This weekend in Vancouver is bursting with excitement, from fire-breathing dragon dances to free street festivals and even a circus rolling into town. Make the most of your weekend by exploring these unique and thrilling events happening all around the city!
RELATED: 5 Kid-Friendly Summer Hikes That Are 2 Miles And Under Near Vancouver
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Things to do in Vancouver this weekend
Fire Dragon Festival (FREE)
Get ready to ignite your senses and embrace the spirit of tradition as the Fire Dragon Festival returns to Vancouver for their fourth annual edition. It will feature many attractions, including craft workshops, live performances, and the all-important Fire Dragon ceremony and parade.
When & Where: Sept 14 from 10am – 8pm at Chinatown Plaza Mall, 180 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Car Free Days Vancouver Main Street (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: Main Street on Sept 15 from 12-7pm from 10th Avenue to King Edward Avenue
Cost: Free Admission
Barnside Harvest Festival
Mark your calendars and get ready for Barnside Harvest Festival’s second year from September 13 to 15, 2024, at Paterson Park in Ladner, BC. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s festival, which saw over 23,400 attendees, this year promises to be even bigger and better.
When & Where: Sept 13-15 from 4-9pm at Paterson Park, 5800 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Ladner
Cost: From $59-$139
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Cineplex Community Day – Free Movies
For one day only this September, Cineplex moviegoers will get to enjoy a FREE movie along with affordable snacks and games. The 12th annual Community Day will take place on Saturday, September 14. During this event, moviegoers can enjoy free films between 9 and 11 a.m., making it a perfect morning activity for families and friends.
When & Where: September 14 from 9am – 11am at participating Cineplex & Rec Room locations
Cost: Free, registration required
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is returning this September, offering three days of laughter under the open sky. Set in a scenic outdoor venue, the festival will feature a lineup of top comedians delivering side-splitting performances. Attendees can enjoy the perfect blend of humor, fresh air, and camaraderie, making it an ideal way to cap off the summer season. Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend, this festival promises an unforgettable experience.
When & Where: Sept 13 from 5:30-11pm, Sept 14/15 from 4:30-10pm at Stanley Park – Brockton Point
Cost: From $50 – $310
Japan Market at the Art Gallery
The Japan Market is making a vibrant return to Downtown Vancouver next month. This event showcases Vancouver’s largest market for locally made, imported, and Japanese-inspired products and food. With an impressive lineup of 70+ vendors, visitors can explore an extensive range of unique crafts, merchandise, and mouthwatering dishes from food trucks.
When & Where: Sept 14-15 from 10am – 5pm at Robson Square Ice Rink
Cost: $5
Stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow festival
Photo: submitted stal’əw̓ Pow Wow in Langley – Amber Oliver
The third annual Stɑl̓əw̓ Pow Wow festival returns to Langley this September. Visitors will enjoy live performances and the rhythmic beats of pow-wow drums, as well as have the opportunity to explore authentic Indigenous cuisine.
When & Where: September 13-15 from at 7888 200th Street, Langley (times varies)
Cost: $10-$20
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Bike the Night
American Crown Circus
The American Crown Circus will be dazzling Metro Vancouver audiences with its thrilling acrobatic feats, mesmerizing illusions, and captivating performances under the big top.
Prepare to be amazed as skilled artists push the boundaries of possibility, delivering a memorable and enchanting spectacle for all to enjoy. They will be in BC for most of September and October, with stops in Surrey, Tsawwassen, Richmond, and Coquitlam.
When & Where: Guildford Town Centre,10355 152 Street, Surrey from Sept 12-15
Cost: $25 for general admission, $8 for children under 10
Fiesta Mexicana (FREE)
Comunidad Mexicana en Vancouver Services Society proudly presents the highly anticipated Fiesta Mexicana 2024, a vibrant celebration of the independence of Mexico.
Attendees will enjoy a spectacular parade of Mexican personalities, the adrenaline rush of lucha libre, and the thrill of riding a mechanical bull. The highlight of the day will be the solemn ceremony of “El Grito”, led by Consul Olga Beatriz García Guillén, an act of patriotism and national pride.
When & Where: Sept 15 from 12 – 9pm at South Hall, 8273 Ross St, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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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.
Ongoing things to do in Vancouver
Saturday Morning Movie for only $3.99
Cineplex is offering children’s movie at 11 o’clock on Saturday mornings for only $3.99 +tax. This month’s lineup includes:
- Saturday, Sept 7 – The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run
- Saturday, Sept 21 – Kung Fu Panda
- Saturday, Sept 28 – Coraline 3D
Note however that it is only at participating theatres, and available films details may vary on locations. You can check out their website for the most up-to-date details.
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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 – October 20 at various times at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Cost: From $39.
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+
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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