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Free Vancouver Events in August in 2021

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Free August Events in Vancouver

In August there are usually numerous free events in Metro Vancouver including festivals, outdoor movies, markets, parades, fireworks and concerts.

In 2021, because of COVID-19, there are fewer events happening in August compared to years when there hasn’t been a pandemic. There are, however, still a fair number of things to do that aren’t expensive.

This year in Metro Vancouver there are art displays to enjoy with the Art Downtown Summer Program, and free online activities with Carnaval del Sol. There are also a number of free live music events happening at various venues around the Lower Mainland.

There are also free attractions like Burnaby Village Museum, the Polygon Gallery and Stanley Park, as well as beaches and nature to explore.

 

Best FREE Activities in August

The following is a list of the top free festivals, events and other activities in Vancouver and the surrounding area in August in 2021. 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 a list of attractions and events that you can still enjoy, see our article about Vancouver, COVID-19 and Open Places.

For lists of other inexpensive things to do, see our articles about Vancouver on a Budget and Lower Mainland Parks and Nature.

 

BC Day Long Weekend

 

Sunday, August 1st (2021)

 

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

 

Monday, August 2 (2021)

  • BC Day – various special events take place throughout this August Long Weekend. Click BC Day for details.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Tuesday, August 3 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – artists, art displays and art demonstrations take place in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (weather permitting).
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people.

 

Wednesday, August 4 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Downtown Farmers Market – held outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in the North Plaza from 2:30 until 6:00 pm.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people.

 

Vancouver Maritime Museum

 

Thursday, August 5 (2021)

 

Friday, August 6 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Music at Lonsdale Quay – a live music concert happens today at the North Vancouver public market.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • KitsFest – a sports festival at Kitsilano Beach. It normally features numerous sports competitions and a live DJ. This year, however, there are only beach volleyball, touch football and basketball competitions.
  • 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.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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 – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.

 

Saturday, August 7 (2021)

 

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours

 

Sunday, August 8 (2021)

  • KitsFest – a sports festival at Kitsilano Beach. It normally features numerous sports competitions and a live DJ. This year, however, there are only beach volleyball, touch football and basketball competitions.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
  • Sunday Farmers Markets
  • Abbotsford Flea Market – a large flea market at Abbotsford Exhibition Park. Admission is just $1.00 or so, but free for kids under 13 years of age.
  • Cloverdale Flea Market – a giant market in Surrey. Admission is $1.50, but free for kids ages 12 and under.
  • Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.

 

Monday, August 9 (2021)

  • Squamish Wind Festival – an outdoor event with all sorts of artists, music and fun performances for audiences of all ages.
  • Music on the Wharf – live music in Maple Ridge (with admission by donation).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Music on Main Summer Pop-Up Concerts – live music takes place at Mount Pleasant Park starting at 6:30 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 – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.

 

Tuesday, August 10 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – artists, art displays and art demonstrations take place in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (weather permitting).
  • Squamish Wind Festival – an outdoor event with all sorts of artists, music and fun performances fit for audiences of all ages.
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Music on Main Summer Pop-Up Concerts – live music takes place at Mount Pleasant Park starting at 6:30 pm.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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 – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.

 

Art Downtown Vancouver

 

Wednesday, August 11 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Downtown Farmers Market – held outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in the North Plaza from 2:30 until 6:00 pm.
  • Squamish Wind Festival – an outdoor event with all sorts of artists, music and fun performances.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Music on Main Summer Pop-Up Concerts – live music takes place at Mount Pleasant Park starting at 6:30 pm.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
  • Perseids Meteor Shower – the evenings of August 11th and 12th are supposed to be the best nights to see falling stars (assuming clear skies and that you are in an area that’s dark).
  • 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.

