Labour Day long weekend — it’s the final kick at the can for some summer fun before the kids head back to school. (OK, parents, try to contain your excitement.) So postpone that back-to-school shopping, gather up your family and friends, and take in one of the many events and attractions happening around Vancouver and beyond.
FESTIVALS
This annual event features returning favourites like the SuperDogs and Craft Beer Fest, the Pacific Spirit Horse Show, Farm Country, nightly concerts, food food and more food, 50+ rides including three new ones, many attractions, a wide variety of performances and exhibits, lots of games and a whole lot more! • 2901 E. Hastings St. • Until Sept. 4 • Fair gate admission: $17, free for ages 13 and under
Popular Canadian rockers Tokyo Police Club and Korean hip hop star Verbal Jint will headline the expanded Richmond World Festival. This free celebration of music, food and culture features more than 75 music and dance performances on nine stages. Other highlights include the FEASTival of Flavour with more than 50 food trucks; the Global Village with interactive cultural activities and performances; the Bamboo Theatre and Digital Carnival, both offering diverse and innovate performances; Kids World children’s activity area; the Artisan Marketplace; and Imagination World at the Richmond Public Library. • Minoru Park, Richmond • Sept. 1 and 2 • Free,
Burnaby’s family-friendly Japanese Festival features food, a game zone, Bon-Odori, Matsuri Star Talent Search, Hello Kitty & Friends, Taiko and more. • Nikkei Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres. • Sept. 2 and 3, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. • 604-777-7000
Celebrate the Taiwanese culture with concerts, a giant street party with vendors and food stalls, film screenings, live entertainment, lectures, culinary events and much more. • Various downtown locations including Granville Street, Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, the Playhouse, Orpheum Annex and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza • Sept. 2-4 • Free
14th Annual Festival del Maize
Come enjoy traditional Latin American cuisine made with corn! Tamales, pupusas, riguas, elote loco, atoles, nachos, pasteles, burritos and more. • Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier St. • Sept. 3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free
This event will feature Polish music, singing and folk dancing and a special program for children and youth with puppet theatre show, arts and games activities, sing along, balloon lady, face-painting and more. Also includes vendors, as well as plenty of delicious traditional Polish food such as sausages, perogies and pastries. • Lynn Valley Village, 1255 Lynn Valley Rd., North Van • Sept. 3, 2-7:30 p.m. • Free
Headlined by contemporary R&B artists Majid Jordan, DVSN, Jessie Reyes and special guest k-os, live music fans will be able to enjoy high calibre performances in a beautiful outdoor setting. Complete lineup: Majid Jordan, DVSN, Jessie Reyes, k-os, Tonye, David Morin, Hayleau, Prado, Omar Khan, SJS, The Freshest, DJ Arems, Jay Swing, Andishae. • Westminster Pier Park, New West • Sept. 3, noon-10 p.m. • $55, VIP/$95
Back for its 13th year, this annual festival hosted by Music Waste Festival, CiTR 101.9FM and Discorder Magazine, highlights local, independent music in a free end-of-summer celebration. • Victory Square, Cambie and Hastings St. • Sept. 3, 2-9 p.m. • Free
KIDS/FAMILY
Enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun complete with games of chance, entertainment, demonstrations, a children’s craft, market vendors, carousel rides and more. • Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby • Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
A day of family fun. Join us at Sunset Community Centre for play gym including a bouncy castle, arts and crafts, games, and more! A healthy snack concession will be available. • Sunset Community Centre, 6810 Main St. • Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free, 604-718-6505
Burnaby Central Railway: Miniature Train Rides
Take a ride on one of the longest miniature railways of its kind, featuring more than 3km of track, and steam, diesel and electric trains. • Confederation Park, 120 North Willingdon Ave., Burnaby • Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays • $3.50, 604-291-0922
See Canada like never before at this new, all-ages ride. Take off into a huge domed screen with the latest in projection and ride technology creating a true flying experience that takes you from east to west across Canada • Canada Place
Last century, it was a working mine. Now, it’s a multi award-winning Museum, turning out awe-inspiring sights and memorable family experiences. Rumble aboard the mine train as it rolls into the dark, learn from informative but informal tour guides and pan for real gold! • Sea to Sky Highway, Britannia Beach • 604-896-2233
Discover the wonders of science by immersing yourself in interactive displays, inspirational feature exhibitions, live science demonstrations and larger-than-life films in the OMNIMAX Theatre. • 1455 Quebec St. • 604-443-7440
B.C.’s largest zoo features a wide variety of animals including lions, tigers, giraffes and more. • 5048 264th St., Aldergrove • 604-856-6825
