While it may seem like the middle of September wouldn't be a busy weekend in Vancouver, that's not entirely true.
From the arrival of the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival to the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival to the UBC Farm Fair, there really is something for anyone this weekend as long as the person is looking to leave the house.
A word of warning though, there could be some showers or even a thunderstorm this Saturday.
Here are the events you can check out in and around Vancouver this weekend from Sept. 13 to Sept. 15.
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Tom Segura headlines this three-day stand-up festival in Stanley Park, featuring the likes of Bobby Lee (formerly of Mad TV) and Theo Von (who just sat down for a chat with Donald Trump).
While it is a series of stand-up comedians, the set is akin to music festivals, with food trucks, merch, and people sitting in fold-up chairs.
Given it's taking place in Stanley Park, where parking can be limited, those going should consider grabbing a bus, since there'll be extra service on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Cost: Tickets range from $49 (for general admission to the Sunday show) to $310 (for suite seats on Friday night)
Where: Brockton Point, Stanley Park
When: Gates open at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Shows start an hour after doors.
Mid-Autumn Moon Celebration
The Chinese Canadian Museum and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden are teaming up with the H.R MacMillan Space Centre for a special celebration of the moon mixing traditional Chinese dance, moon gazing, and more at the Kitsilano centre.
"Join us for an evening of cosmic cultural discovery including mooncake tasting, arts & crafts and don’t miss our featured presentation at the Planetarium’s Star Theatre, Exploring the Moon, followed by moongazing at the Gordon Southam Observatory (weather permitting)," reads a press release about the event.
Cost: $25 for adult tickets; discounts available.
When: Friday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m
Where: H. R. MacMillan Space Centre - 1100 Chestnut St.
UBC Farm Fall Fair
While the UBC Farm regularly holds farmers markets throughout the summer on Saturdays, this time they're going a bit beyond that.
Along with 40 vendors, there will be live music and fun activities for kids.
There's also a pie contest followed by a public pie tasting (tasting is by donation until pies run out).
Cost: Free
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: UBC Farm - 3461 Ross Dr.
Japan Market Fall Festival
More than 70 vendors will be gathered for two days in the rink at Robson Square offering up food, crafts and other merchandise from or inspired by Japan.
There will also be performances by Japanese musicians and dance and martial arts groups, including one focusing on choreographed stage combat.
There will also be Samurai on site for anyone looking to stage a photo.
Cost: $4 in advance, $5 day of
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Robson Square Ice Rink - 800 Robson St.
Bits and Bobs Sale
More than 40 local makers and vendors will be gathering for an unusual sale in Mount Pleasant.
Bits and Bobs is the chance for unusual finds as samples, items with blemishes, extra supplies, one-off pieces and more hit the marketplace as artists and others clear out their studios and storage areas.
"Shop sustainably and recycle some of the important parts of each participating small business, items that they have accumulated in closets, studios, and under the bed that are ready to be shared with someone who can use them!" writes the organizers.
Cost: $3.81 (after fees and taxes)
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall - 3102 Main St.
Fire Dragon Festival
Vancouver's Chinatown will be visited by the Fire Dragon this weekend.
Throughout the day there will be a variety of activities, from puppet storytelling to zine-making to a Qilin unicorn dance. However, the main event starts at the end, around 7 p.m. and may surprise people wandering through Chinatown.
"The main event will see the Fire Dragon with its glowing embers snaking its way through the streets of Chinatown. Follow the dragon and the team of hardworking performers as it twists and turns to the beat of our drums," reads the event's website.
Its path will run from Carrall Street, to Keefer and then to Columbia Street's Chinatown Memorial Plaza.
Cost: Free
Where: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
When: Chinatown Plaza Mall - 180 Keefer St.
ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl/Come Toward the Fire
A full-day, family-friendly and free event is taking place at UBC this weekend as the Indigenous-led Come Toward the Fire takes place.
It'll be a busy day with two stages featuring 16 performances, skateboarding demos, 17 film screenings and more.
“In our culture, fire is the centre of our longhouses, where our ceremonial work takes place. Being called ‘toward the fire’ is a call to join us in this celebration of Indigenous talent and creative expression," says xwməθkwəyəm (Musqueam) Chief Wayne Sparrow in a press release.
Cost: Free
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from noon to 7 p.m.
Where: UBC's Chan Centre for the Performing Arts - 6265 Crescent Rd
Bike the Night
In a very Vancouver event HUB Cycling has organized a nighttime bike ride around the seawall, encouraging people to get creative with bright and flashy costumes.
