Wondering what to do in Vancouver this weekend? Despite the coronavirus, some events are still happening and many attractions have reopened.

Businesses are reopening, and some events have been taking place in modified formats. Many in-person festivals and events, however, have been cancelled, postponed or gone online. There are, however, still a number of great things to do!

Whatever you do this weekend, have fun, but remember to be responsible and stay safe!

This Weekend in Vancouver

Highlights of the weekend of September 18th to 20th include Playland, (virtual) Terry Fox Runs and the Vancouver Fringe Festival. There are also Saturday Farmers Markets and Sunday Farmers Markets to shop at, Lower Mainland Parks to explore, and a number of other things to see and do.

Places like FlyOver Canada, VanDusen Garden, Britannia Mine, Roedde House Museum, Bill Reid Gallery, Vancouver Art Gallery, area Golf Courses and a number of other attractions have reopened. As well, most restaurants have resumed dine-in services, and Forbidden Vancouver is once again offering its walking tours around downtown Vancouver.

Note: Event details are subject to change (especially given today’s rapidly changing world). For a list of other Lower Mainland venues that have resumed operations see our article about Open and Reopening Vancouver Places.

Below is a list of events that are happening this coming weekend, as well as a few events that would ordinarily be taking place but not this year because of COVID-19.

Friday, September 18, 2020

• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – guided walking tours in downtown Vancouver. Today features the Lost Souls of Gastown at 7 pm.
• Vancouver Fringe Festival – an annual live theatre festival with shows at various venues around town including on Granville Island.
• FlyOver Iceland – a special feature Icelandic-themed film shows at the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place in addition to the regular FlyOver Canada show.
• Corn Mazes – farms with family-friendly activities including mazes to get lost in at various venues throughout the Lower Mainland.

Saturday, September 19, 2020

• Playland – Vancouver’s amusement park at the PNE is open today from 11 am until 5 pm with over 20 rides. The attraction is also open again for night riding between 6 and 11 pm.
• Chilliwack Food Truck Festival – at the Chilliwack Coliseum at 45323 Hodgins Avenue. (Originally scheduled for April but then postponed until today due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus.) (To be confirmed.)
• MCC Festival for World Relief – the fundraising event held at Tradex in Abbotsford is cancelled, but the MCC Cyclathon still takes place today! Registration is free although a $50 donation is recommended.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Dark Secrets of Stanley Park Tour at 6 pm and the Lost Souls of Gastown at 7 pm.
• FlyOver Iceland – a special feature Icelandic-themed film shows at the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place in addition to the regular FlyOver Canada show.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (Because of COVID-19, advanced reservations may be required. Also, instead of being by donation, there may also now be a $5 charge.)
• Vancouver Fringe Festival – an annual live theatre festival with shows at various venues around town including on Granville Island.
• Corn Mazes – farms with family-friendly activities including mazes to get lost in at various venues throughout the Lower Mainland.
• Markets
  • Saturday Farmers Markets – in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Fort Langley, Lonsdale Quay, Maple Ridge (Haney), Squamish, Trout Lake and the West End.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue.

Sunday, September 20, 2020

• Terry Fox Runs – a fundraising event, usually with multiple venues around the Lower Mainland including Stanley Park, Inter River Park, and Rocky Point Park. However, the Terry Fox run is a virtual event this year so participants can run wherever they desire.
• MCC Festival for World Relief – the fundraising event held at Tradex in Abbotsford is cancelled, but the MCC Festival To-Go is happening today! Register for a time slot and order your food online before picking it up.
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours – today features the Really Gay History Tour at 10 am in Vancouver’s West End.
• FlyOver Iceland – a special feature Icelandic-themed film shows at the multi-dimensional theatre at Canada Place in addition to the regular FlyOver Canada show.
• Corn Mazes – farms with family-friendly activities including mazes to get lost in at various venues throughout the Lower Mainland.
• Darts Hill Garden – open to the public from 11 am to 3 pm at 1633-170th Street in Surrey. (Because of COVID-19, advanced reservations may be required. Also, instead of being by donation, there may also now be a $5 charge.)
• Sunday Farmers Markets – at Ambleside, Coquitlam, Kitsilano, Mt. Pleasant, Whistler and White Rock.
• Vancouver Fringe Festival – an annual live theatre festival with shows at various venues around town including on Granville Island.
• Flea Markets
  • Vancouver Flea Market – from 9 am to 5 pm at 703 Terminal Avenue.
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – a massive market at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey from 6 am until 3 pm.
  • Abbotsford Flea Market – a giant flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 6 am to 4 pm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

In case you were interested, events that are taking place next weekend, on September 25th to 27th, include the Vancouver International Film Festival (online), Maan Farms Pumpkin Patch,  Saturday Farmers Markets, Sunday Farmers Markets and a few other fun activities.

Other Information

Whatever you plan to do, be safe! Maintain appropriate physical distancing, wear a mask when needed, wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face, and stay home if you aren’t feeling well!

For a list of things to do on other days this month, check out Vancouver’s September calendar of events.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following:

• Vancouver Shows & Entertainment
• Lower Mainland Festivals & Events
• Vancouver on a Budget
• Best Places for Kids
• Vancouver Rainy Day Activities
• Lower Mainland Parks & Nature