Five things to do this August long weekend
Okay so you’re stuck in the city on the long weekend. Rather than watch the tumbleweed blow down the middle of Main St, head out for a little summer in the city vibe at one of these FREE family-friendly events.
Brigade Days at Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada
August 5, 2017 – August 7, 2017
FREE admission to the Fort for Canada 150!
Explore the encampment of Hudson’s Bay Company workers, Indigenous traders, Royal Engineers, Métis trappers and more as they swap stories, play music, and show off traditional skills. The weekend features many re-enactors from around the area dressed in period costume. Don’t miss the “Arrival of the Fur Brigades” canoe re-enactment with a Kwantlen welcome at the river at 1 pm on August 7.
Share your photos of the event using #Canada150 and #FortLangleyNHS.
The Powell Street Festival
Saturday August 5 – Sunday August 6, 2017
The largest Japanese Canadian festival in the country and the longest running community arts celebration in Vancouver (41 years string!). See the new interactive installation “Macro Maki,” a special presentation on Japan’s Third Gender, a panel with two of Haruki Murakami’s top translators, and a performance by the fusion duo George and Noriko, a Japanese blues cowboy and Tsugaru samisen player from Melbourne.
Location: Oppenheimer Park and surrounding venues
Honda Celebration of Light 2017
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Fireworks start at 10:00 pm
Location: English Bay
If the kids are up for a late and exciting night, Vancouver’s massively popular fireworks festival shoots off its final display on Saturday at English Bay with Canada as the finale performance. This year, teams from the Japan, The UK and Canada compete for top honours so head down (EARLY) and cheer Canada on! In addition, there’s a festival before the fireworks display including a dazzling airshow, free music and a Family Zone located by the Second Beach playground and pool with a bouncy castle, games, face paint, and more. Open from 2:00 – 9:00 pm.
Harmony Arts Festival
Friday August 4 – Sunday August 13, 2017
West Vancouver waterfront
The family-friendly Harmony Arts Festival is 10-day open-air celebration of art, music and food along the waterfront in West Vancouver. Enjoy kids drop-in art workshops, art exhibitions, concerts and family-oriented activities for only $2 a head. Kids will love the waterfront location and when the activities are too much, there’s John Lawson Park, home to a top-notch water park and playground and, of course the beach!
Sunset Beach Pride Festival / Parade
Sunday August 6, 2017
Sunset Beach
Celebrate Pride at the annual Sunset Beach Festival. This event brings together thousands of people in the LGBTQ2+ community and their allies for a day of fun festivities. There will be music and entertainment the main stage, a the Vendor Village, and Family Fun Zone. Stay and take in the festival for the whole day, or pop by after watching the colourful parade, which takes place at noon.
The West End is incredibly busy on Pride Sunday; walk, take transit, or #RidetoPride and park your bike at our by-donation bike valet.
Happy long weekend everyone!
