Get ready for an exciting weekend, Vancouver, because some of the last summer festivals are slated to take place across the city, and you won’t want to miss them. From the largest theatre festival in BC to one of Vancouver’s first Car Free Days of the year, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (September 8-10).
Clementine at the Garden
On Saturday, September 9th from 10 am to 12 am, VanDusen is transforming into Clementine at the Garden, an all-ages concert bringing families together through nature and art.
Visitors can enjoy a full set of family-centred folk music and art activities on the Great Lawn, followed by a scenic stroll through the 55-acre garden. As well, there will be treats available at the Garden Café, Bistrot Van and Berry Mobile – and outside food and drinks are permitted.
Tickets can be purchased online for $26.88 per adult, $13.44 per child, and $24.64 for VBGA members.
When: Saturday, September 9th
Where: 5251 Oak Street
Cost: $26.88 per adult, $13.44 per child
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. And you can do it all this weekend.
When: Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th
Where: 500 block of Columbia Street
Cost: Free admission
Sponsored Pick: Vancouver Fringe Festival
The Vancouver Fringe Festival is back, and they’re taking over Granville Island from Thursday, September 7th to Sunday, September 17th. Prepare to welcome talent from near and far with over 85 new acts by local and international talent. Enjoy performances in theatre, comedy, dance, drag, spoken word, and music. Snag your tickets for only from $15 and prepare for an eclectic and dazzling night out you won’t soon forget.
When: Thursday, September 7th to Sunday, September 17th
Where: Granville Island
Cost: $15 per ticket
Langley Good Times Cruise-In
This one’s not free, but it’s for a great cause. The beloved Langley Good Times Cruise-In is bringing back its popular In N’ Out pop-up, 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 a.m. at the Aldergrove Community Secondary School.
When: Saturday, September 10th
Where: 26850 29 Avenue, Aldergrove
Sponsored Pick: Summer Like An Italian & Win A Trip To Italy
Want to win a trip to Italy? Eat your way there with the Summer Like An Italian contest! Kitchen Table Restaurants is spotlighting 10 of the most celebrated Italian restaurants and cafes across Vancouver, and the reward is two-fold. Experience fine dining, and collect stamps when you visit any of the 10 participating restaurants. Each stamp earns you an entry to win one of 3 grand prizes – one of which is a trip to Italy!
When: Monday, July 3rd to Thursday, September 21st, 2023
Where: Ask for Luigi, Bacaro, Carlino, Di Beppe, Farina a Legna, Giovane Caffè, Mercato di Luigi, Motoretta, Super Veloce and Pizzeria Farina.
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Car Free Day Commercial Drive
Love street festivals and perusing food vendors? Vancouver will soon be getting three of its own, with each community-wide festival taking place in a different neighbourhood. And visitors can head to Commercial Drive for the first instalment this weekend on Saturday, September 9th, which will take place from noon until 7 p.m.
Here, visitors can expect to enjoy a ton of local eats, live entertainment, and cultural programming.
When: Saturday, September 9th
Where: Commercial Drive
Japan Market Fall Festival
Looking for a fun shopping experience? Check out the Japan Market Fall Festival this weekend, which features Vancouver’s largest market for locally made, imported, and Japanese inspired products and food!
When: Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th
Where: Robson Square Ice Rink and UBC Sunroom
Cost: $4+
Skate at Rollerland
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
Phase Shifting Index at the Polygon Gallery
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
Harrison Sunflower Festival
Formerly the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival (and the Chilliwack Tulip Fest), the new Harrison Sunflower Festival is nowin full swing, and your time is limited to see these stunning golden blooms. In addition to three kilometres of winding pathways and 20 acres of scenic backdrops, visitors can experience the new U-Pick field and curate their own bouquets from five different varieties of sunflowers.
When: Friday, August 25th to September 17th
Where: Agassiz, BC
Cost: $15 to $20
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver! Now get out there and make the most of it.
