The last weekend of summer has arrived in Vancouver! How are you spending it?
We’ve got some great ideas, including Oktoberfest, Fire Dragon Festival, and 13 other fantastic events happening around Metro Vancouver from Friday, Sept. 18, to Sunday, Sept. 20.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Oktoberfest at Parallel 49
Parallel 49 Brewing Company
What: Every day from Thursday, Sept. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 4, Parallel 49 Brewing will be celebrating Oktoberfest in their massive tent and biergarten. Come enjoy live music from Thursday to Sunday.
There will also be a great selection of Oktoberfest-style beers, traditional German food features, specials, and more.
When: Thursday, Sept. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Parallel 49 open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday
Where: Parallel 49 – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver
Admission: Free, seating available first-come, first-served
Foo Fighters
What: One of the biggest rock bands in the world is coming to Vancouver in 2026 for its first stadium tour in years.
Foo Fighters are bringing the Take Cover Tour to BC Place on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. The 15-time Grammy winners are also bringing a huge guest to join the party.
Queens of the Stone Age will be the supporting act on all of the Foo Fighters’ Canadian dates.
When: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Tickets for sale online
Bike the Night
What: Bike the Night Vancouver is rolling back into town this September with music, lights, prizes, and hundreds of riders cruising the Seawall after dark, and it’s free to join.
Designed for people of all ages and experience levels, the event turns the Seawall into a glowing, music-filled ride route, with a community festival to kick things off.
Guests can also take part in the free Bike the Night pre-ride Festival at David Lam Park from 5 to 10 p.m. The event features live music, food trucks, Project 529 registrations, tune-ups from MEC, and more.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. (pre-ride party), 6:30 p.m. (first wave suitable for young riders) and 7:45 p.m. (second wave)
Where: David Lam Park, Vancouver
Admission: Free, general tickets on Hub Cycling’s Bike The Night page
Festivibe 2026
Festivibe
What: Festivibe is a free multicultural family festival at The Shipyards Waterfront District.
Guests can check out cultural performances, artisan and food vendors, community booths, family-friendly activities, and more.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: Noon to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free, with Kids Village admission going to support Kids Life Foundation.
Fire Dragon Festival
What: The annual Fire Dragon Festival, presented by Chinatown Celebration Society, is on Friday, Sept. 18 and Sunday, Sept. 19.
You can take part in lantern-making workshops, Chinese dragon dance demos, and more in this year’s festivities.
When: Sept. 18 and 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Splash – Free Preview Exhibition
What: Around 100 stunning artworks make up the Splash 2026 Art Collection on display at the Pendulum Gallery at 885 W. Georgia St. The public preview showcases the pieces of art donated by acclaimed and emerging Canadian and international artists.
The lineup of artists this year includes Andrew Dadson, a multidisciplinary artist who explores the boundaries between painting, photography, installation, and the natural environment; Edward Burtynsky, one of the world’s most accomplished contemporary photographers; and Marie Khouri, a Paris- and Vancouver-based sculptor whose contemporary works bridge art and design.
When: Now until Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 (closed Sunday and stat holidays)
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Thursday to Friday) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday)
Where: Pendulum Gallery — 885 W. Georgia St., Vancouver
Admission: Free, walk-ins welcome
Vancouver Fringe Festival
What: Vancouver Fringe Festival returns to Granville Island and beyond from Sept. 10 to 20, 2026, embracing every kind of everything. This year, there will be more than 80 shows, two days of free Kids Fringe events, and the return of the free Fringe Patio music series from Sept. 5 to 20. Tickets and information are available online.
When: Sept. 10 to 20, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues on Granville Island and other venues across Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed events; prices range from $16 to $20, depending on each show. Purchase online
Vancouver Rise vs Montreal Roses
Vancouver Rise FC
What: Vancouver Rise continue their Northern Super League season this weekend with a match against Montreal Roses on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Swangard Stadium.
