It’s the very first week of September in Metro Vancouver, and the end of August. As the weather gets chillier, the city is filled with tons of new things to do. With some last-minute summer fun and upcoming fall events, here’s what you can add to your schedule this week.
RELATED: 85+ Fun Things To Do In Metro Vancouver This September
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Step Into The Solar System With Augmented Reality at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Take one giant leap for mankind at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre’s Augmented Reality Solar System Tour! This is an all-new augmented reality experience that takes visitors aged 5+ on a journey through the solar system. No screens necessary– it’s pure immersive discovery. Just walk along planets with your AR headset guide and witness the cosmos up close. The experience is included with your general admission, and is completely one-of-a-kind!
📅 Dates: Every weekend
📍 Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Augmented Reality Solar System Tour
Stanley Park Mini Golf Experience
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Stanley Park is getting a new temporary Mini Golf Experience this summer! Featuring 18-holes right in the heart of Stanley Park, the attraction invites folks of all ages to enjoy a day in the sun trying to get a hole-in-one.
📅 Date: Open Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 9 pm | Thursday to Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm
📍 Location: 690 Pipeline Road
🎟️ More Info: Stanley Park Mini Golf Experience
Pay-What-You-Can Sundays At Vancouver Museums
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Museum of Vancouver, and Vancouver Maritime Museum will be open for by-donation entry on the first Sunday of every month. It’s great for for anyone who loves to learn and discover what’s new at some of the city’s best exhibits.
📅 Date: First Sunday of every month
📍 Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Museum of Vancouver, and Vancouver Maritime Museum
🎟️ Reservations & More Info: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Nikkei Matsuri: Japanese Summer Festival
Celebrate the vibrant traditions, flavours, and sounds of Japan right here in Burnaby. Returning for its 14th year, Nikkei Matsuri is expanding with more culture, more food, and an all-new community zone. Whether you’re here for the thunderous taiko drums, the sizzling street food, or dancing in a sea of colourful yukata under the lanterns, there is something for everyone.
📅 Date:
- Friday, September 4 from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday, September 5 & 6 from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres, Burnaby
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Nikkei Matsuri
Car Free Days
Car Free Days are back in Metro Vancouver! Presented by TransLink, these are big community festivals that all offer their own array of live music, vendors, food, and other interactive fun. They’re just like block parties! Here are the ones happening in August:
- Maple Ridge: September 5
- Commercial Drive: September 5
Ongoing Family-Friendly Fun
These are events that are happening all throughout the month with reoccurring dates, so you can hit them up multiple times to maximize the fun!
- Flyover: Call of the Canadian Rockies | Open daily from 9:30am to 9:30pm
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Flyover: Call of the Canadian Rockies - Cineplex $3.99 Saturdays | Films available on select Saturdays
🎟️ More Info: Cineplex $3.99 Saturdays - Free Swimming in Surrey | Select Surrey pools are open for free, drop-in swimming sessions until Sept 7
🎟️ More Info: Free Swimming in Surrey - Dive-In Movie Nights + Sips ‘n Dips | Select Thursdays from July 9 – September 10
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Dive-In Movie Nights + Sips ‘n Dips - Vancouver Maritime Experience | Thursdays and Sundays
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Vancouver Maritime Experience - 2026 PNE Fair | August 22 – September 7
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: 2026 PNE
Markets to Shop At
Grow & Gather Homestead
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Grow & Gather is your one-stop shop for all things gardening in Maple Ridge. On top of that, the farmstead offers gorgeous views that are perfect for photo-ops. Take a stroll through the garden and check out the peaceful koi fish, or stop to smell the flowers.
📅 Date: Open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm
📍 Location: 24565 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Maple Ridge
🎟️ More Info: Grow & Gather Homestead
The Book Corner Pop-Up
Looking for a good deal on books? Check out The Book Corner Pop-Up at Guildford Town Centre, where you can discover great deals on around 1,000 titles across a variety of genres. Best of all, 100% of the sales will be donated directly to local literary incentives.
📅 Date: August 20 – September 20, 2026
📍 Location: Guildford Town Centre
🎟️ More Info: The Book Corner Pop-Up
Friends of the Vancouver Library Fall Used Book Sale
Calling all book lovers! Whether you’re an avid reader, a collector, or someone who just loves a good deal, the Vancouver Public Library is hosting a huge book sale. An estimated 50,000 books are up for grabs at this event. This includes some real page-turners for a fraction of their original price. Excitingly, books start at just $2! Your reading list is about to get a whole lot bigger after this sale.
