15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: August 23 to 25

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Looking for something fun to do around Vancouver? We’ve got you covered!

Here are 15 fantastic things to do around Vancouver from August 22 to 24. The Granville Block Party, Pacific Nations Cup, and more. And if you’re driving through Surrey on Saturday, be mindful of the thousands of cyclists hitting the road for a good cause.

Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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Granville Block Party

Granville Block Party (njincolours/Submitted)

What: Summer fun is coming to downtown Vancouver with the return of the Granville Block Party in August.

The second annual two-day street festival will kick off August 24 and features musical talent at its main stage, street performers, a kids area, food, and drinks. The event is fully licensed with two on-site bars, and refreshments are overseen by Red Truck Beer.

When: August 24 and 25, 2024
Where:
Robson Street and Granville Street intersection
Time: 1 to 7 pm
Cost: Free

What: Head down to New Westminster’s waterfront on Saturday, August 24, for the city’s third annual Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival.

This popular event, presented by the Hyack Festival Association, features a day full of activities, entertainment, and, of course, a huge fireworks display at the end of the evening.

When: August 24, 2024
Time: 3 to 9:30 pm, the fireworks display will begin at 9 pm
Where: Westminster Quay, New Westminster
Cost: Free

What: The second annual Salmon Sessions Music Festival, presented by the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce and Penmar Community Arts Society, will be held at Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club (SFGC) on Saturday, August 24.

At the all-ages event, guests will enjoy great live music, explore the Little Campbell Hatchery, visit food vendors and a beer garden, and more. Performers this year include Daniel Wesley, Camaro 67, Brass Camel, Antonio Larosa, and Fionn.

When: August 24, 2024
Time: 4 to 11 pm
Where: Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club — 1284 184th Street, Surrey
Tickets: Various prices, available online

What: The fourth annual Light Up Chinatown! will be held on August 24 and 25 at 500 Columbia Street and neighbouring streets in the historic cultural neighbourhood.

Everyone is invited to enjoy live entertainment, a kid’s fun zone, and unique street food creations during the free event. Plus, there are some epic prizes to be won.

When: August 24 to 25, 2024
Time: 11 am to 9 pm (Saturday), 11 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
Where: 500 Columbia Street and neighbouring streets in Chinatown
Cost: Free

Multicultural parade

Multicultural parade/Harambecouver

What: The Harambeecouver Afro Folk Music Festival, organized by The Great Lakes Society, is a celebration of African and folk music, bringing together diverse communities in the Greater Vancouver area. Festivities include a multicultural parade, live music and dance, and interactive workshops that promote cross-cultural understanding and artistic expression.

Highlights of Harambeecouver Afro Folk Music Festival include a dialogue on Zoom about the Organization of African Unity (OAU) for the African Diaspora on August 23. There will also be the Harambeecouver Fest at Davie Plaza on August 24 and 25, and Harambeecouver Festival on August 31 at the ShipYards in North Vancouver.

When: August 23, 24, 25 and 31, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

What: Underground Comedy Club presents Vancouver’s Bradley Sakawsky in a radical night of laughs. Get ready for a lineup of the city’s funniest comedians curated by Sakaswsky, with huge laughs, unique points of view, and more.

When: August 22, 2024
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: Underground Comedy Club — 120 Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $14.95 plus fees; purchase online

What: The PNE Fair is returning this summer with a jam-packed schedule of fun from August 17 to September 2, and music fans in Vancouver are in for a huge treat.

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) has released the lineup for this year’s Summer Night Concerts on the Chevrolet Stage, and it features a thrilling mix of music legends like Vanilla Ice, Barenaked Ladies, and Ludacris.

Concerts are moving indoors to the Pacific Coliseum as construction continues on the new PNE Amphitheatre, which is slated to open in 2026.

When: August 17 to September 2, 2024 (no concerts on August 19 and 26)
Where: Pacific Coliseum – 100 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $40 and includes Fair admission. Purchase online

Richmond Sunflower Festival

Richmond Sunflower Festival

What: The sixth annual Richmond Sunflower Festival will welcome guests to its over 20 acres of sunflowers and dahlias starting on Thursday, August 8.

