The last weekend of August is here, just like that.
Make the most what’s left for summer with a checklist of fun things to do in and around Metro Vancouver. Some items have opened up, for some it’s the final weekend, amongst a few limited time events to check out.
Here is your roundup of things to do this final August weekend.
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This Weekend – August 27-29
Catch Summer’s Final Meteor Shower
The Aurigid meteor showers will be active from August 28 to 5 September, 2021. The peak of meteors will happen around August 31 and September 1. The shower will not be visible before 9:40 p.m. PST each night, and will remain active until 5:55 a.m. when dawn breaks.
Go For A Boozy Round of Mini Golf
Grey Goose is hosting a pop-up mini golf event where you will get to experience a beautifully designed course inspired by the vodka brand. Not only do you get 9 holes of mini golf but you take away a soda cocktail as well.
Celebrate BC Liquors 100th Anniversary
BC Liquor continues to celebrate their 100th year anniversary this weekend with a special one day only Bowmore Cask Lounge Experience. Taking place at their Cambie location in Vancouver this Saturday. The event will feature a food truck, free giveaways and a unique cask lounge walk through.
Enjoy Outdoor Movies & Food Trucks In Langley City
Langley City is hosting a series of entertaining events for the whole family to enjoy at parks all over the city. This includes pop-up play areas for kids, multiple food trucks, and outdoor movie nights. This is a reoccurring event taking place at local parks every week, however the play areas will end this weekend.
Last Chance To Get Spell Bound At Wings and Wizards
Ending on August 29th, Wings and Wizards is being held at BC Place Stadium and entertaining to any wizardry and Harry Potter fans. With over 7,000-sq-ft of event space, using cutting-edge interactive technologies and motion tracking devices. It is said to create a fun and immersive environment for the whole family. If you are undecided, take a sneak peak.
Get Spooked Early At Spirit Halloween
This past week, Spirit Halloween stores have already started to pop-up all over Metro Vancouver. While some people were confused by these storefronts showing up so early, others were very excited. If you are into spooky fun, check out the stores that are open now.
On-Going Things To Do
Plan For A Day At PNE
The Fair at the PNE is back. With concerts already announced, along with the prize home, ample rides, and fun games, this fair is a traditional summer must do. And no part of the annual fair is complete without eating at least one mini-donut or trying some of their other delicious food items.
Visit The Vancouver Aquarium
After being closed for almost a year, the 65-year old Vancouver Aquarium has reopened this week. In addition to their regular exhibits, they also launched a showcase on Marine Mammal Rescue, highlighting how the facility rehabilitating marine mammals.
Experience A Sea Of Lavender
This new lavender farm has 7 acres covered in a variety of different lavenders. Starting this month, they will also be hosting a free artisan market every weekend from 11 am – 5 pm. Lavenders are also known to have medicinal and calming qualities, which would make the visit extra enjoyable after a stressful year. Tickets are currently on sale, and they are open daily until October.
Wander The Chilliwack Corn Maze
The Chilliwack Corn Maze has opened up at Greendale Acres. This is the 23rd maze, and this time will feature 12 acres of adventure and the word “WANDER” within the maze itself. One-time tickets as well as seasonal passes are available.
Soak In Art At The Vancouver Mural Festival
Although the festival is officially over, there are still 60+ displays across 11 different neighbourhoods that you can check out from this year’s Vancouver Mural Festival. The giant murals are brought to life with artists creating art on massive canvases. There are guided Mural Tours, Talks, Workshops, and 40+ Live Shows at the outdoor Pop-Up Patio—presented by Granville Island Brewing.
Take Advantage of Translink Discounts on Attractions
As part of the Reconnect campaign, Translink is offering riders a 25% discount on hundreds of local attractions, destinations and tours. It’s a perfect way to discover BC while not worrying about the ride. There are also more buses added onto routes to allow for more travel in certain regions.
Drink At The Wizard’s Den
Unleash your inner Harry Potter and experience this unique wizard-themed bar which has just started. The Wizard’s Den will have you creating boozy potions of your own and learning how to “perfect your brew.” The location is hidden to the public so you will need to get tickets to enjoy the secrets of being a boozy wizard.
Visit the Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market officially opens on July 23rd, and will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through September 6th, 2021 from 7 pm to 12 am. You will need to purchase tickets online through their app to check it out. There will be vendor stalls as well as a bunch of new foods to try.
