27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 9 to 11

Update: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that Eastside Flea is located at Eastside Studios. This article has since been updated with the correct address of 238 East 1st Avenue. 

Make your weekend a wonderful one with our rundown of 27 great Vancouver events on Friday, August 9, Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11. Growers Cider Pop-Up Garden, Savour Summer Festival, and more!

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

See also

• The Abbotsford International Airshow returns to the Lower Mainland this weekend
• A stunning sunflower festival is taking place in Abbotsford this month
• Perseid meteor shower to peak over Canada next week

Friday, August 9

Growers Cider Pop-Up Garden

What: Live music, lawn games, free treats, photo booths, and rosé cider — need we say more? Growers Cider is hosting a pop-up garden, transforming the third-floor patio of The Westin Grand into an Instagrammers dream with a flower wall and pop-up flower boutique.

When: August 9, 2019
Time: 12 to 6 pm
Where: The Westin Grand (Third Floor Patio) – 433 Robson Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 6L9
Admission: Free

Abbotsford International Airshow

What: The Abbotsford International Airshow, one of Canada’s premier aviation events, is making its return to the Lower Mainland this weekend. Attendees will be able to enjoy spectacular aerobatics, intricate routines, jaw-dropping formations, and fantastic parachute and pyrotechnic work. On the ground, visitors can check out the inside of the many jets and carriers on display, visit the autograph booth, and stop by exhibits from groups such as the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions, the Vancouver Aquarium, and more.

When: August 9 to August 11, 2019
Time: Friday from 2:30 to 10:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm
Where: Abbotsford International Airport – 30440 Liberator Avenue, Abbotsford
Tickets: Available online starting at $28 for general admission

VMF Open Air Movie Theatre

What: Enjoy the Academy-nominated film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, by notorious British street artist, Banksy, under the stars at the VMF Open Air Movie Theatre. All-ages are welcome, and it is a licensed event.

When: August 9, 2019
Time: Sunset
Where: Jonathan Rogers Park – 110 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Beach Soccer Blast 2019

What: Spanish Banks will be bumping with outdoor soccer enthusiasts from August 10 to 12 for the Beach Soccer Blast, hosted by Vancity Original. There is a youth division and senior division.

When: August 9 to 11, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Spanish Banks Beach East
Register: Online

Comedy Night at the 2019 Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts

What: The Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts is returning to Metro Vancouver this August. The five-day event, entering its fourth annual year, celebrates South Asian culture, local performing arts, and its artists in the industry. Over the course of the festival, attendees can take part in free staged readings, talkbacks, developmental workshops, and one of the festival highlights — a stand-up comedy night featuring some of Greater Vancouver’s finest comedians.

Comedians include Rae Lynn Carson, Ash Dhawan, Rajneesh Dhawan, Al Hassam, Devon Kandola, and Leena Manro, with the talented and humourous Kalyn Miles as the night’s host. A cash bar and dinner menu will be available on-site. Once the show is over, the night will continue with an afterparty featuring High Voltage Roadshow’s DJ Beatdrop.

When: Friday, August 9, 2019
Time: Doors at 8:30 pm; Show at 9:30 pm
Where: The Dragon Lounge at Elements Casino Surrey – 17755 60 Ave, Surrey
Tickets: $20 in advance; $30 at the door

Eastside Flea

What: Eastside Flea is a modern-day outdoor flea market that takes place monthly in Vancouver in the summer, as well as indoor events year-round Each event hosts over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade independent maker wares to vintage clothing, collectibles, plants, artisan eats and more. You’ll also find food trucks, outdoor bar, live entertainment, and more.

When: August 9 and 10, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm (Friday), 11 am to 5 pm (Saturday)
Location: 238 East 1st Avenue 
Admission: $3, no one turned away for lack of funds.

Crankworx Whistler 2019

What: ​The world’s largest mountain bike festival comes home to Whistler. Red Bull Joyride, Whip-Off World Championships, Kidsworx activities, and parties every night. Free for the public to enjoy.

When: August 9 to 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in Whistler
Admission: Free, though you can buy VIP tickets for a number of events here.

