14 of the best free (and cheap) things to do in Metro Vancouver this August
If you’re looking for some fun to have around town this summer without breaking the bank, rest assured there are plenty of outdoor movies, night markets, free outdoor yoga, and Pride festivities to enjoy this upcoming month! So we’ll get right to it: Here are 14 of the best free (and cheap) things to do in and around Vancouver this August.
Vancouver Pride Parade
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It’s nearly pride month in Vancouver, and that means the annual Vancouver Pride Parade is on its way! On Sunday, August 4th, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, queer-serving organizations, and allies will gather at Davie Denman to celebrate Pride, leading up to festivities at Concord Pacific.
The parade will take place from noon to 4 pm.
When: Sunday, August 4th
Where: See locations above
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Mural Festival: Mount Pleasant Street Party
VMF is back this month with its annual free street party in Mount Pleasant, with multiple days of live music sets, food trucks, beverage gardens, and live art to enjoy.
Plus, during festival hours, many artists at the City Centre Artist Lodge will open their studios to attendees, allowing visitors to check out their works of art free of charge!
When: August 8th to 11th
Where: City Centre Artist Lodge
Cost: Free admission
Catch a free outdoor movie
From Summer Movie Nights in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery to Sunset Cinema at The Shipyards, to Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park – Metro Vancouver residents can take their pick from a plethora of free outdoor movies this summer. So grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and get ready to unwind under the stars.
When: Weekly this August
Where: See locations above
Cost: Free admission
Free outdoor yoga
Mat Collective offers free outdoor yoga classes all summer long at locations across BC. This month, Vancouver yogis can head to Kits Beach, Spanish Banks, Davie Street, and English Bay – just make sure to book your spot in advance before classes fill up!
When: Weekly this August
Where: See locations above
Cost: Free admission
Vegan Night Market
With plenty of summer and fall markets under its belt (including the city’s first beachside night market), the Vegan Night Market by Peaces.ca is on with bi-weekly summer markets until August 29th, with the next event coming up on August 1st at Locarno Beach.
When: Bi-weekly on Thursdays until August 29th
Where: Locarno Beach
Cost: $2 minimum donation
Visit Kitsilano Pool
Who’s ready for a cool dip? Vancouver’s beloved beachside saltwater pool is finally reopening for the season, so you’ll have about a month or two of laps to get in before summer’s end.
When: Opens August 7th
Where: Kitsilano Beach
Cost: $7.41 per adult
Fort Langley Night Market
From Island Jerky to Kona Ice from Chilliwack, to kettle corn, to vintage finds from Urban Vintage, there are tons of exciting things you’ll find at the Fort Langley Night Markets, which are officially back for 2024 starting Friday, June 28th. Admission is free, and shoppers can expect to enjoy live entertainment as they peruse the market.
When: Every Friday this August
Where: 9025 Glover Road, Langley Township
Cost: Free admission
Junction Public Market
Vancouver’s newest public marketplace is almost here, which will feature a mix of rotating food trucks, artisan vendors, and live entertainment. Oh, and refreshing sips from the market’s ‘Sipping Container!
Taking place at Granville Square from June 28th to September 29th, Junction Public Market will operate from Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, including holiday Mondays.
When: June 28th to September 29th
Where: 200 Granville Street
Cost: Free admission
Cool off at a spray park
Ready to cool off after a hot start to summer? We sure are, so much so that we’ve rounded up a ton of great options for you. Whether you’re just heading out on a day trip or need an option for your next weekend getaway, there are quite a few spray parks in the Vancouver area (as well as waterparks) to stay cool.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Hasting Raceway Market
Yes, another free market to add to your list! The Community Market at the Hastings Racecourse and Casino is on every Friday and Saturday until August 10th. Visitors can peruse local artisans and makers while surrounded by the excitement of horse racing.
When: Fridays and Saturdays this August
Where: 188 North Renfrew Street
Cost: Free admission
Twilight Tuesdays at Science World
The return of Twilight Tuesdays means visitors can now enjoy extended hours every Tuesday until 8 pm at Science World. Best of all? Those who arrive after 5 pm will receive discounted admission! Discover attractions like the popular T. Rex exhibit, or the museum’s current featured exhibit, ‘Earth Matters.’
When: Every Tuesday until Tuesday, August 27th
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $15 GA after 5 pm, $12 for ages 3 to 12
Shipyards Night Market
The beloved Shipyards Night Market is on every Friday until September 13th, so get ready to enjoy the iconic beer garden and outdoor market, and peruse many mouthwatering food trucks.
When: Every Friday this August
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Canadians
Baseball season is now in full swing, no pun intended. This month, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Everett AquaSox, Spokane Indians, and the Tri-City Dust Devils.
When: Games throughout August
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $20+
Richmond Night Market
Home to literally hundreds of vendors, the Richmond Night Market has become a must for food and drink lovers, and it looks like we’re getting some great weather this week!
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost: $8.50 per person
And that’s a wrap on some of the best free (and cheap) things to do around town this August!