Get closer to Steller sea lions than ever before at the new Steller’s Bay. Enjoy 4D experience movies, and explore the various galleries including Graham Amazon Gallery, the Pacific Canada Pavilion, Canada’s Arctic and many more. • 604-659-3474
West Coast Railway Heritage Park
Home of the Royal Hudson and Western Canada’s largest collection of heritage railway equipment dating back to 1890. • 39645 Government Rd., Squamish • 604-898-9336
MISCELLANEOUS
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has taken inspiration from their iconic grand railway hotels and the train journey across the country to create a Canada 150 Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a perfectly steeped cup of tea, scones with Saskatoon berry compote, Canadian tea sandwiches and in-house baked sweets. • Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, 900 W. Georgia St. • Until Sept. 3, sittings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. • $59/adult, $29.50/child (12 and under), 604-662-1900
Exhibits, galleries and interactive displays tell the stories of sport in B.C. from the early 1800s to the current day. • B.C. Place, Gate A • 604-687-5520
Ten contemporary Canadian artists will transform the Georgia Street façade of the Vancouver Art Gallery at this week-long public art project and cultural event. Artists include Diyan Achjadi, Fiona Ackerman, Scott Billings, Annie Briard, Shawn Hunt, James Nizam, Luke Ramsey, Evann Siebens, Ben Skinner, and Paul Wong. • Vancouver Art Gallery, Georgia Street facade • Sept. 4-10, 7:30 p.m.-midnight
15th Vancouver Latin American Film Festival
Features a Spotlight on Cuban Cinema; screenings of 69 films from 17 countries in 11 different languages (always with English subtitles); live music; dancing and more. • The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St. • Until Sept. 3 • 604-708-5657
Learn about space and the night sky through Planetarium shows, live demos, an interactive exhibit gallery and evening lectures. • 1100 Chestnut St. • 604-738-7827
Witness the migration of wild Pacific salmon in a 30-minute cinematic spectacle that explores the connection between nature and our urban environments. As the sun sets, the undersurface of the Cambie Street Bridge will transform into a wild river filled with migrating salmon. • Coopers’ Park, 1020 Marinaside Crescent • Until Sept. 20
Hunters & Gatherers: A First Nations Feast
Enjoy a delicious indigenous-inspired feast complete with a cultural presentation by a world-renowned performance team. Accompany a tour guide though the museum to discover stories of the hunters and gatherers who traditionally inhabited the sea to sky territory. • Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler • Tuesdays and Sundays, 6 p.m. • $65/$25, 604-964-0990
This one-of-a-kind community art event in Yaletown brings art to the masses while showcasing art by Vancouver artists. The original works of art are displayed in windows and inside the retail stores and banks in Yaletown. • Until Sept. 4
MUSIC
Legendary hard rock band bring their Not In This Lifetime Tour to B.C. Place. With guests Royal Blood. • Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. • $35-$275
The Fair at the PNE: Summer Night Concerts
Sept. 1: Australian singer, instrumentalist, songwriter
Rick Springfield
| Sept. 2:
The Gipsy Kings
, a group of flamenco, salsa and pop musicians from Arles and Montpellier in the south of France. Featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo | Sept. 3 and 4:
iHeartRadio Beach Ball
(ticketed show). • PNE Amphitheatre • Free with admission, or ticketed reserved seating starting at $20 at
Blue-eyed soul duo Honne have become the band to fall in love with, and to. Warm On A Cold Night is an album where expressing feelings may not come naturally, but one which nonetheless strives for real love in the digital age. • Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St. • Sept. 1, doors 8 p.m. • $20-$23
The Blue Frog Studios is excited to bring back the Gabriel Palatchi Trio for a return engagement and video filming for a live concert DVD. Energy and passion, combined with skill, and a true love for music, has resulted in a dynamic musical juggernaut. His music is an original blend of different genres such as Latin jazz, tango, funk, Klezmer, gypsy, reggae, samba and electronic. • Blue Frog Studios, 1328 Johnston Rd., White Rock • Sept. 1, 7 p.m. • $39.50, 6045-423-055
Whistler Presents: Outdoor Concert Series
An eclectic mix of genres will perform at Whistler Olympic Plaza. • Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m.:
Jann Arden
: One of Canada’s most celebrated and loved artists. | Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m.:
The Boom Booms
: Alt-soul band from Vancouver blends Latin, folk, reggae and rock. • Free
R&B star from New Orleans signed to Def Jam Recordings is best known for his single, I Luv This S–t, with Trinidad James. • Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St. • Sept. 2, 9 p.m. • $35
23-year-old soul/R&B artist grew up listening to a wide variety of music from jazz and R&B, to soul, hip hop, funk and electronic. He takes a holistic approaching to making the music that he loves. • Fortune Sound Club, 147 E. Pender St. • Sept. 2, 7 p.m. • $15
