Get ready, Vancouver, because it’s time to make some core memories before summer’s end. Meet your fave “celebricats,” load up on mini donuts at the PNE Fair, check out a music or beer-tasting fest, and more. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (August 18-20).
Ambleside Music Festival
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If you’re into alternative rock and looking for an exciting festival to add to your summer itinerary, the Ambleside Music Festival is it! The massive two-day festival is bringing alt-rock legends Weezer and Third Eye Blind to Ambleside Park this weekend, as well as Vancouver-born Said The Whale, Bahamas, and alt-rock/hip-hop collective Bran Van 3000. So grab some last-minute tickets stat!
When: August 19th and 20th
Where: Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
Cost: $79.50+ for one-day pass, $
PNE Fair
Yup, the PNE Fair is back! And there’s a bunch of incredible artists slated to perform, as well as the return of local faves like SuperDogs and the pyro-musical finale. The end-of-summer tradition will also feature an immersive Monet art exhibit, The Flying Fools High Dive Show, Dueling Pianos, drag shows, and cooking demos – and that’s just for starters!
Oh, and there’s an all-new Taste of Fair menu with eats and drinks for $10 and under!
When: August 19th to September 4th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $20 for GA in advance, $25 the day of
Summer Night Concerts
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 weekend? You can catch the famed group TLC onstage!
When: August 19th to September 4th
Where: 2601 East Hastings Street
Cost: Tickets vary per concert
Battle of the Brews
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The 5th annual Battle of the Brews is coming up this month in Surrey, and really, who doesn’t want another opportunity to sample local beers and food truck vendors? What’s more, attendees will have the chance to vote for their fave brews and decide which brewers will walk away as this year’s champion.
When: August 20th
Where: 104 Avenue, Surrey Civic Plaza
Cost: $45-$50
The Richmond Garlic Festival
If you’ve ever been intrigued by Gilroy’s annual Garlic Fest in California, now’s your chance to experience BC’s own Richmond Garlic Festival. Taking place at The Sharing Farm, the festival is a major community-wide attraction featuring live entertainment, a huge farmer’s market, and garlicky treats galore.
When: Sunday, August 20th
Where: 2771 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Cost: By donation
The Big Bounce Canada
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Get ready to take your bouncy castle nostalgia to the next level, because the largest inflatable touring event in the world is now officially open at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey. And if you like obstacle courses, this is one you won’t want to miss!
At 32 feet tall and covering over 16,000 square feet, this “inflatable goliath” is the ultimate end-of-summer attraction for all ages, with tot-friendly sessions to adult-only events.
When: August 12th to September 3rd
Where: 17607-17905 62 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $29 to $59 per person
Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts
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Presented by the South Asian Arts Society, the eighth annual Monsoon Fest of Performing Arts celebrates the cultural and artistic significance of India’s monsoon season with captivating dance, music, and theatre performances, as well as an art marketplace. From Bhangra dance lessons to a live podcast recording, there will be plenty of ways to engage with this year’s fest.
When: Thursday, August 17th to 31st
Where: Varies per event
Meowfest
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Meowfest is Canada’s largest feline festival, and it’s pulling up to Vancouver’s Rocky Mountaineer Station this Saturday. Mingle with “celebricats” and animal activists alike, take part in an exciting scavenger hunt or cat costume contest, or even participate in a speed dating session for fellow cat lovers.
When: Saturday, August 19th
Where: 1755 Cottrell Street
Cost: $30.80+
Fridays on Front
Now we come to Fridays on Front in New West, which features a different lineup of food and drink vendors every Friday this month, as well as libations from the fully-licensed Steel & Oak beer + Pacific Breeze Wine. This week’s market will be Pride-themed, so get ready for round two!
Each night market will take place from 5 to 9 pm.
When: July 14th and 21st; August 11th, 18th, and 25th
Where: Front Street Mews, New Westminster
Hit up 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 and instead, go straight to the source for your fruits and veggies. You won’t regret it!
Where: See our picks above
And there you have it, Vancouver. Time to get out there and make the most of the weekend.
