Get ready for a sunny Labor Day weekend in Vancouver, packed with exciting events and fun things to do in and around Metro Vancouver to make the most of the final days of summer.
From outdoor festivals to beachside fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
RELATED: 53 Fun + Free Things To Do In Metro Vancouver this September
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Things to do in Vancouver this long weekend
Nikkei Matsuri & Zenyasai Beer Garden
Nikkei Matsuri is a vibrant cultural celebration of an authentic Japanese festival, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese arts and culture.
Visitors can enjoy an array of culinary delights that showcase Japanese cuisine, while also experiencing traditional Japanese arts such as taiko drumming, Odori dancing, live mural painting, and martial arts demonstrations.
A special pre-festival event, the ‘Zenyasai Beer Garden,’ will be held on Friday before featuring dance music and cold refreshments.
When & Where: August 30 from 5 – 10 pm and Aug 31-Sept 1 from 11am – 7 pm at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: $8 online and $10 at the door
Aritzia Warehouse Sale
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Get your shopping shoes on and check out one of the most anticipated clothing sales around town. The annual Aritzia Warehouse Sale is back and spans across 7 days. The event has already drawn massive crowds, with lineups often stretching up to 1km around the convention centre. However, many feel that the sales are definitely worth it, and that the line actually goes b very quick.
So if you’re into the brand, this is definitely something you should check out.
When & Where: August 27 – Sept 2 from various times between 7am-9pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, Vancouver, BC
Cost: Free admission
Taiwanfest (FREE)
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Taiwan as TAIWANFest makes its triumphant return to Downtown Vancouver in August. There are number of events including a 2 day festival over labour day weekend feauturing a stage along Granville Street where bands and artists perform, along with numerous booths from vendors and community organizations.
When & Where: August 31 September 2, from 12 – 9pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 12 – 6pm on Monday at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, North of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Cost: Free Admission
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Halal Ribfest
A bucket list worthy halal food tour is stopping in Vancouver in early June. Dig into savoury items like shawarma and some sweet options as well. Ticket prices are available and starts at $10 for entry.
When & Where: August 30 September 1 at Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey
Cost: $6
The Patio at BC Place (FREE)
The largest patio in Vancouver this summer will be at Terry Fox Plaza in BC Place. With a capacity exceeding 1,000 guests, this fantastic open-air venue will be available during the long weekends in July, August, and September.
Patio-goers can look forward to: rotating lawn games (mini putt, corn hole, giant Jenga, and Connect Four), live music from local artists, a build-your-own Caesar Bar and Indigenous cuisine
Where & When: August 30 – Sept 2 at the Terry Fox Plaza — Best entrance point is by Gates A and H
Cost: Free Entry (first-come, first-served basis)
Dutch Street Market (FREE)
After a popular launch, the Dutch Street Market by the Dutch Cultural Association of BC returns for the first long weekend of September. The event will be taking place on the 600 block of Granville Street. There will be food stalls, live music, games, and more to enjoy as part of this Dutch cultural event.
When & Where: Aug 31 – Sept 2 from 11am-6pm at the 600 block of Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Kings of Leon: Can We Please Have Fun World Tour
With a career spanning over two decades, the three-time Grammy Winners, Kings of Leon, continues to be celebrated for their energetic performances, soulful sound, and evolving musical style that has solidified their status as influential figures in the rock music scene.
When & Where: August 31 at Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Le Burger Week 2023
Le Burger Week is back at participating restaurants across Metro Vancouver. So if you’re a burger lover be sure to keep your eye out on the list of restaurants this year and the amazing offers.
When & Where: Sept 1-14 at participating restaurants
Cost: Varies
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Ending Soon
Burnaby Village Museum (FREE)
The Burnaby Village Museum, a beloved and free attraction in British Columbia, is set to reopen for the season on May 4. With its commitment to preserving and showcasing local history in an engaging and interactive way, visitors can explore its historic buildings, exhibits, and beautiful surroundings.
When & Where: May 4 – Sept 1, Tuesday through Saturdays from 11 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: Free admission
PNE Fair
Vancouver’s Summer just isn’t the same without a visit to our iconic amusement park and fair. This year’s fair will runs daily from August 17 to September 2, only closed on Monday, August 19th and 26th . Welcoming back visitors for another year of fun fair festivities. This year, visitors can also ride on their new roller coaster, ThunderVolt, which will be the fastest launch coaster in Canada!
When & Where: August 17-September 2 at 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: From $20-$25 (Discounts here)
White Rock Free Summer Concerts At The Pier (FREE)
The iconic Summer free outdoor concert series at White rock’s waterfront pier ends this weekend. Similar to previous years, this free event will feature a number of national touring acts, beloved local artists, and great tribute bands.
