Caught between summer and fall, September is the ultimate ‘transition month,’ which means you get to enjoy the best of both worlds – from water sports and summertime attractions to quintessential ‘early fall’ activities like corn mazes. So while it’s too early for pumpkin spice and changing leaves, it’s never too early to start planning ahead. And if you’d rather soak up every last bit of sun you can, it’s now or never!
Without further ado, here are 36 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this September.
Live events & concerts
Ed Sheeran
The famed English singer-songwriter known for hits like “A-List” and “Shape of You” is coming to Vancouver on Saturday, September 2nd, so grab your posters (and your tissues) and get ready to see the artist steal everyone’s hearts onstage.
When: Saturday, September 2nd
Where: BC Place
Cost: $206.50
50 Cent
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The ‘Final Lap Tour’ is in celebration of 20 years of 50 Cent’s game-changing debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. The show will feature the rap icon performing dozens of fan-favourite hits along with select tracks that have not been performed live in decades.
When: Friday, September 8th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $325.95+
Beyonce
Yes, you read that right, it’s finally time for Queen Bey herself to make her way to Vancouver for her Renaissance World Tour. And while tickets certainly don’t come cheap, they’re a far cry from the hundreds of dollars fans shelled out earlier this year!
When: Monday, September 11th
Where: BC Place
Cost: $222.53+
Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie is an icon in his own right, and equal parts singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality. He originally rose to fame in the 70s as part of the Motown group “Commodores,” soon collaborating with the likes of Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. He’s even won the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s highest honour, the Johnny Mercer Award – among many other accolades.
When: Tuesday, September 12th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $77.35
Coldplay
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That’s right, Coldplay is bringing their Music of the Spheres World Tour to Vancouver this month, and if you’re good with spending a small fortune on tickets, this show is sure to be one for the books if there ever was one.
When: Friday, September 22nd
Where: BC Place
Cost: $500.24+
Arctic Monkeys
Formed by four high schoolers in 2002, the Arctic Monkeys have undergone quite the transformation, managing to rise to mainstream success for their unique alt-rock sound and catchy guitar riffs. As of now, the band has won seven Brit awards and 5 Grammy nominations.
When: Saturday, September 23rd
Where: Pacific Coliseum
Cost: $45 to $112.50+
Sting
Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, better known as Sting, is an English musician and actor, and previous frontman, songwriter, and bassist for the Police until their breakup in 1986. He then broke out as a solo artist, earning a whopping 17 Grammys so far in his career.
When: Friday, September 29th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $175.20
Daniel Caesar
Last but certainly not least, we come to Daniel Caesar, a Canadian R&B singer who broke into the scene with not one, but two acclaimed EPs: Praise Break and Pilgrim’s Paradise. His first and second studio albums were also both critically acclaimed, and the artist shows no signs of slowing down!
When: Saturday, September 30th
Where: Pacific Coliseum
Cost: $239.36
Arts & Culture
Bard on the Beach
Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It is back onstage with plenty of Beatles hits to go around, accompanied by Shakespeare’s thrilling political drama, Julius Caesar. On the Howard Family Stage, there are two productions you can check out: Henry V, set in a mythical realm, and the interactive ‘Goblin’ comedy, Macbeth, created by an acclaimed team of Canadian theatre-makers.
When: Until the end of September
Where: 1695 Whyte Avenue
Cost: Varies by production
Free nights at Vancouver Art Gallery
Thanks to a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery has launched free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The next free Friday night will be on September 1st – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!
When: Friday, September 1st and every first Friday of the month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Visit the Polygon Gallery
Speaking of art, if you enjoy interactive art programming, there’s always a visit to The Polygon in North Van. Visitors can check out Chester Fields’ Unsung until September 10th, and Jeremy Shaw’s Phase Shifting Index until September 24th.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Cost: Admission by donation
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
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We know this one’s more of a sendoff for September, but the full VIFF 2023 lineup will drop soon on September 6th, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the best of this year’s global cinema. This year, guests can expect 130 features and 100 shorts to grace the silver screen, as well as multiple talks, performances, and other unique events celebrating film culture. Individual tickets will be available for purchase starting September 7th for $18 a pop.
When: September 28th to October 8th
Vancouver Etsy Co – Fall Pop-Up Market
Looking ahead to the end of the month: Get ready to ring in the new season with a ton of handcrafted gifts, pottery, jewelry, fall decor, and more – by over 90 local makers and artists. The Vancouver Etsy Co fall pop-up market is back from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, September 23rd at Robson Square.
