After a hectic week of back-to-school routines and returning to work, it’s the perfect time to unwind and savor the last days of summer. Vancouver is brimming with fun activities this weekend, from free street festivals to final opportunities to catch seasonal events before they wrap up.
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
In-N-Out Burger Pop-Up at the Langley Cruise-In (Sept 7)
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In-N-Out Burger is returning to Langley for the annual Langley Good Times Cruise-In this September. The Langley event showcases a vast array of cool cars in addition to delectable eats. Each year it delights guests of all ages.
While the In-N-Out menu is somewhat restricted, fans of the popular American franchise will still get to bite into their famous, mouthwatering burgers and fries.
When & Where: Sept 7 from 8am – 4 pm at 27173 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, Langley
Cost: Free Admission
Car Free Days Vancouver Commercial Drive (FREE)
Since 2008, the Car Free Vancouver Society has been organizing Car Free Days along different main streets, fostering and promoting car-free culture. These events, which involve the closure of major roads, offer a glimpse into the pedestrian-friendly city spaces of the future.
There will be 2 events hosted in Vancouver this year, and guests can expect a full day of festivities, music, and food.
When & Where: Commercial Drive on Sept 7 from 12-7pm from North Grandview Highway to 1st Avenue
Cost: Free Admission
Kamayan Fest – Filipino Festival (FREE)
Kamayan Fest celebrates Filipino culture with food, art, and entertainment. This free event is open to all ages and will feature local food vendors, live DJs, a pop-up market, a breakdancing contest, open art studios, and more. After a successful launch last year, the event returns for its second year, promising an even more vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, food, and community.
When & Where: Sept 8 from 11am – 6pm at the City Centre Artist Lodge, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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Friends of the VPL: Used Book Sale (FREE)
Grab your loonies and toonies for $2-3 books, DVDs, and CDs. This September, the Central Library in Downtown Vancouver is holding a used book sale where everything is priced at $3 or less. Organized by the Friends of the VPL, the sale will feature gently used books, CDs, and DVDs at bargain prices. They recommend bringing your own bag.
When & Where: Sept 5-8 from 10 am – 5 pm in the Alice MacKay room in the Lower Level of Central Library (350 W. Georgia St)
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Vegan Festival (FREE)
The event will feature vegan food and drink stalls, a sustainable market, family-friendly activities, free yoga, meditation, cold dip sessions, DJ dance parties. They will also host animal rights groups presenting panels and Q&A sessions.
When & Where: Sept 7 from 10am – 8pm at Kitsilano Beach Park
Cost: Free admission
Stand Up Comedy: 1931 Gallery Bistro
Located inside the Vancouver Art Gallery, this Standup Comedy Show has an incredible lineup of Pro Comics. They are back from the summer hiatus with an INCREDIBLE September line up. Featuring comics with credits from Just for Laughs, Prime Video, Apple TV, Fox, TEDx, Crave, CTV, CBC, Comedy Central Asia, Sirius XM, NYC Comedy Festival, Seattle International Comedy Competition, Paris Comedy Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and more.
When & Where: Sept 6 from 8 pm at 1931 Gallery Bistro in the Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: $30
Youth Tech Day with Best Buy Canada (FREE)
Geek Squad Academy is in session. Join their largest in-person STEM learning event this weekend. The FREE interactive STEM camp is perfect for 10-16 year olds, covering topics like robotics, digital music, and coding (pre-registration required).
When & Where: Sept 7 from 11am – 6pm at Robson Square Ice Rink, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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Everything Electric Vehicle Show
The Everything Electric Vehicle Show in Vancouver is an electrifying weekend event that showcases the latest in electric vehicles (EVs) and home energy solutions. Perfect for families and enthusiasts alike, the show offers a chance to explore cutting-edge EV technology, learn about sustainable energy options, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly entertainment.
When & Where: August 6-8 from 10 am – 5pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre
Cost: $32.50
Free Night at the Art Gallery (FREE)
The Vancouver Art Gallery’s entry is free on the first Friday of every month. Attendees can enter between 4 and 8 pm. They will be offering educational tours and other programming free of charge. It’s also worth mentioning that children and teens aged 18 and under can visit the art gallery for free at any time, thanks to a program launched last summer that runs for five years.