 

Thursday, August 12 (2021)

  • Sounds of Summer Music Series – free live music at different venues in Surrey. Today’s event is at the Museum of Surrey.
  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest usually features free live concerts and family-friendly activities at Concord Pacific Place. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021, including the Carnaval del Pride Beer Garden and Walk-Thru Experience today.)
  • Squamish Wind Festival – an outdoor event with all sorts of artists, music and fun performances.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Music on Main Summer Pop-Up Concerts – live music takes place at Mount Pleasant Park starting at 6:30 pm.
  • False Creek Farmers Market – from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm in Concord Community Park near False Creek.
  • New Westminster Farmers Market – a larger market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • Port Coquitlam Farmers Market – a small market at the Terry Fox Hometown Square outside the Port Coquitlam Community Centre from 3:00 until 7:00 pm.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
  • Perseids Meteor Shower – the evenings of August 11th and 12th are supposed to be the best nights to see falling stars (assuming clear skies and that you are in an area that’s dark).
  • 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.

 

Ways to Save on Adult Refreshments!

Did you know that there are nine parks and plazas on Vancouver’s North Shore where you can drink alcohol in public? You can buy your beverages at the liquor store and enjoy them with your friends at some fabulous places. See our article about North Shore Alcohol-Friendly Parks for details.

 

Friday, August 13 (2021)

  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Squamish Wind Festival – an outdoor event with all sorts of artists, music and fun performances.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Music on Main Summer Pop-Up Concerts – live music takes place at Mount Pleasant Park starting at 6:30 pm.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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.
  • Lower Mainland Beaches – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.

 

Saturday, August 14 (2021)

 

Sunday, August 15 (2021)

 

Monday, August 16 (2021)

  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Tuesday, August 17 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – artists, art displays and art demonstrations take place in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (weather permitting).
  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Wednesday, August 18 (2021)

  • Downtown Farmers Market – held outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in the North Plaza from 2:30 until 6:00 pm.
  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Thursday, August 19 (2021)

  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Jazz at Roedde House Museum – Summer Jazz on the Porch takes place at the museum in Vancouver’s West End. Admission is by donation.
  • Sounds of Summer Music Series – free live music at different parks in Surrey. Today’s event takes place at Fleetwood Park.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • New Westminster Farmers Market – a larger market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • False Creek Farmers Market – from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm in Concord Community Park near False Creek.
  • Port Coquitlam Farmers Market – a small market at the Terry Fox Hometown Square outside the Port Coquitlam Community Centre from 3:00 until 7:00 pm.
  • Beaty Nocturnal – admission to UBC’s Beaty Biodiversity Museum is by donation this evening between 5:00 and 8:30 pm.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Friday, August 20 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Music at Lonsdale Quay – a live music concert happens tonight at the North Vancouver public market.
  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Saturday, August 21 (2021)

 

Sunday, August 22 (2021)

 

Monday, August 23 (2021)

  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Music on the Wharf – live music in Maple Ridge (with admission by donation).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Tuesday, August 24 (2021)

  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Art Downtown – artists, art displays and art demonstrations take place in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (weather permitting).
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Wednesday, August 25 (2021)

  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Downtown Farmers Market – held outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in the North Plaza from 2:30 until 6:00 pm.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Thursday, August 26 (2021)

  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Sounds of Summer Music Series – free live music at different parks in Surrey.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • New Westminster Farmers Market – a larger market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • False Creek Farmers Market – from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm in Concord Community Park near False Creek.
  • Port Coquitlam Farmers Market – a small market at the Terry Fox Hometown Square outside the Port Coquitlam Community Centre from 3:00 until 7:00 pm.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Friday, August 27 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – a group of local artists display their work outside the Vancouver Convention Centre in Jack Poole Plaza (weather permitting).
  • Roedde House – the last Friday of each month has admission by donation to this museum in Vancouver’s West End. (To be confirmed.)
  • Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Labour Day Weekend Activities

 

Saturday, August 28 (2021)

 

Sunday, August 29 (2021)

 

Monday, August 30 (2021)

  • Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival – although most of the festival is cancelled, today is the day of the bed races.
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • 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 – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are also great places to visit. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

Tuesday, August 31 (2021)

  • Art Downtown – artists, art displays and art demonstrations take place in the North Plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery (weather permitting).
  • Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap).
  • Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
  • Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 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. Just be sure though to maintain appropriate physical distancing from other people!

 

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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