This August weekend in Vancouver is absolutely beautiful, with clear skies and warm temperatures inviting everyone outside. So many things to do in and around Vancouver make it the perfect time to explore the city’s parks, beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods.
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
(OPENING WEEKEND) 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: Starting August 8th, open daily
Cost: $12 for weekdays and $15 weekends
Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival (Aug 10) FREE
This is a popular annual music event held in Burnaby, as a celebration of blues, roots, and folk music. The festival draws in music enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy a diverse lineup of talented artists. Attendees can enjoy great music with the picturesque backdrop of Deer Lake Park.
When & Where: August 10 from 1-10pm at Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
Cost: Free Admission
BC Dumpling Festival (Aug 10) FREE
Get ready to savor the flavors of delectable dumplings as the BC Dumpling Festival makes its much-anticipated return for this summer.
After launching in 2022, the popular event has attracted dumpling enthusiasts from all over Metro Vancouver to indulge in this beloved culinary event that celebrates the artistry and diversity of dumplings.
When & Where: Aug 10 from 11am – 8pm at Coquitlam Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Cost: Free Admission
Abbotsford International Airshow (Aug 9-11)
Popular airshow returns this August, featuring legendary performers such as the Canadian Snowbirds, USAF Thunderbirds, and more. Attendees will also get a chance to be face to face with a wide array of aircrafts. There will also be food trucks and a craft beer tent.
When & Where: August 9-11 at the Abbotsford International Airport
Cost: General Admission $36-60, Special packages available
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Vancouver Mural Festival (Aug 7-11)
The Vancouver Mural Festival is an annual celebration of street art and public murals that brightens up the city’s neighborhoods.
The multi-day free festival will feature a number of concerts and live events that helps locals uncover Vancouver’s great outdoors and find new favourite murals, artists, performers, communities, neighbors, and more.
Events includes
- VMF Artist Talk and Tunes – Aug 7 – $15
- Mount Pleasant Street Party – Aug 8-11 – Free
- VMF Murals Tours – Aug 8-11 – Registration required
When & Where: August 7-11 all over Mount Pleasant in Vancouver
Cost: Varies
Anime Convention Anirevo (Aug 9-11)
Vancouver BC’s largest and fastest-growing Anime Convention returns for another year. The event gathers people from all over the lower mainland to share their passion for Japan and Anime. The event features cosplay contests, concerts, guest signings, and more, the convention offers something for everyone to enjoy
When & Where: August 9-11
Cost: Single day events are sold at the event starting at $60. Tickets for the 3 day event can be purchased online for $85.
Kitsfest (Aug 9-11)
Kitsfest is an exciting annual sports and fitness festival held in Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, Canada. The event attracts athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and spectators from all over the city, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. With a diverse range of activities, including beach volleyball, yoga sessions, and stand-up paddleboarding, Kitsfest offers a fun-filled weekend for people of all ages and fitness levels.
When & Where: August 9-11 from 9am to 8pm (Sunset) at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Cost: Free to watch various competitions & activities
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The Ride for Lung Health (Aug 10-11)
Get ready to pedal with purpose and make a real impact on lung health! By joining, you’re supporting innovative research for the one in five British Columbians affected by lung disease.
With routes spanning 50km, 100km and 200km across 2 days through the beautiful Tsawwassen, Delta, Ladner and White Rock.
2024 also marks their 40th year of The Ride (formerly Trek), so they’ll be featuring food trucks, beer garden, and more as a part of the celebration.
When & Where: Starts August 10th at 7 am and ends August 11th at 6 pm, at Tsawwassen Mills, 5000 Canoe Pass Wy, Tsawwassen
Cost: $5 to register for the ride
Brewhalla Beer & Music Festival – New Westminster (Aug 10)
New Westminster’s Queens Park will be transformed into the ultimate beer-lover’s paradise as Brewhalla makes its grand takeover.
With an impressive lineup of over 30 craft beer vendors, attendees can indulge in a wide variety of refreshing brews. The event goes beyond beer, offering live music on two distinct stages, delectable offerings from food trucks, engaging field games, and an abundance of entertainment.
When & Where: August 10, from 12-6pm at Queens Park, New Westminster
Cost: $49 – $242
ELEMENTS Festival (Aug 10-11)
ELEMENTS returns for season 2 – a two-day charity event focused on the celebration of a culture where creativity is met with genuine connections expressed through art, music, and local food.
When & Where: Aug 10-11 at Nook – Coworking Space in Richmond, 8711 Alexandra Rd, Richmond
Cost: From $99
African Descent Festival (Aug 10-11) FREE
The African Descent Festival at English Bay Beach celebrates the cultural diversity of people of African descent in Vancouver while promoting unity among all ethnic groups.
The event features diverse programming, public art, night markets, and musical performances to connect stakeholders and raise awareness of Vancouver’s African community. Free for attendees, the festival aims to become a vibrant staple event, engaging new immigrants, cultural groups, and the general public across British Columbia and Canada.
When & Where: Aug 10-11 from 11am – 9:30 pm at English Bay Beach, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission, donation accepted
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Sober Forest Bike Rave (Aug 9) FREE
If you enjoy biking and partying with neon lights this is the event for you! Jacques W. Martiquet, aka The Party Scientist, is hosting the annual Sober Bike Rave, combining the thrill of biking with music and dance. It’s a sober event with the purpose to get high off each others’ vibes and energy.
When & Where: Aug 9 at location TBA
Cost: Free admission – registration required
Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks (Aug 11-13) FREE
Get ready to be dazzled by beautiful displays as stars streak across the sky.
The Perseid Meteor Shower have begun illuminating skies across the country and lucky individuals may have already spotted a few. However, the peak will take place this August on the 12th and 13th.