📅 Date: August 28 – September 1, 2026
📍 Location: Alice McKay Room at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch
🎟️ More Info: Fall 2026 Used Book Sale
White Rock Rotary Book Sale
Got some room on your bookshelf? Head over to the White Rock Rotary Book Sale this August and September for titles that will only cost you $2 to $3! You can expect a wide variety of texts, including fiction, mysteries, biographies, history, children’s books, cookbooks, travel, and so much more. There will be thousands of books to choose from, so you’ll definitely be spoiled for choice.
📅 Dates: August 28 – September 1, 2026
📍 Location: Elgin Park Secondary School
🎟️ More Info: White Rock Rotary Book Sale
Aritzia Warehouse Sale
The legendary Aritzia Warehouse Sale is arguably one of the biggest shopping events of the summer in Vancouver. It’s one of those events where you’ll want to mark your calendar, set an early alarm, grab your coffee, and mentally prepare yourself before getting in line for the popular sale.
📅 Date: September 1 – 7, 2026
🕒 Time: 7:00am – 9:00pm (Sept 1-5); 9:00am – 7:00pm (Sept 6-7)
📍 Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Recurring Markets
The Lower Mainland has so much to offer when it comes to good eats, good entertainment, and fun outdoor markets. Make sure you’re up to date on all the best ones this season, check out our full guide here.
- Richmond Night Market in Richmond | Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from April 24 – September 20
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Richmond Night Market 2026 - Junction Public Market at Granville Square in Vancouver | Open Tuesdays through Sundays from April 30 – September 7
🎟️ More Info: Junction Public Market - Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver | Every Friday from May 15 – September 11
- Made in the 604 Summer Markets | September 4 + 11 ( Pipe Shop – Shipyards); September 19 (Robson Square)
Food + Drink Experiences You Have To Try
Ongoing Food Events
The best part about being in Metro Vancouver is that there’s so much delicious food no matter where you look, and these ongoing food events are making sure that your every craving is satisfied.
- Surf & Turf Sunday at The Blarney Stone| Every Sunday from April 19 – November 29
🎟️ More Info: Surf & Turf Sunday
Free Outdoor Movies
Gather your blanket or lawn chair, grab some snacks, and get ready for a delightful evening filled with movie magic.
Now is the best time for outdoor movie lovers! As summer comes to close, 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! You can check out all the events here.
- Evo Summer Cinema | Every Tuesday between June 14 – September 1
🎟️ More Info: Evo Summer Cinema - Cinema Under The Stars | Every Saturday between July 11 – September 5
🎟️ More Info: Cinema Under The Stars - Drive-In Movie Nights at Lansdowne Centre | Every Wednesday between July 22 – September 2
🎟️ More Info: Drive-In Movie Nights
Free Outdoor Concerts
Free concerts are popping up everywhere throughout Metro Vancouver! No ticket is required for these shows. All you need to do is pull up and kick back as you listen to the sweet sounds. Check out our full list for all the free outdoor concerts happening this month.
Repeating Concerts
These concerts are happening more than once this September! While there may be different artists on the stage, you’ll have multiple chances to check out these shows.
- Live & Local | Every Thursday and Friday between July 2 – September 4
🎟️ More Info: Live & Local - Uptown Live | Every Saturday and Sunday between June 27 – September 6
🎟️ More Info: Uptown Live
Arts, Music, and Plays
Bard on the Beach
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This isn’t your high school English class’ Shakespeare– it’s Bard on the Beach! Presenting plays written by the Bard himself, Bard on the Beach is an annual Vancouver tradition that features a series of expertly directed and acted Shakespearean plays.
Between June and September 2026, the company is putting on four productions: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Macbeth, Goblin:Oedipus, and Antigone. These will take place on the BMO Mainstage and Douglas Campbell Theatre, under the tents at Vanier Park. You won’t want to miss a single one, so be sure to grab your tickets while you can.
📅 Date: June 9 – September 19, 2026
📍 Location: Vanier Park
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Bard on the Beach
Crossover Chaos: High School Musical & Camp Rock
Join hosts Burna Dart and Glimmer Rouge for a chaotic “where are they now” crossover drag show of Camp Rock and High School Musical.
📅 Dates: September 6, 2026
📍 Location: Junction
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: “CAMP ROCK HIGHSCHOOL MUSICAL” A Drag Crossover!
Recurring Arts Events
Metro Van’s arts scene always has something new for you to experience. These are a bunch of events that are happening throughout the month.
- Greg Girard at the Polygon Gallery | July 10 – October 25
🎟️ More Info: Greg Girard at The Polygon Gallery - I Pagliacci at Nebula Performances | August 26 – September 5
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: I Pagliacci
Parties + Festivals You Can Dance All Day At
Public Disco Granville Street Pop-Up
Public Disco is taking over Granville Street for a day of house music, street dance floors, and vinyl. Expect a total transformation of the pedestrian zone, packed with all-ages fun to close out summer.
