Welcome to the first week of fall, Vancouver! Now that drizzly days are underway, it’s the perfect time to catch a movie or two at this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival, go see a concert or comedy show, or don your rain gear and venture off into a corn maze. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (September 25-29).
Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
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At this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival, 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
Richmond Culture Days
If you’re looking for some fantastic free events to check out in Metro Vancouver sooner rather than later, Richmond Culture Days is officially back with just over three weeks of 70+ free events, ranging from interactive workshops to pop-up shows.
When: Friday, September 22nd to October 15th
Where: 7700 Minoru Gate and locations around Richmond
Cost: Free
Sting
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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
37th Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – A Circus of Dreams
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The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is a time-honoured tradition celebrated by families around the globe, and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is celebrating the 37th annual festival this week with a slew of cultural performances, tea ceremonies, art exhibits, and food.
When: Friday, September 29th
Where: 578 Carrall Street
Cost: $10-$15 for adults, $7-$10 for children
Vancouver Night Market
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Debuting on Friday, September 29th at Robson Square is a new night market that’s free to attend, complete with mini doughnuts from Cin City among other delicious eats, vintage finds from the Granville Flea, and boards from the Antisocial Skateboard Shop.
When: Friday, September 29th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: Free admission
Pacific Song of the Ancestors Totem Unveiling Ceremony
From 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 28th, a special unveiling ceremony will take place at Emily Carr for a new public art installation by Master Carvers, Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan and Lyonel Grant. The afternoon will include singing, drumming and remarks from artists and dignitaries, according to the event page.
When: Thursday, September 28th
Where: 520 East 1st Avenue
Cost: Free
Live Stand up at Cambrian Hall
Every Friday, Jokes Please!’ award-winning standup show takes over Cambrian Hall with performances by The Debaters, Netflix, and Just For Laughs. So if you’re in need of a good laugh by the end of the week, you know where to head.
When: Friday, September 29th
Where: 215 East 17th Avenue
Cost: $18.89
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
Go on an art walk at the Shipyards
From the “Lost Cows of Lillooet” to “Launch” – a domestic and shipping vessel, there are tons of public art pieces worth checking out on your next walk through the Shipyards, all of which are seamlessly integrated by the City of North Van to celebrate the unique heritage and environment of the area.
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
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 the week, Vancouver. Happy first week of fall!