Saturday, August 10

Savour Summer Festival

What: River District’s FREE Savour Summer Festival is back for its second year with live music, giveaways, a beer garden, wine tasting, mini golf, axe throwing, a dunk tank for charity, food trucks and more! On the Everything Wine stage are local indie favourites The Boom Booms, funky East Van ensemble Kutapira and soulful Cory Owens on the guitar.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: Town Centre at River District Town Centre – Sawmill Crescent and River District Crossing, Vancouver
Admission: Free

6th Annual Butterfly Release at Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery

What: The 6th Annual Butterfly Release & Fundraiser is happening at the Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery in Langley. The annual fundraiser brings in hundreds of guests every year who join the celebration at the beautiful gardens onsite. On the day of the event, Painted Lady Butterflies will take flight for the very first time, in an eclectic display of colour. There will also be live entertainment, crafts and activities, face painting, a wine tasting room, waffle bar, café and marketplace, and more.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 12:30 to 3 pm
Where: Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery – 6179 – 248th St., Langley
Admission: Free, butterflies can be purchased online

India Live

What: India Live by South Asian Family Association is a Granville Street Block Party that uses song, music, visual arts and dance to celebrate Vancouver’s intercultural community. There will also be a vendor marketplace with cultural wares, clothing, gifts, snacks and more.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 12 to 8 pm
Where: 700 Granville Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Pagan Pride Day 2019

What: Join Vancouver Pagan Pride in celebrating the 21st annual Vancouver Pagan Pride Day at John Hendry Park. Learn about Paganism, enjoy live entertainment, children activities, and more.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 10 to 5 pm
Where: Trout Lake at John Hendry Park
Admission: By donation of non-perishable item or monetary donation to the food bank and/or animal shelter

Vancouver’s Largest Water Fight 2019

What: The biggest, wettest water fight to ever hit Vancouver is making its highly-anticipated return to Stanley Park on Saturday, August 10, 2019. The annual event is returning for its twelfth consecutive year. Hosted by Flash Mob Vancouver, the water fight sees hundreds of Vancouverites take to the Lumberman’s Arch at Stanley Park.

When: Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Lumberman’s Arch – Stanley Park, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Kaleidoscope Arts Festival

What: If top indie musicians, interactive art experiences, a site-wide liquor licence and free admission sound appealing, plan to be in Coquitlam this Saturday for the fourth annual Kaleidoscope Arts Festival. The free arts and music event will bring a street-festival vibe to Town Centre Park, with Current Swell, Terra Lightfoot and Royal Canoe on the TD Community Plaza stage overlooking beautiful Lafarge Lake, along with off-stage music and dance performances, opportunities to make art and watch artists at work, an artisan market, food trucks, and craft brews and spirits. Located steps from the Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station, Kaleidoscope will run from 2 to 9 pm.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 2 to 9 pm
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Burnaby Roots & Blues Festival 2019

What: Officially celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival features performances by Feist, Lord Huron, Dan Mangan, The War and Treaty, William Prince, and Southern Avenue.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: Gates 12 pm, show begins at 1 pm
Where: Deer Lake Park – 6450 Deer Lake Drive, Burnaby
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Mural Festival Mount Pleasant Street Party 

What: For one day, free and family-friendly activities will line 14 blocks of the neighbourhood spanning the length of Main and Broadway. Enjoy live music, live and interactive art, Skate Jam, dance battles and workshops, the Holden Courage Memorial Graffiti Jam, a family art zone, community painting, markets, food trucks, four (family-friendly) beer gardens, over 25 breweries, and a public disco dance party.