“Class is in session at Swangard Stadium,” said the team in a statement. “Bring your campus spirit for a lively afternoon to welcome in the school year, students can show their student ID for 10 per cent off merch and food trucks.”
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Swangard Stadium — 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Exclusive student pricing starting at $16+, purchase online
Whistler Village Beer Festival 2026
What: The 13th Whistler Village Beer Festival (WVBF) returns to the heart of the resort from Sept. 9 to 14 for a massive celebration of everything craft beverages. Get ready for an Oktoberfest celebration, a craft beer brunch, bandaoke, and more.
The Main Event at Whistler Olympic Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 19, will showcase dozens of varieties of cider, beer, canned cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can sample a wide variety of beer, cider and other craft beverages from participating producers, discover new favourites, and vote for the 2026 People’s Choice winner.
It’s the perfect excuse to gather your friends, head to Whistler, and make a weekend out of one of the village’s biggest fall events.
When: Sept. 16 to 20, 2026. Main event on Sept. 19
Time: Various times. Main event from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Various locations throughout Whistler Village, Main Event at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online for the festival as well as for the main event
Richmond Night Market
What: The Richmond Night Market is back for its last summer, and it’ll be bringing the world’s first night market zipline, an all-new Trading Card Zone, and over 500 food items to try.
The theme for this year’s market is “Little Wonder World,” which the market describes as a “dazzling, globe-trotting adventure filled with iconic landmark decorations, vibrant displays, and a stunning themed wall designed for unforgettable moments.” There will also be a giant soccer display.
When: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays until Sept. 20, 2026
Time: From 7 p.m.
Where: 2431 Number 3 Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 general admission, $40 Zoom pass. Free for children under 7 years and seniors 60 years and up
Taste of Abby Fall Food Festival
What: Taste of Abby is a celebration of Abbotsford’s agriculture, history, food culture, and culinary cultivations. The annual event allows folks to enjoy seasonal experiences, featured collaborations, and special menus and promotions around the city.
When: Friday, Sept. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Abbotsford
Tickets: Online
Vancouver International Flamenco Festival
Vancouver International Flamenco Festival
What: Celebrate all things flamenco at this annual festival of dance presented by Flamenco Rosario. There will be numerous live performances to enjoy by local, national, and international flamenco artists throughout the festival, including free outdoor events on Granville Island on Sept. 19 at 20 on the Fringe Patio stage.
Those interested in learning the art of flamenco can also sign up for classes throughout the festival.
When: Sept. 19 to 27, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events, purchase online
Treat yourself to Ignite Pizzeria’s new Lower Lonsdale location
What: Ignite Pizzeria’s newest location — its first on the North Shore — is now open in Lower Lonsdale’s historic 1904 Beasley Block at 101 Lonsdale Ave.
The North Van spot serves Ignite’s handmade, artisanal pizza made with dough fermented for five days and stone-fired at 800°F, all in a warm, modern space.
Alongside the pizza, guests will find an expanded menu, house-made cocktails, a wine list, a sunny south-facing patio, and daily happy hour.
When: Open Daily
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Sunday to Saturday)
Where: 101 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver
Divers’ Catch Festival
What: Following its sold-out inaugural event, the BC Dive Fisheries Society is bringing back the Divers’ Catch Festival for its second year, where it will transform the Gulf of Georgia cannery in Steveston into a showcase of B.C.’s top sustainably harvested seafood.
The festival shines a light on three types of seafood — geoduck, sea urchin (a.k.a. uni), and sea cucumber — that are hand-harvested from B.C. waters.
When: Saturday, Sept. 19
Time: Sessions from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery — 12138 Fourth Ave., Richmond
Admission: $138.88 per person
ʔəm̓i ce:p xwiwəl (Come Toward the Fire)
What: The ʔəm̓i ce:p xwiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) festival is hosted by The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in collaboration with Musqueam. Indigenous artists, musicians, speakers, performers, and dance groups from Musqueam as well as Indigenous nations across Turtle Island (North America) will perform this weekend.
When: Sept. 18 to 20, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Rd., Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed events, purchase online