Things to do over the August Long Weekend in Metro Vancouver
This August Long Weekend there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy! Delight the kids with cotton candy, a slushie, and a spin on the teacup rides at Playland. Relax at the beach, capture beautiful moments at a Corn festival, explore local festivals, or visit one of the many beautiful lakes. With so many options, this August BC Day Long Weekend promises endless fun and adventure!
August Long Weekend family friendly summer outings in Metro Vancouver
Go to a Festival
- Powell Street Festival (FREE)
This event, now in its 49th year, is a free celebration of Japanese arts, culture, and community. The park and surrounding streets will feature Japanese food vendors, a craft market, and two outdoor stages.
>>August 2-3, 2025, 1130am – 7pm, Oppenheimer Park and surrounding area in Vancouver - Harmony Arts Festival
Sponsored by Odlum Brown, the highly anticipated Harmony Arts Festival is a free vibrant event where you will immerse yourself in a rich array of experiences, including free live music performances that will fill the air with diverse melodies. The festival also celebrates the visual arts, showcasing an impressive collection of artwork from talented local and regional artists
>>August 1-10, 2025, Millennium Park, 1564 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver,
>> To view times of the festival for each day CLICK HERE - White Rock Sea Festival & Semiahmoo Days (FREE)
Join the 74th annual White Rock Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days, a spectacular event offering free entertainment and activities for the whole family. This beloved tradition features a lively parade that winds through the streets, captivating performances on multiple stages, and a dedicated kids’ zone packed with fun and engaging activities. As the day turns to night, the sky will come alive with a breathtaking fireworks display, creating a magical experience for all ages.
>> August 2 – 3, 2025, Memorial Park, East Beach & Semiahmoo Park (White Rock)
>> To view the schedule of the event CLICK HERE - Vancouver Pride and Parade
Get ready for an unforgettable Pride Weekend as Vancouver Pride returns with the Canada Pride Parade, attracting over 100,000 attendees! Led by Host Nations, this vibrant event brings together local community groups, non-profits, businesses, and more, all proudly supporting the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities. With four accessible viewing zones, witness the city come alive with colorful floats, lively marching bands, and community partner groups, transforming Vancouver into a stunning celebration of love, music, and art.
>> August 3, 1pm-330pm, Takes place along Pacific Blvd in Vancouver - BC Square Dance Festival
Looking for something lively and unique to check out this BC Day long weekend? The BC Square Dance Festival is the perfect stop! Spectators are welcome to come and enjoy the fun – totally free. Watch dancers in colourful outfits twirl and swing to a variety of music from across Canada and the US. It’s a joyful celebration of community, culture, and tradition – and a great way to learn about BC’s official provincial dance. Whether you’re just passing through or live in the area, this vibrant event is a treat for all ages. Come for the music, stay for the good vibes!
>> July, 31- August 2, 2025, 130pm-10pm, Langley Secondary, 56 Avenue, Langley, BC - Chilliwack Corn Festival At Greendale Acres
The Chilliwack Corn Festival is back and it’s bringing all the farm fun, live music, and fresh, juicy corn you can handle! Held at the beloved Chilliwack Corn Maze, this weekend-long celebration is packed with good times and summer vibes. Guests can join in on classic corn shucking and corn eating contests—free with admission and first-come, first-serve! There’s also face painting for the kiddos, and the festival grounds will be fully licensed for the grown-ups to enjoy a cold drink while taking in the fun. Live music fills the air all weekend long with performances by incredible local talent.
>> August 2-4, 2025, Greendale Acres,
General Admission is required to enter. $18/ Children 2 & under and seniors 75+ free, For more information CLICK HERE
Watch a Musical or Theatre performance
- Theatre Under the Stars
Spend a memorable evening with the family at Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in Stanley Park—an unforgettable Vancouver summer tradition! This year’s lineup features the whimsical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the high-energy musical Legally Blonde—two must-see shows that are perfect for all ages.
Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and get cozy under the stars for a night of music, laughter, and outdoor theatre magic. It’s the perfect long weekend outing for the whole family!
Shows happening for the long weekend. View here for the schedule - A Peter Rabbit Tale Musical & Summer Garden Fair
Looking for a charming show to enjoy with the kids this long weekend? CTORA Theatre presents A Peter Rabbit Tale—a delightful musical adventure based on Beatrix Potter’s beloved stories. With catchy songs, whimsical costumes, and a heartwarming message, this playful production is perfect for the whole family.
Make it a full-day outing with CTORA’s Summer Garden Fair, featuring fun activities, vendors, and photo ops with your favourite woodland characters. A must-see experience for little theatre lovers!
>> Shows are open for the long weekend. View here for the schedule and tickets
- Place Des Arts Summer Theatre – Munsch at Play
This engaging stage production brings some of Robert Munsch’s most beloved tales to life, including Stephanie’s Ponytail, Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess, Mud Puddle, and Murmel, Murmel, Murmel. Filled with humour, heart, and unforgettable characters, this show is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the magic of live theatre.
Even better? Admission is free—just be sure to register in advance to save your seats. Register today for August 1, 2, 3,
Visit Playland
Whose ready for mini donuts and a dizzying array of colourful rides? BC’s most iconic amusement park is wide open for another season of family fun, thrills, games, attractions, and good mood food! The weather has been good so it can be crowded. Masks are optional and most food kiosks are open.
>> Get your tickets here
Hit the waterparks or water adventure parks
Waterparks are irresistible for kids, and a great way for adults to unleash their inner child. Grab the floaties, and head to these swirling, twirling parks around the city.
Go jump in a lake
There’s nothing more Canadian than a plunge in a fresh, cool lake, and there are plenty in and around Vancouver. Things are opening up so it’s a perfect time to explore outdoor spaces this summer and enjoy the fresh water.
Pick berries
Take the kids out to a U-pick so they can enjoy the satisfaction of picking their own food, pat some barnyard animals, run around in the playground and maybe even dig into some ice cream and berries.
Suit up for a day at the beach
A day at the beach with the right equipment and a whole lotta snacks, hats and sunscreen is a summer must for the fam. Luckily we have some of the best beaches around whether you live in downtown Vancouver, Tsawassen or Surrey.
Take a ferry day trip
A beautiful 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get a feel for quiet island life close to the city. You’ll find little shops, restaurants, a few historic buildings, beaches, and family-friendly hikes (a walk around Killarney Lake is a must).