📅 Date: September 2, 2026
📍 Location: Granville Street between West Georgia Street and Davie Street
🎟️ More Info: Public Disco Granville Street Pop-Up
Vancouver Taiwanese Film Festival
The Vancouver Taiwanese Film Festival is back for another year. Building upon last year’s theme, “The Lense of New Era”, the 2026 Festival centers on “New Generation Lenses” as its core theme. This theme explores how Taiwan’s emerging generation of image-makers express personal identity, cultural consciousness, and social perspectives through distinctive viewpoints, innovative storytelling, and diverse media practices.
📅 Dates: September 4 – 5, 2026
📍 Location: VIFF Centre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Vancouver Taiwanese Film Festival
Valley West Stampede
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled Labour Day weekend in Langley as the Valley West Stampede rides back into town.
📅 Date: September 5 – 7, 2026
📍 Location: Langley Riders Society Grounds
🎟️ More Info: Valley West Stampede
TAIWANFEST
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Taiwan as TAIWANFest makes its triumphant return to Downtown Vancouver this September. It’s going to be three days of nonstop celebrations, exploring the connections between Taiwan, Canada, and the world.
📅 Date: September 5 – 7, 2026
📍 Location: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square (North of the Vancouver Art Gallery)
🎟️ More Info: TAIWANFEST
Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival
Honour the harvest moon with art, community, and the cultural traditions of Renfrew-Collingwood. This year’s theme “Tiny Life” invites attendees to slow down and look closely to celebrate the small parts of life that exist in our local greenspaces.
📅 Date: September 7 – 26, 2026
📍 Location: Varies
🎟️ More Info: Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival
Festivals Happening Again and Again
These festivals have repeat dates all throughout the month! Go to them once, go to them twice, or check them out a bunch of times!
- Gastown Sunday Set | Every Sunday between July 5 – September 6
🎟️ More Info: Gastown Sunday Set
Sports Events You Can’t Miss
Get front-row seats to the best adrenaline-pumping games that Metro Vancouver has to offer!
⚽ Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- September 2: TELUS Canadian Championship Semifinal: Whitecaps FC vs. CF Montréal
- September 5: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. St. Louis City SC
📍 Location: BC Place
⚽ Vancouver Rise FC
- September 5: Vancouver Rise FC vs. Halifax Tides FC
📍 Location: Swangard Stadium
Concerts
Vancouver’s concert scene is packed. Prepare to sing along all night long with some of your favourite artists this month!
Train
- September 1, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
Barenaked Ladies
- September 2, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
“Weird Al” Yankovic
- September 3, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
Earth, Wind & Fire
- September 4, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
Pierce the Veil
- September 5, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
Tame Impala – The Deadbeat Tour
- September 5, Rogers Arena
Tiffany Day – HALO TOUR
- September 5, Commodore Ballroom
Sarah McLachlan
- September 6, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
Boy George & Culture Club
- September 7, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
Bonus Nearby Events
Summer at Cypress Mountain
This year, Cypress is open 7 days a week for the summer season, with operations running daily from late June through Labour Day weekend. The mountain is very much open for business, and it’s serving up fresh air, ridiculous views, live music, patio hangs, and enough activities to make your group chat actually commit to plans for once.
The best part is that Cypress still feels like a proper escape without turning the day into a full road trip. You can leave the city noise behind, get into the trees, do something fun, and still be back in time to pretend you’re going to meal prep. Whether you’re chasing the Eagle Coaster, looking for sunset views, grabbing a patio drink, throwing axes with your most competitive friend, or just needing a reset in the mountains, Cypress is making a strong case for being the place to be this summer.
📅 Dates: Open 7 days a week through Labour Day weekend
📍 Location: Cypress Mountain, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: cypressmountain.com
The Pipe Mountain Coaster
Zip along the mountains with Revelstoke’s #1 summer attraction: their Pipe Mountain Coaster! This family-friendly ride will take you up to 42 km/hr through the Revelstoke’s verdant sights, up and down and through the trees on this thrilling coaster.
📅 Date: June 5 to June 19, 2026. June 20 to September 7, 2026. September 8 to September 27, 2026.
📍 Location: Revelstoke Mountain Resort
🎟️ More Info: The Pipe Mountain Coaster Booking
Chilliwack Corn Maze + Festival
A popular fall activity for families and fun seekers, Greendale Acre returns for their 28th successful year of corn mazes. This year’s theme, “GOT CORN?”, invites families to explore acres of towering corn, take on interactive challenges, and make unforgettable summer memories together.
📅 Date: Corn Maze opened August through October, Corn Festival runs August 1–3 and August 8–9
📍 Location: Greendale Acres
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Greendale Acres Corn Maze
Want even more things to do? Check out our 604 Now Events Calendar to keep your plans looking fresh.
