It’s September in Metro Vancouver! As the season shifts from summer to fall, the city is packed with tons of last-minute fun under the sun, as well as a good mix of autumn events to help you get ready for the chillier season. It’s going to be another exciting month!
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
Water Bike Spin Classes with Go Easy Water Bikes
With the warm weather finally here, what better way to embrace the summer season than by getting out on the water and experiencing the sunshine in an entirely new light? GoEasy’s Water Bikes is offering a chance for you to float along False Creek and English Bay with Canada’s very first water bike spin class! Packed with fun energy and a great way to get your blood pumping, this first-of-its-kind class is a must-do this summer.
These classes have certified instructors, lightweight equipment, and premium Schiller water bikes provided. They run several times a week at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm, and can be booked on both GoEasy’s website or on ClassPass for those of you who already have a subscription. Your credits can also go toward this experience!
For a more relaxed ride, GoEasy also offers plenty of hourly rentals that make this the perfect outing this summer. Fantastic for friends, couples, and those looking for adventure, a ride along the water is the prime spot for chilling, chatting, and basking in the golden hour glow. It’s also super beginner-friendly– the water bikes’ stability means that you’ll stay dry the entire time.
Whether you’re looking to try out GoEasy’s new water bike spin classes or glide along the water during their signature sunset rides, they’ve got something for everybody.
📅 Date: Available all through summer
📍 Location: Vanier Park Boat Launch, Vancouver
🎟️ Book your ride or class: https://www.goeasyvancouver.com/book-now/
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
- Main Street: September 13
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
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
Although Aritzia has not yet announced the exact dates and times for their Aritzia Warehouse Sale 2026, insider information revealed to 604 Now that the event will take place over the September long weekend.
📅 Date: Monday August 31st or Tuesday, September 1 to Monday, September 7, 2026
🕒 Time: TBA
📍 Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Etsy Co – Fall Pop Up
Vancouver Etsy Co its signature crafty event at Robson Square Ice Rink, bringing a day packed with small businesses offering up a wide array of amazing handmade goods.
📅 Dates: September 26, 2026
📍 Location: Robson Square Ice Rink
🎟️ More Info: Vancouver Etsy Co – Fall Pop Up
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
Picklefest Vancouver
Pickle lovers, get ready for a festival you won’t be forgetting anytime soon: Picklefest Vancouver is coming to you this September with delicious bites all day long.
📅 Dates: September 12, 2026
📍 Location: City Centre Artist Lodge
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Picklefest Vancouver
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 August! 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 13
🎟️ More Info: Uptown Live
Arts, Music, and Plays
Avenue Q
Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q is making its way to Metro Theatre, delighting audiences with its irreverent comedy to create a potent combination of heart and hilarity.
📅 Date: September 18 – October 10, 2026
📍 Location: Metro Theatre Vancouver
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Avenue Q
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.
- Bard on the Beach | June 9 – September 19
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Bard on the Beach - Greg Girard at the Polygon Gallery | July 10 – October 25
🎟️ More Info: Greg Girard at The Polygon Gallery
Conventions + Shows to Hit Up
Weissach Cars & Coffee
Spend a morning checking out some cool cars with Weissach’s Cars & Coffee meet-up. You’ll definitely be able to spot some awesome rides all while sipping on coffee and treats provided by Weissach.
📅 Date: September 12, 2026
📍 Location: Spanish Banks parking lots
🎟️ More Info: Weissach Cars & Coffee
In-N-Out Popup at the Langley Cruise-In
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.
📅 Date: September 12 – 13, 2026
📍 Location: Downtown Aldergrove
🎟️ More Info: Langley Cruise-In
Vancouver Comic & Toy Show
One of the Lower Mainland’s largest comic and toy shows, featuring vintage collectibles, rare comics, Funko Pops, and more. Great for collectors or anyone feeling nostalgic.
📅 Date: September 26 – 27, 2026
📍 Location: PNE Forum
🎟️ More Info: Vancouver Comic & Toy Show
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
42nd Annual Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Vancouver Fringe Festival 2026 is coming to Granville Island and beyond, September 10 to 20, for 11 days of theatre, dance, comedy, drag, music, and more. There will also be two days of free Kids Fringe for children and families, and the return of the all-ages Fringe Patio with free music and entertainment beginning Labour Day weekend. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience you don’t want to miss.
📅 Date: September 10 – 20, 2026
📍 Location: Venues all across Granville Island
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Vancouver Fringe Festival
Barnside Harvest Festival
The Barnside Harvest Festival is back for another amazing year, bringing massive global headliners like Smash Mouth, Tom Cochrane and Marianas Trench to this annual celebration. Whether you’re into country, rock, alternative, or anything in between, you’ll be able to find it at Ladner’s favourite music festival, running from September 11 to 13.
This year’s Barnside Harvest Festival lineup is stacked. With three days of acts hitting the stage, there won’t be a single moment where the party stops on all three stages – the Barnside Brewing Main Stage, Dueck Cadillac Stage, and City of Delta Stage.
📅 Date: September 11 – 13, 2026
📍 Location: Paterson Park, Ladner BC
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: barnsideharvestfest.com
stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow
Get ready for the fifth annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow, returning to Langley this September. This vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture is one of the largest events of its kind in Metro Vancouver. The event offers a chance to learn more about Indigenous ways of being and how knowledge is shared from one generation to the next.
