In August there are numerous free events in Metro Vancouver including festivals, Outdoor Movies, markets, parades and Outdoor Summer Concerts.
This year in the Lower Mainland there are art displays to enjoy with the Art Downtown Summer Program. There are also a number of free live music events happening at various venues around the region, including with Live & Local in North Vancouver.
There are also free attractions like Burnaby Village, the Museum of Surrey, Pavilion 374 Train Museum, Shipyard Pals walking tours and Stanley Park, as well as Beaches to hang out at and Nature to explore. August is also a great time to visit Farmers Markets and events like the Shipyards Night Market.
The following is a list of the top free festivals, events and other activities in Vancouver and the surrounding area in August in 2025. Most activities are completely free, although a few are by donation or for a nominal fee.
(Note: Schedules and details are subject to change.)
For lists of other inexpensive things to do, see our articles about Vancouver on a Budget and Lower Mainland Parks and Nature. Other good places to find free activities are Vancouver Outdoor Movies and Free Summer Concerts.
Friday, August 1st (2025)
- Place des Arts’ Summer Theatre Troupe – the arts centre puts on the play Munsch at Play in Coquitlam. It’s free to attend with advanced registration.
- Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
- Live & Local in North Vancouver – free live music takes place today on the North Shore.
- Dance Dance Dance – Vogue dancing at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn which is the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage.
- Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
- Bill Reid Gallery – there is free admission on the first Friday of the month at this Indigenous art gallery from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
- Vancouver Art Gallery – admission to the city’s main art gallery at 750 Hornby Street is free today (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
- Junction Public Market – at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Saturday, August 2nd (2025)
Saturday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Sunday, August 3rd (2025)
Sunday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Monday, August 4th (2025)
- BC Day – various special events take place throughout this August Long Weekend. Click BC Day for details.
- Celebrate BC – a new, family-friendly, multicultural festival celebrating BC’s birthday with live entertainment, food, and other activities in Coquitlam.
- Brigade Days – a special event at Fort Langley National Historic Site. (Note: It’s not free every year, but it is this year.)
- Tsawwassen Sun Festival – a softball tournament and community fair in Delta.
- Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
- Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Tuesday, August 5th (2025)
- Summer Cinema – a free film shows outdoors in Stanley Park.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
- Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
- Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – if it’s sunny, informal drumming happens at Third Beach in the evening.
- Burnaby Summer Stages – free live music and other entertainment takes place today at Confederation Park.
- Junction Public Market – Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer.
- Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Wednesday, August 6th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Thursday, August 7th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Friday, August 8th (2025)
- White Rock Night Market – a monthly event with vendors, food trucks and live music by the promenade in White Rock.
- Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
- Live & Local in North Vancouver – free live music takes place today on the North Shore.
- Dance Dance Dance – Hustle dancing at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn which is the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
- KitsFest – a sports festival at Kitsilano Beach. It features numerous sports competitions and a live DJ.
- Fridays on Front – a night market in New Westminster with vendor stalls, food trucks, live music and more.
- Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage.
- Junction Public Market – at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Lower Mainland Beaches – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Saturday, August 9th (2025)
Saturday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Sunday, August 10th (2025)
Sunday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Monday, August 11th (2025)
- Music on the Wharf – live music in Maple Ridge (with admission by donation).
- Zumba at Canada Place – at Canada Place from 6:00 until 7:00 pm.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Tuesday, August 12th (2025)
- Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
- Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – if it’s sunny, informal drumming happens at Third Beach in the evening.
- Burnaby Summer Stages – free live music and other entertainment takes place today at Confederation Park.
- Summer Cinema – a free film shows outdoors in Stanley Park.
- Junction Public Market – at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer.
- Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Wednesday, August 13th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Thursday, August 14th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Friday, August 15th (2025)
- Ribfest Langley – an event with barbecued rib vendors, a beer garden, child-friendly activities, live music and other entertainment. All you have to pay for is what you eat and drink. Other than that, admission is by donation.
- Symphony in the Park – a free outdoor concert at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford.
- Live & Local in North Vancouver – free live music takes place today on the North Shore.
- Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
- Dance Dance Dance – Swing dancing at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn which is the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
- Fridays on Front – a night market in New Westminster with vendor stalls, food trucks, live music and more.
- Burnaby Summer Cinema – a free movie shows outdoors at Civic Square in Burnaby.
- Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage.
- Junction Public Market – at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
- Chilliwack Mural Festival – murals to admire as well as music and dancing in downtown Chilliwack.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Saturday, August 16th (2025)
- Ribfest Langley – an event with barbecued rib vendors, a beer garden, child-friendly activities, live music and other entertainment. All you have to pay for is what you eat and drink. Other than that, admission is by donation.
- Chilliwack Flight Fest – airplanes and other family-friendly things to see at the Chilliwack Airport.
- Chilliwack Mural Festival – murals to admire as well as music and dancing in downtown Chilliwack.
- PoCo Car Show – a community event that includes a barbecue and classic cars cruising around downtown Port Coquitlam.
- Burnaby Summer Cinema – a free movie shows outdoors at Confederation Park in Burnaby.
- Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage.
- New West Pride – an LGBTQ-themed street party on Columbia Street in New Westminster.
- Squamish Arts Festival – an outdoor event with live music from 4:00 until 11:00 pm.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
Saturday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Sunday, August 17th (2025)
- Ribfest Langley – an event with barbecued rib vendors, a beer garden, child-friendly activities, live music and other entertainment. All you have to pay for is what you eat and drink. Other than that, admission is by donation.
- Shipyard Pals – free walking tours hosted by the Museum of North Vancouver around the Shipyards District.
- Summer Sundays Concerts – live music in the afternoon at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.
- Chilliwack Flight Fest – airplanes and other family-friendly things to see at the Chilliwack Airport.
- PoCo Car Show – lots of fancy vehicles to admire in downtown Port Coquitlam.
- Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage.
Sunday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Monday, August 18th (2025)
- Zumba at Canada Place – at Canada Place from 6:00 until 7:00 pm.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
- Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer.
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
Tuesday, August 19th (2025)
- Summer Cinema – a free film shows outdoors in Stanley Park.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
- Burnaby Summer Stages – free live music and other entertainment takes place today at Confederation Park.
- Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – if it’s sunny, informal drumming happens at Third Beach in the evening.
- Junction Public Market – at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer.
- Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Wednesday, August 20th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Thursday, August 21st (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Friday, August 22nd (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Saturday, August 23rd (2025)
Saturday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Sunday, August 24th (2025)
Sunday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Monday, August 25th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Tuesday, August 26th (2025)
- Summer Cinema – a free film shows outdoors in Stanley Park.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
- Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – if it’s sunny, informal drumming happens at Third Beach in the evening.
- Burnaby Summer Stages – free live music and other entertainment takes place today at Confederation Park.
- Junction Public Market – from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer.
- Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer.
- Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
- Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
- Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
Wednesday, August 27th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Thursday, August 28th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Friday, August 29th (2025)
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Saturday, August 30th (2025)
Saturday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Sunday, August 31st (2025)
Sunday Markets
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
Other Information
For more, check out Vancouver’s Best Places for Summer Activities.
To learn about other things to do this month, including things that aren’t free, check out our August Events Calendar.
For other free activities, see Vancouver’s Best Beaches and the Lower Mainland’s best Parks and Places in Nature.
For other affordable things to do, see Vancouver on a Budget.
To see what’s happening next month, check out the September Calendar of Events.
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