Playing music all afternoon long are two concert stages presented by AIR MILES Stage Pass. DJ NDN will be headlining, along with local artists like Blonde Diamond, Haley Blais, Missy D & Friends, Tonye Aganaba, DJ Paisley Eva, Quarterback, Francis Arevalo, Sleepy Gonzalez, and Sam the Astronaut.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 12 to 7 pm
Where: 14+ blocks surrounding Main & Broadway
Admission: Free

19th Annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival

What: The 19th Annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival features fun for the whole family. Enjoy cultural activities, live music and dancing, vendors. food trucks and stalls, and more.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Keefer and Columbia Street, Chinatown
Admission: Free

Burnaby Pride Street Party

What: Burnaby’s second annual Pride event recognizes and celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic, Two-Spirited, Others) community in Burnaby. Enjoy a full afternoon of live performances, food, activities, and community resources.

When: August 10, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Jubilee Avenue between Nelson Avenue and Imperial Street
Admission: Free

Sunday, August 11

Family FUSE Weekend at Vancouver Art Gallery

What: Vancouver Art Gallery is offering a variety of inspiring activities during Family FUSE Weekend. Try your hand at collage and sculpture, then break out your best moves during hip-hop dance and sound exploration. Participants will begin thinking like an artist while exploring the artworks of the Gallery’s current exhibitions.

When: August 10 and August 11, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery — 750 Hornby Street
Admission: Free for members and kids 12 and under when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets available via Vancouver Art Gallery

Forest Therapy Walk at VanDusen Botanical Garden

What: ​Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide Ken Ouendag will lead a meditative and gentle walk through VanDusen Botanical Garden. Learn the basics of Forest Bathing, inspired by the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku. Health benefits including stress reduction, improved wellbeing, and boosted energy.

When: August 11, 2019
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver. Meet at the Visitors Centre and enter the Garden as a group.
Register: Online. $18 members, $20 non-members

New West Cultural Crawl

What: Now in its 16th year, the New West Cultural Crawl brings together members of the community to participate in a free two-day arts and cultural festival showcasing New West’s creative talent. The Crawl showcased over 150 artists, with 4000 visitors, at 32 venues across New Westminster in 2018.

When: August 10 and 11, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

The Wrong Show: Comedy BROADville

What: A night of sketch, musical, physical and stand-up comedy with weed diva/comedian Watermelon, superstar celebrity impersonator Bonnie Kilroe, celebrated cabaret queen Burgundy Brixx and east-Van icon Sandra Sanders, along with Shaboobie Boobarella and Velvet Steele.

When: August 11, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Sade Awele

What: Vancouver singer-songwriter Sade Awele has a repertoire that spans afro-soul and conscious alternative r&b to neosoul and contemporary r&b. Featuring special guests Marcus Carey, Photo Ops and Young Friend. 19+.

When: August 11, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm
Where: Railway Stage & Beer Café – 579 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Ubuntu Canteen Hosts Sunday Supper Series at Zaklan Heritage Farm

The Ubuntu Canteen team will head out on the road August 11 as Chef/Owner David Gunawan joins forces with fellow locavore-minded Chef Kaylie Barfield (formerly of Vancouver’s Nuba Restaurant Group, currently of Portland, OR’s Tusk restaurant) to co-host an on-the-road edition of its popular Sunday Supper Series at Zaklan Heritage Farm in Surrey.

When: August 11, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Ubuntu Canteen – 4194 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $125; buy online

Ladner Village Market

What: The Ladner Village Market takes over the heart of Ladner Village on select Sundays in the summertime. The market features live music, many vendors, and more to see, do and eat.

When: August 11 and August 25; September 8, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 5028 48th Avenue (between Delta and Elliott Streets) in Ladner Village
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.

Sunday Seafood Boil Series at Boulevard

What: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar will officially be hosting its popular series of summer seafood boils for 2019. This epic feast is enjoyed outside at a communal table, and features fresh-caught lobster, jumbo prawns, clams, mussels, and Dungeness crab.

When: Sundays from now until August 25, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Price: $68; buy online

The Morning AFTER Hip-Hop Brunch: The 3 Year Anniversary

What: Each $30 ticket includes three mimosas and from brunch item (from 12:30 to 2 pm) along with entry into the afternoon Hip-Hop Brunch mix down till 6:30 pm.

When: August 11, 2019
Time: 12 to 6:30 pm
Where: The Charles Bar – 136 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Price: $10-$30; buy online