Hot Thoughts is the ninth album from this band whose musical style is best described as indie rock, indie pop, art rock, and experimental rock.• Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park • Sept. 2, 8 p.m. • $45
iHeartRadio Canada is bringing some of the hottest names in music to the Fair at the PNE. • Sept. 3, doors 2 p.m.:
Lorde, Alessia Cara, Liam Payne, The Strumbellas, Shawn Hook, Scott Helman, Virginia to Vegas, Ralph
• Sept. 4, doors 2 p.m.:
Train, Blondie, Serena Ryder, Philosopher Kings, Ruth B, Christian Hudson
. • PNE Amphitheatre • $69, $89, $119 (Note: Fair gate admission is not included)
Multi-platinum-selling artists, multiple Grammy Award-winners and music icons, Lionel Richie and special guest Mariah Carey bring their All the Hits Tour to Rogers Arena. • Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way • Sept. 3, 7 p.m. • $39.95, $59.95, $79.95, $129.95, $165, ticketmaster.ca, livenation.com
Opera & Arias: The Barber of Seville
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival brings Rossini’s beguiling music to life with a costumed concert staging excerpts from his ever-popular opera. Performed by the rising stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble, accompanied by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, directed by UBC’s Nancy Hermiston and conductor Leslie Dala. • Bard’s BMO Mainstage in Vanier Park • Sept. 4, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. • From $21, 604-739-0559
L.A.-based rock band, consisting of sisters Este Haim, Danielle Haim, and Alana Haim. On tour in support of their second studio album, Something To Tell You. • Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park • Sept. 4, 7 p.m. • $42.50, ticketmaster.ca, livenation.com
Bring a picnic and enjoy live music, art demonstrations, children’s activities and a nature-inspired art gallery set against the stunning backdrop of the North Shore mountains and Capilano Reservoir. • Capilano River Regional Park, North Van. Meet at parking lot near Cleveland Dam. Limited parking. Please leave your pets at home • Sept. 4, noon-5 p.m. • Free, 604-224-5739
STAGE: COMEDY & THEATRE
Electrifying, intense and real, this production will leave you breathless. End of The Rainbow is a true account of the last comeback of Judy Garland at the twilight of her career and as it turns out, her all-too-short life, and it’s revealing in a way seldom found in the tabloids. • Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, 4360 Gallant Ave., North Van • Until Sept. 16, Wed-Sat 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. • $25/$23, 604-929-9456
In Georgian London, no one is more famous than Samuel Foote. Satirist, impressionist and dangerous comedian, he has become a star in the earliest days of celebrity culture. Adored by many, despised by some, Foote finds himself at the sharp end of attacks from the press – and a surgeon’s knife. And in an age obsessed with fame, his colleagues from the worlds of science and the stage begin to wonder: does fame make you mad? Ian Kelly’s riotously funny play, based on the amazing true story of Foote, explores our obsession with celebrities, and their rise and fall. Presented by the United Players. • Jericho Arts Centre, 1675 Discovery St. • Sept. 1-24, Thursdays-Sundays, 8 p.m. (except Sept. 10, 17, 24, when there is a 2 p.m. matinée) • $20-$26, 604-224-8007
Oh, Canada – The True North Strong and Funny
Vancouver TheatreSports League’s improvisers take a loving and comedic look at what makes us uniquely Canadian – poking fun at the stereotypes of Canada and Canadians. Based on audience suggestions, the cast lampoon such Canadian ‘institutions’ as Heritage Minutes, the Mounties, winter, our hunky Prime Minister, hockey, lumberjacks or Timmy’s coffee to name only a few of the endless possibilities. • The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau St., Granville Island
The Caravan returns to B.C. after a 30-year world tour aboard the Company’s 90-foot Tall Ship, the Amara Zee, a replica of a Thames River Sailing Barge. The show is an original operatic spectacle: a mythical saga of monarch migrants — embodied by aerial artists — searching for refuge on a drowned planet. Gather at SE False Creek for a free, all-ages show performed on this 90-foot-long Tall Ship. Come early and enjoy the food trucks, beer gardens and an activity zone for children. • The shore of South East False Creek, just east of the Cambie St. Bridge • Until Sept. 3, 9:45-11 p.m. • Free
The Tenacious D Burlesque Tribute
Prepare yourself for The Tenacious D Burlesque Tribute with The Hot and Heavy Band. This sensational music and dance event features some of this city’s hottest burlesque performers, hosted by Stephen Blakley (as JB) and Seamus Fit-It-In (as KG). All your favourite songs of The D will come to life – in the sexiest way possible. Presented by the Geekenders and Kitty Glitter. • Rio Theatre, 1660 E. Broadway • Sept. 1, 8 p.m. • $25/$20
A fun and sexy homage to our favorite princesses, villains and enchanted animals featuring a talented cast that truly is the only wish your heart needs to make. Watch the Magic Kingdom turn topsy-turvy with these wild and wacky tributes. • Rio Theatre, 1660 E. Broadway • Sept. 2, 9 p.m. • $25/$20
Nathan for You: Sneak Peek and Q&A
Host Nathan Fielder appears live and in person to give you a sneak peek of the upcoming season of Nathan for You. The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion. • Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St. • Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m. • $35
