Summer break may be half over, but that doesn’t mean August is doom and gloom. In fact, it is just the opposite! Kick your family fun activities into high gear and leave Summer 2023 behind on a high note. My family is working through our Summer Fun Bucket List at the moment, and we can’t wait to check off a few more in August. If your plans have changed and you need some last-minute activities for your child, have a look at our Summer Camp Guide for some great options.
Theatre Under the Stars is a quintessential summertime activity in Vancouver. This year, the hilarious and heartwarming Matilda: The Musical will make you believe in the power of magic and leave you feeling powerful beyond measure. The child actors are beyond amazing and the production value is top-notch. If you have teens in your family or you’re looking for a date night out, make sure to catch The Prom.
Bubble Tea Passport: If you love bubble tea, you won’t want to miss this inaugural festival. For the first year ever, vendors and business around Metro Vancouver are participating in a Bubble Tea Passport with unique concoctions popping up around the city. See how many you can try from August 1-14.
Tsawwassen Sun Festival returns for the BC Day long weekend (August 5-7). All of the pre-covid events are back: pancake breakfast, parade, sports tournaments, and more!
Harmony Arts Festival (August 4- 13) takes over Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. Enjoy FREE musical entertainment, foodie events, and loads of kid’s workshops for cheap.
Dumpling Festival: After an incredibly successful first year, the Dumpling Festival (August 12) is back and bigger than before! Featuring new flavours, vendors, and increased capacity, this year the organizers are excited to welcome the hungry crowds.
Chilliwack Fair: For 150 years the Chilliwack Fair has been entertaining families in the Fraser Valley. Don’t miss this year’s celebration (August 11-13). Buy your tickets ahead of time to save money.
Music on the Wharf: This fun community event has been running in Maple Ridge since 1997. There are 2 free concerts to enjoy in August (August 14 & 28). Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.
Richmond Maritime Festival: The Richmond Maritime Festivaleturns to the Britannia Shipyards August 26 & 27. The FREE family-friendly festival includes live music, roving performers, visual artists, stilt walkers, puppets, storytellers, and dancers plus wooden boat displays.
PNE Fair: August and PNE are basically synonymous. Every year, thousands of Vancouverites flock to the PNE Fair for the great entertainment, incredible food, interesting vendors, and all activities that come along with this annual tradition. If you want to save some money on admission, find out how here.
Free Summer Festivals: Summertime is the perfect season for community gatherings and outdoor festivals, and fortunately, there are plenty still happening in August!
Spray Parks: Don’t forget that the water spray parks turn off in September! Pack a picnic, slather on sunscreen, and explore a new park as a family. The outdoor pools are also open for the summer months.
Summer Farmers Markets: If fresh berries and locally grown food are on your mind, plan to visit one of these fabulous farmers’ markets. Almost every farmers’ market is open and there are TONS of them all across the Lower Mainland.
For a complete listing of all the best events around Metro Vancouver, click on our calendar,
and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, and Instagram.