The event is split into a couple of heats, as 800 riders are expected to participate in the 10 km ride.
The route loops around most of False Creek, so many who aren't participating could spot this group as they cycle past Science World, Granville Island and over the Burrard Bridge.
Cost: $25
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 5–10 p.m.
Where: Kicks off at David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Blvd. before riding
Red Cat Records 22nd Anniversary
The long-time indie record store is celebrating 22 years this weekend.
Throughout the day they'll be having a sale at their Mount Pleasant store, but the party will move down the street in the evening as a free night of music has been organized at Hero's Welcome.
There Thermin Man, Frog Eyes, and Carolyn Mark and Her New Best Friends will take the stage (and there's no cover).
Cost: Free
When: Show at Hero's Welcome starts at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14.
Where: Red Cat Records (4386 Main St) and Hero's Welcome (3917 Main St)
Main Street Car Free Day
The second of two Car Free Days in Vancouver takes over a long piece of Main Street this weekend, creating a 20-block festival.
It'll feature six stages of performances, a flashmob sing-a-long and a drag show, along with vendors and community group booths.
Cost: Free
When: Sunday, Sept. 15 from noon-7 p.m.
Where: Main Street between East 10th and East 30th avenues
Ongoing
Vancouver International Flamenco Festival
The sounds and sights of southern Spain will be spread out through the city this September.
Performers from Spain and across Canada are headed to the city for performances and classes in traditional performances, music and dance.
Highlights include two nights (Sept. 13 and 14) from the Compañía Marco Flores at the Vancouver Playhouse with a theatrical performance inspired by the writer Julio Cortázar's novel Rayuela (Hopscotch) followed by the same performers playing a more intimate musical show on Sept. 15 at the St. James Community Square.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
When: Sept. 12-22
Where: Venues include the Vancouver Playhouse, St James Community Square and Granville Island's Waterfront Theatre.
Vancouver Fringe Festival
This year's Fringe Festival features everything from a "Smut Slam" with real-life sex stories to the False Tour of False Creek featuring a "Completely Believable and Not-At-All-Full-Of-Baloney skipper," to "Portraits of Solitude" - described as "a one act absurdist dramedy about Amara, a writer during COVID-19 lockdown, attempting to finish her novel."
“Fringing” is about celebrating "independent and emerging artistry, bringing together community, and breaking down the barriers between artists and audiences."
Oddballs and outcasts are welcome to let their freak flags fly.
When: Sept. 5-15, various times
Where: 203 - 1398 Cartwright St, Granville Island
Cost: $15 - $18 with $3 fee
Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival
The festival celebrating the Renfrew Ravine, Harvest Moon and local arts has a variety of events occurring throughout September.
While it culminates with a lantern-lit parade on Sept. 21, there's a variety of events the weeks before, including a morning birdwatching tour on Sept. 14 and a special walk of the park's labyrinth the evening of Thursday, Sept. 17.
Cost: Most events are free, though some require registration or fees.
When: Sept. 7–21
Where: Most events are at or near Renfrew Ravine Park, though locations do vary.
Richmond Night Market
The annual Richmond Night Market invites attendees to enter the enchanting world of “Summer Sweet Dragon" at the largest night market in North America.
Visitors can enjoy over 600 international food options and 110 retail booths featuring trendy fashion, unique finds, and artisanal crafts.
Live performances include musicians, dance troupes, martial arts demonstrations, and more.
When: Now through Oct. 20, Fridays through Sundays
Where: 8351 River Road – One block from Canada Line's Bridgeport Station, Richmond
Cost: General admission: $8.50; Zoom pass (fast pass): $40. Seniors and kids under seven are free.
Junction Public Market
The city has a new waterfront container market to enjoy drinks, eats, shopping, and live music over the summer.
Food options include everything from bao buns to Focacciaza, Meiggo Eggo to Yo-Bones BBQ, and more.
When: Now through Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Where: Granville Square - 200 Granville St
Cost: Free
Bard on the Beach
The Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival’s 35th season kicked off this week in Vancouver and will run into the end of summer with daily performances.
The festival's white tents house guests in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park where they can see a few of the Bard's most beloved plays, including Twelfth Night, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, and Measure for Measure.
The festival will also feature special events, including family nights, Wine Wednesdays, Talkback Tuesdays, a Relaxed Performance, and more.
When: Daily from June 11 - Sept. 21
Where: Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park - 1695 Whyte Ave
Tickets: Regular prices range from $30 to $88 but cost more for special events. Get tickets.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross, Brendan Kergin, and Prisca Tang.
