Whether you’re staying in the city this weekend or down to venture out to Langley or Richmond, there’s plenty to do that will have you in the summer mood. RibFest is back, Superflux Beer is celebrating its anniversary, and there’s a new Italian celebration on the Drive, among much more. Here are 11 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (Aug 15-17).
The second Portobello West Summer Market is on at VanDusen this weekend! Guests will find 39 top-notch B.C. artists, designers, and producers, all with their own creations available for purchase. Pair that with an afternoon surrounded by the lush beauty at the botanical garden, and you’ve got the perfect summer day.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 5251 Oak St.
Cost: Free admission
Italian Day on the Drive might be over, but it’s not the last Italian-focused celebration in the area! This weekend, the new Little Italy Piazza (Commercial & Kitchener, beside Livia Bakery) is transforming for an afternoon of live DJ sets, Livia cookies, and gelato from Dolce Amore. There will also be face painting and games for the whole family to enjoy.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Little Italy Piazza (Commercial & Kitchener, beside Livia)
Cost: Free admission
GranVino is a walkable wine-tasting event in South Granville, featuring over 20 curated stops including boutiques, galleries, concept stores, and restaurants.
Guests enjoy up to 15 tastings of B.C. wines, ciders, and spirits, paired with exclusive in-store experiences.
It’s more than a wine event — it’s a celebration of local creativity, community, and the vibrant culture of the neighbourhood. It showcases B.C.’s best wineries and distilleries alongside South Granville’s unique mix of art, fashion, and design.
Each ticket includes 15 tastings at over 20 stops, a limited-edition tasting cup and tote, access to the wine garden-turned plaza, and exclusive in-store promos and giveaways.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: South Granville (From Granville Bridge to 16th)
Cost: $75+ fees
RibFest is back and better than ever with three days of tasty BBQ, live music, and community. McLeod Athletic Park in Langley will become home to the festival’s famous Ribbers, among other great bites, as well as a variety of live entertainment.
When: Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 8 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 21405 56th Ave., Langley
Cost: Entry by donation
It’s your last chance to check out this year’s stellar Theatre Under the Stars program, which features the stories of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde at the Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park.
When: Until Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $35 to $69
Superflux is celebrating five years in its East Van location with a huge day party on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, complete with live DJs, an outdoor dance floor, and plenty of local beer collabs to sip on.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: 505 Clark Dr.
Cost: Free admission
Calling all garlic lovers! The Richmond Garlic Fest is on at Terra Nova Rural Park in Richmond this Saturday, and you can bet it’ll be packed with garlicky eats galore.
There will also be plenty of live entertainment, local makers, and unique demos like birds of prey flying demonstrations to keep the fun going. Don’t forget to grab a scoop of garlic ice cream!
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 2771 Westminster Hwy., Richmond
Cost: Entry by donation
Cap off your week with a couple of free outdoor concerts in North Van! The Live and Local Summer Concert Series brings free community experiences to outdoor sites across North Vancouver, including a concert by Kickdrive on Thursday, Aug. 14 and one by Big Easy Funk Ensemble on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.
When: Thursday, Aug. 14 and Friday, Aug. 15, 2025
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Outdoor locations across North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
The 2025 Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is in full swing, and you can check out one of four iconic productions: Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], and The Dark Lady.
When: Until Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1695 Whyte Ave.
Cost: $35 to $88 per person
Gastown Sunday Set is a car-free series that’s transformed the cobblestone streets of Gastown into a pedestrian haven. For 12 consecutive Sundays this summer, there will be a variety of open-air parties, concerts, and live events to check out.
When: Every Sunday until Aug. 31, 2025
Time: Varies per event
Where: Water Street in Gastown
Cost: Free admission
The beloved Richmond Night Market is in its 25th year, complete with hundreds of international street food booths, local retail vendors, and a first-of-its-kind zipline.
When: Open 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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