When: Saturday, September 23rd
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: Free admission
Food & Drink
Langley Good Times Cruise-In
While this one’s not a food event per se, it does feature the return of the In-N’-Out pop-up, so we’re counting it. The beloved Langley Good Times Cruise-In is back and better than ever, which means you can load up on animal-style fries, check out some retro cars, and support local charities all at once.
Tickets can be purchased for $30 in person before or at 8 am at the Aldergrove Community Secondary School. Those interested in participating in the retro Cruise-In can register online.
When: Saturday, September 10th
Where: 26850 29 Avenue, Aldergrove
Car Free Day Vancouver
Love street festivals and perusing food vendors? Read on! Much like the popular Car Free Day Surrey, Vancouver will soon be getting three of its own, with each community-wide festival taking place in a different neighbourhood. And visitors can expect to enjoy a ton of local eats, live entertainment, and cultural programming.
Below are the dates and locations for this year’s Car Free Days:
- Commercial Drive (North Grandview Highway to 1st Avenue) – September 9th
- Main Street (10th Avenue to King Edward Avenue) – September 16th
- West End- Denman (Davie Street to Robson Street) – September 24th
Note that each festival will take place from noon until 7 pm.
When: September 9th, 16th, and 24th
Where: Commercial Drive, Main Street, West End
Taste of Abby 2023
Over the course of 10 days, visitors of the second annual ‘Taste of Abby’ festival can gather and sample the best of the harvest season. Delicious farm-to-table experiences, seasonal bites, spirit, cider, and beer releases, and exciting fall-themed activities all await. Plus, the entire festival kicks off with a special night market to ring in the new, bountiful season!
When: September 15th to 24th
Where: 2552 McCallum Road, Abbotsford
Cost: $35 for the night market
Light Up Chinatown!
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Now in its third year, Light Up Chinatown offers visitors the chance to roam the historic neighbourhood and indulge in local food collaborations, enjoy live music, and experience a special pop-up event bringing together esteemed restauranteurs.
As well, the event will be fully licensed for the first time this year, allowing guests who are 19+ to sip on some beer, wine, or spirits inside the festival grounds.
When: Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th
Where: 500 block of Columbia Street
Cost: Free admission
Summer Like An Italian
Few summertime experiences can compare to an Italian summer, which is why Kitchen Table Restaurants is bringing back its popular passport program, allowing diners at 10 local restaurants to experience la dolce vita right here in Vancouver.
The Summer Like An Italian Passport invites locals to indulge in regionally curated menus at Ask for Luigi, Bacaro, Carlino, Di Beppe, Farina a Legna, Giovane Caffè (West Cordova or West Georgia Street locations), Mercato di Luigi, Motoretta, Super Veloce and Pizzeria Farina – and passports can be obtained at any of the participating restaurants.
When: July 3rd to September 21st
Where: Kitchen Table restaurants around Vancouver
Cost: Free to reserve a passport
Richmond Night Market
Get your forks ready, Vancouver. The Richmond Night Market is coming back even bigger and better than ever, and the wait is finally over! Filled with hundreds of incredible vendors (and now including cuisine from Turkey and Mexico), it’s considered one of the world’s leading food markets for good reason. From candy sticks to boba, to customizable noodles and hot pot — it’s easy to see why the market attracts over one million visitors each year.
When: Friday, April 28th to October 9th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Shipyards Live
Shipyards Live is an ongoing concert and market series taking place at the Lonsdale Quay. 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: July 30th to September 18th
Where: Lonsdale Quay Area
Head to a Farmers’ Market
Something about a trip to the farmers’ market before a backyard BBQ or patio hangout just screams the quintessential Vancouver option. Skip the trips to your local grocery store this summer, and instead, go straight to the source for your fruits and veggies. You won’t regret it!
Where: See our picks above
Attractions
Cultus Lake Waterpark
Cultus Lake Waterpark is filled with waterslides, themed tunnels and pools, lazy rivers, and even hot tubs for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to lounge at one of the 150+ picnic areas and let the kids splash around “Pirates’ Cove” or “Tots Castle,” or do some splashing yourself on the waterpark’s “Tubular Terror,” there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy here.
When: Saturday, June 10th to Monday, September 4th
Where: 4150 Columbia Valley Highway, Cultus Lake
Cost: $21-$34
Summer Night Concerts at the PNE
Speaking of, the PNE is absolutely buzzing with live music options this year. When the sun goes down at the PNE Fair, the lights come on at the Chevrolet Stage, and this year? You can check out everyone from Billy Idol to Jason Derulo, to Yung Gravy & bbno$.