📅 Date: September 11 – 13, 2026
📍 Location: Langley Events Centre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow
Recovery Day BC Festival
Join the world’s largest mental health and addiction recovery health information fair. It also includes a music festival, kids’ fest, and so much more. In 2026, organizers expect 70,000 attendees. The 14th Annual Recovery Day BC event will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in New Westminster.
📅 Date: September 12, 2026
📍 Location: Uptown New Westminster at 6th Ave and 6th Street
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Recovery Day BC
Polish Festival Vancouver
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.
📅 Date: September 12, 2026
📍 Location: The Shipyards
🎟️ More Info: Polish Festival Vancouver
Fiesta Mexicana
Get ready to dive into a super vibrant, free street festival celebrating Mexican Independence Day vibes in the heart of Vancouver. Robson Square and Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza are transforming into a bustling Mexican fiesta—complete with mariachi jams, artisan vendors, and all‑day mouth‑watering eats.
📅 Date: September 13, 2026
📍 Location: Robson Square & Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza
🎟️ More Info: Fiesta Mexicana
B.C. Culture Days
Celebrating beautiful British Columbia, Culture Days is Canada’s largest public participation campaign for the arts. All over B.C., communities will be hosting fun and creative events that are directly tied to the province we live in.
📅 Dates: September 18 – October 4, 2026
📍 Location: Varies
🎟️ More Info: B.C. Culture Days
Fire Dragon Festival
Get ready to ignite your senses and embrace the spirit of tradition as the Fire Dragon Festival returns to Vancouver. Attendees can expect a colourful festival full of fun and breathtaking performances.
📅 Dates: September 18 – 19, 2026
📍 Location: Vancouver Chinatown (main performance at 578 Carrall St.)
🎟️ More Info: Fire Dragon Festival
Festivibe 2026: North Vancouver’s Multicultural Family Festival
For one day, North Vancouver’s iconic Shipyards Waterfront District transforms into a vibrant celebration of the cultures, flavours, music, and traditions that make Metro Vancouver one of the world’s most diverse communities.
📅 Date: September 19, 2026
📍 Location: The Shipyards / The Pipe Shop Venue
🎟️ More Info: Festivibe 2026
Vancouver Flamenco Festival
Get ready to celebrate. The Vancouver Flamenco Festival is at the heart of the city’s flourishing flamenco scene, showcasing innovation and experimentation in this annual festival.
📅 Dates: September 19 – 27, 2026
📍 Location: Varies
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Vancouver Flamenco Festival
New West RiverFest
It’s the 24th year of RiverFest! Celebrate BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day at the Discovery Centre this September, where you can find family-friendly festivities and ecological fun.
📅 Dates: September 26 – 27, 2026
📍 Location: Fraser River Discovery Centre
🎟️ More Info: New West RiverFest
Vietnam Festival
Vietnam Festival is back again for another amazing year, bringing the rich culture of Vietnam to Vancouver in one unforgettable celebration.
📅 Dates: September 26 – 27, 2026
📍 Location: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
🎟️ More Info: Vietnam 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!
RBC GrandFondo
Coming this month is GranFondo 2026, a Sea to Sky bicycle ride that will take cyclists all the way from Vancouver to Whistler.
📅 Dates: September 12, 2026
📍 Location: Between Vancouver + Whistler, Sea to Sky Highway
🎟️ More Info: RBC GranFondo
Bike the Night
A 10KM night ride taking place on the iconic Seawall, Bike the Night promotes bike light usage for safe night cycling.
📅 Dates: September 18, 2026
📍 Location: David Lam Park & the Vancouver Seawall
🎟️ More Info: Bike the Night
Under Armour Eastside 10K
Grab your best running shoes because the Under Armour Eastside 10K is inviting you to take part in a race that takes you through the historic east side of Vancouver.
📅 Dates: September 27, 2026
📍 Location: Starting place at Cordova St. at Abbott St.
🎟️ More Info: Vancouver Under Armour Eastside 10K
⚽ Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- September 2: TELUS Canadian Championship Semifinal: Whitecaps FC vs. CF Montréal
- September 5: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. St. Louis City SC
- September 9: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. LA Galaxy
- September 13: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Austin FC
- September 26: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. D.C. United
📍 Location: BC Place
🏈 BC Lions
- September 12: BC Lions vs. Montreal Alouettes
- September 25: BC Lions vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
📍 Location: BC Place
⚽ Vancouver Rise FC
- September 5: Vancouver Rise FC vs. Halifax Tides FC
- September 13: Vancouver Rise FC vs. Ottawa Rapid FC
- September 19: Vancouver Rise FC vs. Roses de Montreal 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
Ninajirachi – I Love My Computer and It Loves Me Tour
- September 17, Commodore Ballroom
Foo Fighters: Take Cover Tour
- September 20, BC Place
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour
- September 25, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
Zeds Dead: Journey of a Lifetime Tour
- September 26, PNE Freedom Mobile Arch
The B-52s + DEVO: COSMIC DE-EVOLUTION TOUR
- September 27, Rogers Arena
Lily Allen Performs West End Girl
- September 28, Orpheum Theatre
SOMBR – You Are The Reason Tour
- September 29, Rogers Arena
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.
