Vancouver kicks off Labour Day long weekend with a rich tapestry of cultural celebrations, from the massive Taiwanfest takeover downtown to the vibrant Nikkei Matsuri Japanese summer festival in Burnaby.
You can also make the most of the final stretch of summer with golden hour yacht cruises, beachside plant-based feasts, or cozy evening board game meetups.
1. Board Game Night
The Board Game Night is a relaxed Friday evening designed for meeting new people through board games and genuine conversation.
Guests can enjoy a curated selection of games, casual small-group rotations, and a cozy café atmosphere without forced icebreakers or speed dating.
With a low-cost admission and café snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase, it’s an easygoing way to connect and have fun.
Date: September 4, 2026
Address: 426 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1L1
Cost: $10
2. Sunset Boat Social
The Sunset Boat Social is a three-hour private yacht experience designed for meeting new people, making connections, and enjoying Vancouver’s golden hour.
Guests can enjoy welcome bubbles, a Japanese-inspired cocktail, light snacks, music, photos, and small goodies from local businesses while cruising the waterfront.
With an intentionally intimate group size, it’s a relaxed and social evening where you can connect, chat, and enjoy a memorable night on the water.
Date: September 4, 2026
Address: 750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $108
3. Summer Night Market
The Summer Night Market brings together 50+ local small business vendors for two special Friday evening markets in September.
Guests can shop unique products, discover local makers, and enjoy a fun, pet-friendly community atmosphere.
With free admission, it’s a great way to spend a summer evening supporting small businesses.
Date: September 4 and 11, 2026
Address: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
Cost: FREE
4. Vancouver Vegan Festival
The Vegan Festival is a free, all-day celebration of plant-based food, wellness, sustainability, and community.
Guests can enjoy vegan food and drink vendors, live music and DJs, a sustainable market, inspiring talks, workshops, yoga, and other wellness activities.
With a beautiful beachside setting and activities for everyone to explore, it’s a fun way to enjoy good food, music, and positive vibes.
Date: September 5, 2026
Address: 1499 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2
Cost: FREE
5. Nikkei Matsuri
The Nikkei Matsuri: Japanese Summer Festival is a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture, traditions, food, and entertainment in Burnaby.
Guests can enjoy taiko performances, traditional dance, martial arts, J-Pop, Japanese street food, Bon Odori, the Mikoshi procession, cultural booths, markets, and family-friendly activities.
With new community spaces, kids’ crafts, festival games, and plenty of food and shopping options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Date: September 5 and 6, 2026
Address: 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Cost: From $12.60
6. TAIWANfest
TAIWANfest is a free cultural festival exploring the connections between Taiwan, Canada, and the world through live performances, films, talks, culinary programs, exhibitions, and workshops.
Guests can enjoy programs celebrating Taiwanese culture, including Hakka traditions, Indigenous stories, music, art, and food.
It’s a vibrant opportunity to discover new perspectives, enjoy cultural experiences, and connect with the community.
Date: September 5 to 7, 2026
Address: Vancouver, BC
Cost: FREE
7. PNE Fair
The PNE Fair returns with exciting new attractions, live entertainment, and beloved annual favourites for all ages.
Visitors can enjoy internationally renowned performers, innovative shows, the popular Summer Night Concerts, the 2026 PNE Prize Home, and a wide variety of food vendors.
With rides, games, exhibits, and entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, it’s one of Metro Vancouver’s biggest summer traditions.
Date: August 22 to September 7, 2026
Address: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
Cost: From $7
8. Shipyards Night Market
The Shipyards Night Market is a free weekly summer event featuring live music, food trucks, a makers marketplace, and a waterfront beer garden.
Visitors can enjoy performances from local musicians, explore curated artisan and vintage vendors, and grab eats from rotating food trucks each week.
With golden hour views by the water and a lively community atmosphere, it’s a popular Friday night hangout in the city.
Date: May 15 to September 11, 2026
Address: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B9
Cost: FREE
9. Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is bringing a global celebration to summer with international food, shopping, and live entertainment.
Visitors can explore landmark-inspired attractions, sample 500 plus flavours from around the world, and discover unique retail finds.
With new attractions and nonstop energy, it’s a vibrant night out packed with culture, connection, and foodie adventures.
Date: April 24 to September 20, 2026
Address: 8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 1Y4
That’s it for this weekend!
See more upcoming events happening in Metro Vancouver by visiting our events calendar.