Labour Day weekend: the bittersweet finale of summer. School, work, and routines loom, but it’s your last chance for outdoor swims, one final Coaster ride at Playland/PNE, festivals, and more. Embrace these fun family ideas to close summer on a high note.
Things to do this Labour Day Weekend in Metro Vancouver
Close out the PNE
Last chance to hit the Fair or take a dizzying spin on an amusement ride because the messy colourful PNE/Playland Fest winds up on Labour Day with farm animals, SuperDogs and rides for big and small.
ArtFest
ArtFest is happening this weekend. This event is for all families. Kids get to actually try things: drums, violin, guitar, ballroom dancing, even hockey skills training, alongside outdoor nature play and hands-on art and music (there’s even a program for the 3 and 4 year old crowd). Grab a Kona Ice or some HK-style soft serve while the kids bounce between stations, and let them find the thing that sticks.
When: September 5 & 6, 2026
Time: 11am-7pm
Where: Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park 8331 Cambie Road, Richmond, BC
>> Full schedule is at art-fest.ca.
Climb aboard a mini train
Bear Creek Park Train
Climb aboard the miniature train at Bear Creek Park in Surrey. This charming 10 minute adventure, on Eddy the train will lead you through themed tunnels, forests, and over bridges. Kids can even give the whistle a toot! It’s open all long weekend from 10am – 5pm, $7 a ride and under 2 years old are free. And if you have time for mini golf too try it out for $7.
Burnaby Central Railway
All aboard for family fun at the Burnaby Central Railway! Tucked inside Confederation Park, this unique 1/8-scale ride-on miniature railway is run by passionate volunteers from the BC Society of Model Engineers. Hop on for a 10-minute ride through the woods complete with tunnels, bridges, and spirals—perfect for kids and adults alike. With hand-built steam engines that puff just like the real thing, along with electric and diesel locomotives, every visit feels like an adventure.
Open Labour Day Long weekend,
Time: 10am- 5pm (last ticket sales 430pm)
Where: : 120 N Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Cost: $5 for a single ride, all passengers 3 years old and up
Snap a pic in sunflower field
Head to the valley for a wander through massive fields of towering sunflowers for one final summer shot of the fam. This fest boasts five-plus acres of more than a dozen varieties of peak-season sunflowers in varying shades of yellow, orange and red. Also there are loads of insta-spots (think swings, tractors and the like) and fun for the kids.
>> Sunflower festivals in Metro Vancouver
Take one last plunge
Most of our spectacular outdoor pools close after Labour Day. So take the kids for a final glorious swim at one of these pools: Maple Grove, Kits, New Brighton or and Second Beach. (Water parks will remain open until September 30 and are another great (and free) way to cool off.) You must book your slot online the day before and arrive swim ready.
Summer Discovery Days – Fraser River Discovery Centre (New Westminster)
Celebrate the Labour Day long weekend with Summer Discovery Days at the Fraser River Discovery Centre (August 30–September 1). Families can dive into hands-on activities exploring how our daily choices impact the Fraser River, from learning about water turbidity and its effect on wildlife to discovering how plastic pollution harms animals. Kids will love storytime, myth-busting fun, and a playful recycling stacking game. Programs run daily from 10:00am–4:00pm, with special activities scheduled throughout the day—making it the perfect way to wrap up summer with learning, play, and discovery by the river.
When: September 1-5, 10am-4pm
Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC
Cost for admission: Here is where to see the rates
TaiwanFest
Over Labour Day weekend, downtown Vancouver will once again come alive as the beloved Taiwan Fest returns, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant celebration.
From August 30 to September 1, Granville Street and the šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square by the Vancouver Art Gallery will be buzzing with activity. As the clock strikes noon each day, the festival springs to life with a lively beer garden, tempting food stalls, and an array of market vendors offering unique finds. It’s a weekend where culture, cuisine, and community come together, inviting everyone to join in the festivities, the theme this year is Echoes of the Ocean.
When: September 5-7, Various times
Location: Downtown Vancouver, Granville Street and he šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square by the Vancouver Art Gallery
>> More details about Taiwan Fest
Vancouver Car Free Day on Commercial Drive
Wrap up summer with a lively celebration at Car Free Day Vancouver on Commercial Drive. This free community event invites everyone to ditch the car and enjoy a vibrant street festival filled with live performances, family-friendly games and activities, tasty local eats, refreshing drinks, and community showcases. It’s a perfect way to spend the day connecting with friends, neighbours, and the city in a fun, eco-friendly way.
When: September 5, 2026 (Grandview to 1st Avenue)
Time: 12pm-5pm
Cost: Free
Crave Halal Fest
Crave Halal Fest is back in Surrey, and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Think halal food vendors, local shops and artisans, community groups, live entertainment, and activities for the kids, all in one spot. Thousands are expected to turn out across the two days, so it’s a great one to plan for if you’re in the Surrey area this long weekend.
When: September 5-6, 2026
Time: 11am-9pm (Saturday), 11am-730pm (Sunday)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza,13450 104 Ave, Surrey, BC
Cost: Free
Our Neck of The Woods Festival
Head out to Maple Ridge’s Memorial Peace Park for the annual Our Neck of the Woods Festival. It covers the whole downtown core, not just the park. Expect live music on two stages, a food truck alley, craft beer from The Patch Brewing, a Shop Maple Ridge Market, a car-free street party on 224th, and a dedicated family zone. Bring a blanket to sit on since chairs aren’t allowed onsite, and dogs are welcome.
When: September 5, 2026
Time: 2pm-10pm
Where: Memorial Peace Park and the Downtown Core, Maple Ridge
Cost: Free