When: August 19th to September 4th
Where: 2601 East Hastings Street
Cost: Tickets on sale on Friday, May 26th
Ride the largest Mountain Coaster in Canada
The 3,375-foot Railrider Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke’s Mountain Resort is open throughout September, and it’s a great time to get in some rides on Canada’s largest mountain coaster ride.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 2950 Camozzi Road, Revelstoke
Cost: $35 per ride
Get back on the Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a classic summertime destination for many reasons – the main being the mountain and ocean views. There are also some great options by way of eats & drinks to check out – and even Mountain Music performances by the fiery Whiskeydicks. Talk about a headliner!
When: Open throughout September
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Tickets: $55.95 for GA, $14.29 for Ride-Down Only
Skate at Rollerland
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Whether you’re a newbie to rollerskating or a seasoned pro, a visit to Rollerland at the PNE is always a fun time, especially in the summer. Visitors can choose from the all-ages sessions from 4 to 6 pm on Saturdays, or the adult-only sessions from 8 to 11 pm, the latter of which includes tunes by DJs and a selfie station.
When: Every Saturday until December 30th
Where: 100 North Renfrew Street
Cost: $15-$25
Explore the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
While it’s a bucket list option for any tourist, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is also a must-visit for Vancouverites. Yes, Canyon Lights are amazing, but there’s something so fun about a summer visit to this woodland wonderland. Not to mention that a photo on the bridge is practically an ID in the city.
When: Open daily
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $54.95 (same price as an annual pass)
Outdoors & Sports
Sponsored: Visit Naramata During Vineyard Season
Did you know that fall is one of the best times to visit a vineyard? Sandy Beach Lodge is a picturesque getaway right beside Okanagan Lake and smack in the heart of wine country. The resort is steps away from fantastic restaurants, artisan distilleries, craft breweries, and – of course – wineries. Leave room in the trunk, you’ll need it for the boxes of vintage you’ll be bringing home.
Check out a Sunflower Fest
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With the warm summer air by your side, picturesque garden displays, and plenty of u-pick opportunities, it’s no wonder that sunflower season in BC comes highly anticipated. And if you’re ready to stroll through a sea of golden yellow, you won’t have long to wait to attend the region’s largest sunflower festivals.
When: Mid-August to early September
Where: See locations above
Float down a lazy river
BC has a ton of fun to be had by way of lazy rivers. And by lazy rivers – we mean action-packed water activities, as well as lazy rivers in the literal sense. So, whether you want to slowly drift downstream with a drink in hand, or want to have a more adventurous tubing experience, we’ve got plenty of options to toss your way.
Where: Check out our picks above
Check out a corn maze
Whether it’s a visit to Canada’s first corn maze in Chilliwack or Taves Family Farms in Abbotsford, there are a handful of fun corn mazes and accompanying early fall activities to enjoy this month, including apple picking and hayrides!
Where: See our picks above
Do the Grouse Grind
Of course, we couldn’t forget the Grouse Grind in this roundup. Not so easy that you’ll cruise through it, but not so hard that you’ll be wondering if heading there was a good idea in the first place. Plus, the need to purchase a download ticket assures some rest and relaxation once your climb is complete.
When: Open throughout summer
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $20 (for the download ticket)
Go skydiving
If you’re up for an adventure and aren’t afraid of heights, you can’t do much better than jumping out of a plane and freefalling 10,000+ feet back to Earth. With a parachute & skydiving equipment attached, of course!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Visit a ghost town
With ‘spooky season’ upon us sooner than you think, there’s no better time than now to check out some ghost towns around BC & learn about their history. We say either because while some of these are just a stone’s throw from the city, others are downright impossible to get to (unless you’ve got some scuba gear handy).
Where: Check out our picks above
Vancouver Canadians
A hot dog, a brewski, and some baseball? If that doesn’t sound like a great way to spend an afternoon, then we don’t know what does. Plus, the prices really can’t be beaten for pro sports around the city. This month, they’ll be facing off against the Hillsboro Hops, and a second team TBD.
When: Games until September 17th
Where: 4601 Ontario Street, The Nat
Cost: $20+
Go on a fall hike
We know it’ll be a while before the leaves start turning, but we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves anyways. After all, BC is absolutely stunning in autumn, and the season will be here before you know it. Explore our beautiful province and get your steps in for the month.
Where: Check out our picks above
Play some pickleball
Interested in learning a new, beginner-friendly sport this month? Enter pickleball, the more casual cousin of ping pong and tennis. Luckily, Vancouver has several permanent outdoor courts as well as pop-up courts throughout the city to take advantage of.
Where: See locations above
And that’s a wrap on some of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this September. Now get out there and the best of both seasons!