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
The stages are set for another year of classic theatre, featuring four classic Shakespeare plays plus a short-run contemporary drama. Together they’ll transport you from a mythical past to modern-day Venice and contemporary Vancouver. • Shows include: Much Ado About Nothing, until Sept. 23 | The Winter’s Tale, until Sept. 22 | The Merchant of Venice, June 22-Sept. 16 | The Two Gentlemen of Verona, until Sept. 17 | Shylock, Sept. 6-15 • Vanier Park • From $21, 604-739-0559
OUTDOORS
Reconnect with your wild-side this summer at Grouse Mountain and go Into the Wild with special activities and learning experiences at the Peak of Vancouver. Get up close with resident grizzly bears or watch a falcon take flight at the Birds in Motion Demonstration. Enjoy lumberjack shows and guided Eco Walks • Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver • 604-980-9311
Celebrating 50 Years of Regional Parks
It’s been 50 years since Metro Vancouver’s regional parks system got its start. Come celebrate with us! There are 14,500 hectares of forests, fields, rivers and beaches to explore. Get a passport, visit regional parks and collect stamps along the way to earn rewards. You could even win a prize!
Take in the amazing natural sights of the Howe Sound and its surrounding mountains on this gondola ride that boasts killer views from 2,700 feet above sea level. • Sea-to-Sky Hwy., Squamish • $13.95-$34.95 or $89.95/family, passes available, 604-892-2551
Explore ways to express your love of nature in different art forms or simply be inspired by the work of others. • Minnekhada Regional Park, meet at the Minnekhada Lodge, Coquitlam • Sept. 3, 1-4 p.m. • Free, 604-432-6359
Nature Walk: A World of Colour
The park’s plants and animals show a marvelous diversity of colours – but what do they all mean? Bring your camera! With veteran naturalist Al Grass, formerly with B.C. Parks. • Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley • Sept. 4, 1-2:30 p.m. • Free, registration required, 604-432-6359
Learn how fish develop from eggs to juvenile stage on a self guided tour, and see salmon making their way upstream during spawning season. • 4500 Capilano Rd., North Van • Free
VanDusen Botanical Garden welcomes ZimCarvings back this summer. Patrick Sephani along with visiting artists will be showcasing works from more than 30 Zimbabwean stone sculptors on the beautiful garden grounds and carving stone sculptures on site. • VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St. • Until Sept. 30
MARKETS
Features more than 60 specialty vendors and 250+ tables of 18th, 19th and 20th century antiques and vintage collectibles. • Kerrisdale Arena, 5670 East Blvd. • Sept. 2 and Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • $7
An outdoor, visual arts market featuring the work of local artists, plus live music, workshops, special events and more. • Britannia Centre, 1661 Napier St. • Sundays, noon-5 p.m. • Free, 604-718-5800
Illumination Summer Night Market
The largest summer lighting show in North America with nine different themes. There are over 300 food and merchandise booths, and 20+ events or performing shows every week. It’s family-friendly with a featured kid’s play zone and VIP lounge. • 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond • Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, gates open at 7 p.m. • $3
This local night market celebrates its 17th season and will be hosting a Canada 150 celebration. Enjoy more than 200 vendor stalls, 500+ food choices from around the globe, live performances and carnival games. • 8351 River Rd., Richmond • Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, gates open at 7 p.m. • $3.75
Come down for great food, art, music, entertainment and shopping. Enjoy a showcase of local items from artisans and makers, live music featuring talent from around B.C., a beer garden pouring local craft beer and 35 food trucks serving locally made food. • East of the SeaBus and the Lonsdale Quay at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue, North Van • Fridays, 5-10 p.m. • Free admission
Farmers Markets: Burnaby/North Shore
Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market: Burnaby City Hall Parking Lot, 4949 Canada Way, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lonsdale Artisan Farmers’ Market, 123 Carrie Cates Ct., North Van. Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m.| Ambleside Artisan Farmers’ Market, 1000 Argyle Ave., West Van. Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Shop local at one of the many Farmers Markets around Vancouver. • Trout Lake, Lakewood Dr. & E 13th Ave., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Thursdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Kitsilano Community Centre, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Main Street Station, 1100 Station Street, Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m. | Dude Chilling Park, Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Riley Park, 30th Ave. & Ontario St., Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | West End, 1100 Comox St., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