Drop By North Vancouver’s Shipyards Fest
Shipyards Live is a brand new summer series with 16 days of excitement taking place over 8 weeks. Taking place at North Vancouver’s popular Shipyards, this event starts on Friday July 30, and will be on every Friday and Saturday until September 18. The cost for the event is totally free, and festivities will take place throughout the day until 10 pm each night.
Find A Farmers Market
If you love exploring farmer’s markets, check out a new one using the BC Farmers’ Market Trail. This is a free, mobile-friendly website featuring a farmers’ market finder which quickly directs shoppers to fresh local food and goods available anywhere in B.C. So matter where you are, you can still enjoy a good weekend farmers market.
Check Out The Cool New Voxel Bridge
Cambie Street Bridge has a new digital and artistic makeover that is a true combination of art and technology. The underside of the bridge has been transformed into the digital world of Voxel Bridge. This is Vancouver Biennale’s latest public art work installation. Using augmented reality (AR) and blockchain technology the space will become an interactive 3-D world.
Explore A New Hike
Sunny weather may be limited. This is a great time to check out a new hike or go swim under a waterfall. Being surrounded by nature, there is an abundance amount of trails to choose from.
Kick Back at The Granville Street Promenade
A stretch of the Granville Entertainment District (GED) turns into a vehicle-free zone for better access to temporary patios, public seating, art and musicians every weekend for a couple of hours. The pedestrian promenade takes place between Smithe and Helmcken streets on Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of summer, ending on September 5. Check out this outdoor party with no cars around.
Check Out A Sunflower Festival
Sunflowers galore, there are a number of festivals to check out these fresh blooms no matter where you live. The Sunflower Festivals are happening in various cities and all are opening up this week in Abbotsford, Richmond and Chilliwack. In each field there are hundreds of blooms to enjoy with lots of picture opportunities and other features. Check out out each city listed for their unique offerings.
Play A Round of Mini Golf
Try putting around and check out some of the best places to play mini golf. Fun for all ages, this activity is exciting for both families and friends while they spend a few hours in some friendly competition. This also makes for an excellent date idea.
Ride The New Eagle Coaster
The massive roller coaster on top of Cypress Mountain just opened up this week. Get a thrilling experience while taking in the views on top of the mountain. If you want to ponder before you take the ride, check out pictures of some riders that enjoyed the Eagle Coaster on opening week.
Attend A Beer Garden
The Parallel 49 Brewing Company in Vancouver reopened their massive beer garden this summer which features a 120-seat patio. Along with its full selection of beers, they also have a full kitchen and amazing views. It’s definitely worth checking out this large and beautiful outdoor space.
Watch a Movie on the Big Screen
Movie theatre’s finally reopened this month and there is a lot to catch up on. There is a great line-up of blockbusters to watch this summer. Movies out in August includes Free Guy and Reminiscence. This is in addition to highly anticipated films like Black Widow, The Suicide Squad and Space Jam that came out earlier this summer.
For an extra special experience, check out the new 19+ VIP Cinemas that just opened in Burnaby.
Enjoy DaVinci’s Art
The DaVinci exhibit is an exclusive multi-room exhibit is an interactive experience showcasing the work of Leonardo da Vinci. This is the first time this art exhibit has come to Canada, and will be around all summer. Take a peak inside.
Walk Through a Van Gogh Painting
The Imagine Van Gogh exhibit has been a popular spot for many since it’s launch earlier this year. Tickets has sold out multiple times, with dates being extended until fall. Now may be the best time to experience this for yourself. Here is a look inside.
Check Out The New Rec Room
The Rec Room at the Amazing Brentwood Mall just opened this past week in Burnaby. This massive amusement area features 2 dinning areas and over 90 arcade games for gamers of all ages. From classics like skee ball and racing to physical games like table tennis and billiards.
Eat From A Food Truck
No weekend is complete without a delicious food treat. The area near the intersection of Broadway and Granville Street is hosting a regular weekend pop-up food-truck festival called “Thank Granville It’s Food trucks” (TGIF). With about 20 different food trucks with varying weekly schedules, the event offers something new each weekend. The festival will take place every Friday and Saturday for the whole summer.
Regardless of what you do, we hope you enjoy your weekend activities! If you catch a shot you want us to feature, make sure to tag us on Instagram using #604Now.
For more places to explore in beautiful BC, check out our Travel & Outdoors section.