Fall in Vancouver: When it starts, weather outlook & free things to do in the city

Fall is truly one of the most beautiful times of year in British Columbia, and there are tons to look forward to if you live in and around Vancouver. Vibrant colours, fall markets, pumpkin carving, and cozier weather – we’re mere weeks away from the change in seasons, so why not embrace it?!

Here’s a glimpse into the season ahead.

When does fall start?

The Farmers’ Almanac says that September is a critical month for harvesting crops in the Northern Hemisphere, and as such, the Harvest Moon is recognized as a turning point in the change of seasons.

Considered the last full moon before the Autumn Equinox, the Harvest Moon takes place on Tuesday, September 17th at 10:34 pm ET.

The first official day of fall occurs days later on Sunday, September 22nd at 8:44 am EDT.

When does Daylight Saving end in 2024?

Yes, the dreaded daylight saving time is observed throughout much of Canada, starting on March 10th this year. That means that, inevitably, we’ll have to ‘fall back’ an hour and get used to earlier sunsets.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Canadians who do recognize DST should set a reminder to adjust their watches and microwaves on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at 2 am local time.

What to expect for fall weather?

The Weather Network’s fall forecast predicts that autumn weather will be “slower” than what we see across most of Canada, though in BC, we can expect “near normal temperatures.”

While the Peace region and the Rockies will see a milder start to fall, the south coast is expected to have “above normal” precipitation. So it’s a good time to dig out your heavy-duty rain gear!

On the plus side, this should lead to a much stronger start to the ski season compared to last year, according to the forecast.

FREE things to do in Vancouver this fall

Ready to embrace all the season has to offer? We’re with you and there are tons of free fall markets, shows, and annual attractions in and around the city to check out.

Vancouver Etsy Co – Fall Pop-Up Market 

Okay, this one’s the day before the first day of fall, but we’re including it because what better way to ring in the season than with Vancouver Etsy Co?! The fall pop-up market is completely free to enter, so you have a bit more to spend on the array of handcrafted gifts, pottery, jewelry, fall decor, and more.

When: Saturday, September 21st
Where: 800 Robson Street

DTES Heart of the City Festival

The 21st annual DTES Heart of the City Fest will feature over 100 local events guided by the common theme of ‘Threads of Connection,’ including live music, stories, poetry, theatre, ceremony, films, dance, readings, forums, workshops, discussions, gallery exhibits, art talks, history walks and more.

When: Wednesday, October 30th to Monday, November 10th
Where: 401 Main Street

Eastside Culture Crawl

The beloved and iconic Eastside Culture Crawl is back this year with hundreds of presenting artists with open studios across Vancouver’s Eastside. So get ready to see and support the work of a variety of artists across all mediums, from paintings and sculptures and pottery to mixed media, furniture, and much more.

When: Thursday, November 14th to Sunday, November 17th
Where: Venues at Columbia Street, First Avenue, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront

Fall Market at Heritage Hall 

From 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 29th, Heritage Hall will transform into a fall market featuring a variety of items from women-owned businesses.

When: Sunday, October 29th
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free admission

Check out a free museum 

High admission fees can be a barrier for many looking to access the local art and history scenes, so we thought we’d share some spots around the city that offer a unique look into new artistic perspectives free of charge.

Where: See our picks above

Fort Langley Night Market

From Island Jerky to Kona Ice from Chilliwack, to kettle corn, to vintage finds from Urban Vintage, there are tons of exciting things you’ll find at the Fort Langley Night Markets, which are officially back for 2024 starting Friday, June 28th. Admission is free, and shoppers can expect to enjoy live entertainment as they peruse the market.

When: Every Friday this September
Where: 9025 Glover Road, Langley Township

So there you have it, Vancouver. We hope this gets you excited to welcome the season ahead!