Note however that the event is extremely popular, and registration online is recommended.
When & Where: August 6 from 4-8pm at 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Cost: Free Admission
Downtown Block Party – Bentall Centre (FREE)
As the summer closes, Public Disco’s 2024 Vancouver Summer Series presented by 2 Hoots Hard Iced Tea invites Vancouverites to join the free, all-ages festivities at the Downtown Block Party. Attendees can enjoy a day filled with music curated by Adam 2, social hangout zones, market vendors, kids activities and more.
When & Where: Sept 7 from 2pm to 10pm at Bentall Centre’s Dunsmuir Patio
Cost: Free
Holistic Market (FREE)
Discover a world of wellness at the Holistic Market, hosted by Entrepreneurs House Society. Explore a diverse range of holistic products and services designed to nurture your body, mind, and spirit.
With over 20 vendors, this event offers something for everyone. Guests can enjoy tarot and angel readings, specialized therapy services, natural skincare products, essential oils, and more.
When & Where: Sept 7 from 12-4pm at 9887 Cameron Street, Burnaby
Cost: Free Admission
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Mortuary Market
The ‘Mortuary Market’, hosted by the Vancouver Police Museum & Archives is the perfect experience to start your spooky season!
It will feature vendors specialising in the esoteric, macabre, and spooky. Including; art, jewelry, taxidermy, spiritual tools, glass works, witchy homewares, ritual decore, books, photography, paranormal investigation equipment and more.
When: Saturday, September 7th from 11am – 6pm at The Vancouver Police Museum & Archives at 240 East Cordova street, Vancouver
Cost: Entry is by donation
Sober Hike Rave (FREE)
The Sober Hike Rave is having their last event of the year, offering a one-of-a-kind experience. The dynamic dance floor is ever-changing, with everyone dressed in funky, colorful attire. Flashing lights and blossoming smiles add to the vibrant atmosphere.
What sets this hike rave apart is that it’s completely free of drugs and alcohol.
When & Where: May 8th at North Vancouver
Cost: Free. RSVP required.
Pink Concert
If you’re a rock star and got your rock moves, check out Pink in Vancouver. The pop superstar’s concert was delayed last Fall, but fans of the show can finally enjoy the show this year.
When & Where: September 6 & 7 at Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Viva la Danza
VIVA LA DANZA is a spectacular showpiece presented by the MEXICAN DANCE ENSEMBLE of Vancouver. Featuring Mexican folklore dance and live music.
Thirty dancers on stage accompanied by talented musicians including a ten piece Mariachi Los Dorados, local singer Naty Cerecedo and six piece norteño band Los Grandes.
When: September 7th from 6 pm at the Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Cost: $24 – $45
Polish Festival (FREE)
Polish Festival Vancouver is a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings together the Greater Vancouver community to celebrate Polish culture. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy authentic Polish food, music, and traditions while connecting with others in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re of Polish heritage or simply curious about the culture, everyone is invited to join in the festivities and experience the rich flavors and lively spirit of Poland.
When & Where: Sept 7 from 1 – 8pm at the Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Glass Animals Concert
If you’re a fan of indie rock, chances are you’re familiar with a few Glass Animals songs, especially considering their frequent appearance on social media in recent years. From “Heat Waves” to “Gooey” to “Youth,” their tracks have become widely recognized jams, and now the band is hitting the road!
When & Where: September 8 at Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
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Ending Soon
Shipyards Night Market (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
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 15, the Eagle Coaster at Cypress Mountain
Cost: $35
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.
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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
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+
The Arts Club Theatre Company presents Jersey Boys
The Arts Club Theatre Company is set to ignite the stage with its 2024–2025 season opener, Jersey Boys, at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Transport yourself back in time to experience the meteoric rise of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons—a journey through fame, fortune, and the timeless music that defined a generation.
When & Where: September 5 – Ocotber 20 at various times at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: From $39.
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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