maan Farms Estate Winery on Saturdays and Sundays.

When: Now to September 1, 2019
Time: Hours of operation vary
Where: Maan Farms — 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford
Tickets: Available online and general tickets can be purchased on site. Cash, credit and debit accepted

Monday, September 2

The Fair at the PNE

What: Since 1910, millions of guests have enjoyed shows, exhibits, sporting events, amusement rides, concerts, cultural activities and, of course, the annual summer Fair at the PNE. This year features concerts by Billy Idol, TLC and UB40. Entertainment and attractions include Reveen, a video game exhibit, Knights of Valour Superdogs, PNE Prize Home, and more.

When: Now until Monday, September 2, 2019
Time: 11 am to late
Where: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

AIBC Summer Architectural Walking Tours

What: Through its summer Walking Tour Program, the Architectural Institute of B.C. offers stunning architectural perspectives of six Vancouver neighbourhoods. Sites include Chinatown, Gastown, Yaletown, Downtown, West End and Strathcona, the first neighbourhood in Vancouver. For locals and tourist alike, the tours are a fun and engaging way to learn more about the architecture and history of Vancouver. A distance of 3 km is covered over a period of two hours – comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Tours are held rain or shine.

When: Thursdays to Mondays until September 2, 2019
Time: 10 am and 1 pm. Arrive 15 minutes before departure time
Where: Meet in the lobby of the Architecture Centre – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Book: Online

Afternoon Tea in The Window

What: For a limited time, guests can reserve appointments to enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s street-level window display on West Georgia Street. The experience will begin with the guest’s choice of Fairmont’s LOT 35 Tea, followed by an array of eats like house-baked English scones and golden sultana scones with clotted cream, strawberry preserves, and orange marmalade, tea sandwiches, and sweets from the hotel’s pastry shop. There is only one reservation per day available at noon, and this experience is $59 per person.

When: Monday to Friday until September 2. 2019
Time: 12 pm
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver –
Price: $59 per person; reserve online or call 604-662-1900

Labour Day at Burnaby Village Museum

What: Celebrate Labour Day at Burnaby Village Museum, with live entertainment, free carousel rides, and more. There is also Across the Pacific Exhibit, Labour Scavenger Hunt Activity, Pacific Spirit Quilters Guild and more.

When: September 2, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Language Matters: Exploring Indigenous Language Through Art

What: This exhibition at Bill Reid Gallery brings together urban Indigenous community members to visually express their relationships to their respective Indigenous languages.

When: Now until September 16, 2019
Times: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art – 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Richmond Night Market

What: This wildly popular event is gearing up for another season filled with epic eats and live entertainment. There will be over 100 food vendors and 200 retail stalls this year.

When: Now until October 14, 2019. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and stat holidays
Time: 7 pm to 12 am (open to 11 am on Sundays after September 2 and stat holidays)
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond (near Bridgeport Station)
Admission: General admission $4.75; children (under eight years) and seniors (60+ years) free

Brazilian Fair 2019

What: Celebrate Brazil’s National Day at the Roundhouse with live performances, Brazilian food and products, a Brazilian DJ, and more.

When: September 2, 2019
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free