The last long weekend of the summer is just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to plan for the perfect summer sendoff. From an exciting block party to Langley’s popular Valley West Stampede, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (September 1-4).
Valley West Stampede
From Saturday, September 2nd to Monday, September 4th, Langley’s popular Valley West Stampede is back and better than ever. The exciting event offers a range of family-friendly activities, from rodeo-style events to live music, to special shows from new professional cowboys and cowgirls from across North America.
New this year? A pyrotechnics ride with Wildrose Trick Riders from Alberta, and appearances by guest ambassador “Miss Rodeo Wainwright,” Harleigh Zack. Oh, and a new and improved “Train Station Bar,” expanding the arena’s existing beer garden!
Rodeo events at the arena commence at 2 pm each day that the event runs, and GA tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children.
Where: 4303 208 Street, Langley Township
Cost: $25 per adult, $10 per child
Triumph Block Party
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking to enjoy a mix of live entertainment, consider checking out the Triumph Block Party – which features stand-up comedy, concerts, live podcasts, tattoos, and markets. While the OG MOTN building burnt down last year, the arts space has returned triumphant – hence the all-day festival’s name. So get ready to enjoy some cool art by even cooler local creatives and performers.
When: Saturday, September 2nd
Where: 1826 Triumph Street
Cost: $11.98
Dark Eighties/Light Eighties at The Astoria
’80s music lovers, take note. A massive ’80s-themed dance party is coming to The Astoria this weekend, and you’ll be able to dance to everything from the top hits to synth-pop, to new wave. Time to break out the big, teased hair and shoulder pads!
When: Friday, September 1st
Where: 769 East Hastings Street
Cost: $10.92
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
Summer Yoga in Alexandra Park in English Bay
Summer sunset at English Bay? Sign us up! This by-donation yoga series brings Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and Meditation to Alexandra Park, which is between Beach and Bidwell Streets through mid-September. This session will take place from noon to 1 pm.
When: Friday, September 1st
Where: 1755 Beach Avenue
Cost: By donation
Ed Sheeran
View this post on Instagram
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
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
Float down a lazy river
View this post on Instagram
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 this Labour Day.
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 Labour Day weekend, Vancouver! Enjoy the last long weekend of summer.
