Categories: Things To Do

11 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (August 2-4)

The August long weekend is finally here, and the sunshine has officially returned to Vancouver skies! Whether you’re planning on hitting the open road or heading camping, or prefer to stay in town, here are 11 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (August 2-4).

Free night at Vancouver Art Gallery 

Thanks to a partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery offers 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 Friday, August 2nd – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!

When: Friday, August 2nd
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Free admission

Powell Street Festival

The 48th Annual Powell Street Festival celebrating Japanese Canadian art and culture is on this month, and you won’t want to miss it! With the first festival in 1977, it has since expanded to be one of the largest and longest-running community arts festivals in the country, and there’s plenty to look forward to this year.

Sample some incredible food, enjoy live music, dance, film, visual and martial arts, an amateur sumo tournament, children’s activities, walking tours, and more.

When: August 3rd and 4th
Where: Powell Street
Cost: Free admission

Sponsored pick: Veuve Clicquot Aqua Lounge

Check out the Aqua Lounge, a playful collaboration between JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and Veuve Clicquot for hotel and spa guests. Located on the 17th floor, this lively spot offers Veuve Clicquot-inspired drinks and dishes, such as their signature burgers and fries, as well as Veuve Clicquot and JW Garden touches, adding a touch of summer fun. Whether you’re a Champagne enthusiast or simply enjoy elegance, this partnership is the perfect way to enjoy the sunny days and lively nights in Vancouver. Don’t miss out – book your stay now!

When: Daily until the end of summer
Where: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

Vancouver Pride Parade 

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

Early Music Vancouver: BACH UNTAMED Summer Festival

This year’s Early Music Festival consists of nearly 50 emerging and established artists, some of whom are making their festival debut this year! So gather your pals and get ready to enjoy a fusion of world music.

Here are just some of the free and ticketed performances to check out this year:

  • Rondeau in the Garden (July 25th)
  • Viva Vivaldi! Artists: Alon Sariel & the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Programme (July 27th)
  • Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 (August 1st)
  • Cognitive Dissonance (August 3rd)
  • Cameron Crozman & Meagan Milatz: The Early Romantics (August 6th)

When: July 30th to August 8th
Where: Multiple locations across Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed events

Brigade Days

Travel back in time this BC Day and visit the days of the fur trade era at Fort Langley National Historic Site, which will transform over the long weekend (August 3rd to 5th)! Visitors can take part in an array of hands-on, family-friendly activities, and enjoy live music, and cultural performances from a variety of traditions.

When: Saturday, August 3rd to Monday, August 5th
Where: Langley
Cost: $9 per adult

Sponsored pick: Picnic Package at The DOUGLAS

The DOUGLAS Autograph Collection Hotel is located in the vibrant Parq Vancouver area of Vancouver, near BC Place, False Creek, Granville Island and more! Walkable to the False Creek seawall and nearby parks, this hotel offers a unique, specially crafted Picnic Package for two with where you can embark on a leisurely stroll amidst the picturesque hotel surroundings.

Where: The DOUGLAS Autograph Collection Hotel

Vancouver Canadians 

Baseball season is now in full swing, no pun intended. This weekend, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Tri-City Dust Devils.

When: Games on August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $20+

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.

The waterpark will operate from 10 am to 7 pm on Monday, August 5th. 

When: Until Monday, September 2nd
Where: 4150 Columbia Valley Highway, Cultus Lake
Cost: $21-$34

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

Theatre Under the Stars

Stanley Park’s outdoor theatre experience, Theatre Under the Stars, has officially set the stage for summer 2024 – and two iconic shows are on the roster: CATS and School of Rock. On Monday, August 5th, there’s an 8 pm showing of Cats.

When: Until August 24th
Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
Cost: $20 to $65 per adult (single show)

And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver!

Happy BC Day!

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