Open as long as the flowers are blooming, the festival features dozens of varieties of stunning flowers and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots.

When: August 8, 2024, for as long as the flowers are blooming
Time: Noon to 7 pm (Mondays to Fridays), 10 am to 7 pm (Weekends and Holidays)
Where: Richmond Country Farms — 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
Cost: Advance tickets are $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Admission at the gates is $15 on weekdays and $17 on weekends. Children 12 and under are $5 and ages 3 and under are free. Purchase online

What: Baseball is Back #AtTheNat! Join the Vancouver Canadians and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays as they take on the Tri-City Dust Devils until August 25.

You can enjoy the game while enjoying hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and all other ballpark favourites, along with a cold beer. Plus, don’t miss the exciting theme nights.

When: Now until August 25, 2024
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Start at $20 and can be purchased online at CanadiansBaseball.com, over the phone at 604-872 5232 or in person at the Nat Bailey Box Office

What: Josh Cellars and BCLIQUOR team up for a delectable food and wine pairing event. Take your canapé experience to the next level with the bold and robust Cabernet Sauvignon, the crisp and citrusy Josh Chardonnay, and the versatile and fruit-forward Legacy Red Blend. Each wine is expertly paired to highlight the flavours of your bite-sized creations.

When: August 22, 2024
Time: 3 to 6 pm
Where: BCLIQUOR 39th and Cambie — 5555 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Black Block Association

Black Block Association/Submitted

What: The third annual Black Block Party, founded by community leader and activist Doyin Agbaje, will take place on Saturday, August 24, in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, also known as the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The free event is open to everyone and features live performances by Black artists, over 20 vendors, and more.

When: August 24, 2024
Time: 1 to 9 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost:
 Free

What: Grab your sailor’s cap and strap on your floaties because one of Metro Vancouver’s largest nautical celebrations is returning to shore.

The 21st annual Richmond Maritime Festival features plenty of free activities for all ages, including live concerts, heritage boats, artisan and food vendors, and more.

When: August 24 and 25, 2024
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Britannia Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
Admission: Free

What: The South Granville Business Improvement Association (SGBIA) is wrapping up its Summer Sounds Concert series with Sunset Pop on Thursday, August 22.

Festivities begin at 6 pm with a wine garden, food trucks, and performance artists to set the vibe right.

The Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra will take the stage at 7 pm with a 25-piece orchestra for an open-air performance of memorable pop hits.

When: August 22, 2024
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Vancouver School Board Park – Fir Street and West 10th Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Rugby Canada

Rugby Canada

What: Cheer on Canada’s Men’s Rugby 15s team as they take on Japan in opening the reimagined Pacific Nations Cup. It’s the first international test match since 2019 at BC Place, and you’ll want to get there early.

Fans can get autographs and photos with Charity Williams and Piper Logan, Olympic silver medallists in women’s rugby sevens, at the stadium before the game starts.

When: August 25, 2024
Time: Kick-off is at 2 pm
Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets are available now starting at $43.90

What: Rosewood Home & Condo has provided Vancouver with a huge selection of hand-crafted solid wood furniture and designer sofas for over a decade. As the founder is retiring, they are holding a Warehouse Closing Down Sale starting on August 24.

This is your opportunity to bring home heirloom-quality furniture you’ll love as much as the prices, including Custom Rosewood Coffee Tables, Abacus Desks, and Float Dining Tables at deep discounts. You can also shop the collection online at www.exoticrosewood.com.

When: August 24, 2024, until inventory runs out
Time: 11 am to 6 pm (Monday, Thursday and Friday), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday), 11 am to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Unit 1175 — 1579 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam

What: Enjoy the timeless music of Queen in a classical way with Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen. The Listeso String Quartet will play hits like “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and other works during the 65-minute performance.

When: August 23, 2024
Time: 7:15 pm
Where: Christ Church Cathedral – 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $45, purchase online

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