During this time you can see an incredible number of meteors. In fact, you can expect to see between fifty to a hundred meteors an hour in places where the sky is very dark. It’s one of the most impressive skywatching opportunities of the year.
When & Where: August 12-13, in the sky after dark
Cost: Free
Seed Paper Workshop (Aug 10 & 24)
Make your own seed paper using recycled materials. Seed paper can be planted to grow your own indoor herbs. All materials are provided. Learn tips and tricks on growing your own indoor garden.
When: August 10 & 24, form 12:00pm – 2:00pm at Beaumont Studios Patio, 316 W 5th Ave Vancouver
Cost: $40
(ENDING) Arts Club Theatre Company presents Ring of Fire (Till Aug 8)
Step into the Granville Island Stage this summer and be immersed in the life and music of Johnny Cash in the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Ring of Fire, featuring over twenty songs by the legendary artist.
Ring of Fire and the songbook of the iconic storyteller Cash will guide you through a journey of struggle and success, love and redemption.
When & Where: Now until August 11 with various shows at the Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St, Vancouver
Cost: $39
(ENDING) Vancouver Summer Festival’s Bach Untamed (Till Aug 8)
The 2024 Summer Festival, BACH UNTAMED, invites you to experience innovative arrangements of Bach’s music combined with distant vocal traditions. Featuring iconic works such as the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 and Bach motets, along with musical traditions from India and the Middle East, this festival offers something for everyone.
When & Where: July 30 – Aug 8, all over Vancouver
Cost: Varies
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Summer Night Markets
Nikkei Garden Farmers Market (Aug 11)
Experience the seasonal beauty of the Nikkei Garden while exploring 30+ booths with local produce, artisan crafts, Japanese foods, & more. In addition to the market, there will be performances, museum exhibits, cultural programs, and kid’s activities.
When & Where: August 11 & 25 from 10am – 2pm at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Free admission
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
Fridays on Front (Every Friday) FREE
Downtown New Westminster’s popular event Fridays on Front returns for another year.
The legendary block party is a beloved summertime tradition. It brings people together to enjoy food, live music and a variety of activities for all ages. Each week there will be a different theme, featured live performer, and food truck/vendor line up.Best part, the event is free for all to attend
Where & When: Friday August 9, 16, 23 from 5-9pm at Downtown New Westminster, Front Street Mews, New Westminster
Cost: Free admission
Fort Langley Night Market (Every Friday) FREE
The popular Fort Langley Night Market is set to make a return for another year of excitement and entertainment. This year’s edition promises to be bigger and better than ever before. There will be over 40 local vendors, delectable food trucks, refreshing craft beer, wine, cider, and cocktails, as well as captivating live music performances.
When & Where: Every Friday, July 7- August 25, from 5-10 pm at Pop Up Park, Mary Avenue & Glover Road, Langley Twp
Cost: Free admission
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+
Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Free Outdoor Movies FREE
Outdoor film screenings are taking place all over Metro Vancouver for everyone to enjoy. And here’s the best part, entry is completely free of charge!
So, gather your blanket or lawn chair, grab some snacks, and get ready for a delightful evening filled with movie magic. Remember though, these are extremely popular events, so arrive early to secure a spot and make the most of the experience.
Here are the outdoor movies taking place in July. Check out our full guide for the event details.
Port Coquitlam: Cinema Under the Stars – Sunday, August 11, 25 at 9:15pm
Vancouver:
- Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park – Tuesdays, August 13, 20, 27 at dusk at the Grand Lawn at Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach
- Summer Movie Night in Downtown Vancouver – Thursday, August 8, 15 with activities at 5 pm and screenings around 9 pm at Šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly known as the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza)
- Free Outdoor Movies outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Wednesday 14, 21, 28 at dusk at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
- Deckchair Cinema on Cates Deck at the Shipyards – Thursday, August 8 , 15, 22, 29 with activities at 7 pm, and screening around 9 pm at Cates Deck (The Shipyards) in front of The Polygon Gallery
- Sunset Cinema at the Shipyards – Wednesday, August 14, 21, 28 from 9 pm
- Reel Magic at Ray Perrault Park – Friday, Aug 9 from 9 pm
- Civic Square – Friday, August 16, 23, 30 from dusk at 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Jump on a Rollercoaster at Playland
Vancouver’s Spring just isn’t the same without a visit to our iconic amusement park. Playland will reopen its doors on May 18th. Welcoming back visitors for another year of thrills and excitement that Playland is famous for.
This year they will also be launching their new roller coaster, ThunderVolt, which will be the fastest launch coaster in Canada!
When & Where: Select days from May 18 – Sept 1 at 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: From $33-$55
Theatre Under the Stars (Ends Aug 24)
Vancouver, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, is eagerly anticipating the return of Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) this summer. This is a beloved annual tradition that brings the magic of musical theatre to the beautiful outdoor setting of Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl.
This year’s lineup will feature “Cats” and “School of Rock.” Both shows run from July 5 to August 24 on alternate nights.
When & Where: July 5 – August 24 with various shows at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver
Cost: $20-$65
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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.
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
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
Neighbourhood Patio (Every Wednesday/Thursday) FREE
The highly anticipated annual summer pop-up beer and wine garden, Neighbourhood Patio is back at Bentall Centre.
This vibrant event, proudly sponsored by Bentall Centre and Downtown Van, promises an unforgettable summer experience filled with live music, refreshing drinks, and a variety of unique weekly events.
When & Where: Every Wednesday/Thursday in August, from 1-8pm at Three Bentall Centre Breezeway, 595 Burrard St. Vancouver
Cost: Free
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
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
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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
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.
For more upcoming events, check out our new events calendar.
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