When & Where: August 29 from 7-10pm at both East Beach and West Beach, as well as Five Corners, White Rock
Cost: Free
Summer Nights in the Township (FREE)
Summer is here, and with it comes the return of the beloved “Summer Nights in the Township” series. This season is packed with free concerts and outdoor movies that will delight both residents and visitors. From early July to the end of August, every Thursday evening promises to be a highlight of the week.
When & Where: Various dates and locations
Cost: Free
Visit a Vancouver Outdoor Pools & Spray Parks (FREE)
The city of Vancouver usually reopens their pools and spray parks in May, along with providing lifeguards at the local beaches. Unfortunately, although the popular Kits pool was originally scheduled to reopen as well, recently announced that there will be delays due to unforeseen repairs.
When & Where: All over Metro Vancouver
Cost: Registration online preferred. Cost varies
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Lavender Land
Stop and smell the roses (or lavender in this case). Richmond’s massive lavender farm ‘Lavender land’ is open for the season. This lavender farm is an 8 Acres leisure farm with 7 acres covered in a variety of different lavenders.
When & Where: Open Now till end of Summer at 8460 Steveston Highway, Richmond
Cost: $13-$15
Shipyards Night Market (Every Friday) FREE
The popular North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market is set to return this May. The free waterfront market is a perfect place to spend a relaxing evening with family and friends, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and exploring the best of the local community.
When & Where: Every Friday from May 10 – Sept 13 at North Vancouver’s Shipyards.
Cost: Free admission
Waterparks
Make a splash at one of the best water adventures in and around Metro Vancouver that are actually fun for adults too.
- Cultus Lake Water Park – With over 11 waterslides, five large hot tubs throughout the park, a lazy river, and four children areas, Cultus is considered the largest waterpark in British Columbia.
- Big Splash – Only half an hour drive away from Vancouver, this park has massive waterslides, including a 6-storey tube slide called the Boomerang (the only one in Western Canada), adult hot tubs, main pool, kids splash pad, a patio area, and more.
- Harrison Water Park – Imagine travelling on a little boat to go to a floating water park in the middle of a pristine lake. Then challenging obstacles mimicking a ‘Wipeout-style’ course you would see on the TV show.
Langley’s The Outdoor Experience – This is one of the Lower Mainland’s most affordable water parks. Located at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre, this waterpark features a lazy river, wave pool and a series of waterslides.
Cypress Mountain Coaster
Adventure seekers of all ages can once again enjoy the ultimate rollercoaster ride at Cypress Mountain this Summer. At 1.7 kilometres, the Eagle Coaster has been dubbed the longest mountain coaster in Canada. The thrilling ride features a 279 metre vertical drop (or about 900 feet).
When & Where: Open Now until September 2nd, the Eagle Coaster at Cypress Mountain
Cost: $35
Richmond Sunflower Festival
Richmond’s Sunflower Festival is a popular annual celebration of one of nature’s most vibrant flower.
Located in the picturesque city of Richmond, the event offers a mesmerizing experience as visitors meander through over 20 acres of sunflowers in full bloom.
When & Where: August 8th – September 2, open daily
Cost: $12 for weekdays and $15 weekends
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Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Othello Tunnels (FREE)
After enduring the aftermath of a colossal atmospheric river event in 2021, the iconic Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Park have remained closed until now.
The extensive damage means that repairing the entire trail will take a long time. The partial reopening was originally planned for mid-July, however it was then pushed due to unexpected rock instability. Fortunately, as of August 19th, the repairs have finally been made, and the first part of the tunnel has been reopened to visitors.
When & Where: August 19 at Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park, Hope
Cost: Free
Bard on the Beach
The 34th Season of Bard on the Beach is back and will run until September 30. This year’s lineup includes:
- Twelfth Night (BMO Mainstage) Jun 11 – Sept 21 (More Details)
- Hamlet (BMO Mainstage) Jun 13 – Sept 20 (More Details)
- The Comedy of Errors (Howard Family Stage) Jul 2 – Sept 21
- Measure for Measure (Howard Family Stage) Jul 4 – Sept 20
When & Where: June 8 – September 30 at Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $30 – $90.
Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is returning this April for their 2024 season.
This is the largest night market in North America and is loved by both locals and tourists alike. The market attracts over a million visitors annually, and its popularity keeps increasing. In fact, The Amazing Race Canada’s Season 8 finale showcased it last year, introducing viewers across the country to the unique spectacle.
When & Where: April 26 – Early October, Richmond Night Market, 8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost: $8.50+
Hikes
This summer has been a hot one, so you may not have been able to enjoy a nice hike as much as you wanted to. No worries though, September in Vancouver is the perfect time to go explore the great outdoors.
So why not check out some amazing hikes before summer ends? You can explore an abandoned train wreck, or check out a beautiful waterfall. There are even hikes you can will enjoy even if you usually don’t get much exercise.
For more upcoming events, check out our new events calendar.
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