Hello folks! We’re back with another roundup of free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this September. Luckily, we’ve got quite a few options to enjoy this month, ranging from food and drink events to live music and cultural festivals. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s check it out!
Here are 10 free or cheap things to do in Vancouver this September.
Sunset Cinema
Vancouver Civic Theatres has brought back the Sunset Cinema series! You have 4 chances this month to catch a free screening of classic family-friendly movies like Spider-Man: Far from Home and Pitch Perfect. Just don’t forget something to sit on!
When: Click the link above for dates
Where: 630 Hamilton Street Courtyard
Cost: Free to attend
Voxel Bridge
Turns out, this new artwork from the Vancouver Biennale is the largest of its kind in the world! Some 19,000 square feet of space has been transformed under the Cambie Street bridge, and it blends real-world graphics with some impressive AR technology.
When: Open throughout September
Where: Cambie Street Bridge Underpass
Cost: Free to access
Monstercat Compound 2021
Without a doubt the biggest event on this list, the Monstercat Compound is a 1-day event featuring live music, food trucks, art installations and more. And while you might have to pay for a drink while you’re there, the festival itself is actually free with RSVP!
When: September 18th
Where: 380 Railway Street
Cost: Free with RSVP
Shipyards Live
Not far behind though is Shipyards Live, which has the added bonus of being a weekly series instead of a 1-day affair. Do some shopping, try a food truck, and hit the beer garden as you enjoy the sounds of some fantastic local artists. And, best of all, it’s free to attend!
When: On until September 18th
Where: Lonsdale Quay Area
Cost: Free to attend
Car Free Month Vancouver
Car Free Day has become Car Free Month! Throughout September, you can participate in both single-day and ongoing options to enjoy this city, with an emphasis on (of course) exploring it without a car! Hit a drag show, check out a market, or even go on a bike concert tour!
When: Ongoing throughout September
Where: Locations throughout the city
Cost: Free to attend
Vancouver TAIWANfest
After taking a break last year, TAIWANfest is back this year! And, they’ve brought back the ongoing ‘Dialogue with Asia’ series, picking South Korea as the country. Head downtown and check out a wide range of options, including artist talks, culinary experiences, and live performances.
When: September 2nd to September 12th
Where: Online and in-person events
Cost: Varies per event
Light Up Chinatown!
This weekend-only event is a perfect reason to hang around Chinatown once more. Featuring art installations and live performances, it’s sure to spice up a stroll along Pender Street. But, more importantly, the self-guided food tours show the best of the area.
When: September 11th and September 12th
Where: Throughout Chinatown
Cost: Free to attend
Head down to the beach
We cannot write about things to do in the summer (even when it’s ending) in Vancouver and not bring up the beach. Whether you want the buzz of Kits beach on a sunny day or a hidden gem for a Tuesday morning coffee, we’ve got you covered. Of course, our advice is to visit them all!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Go for a stroll in a local garden
In contrast to our beaches, Vancouver’s incredible urban gardens never seem to be as popular. We don’t care, though, since it makes them that much more serene to visit on a late summer day. Toss a little picnic in there or grab a snack at some of the bigger options to complete your experience.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Cost: Free+, varies per garden
Pick up some stuff from the Farmers Market
And lastly, a trip to your local farmers’ market is never a bad idea! Maybe it’s the fresh produce for sale, maybe it’s the smiling faces, or maybe it’s the local vendors. Whatever the case, these are particularly fun to hit during late summer, since it’s harvest season for a lot of stuff!
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free to attend
Bonus Pick- BC Culture Days
Kicking off at the end of this month, BC Culture Days is almost too big to try and include in this roundup! Starting September 24th, you can look forward to a wide array of virtual and in-person events, ranging from art exhibitions to music workshops and tours. Luckily, we have a full month to check it out!
When: Starts September 24th
Where: Virtual and in-person events
Cost: Free to access
Alright, that’s our roundup of some of the best free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this September! We hope you enjoy the next few weeks, and get to cap off your smile with a smile.
