10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (Aug. 7-9)

Who’s ready for a weekend that’s jam-packed with street festival energy? Summer is not over yet, and Vancouver is here to show it. From Light Up Chinatown to Pleasant Day Festival to a medieval-themed night out on the town, here are 10 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend (Aug. 7-9).

For one night only, The Cobalt is transforming for a medieval-themed fantasy night (courtesy of A Fairytale in Vanshire) that’s full of live entertainment, flowing mead, knights, local vendors, and whimsy.

When: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 917 Main St. 
Cost: $20 per person

For one day only this August, Main Street is shutting down and transforming for the second annual Pleasant Day Festival, which will stretch from East 16th Avenue to East King Edward. Live performances by local talent will take place across not one, but four stages, with plenty of pop-ups and interactive zones fit for all ages.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Main Street and East 16th Avenue to East King Edward Street
Cost: Free admission

Two days of all-ages fun are coming to Vancouver’s historic Chinatown this weekend, complete with incredible food and drink vendors, live music and dancing, and plenty of cool activations and prizes.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and until 5 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 500 Block of Columbia Street
Cost: Free admission

Known for titles like “Dream Woman” and “Notting Hill,’ beloved indie pop artist Suki Waterhouse is bringing The Loveland Tour to the Orpheum this weekend.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 601 Smithe St. 
Cost: $76.25

Hosted by Vancouver’s Vine Arts Society, this annual festival celebrates artists who are working towards land, water, and relational justice through their works. The 2026 iteration is all about transformation, exploring what is becoming visible that society is told not to look at. A series of free events (concerts, performances, workshops, etc.) is coming to parks and beaches across the city during the festival’s duration that you’ll want to check out.

When: Until Aug. 15
Time: Varies per event
Where: Parks and beaches across Vancouver
Cost: Free

Organized by the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS), Gastown Sunday Set creates numerous third spaces for people to connect, whether it’s at a drag show, a dance battle, or a live mural painting. With events slated for Sundays all summer long, there’s plenty to discover here.

This weekend, there’s a live art battle and open-air art crawl to check out!

When: July 5 to Sept. 6, 2026
Time: 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Water Street in Gastown 
Cost: Free admission

West Vancouver’s beloved annual Harmony Arts Fest is back with two weekends of artisan vendors, cultural programming, live music, and tasty food.

When: Friday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Ambleside Beach and locations across West Vancouver
Cost: Free admission, free and ticketed concerts

The iconic Shakespeare comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor is kicking off this year’s Bard on the Beach program, set in the community athletic centre of a (fictional) Vancouver suburb that happens to be obsessed with soccer. There are also a handful of other Shakespeare-inspired productions to keep an eye out for if you’re ready to check out what’s onstage next: Macbeth (now until Sept. 18, Goblin:Oedipus (now until Sept. 19), and Antigone (now until Sept. 18).

When: Shows throughout July, August, and September
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1695 Whyte St.
Cost: $30 to $103 per person, depending on seating

This summer, two beloved musicals known for their feel-good music and inspiring storylines take the stage at Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl. Theatre Under the Stars is officially back for its 86th year of live theatre, showcasing Sister Act and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

When: Friday, July 3 to Aug. 22, 2026
Time: Various showtimes
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $35 to $69 for GA

The zipline is back, the less-than-$10 happy hour items are back, and tons of exciting new attractions await at this year’s Richmond Night Market.

When: Opens Friday, April 24, 2026, operates Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 for GA

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