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.
Sunday, August 1st (2021)
- BC Day Long Weekend – various special events take place throughout this August Long Weekend. Click BC Day for details.
- Abbotsford Agrifair – an outdoor fair for all ages with rides, live performances of various kinds and other fun exhibitions in Abbotsford.
- Sunday Farmers Markets
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Kitsilano Community Centre in Vancouver.
- Poirier Street Market – from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Steveston Village Farmers Market – between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm at the Steveston Community Centre.
- Whistler Farmers Market – between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm outside the Whistler Racket Club.
- White Rock Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm in the Miramar Plaza.
- Vancouver Pride Festival – various events celebrating Vancouver’s LGBTQ community take place today including a de-centralized parade.
- Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
- Powell Street Festival – a Japanese festival celebrating Japanese-Canadian culture near Vancouver’s Oppenheimer Park.
- Tsawwassen Sun Festival – a family-friendly festival in Tsawwassen with a mix of online and in-person activities.
- 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.
- Free Jazz Vespers – from 4:00 until 5:00 pm via St. Andrews-Wesley United Church in Vancouver. (Available to stream online as it is the first Sunday of the month.)
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.
Thursday, August 5 (2021)
- 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.
- 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 – beaches at Ambleside, Crescent Beach, White Rock, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Belcarra Park and elsewhere are especially popular this time of year.
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Saturday Farmers Markets
- Abbotsford Country Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm in downtown Abbotsford.
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm outside Burnaby City Hall at 4949 Canada Way.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm at 9025 Glover Road in the parking lot of St. Andrews Historic Church.
- Haney Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – takes place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Lonsdale Quay.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Vancouver’s Riley Park at 50 East 30th Avenue across the street from Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Squamish Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in downtown Squamish.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at John Hendry Park in the north parking lot.
- West End Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm at 1100 Comox Street in Vancouver’s West End.
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
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Kitsilano Community Centre in Vancouver.
- Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm next to Dude Chilling Park at 8th Avenue and Guelph Street.
- Poirier Street Market – from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Whistler Farmers Market – between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm at 4500 Northlands Boulevard.
- White Rock Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at 15154 Russell Avenue in the Miramar Plaza.
- 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.
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)
- Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
- Squamish Wind Festival – an outdoor event with all sorts of artists, music and fun performances.
- City Summer Beats – a replacement for the Arts Alive Festival, this event has live music performing at Douglas Park Spirit Square in Langley.
- Monsoon Arts Festival – a South Asian-themed event with free online activities in 2021.
- Just Off Main – an event with food and live music in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood of Vancouver.
- Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Saturday Farmers Markets
- Abbotsford Country Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm in downtown Abbotsford.
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm outside Burnaby City Hall.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm at 9025 Glover Road.
- Haney Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Lonsdale Quay.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Vancouver’s Riley Park at 50 East 30th Avenue.
- Squamish Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in downtown Squamish.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at John Hendry Park.
- West End Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm in Vancouver’s West End.
Sunday, August 15 (2021)
- Music at Lonsdale Quay – a live music concert happens this afternoon 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.)
- 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.
- Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Sunday Farmers Markets
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm in West Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Kitsilano Community Centre.
- Poirier Street Market – from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Steveston Village Farmers Market – between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm at the Steveston Community Centre.
- Whistler Farmers Market – between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm at 4500 Northlands Boulevard.
- White Rock Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm in the Miramar Plaza.
- 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 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)
- Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
- Richmond Maritime Festival – the 2021 version is a bit smaller than usual, but this festival is taking place at Britannia Shipyard in Steveston Village.
- 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.
- Saturday Farmers Markets
- Abbotsford Country Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm in downtown Abbotsford.
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm outside Burnaby City Hall.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm outside St. Andrews Historic Church.
- Haney Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Lonsdale Quay.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Vancouver’s Riley Park.
- Squamish Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in downtown Squamish.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at John Hendry Park.
- West End Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm in Vancouver’s West End.
Sunday, August 22 (2021)
- Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
- Richmond Maritime Festival – the 2021 version is a bit smaller than usual, but this festival is taking place at Britannia Shipyard in Steveston Village.
- 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
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm in West Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Kitsilano Community Centre in Vancouver.
- Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm next to Dude Chilling Park at 8th Avenue and Guelph Street.
- Poirier Street Market – from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Whistler Farmers Market – between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm outside the Whistler Racket Club.
- White Rock Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm in the Miramar Plaza.
- 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 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!
Saturday, August 28 (2021)
- Saturday Farmers Markets
- Abbotsford Country Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm in downtown Abbotsford.
- Burnaby Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm outside Burnaby City Hall.
- Fort Langley Village Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm outside St. Andrews Historic Church.
- Haney Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge.
- Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market – takes place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Lonsdale Quay.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Vancouver’s Riley Park.
- Squamish Farmers Market – from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in downtown Squamish.
- Trout Lake Farmers Market – between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm at John Hendry Park.
- West End Farmers Market – from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm in Vancouver’s West End.
- Kaleidoscope Arts Festival – a fun, family-friendly event in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
- 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, August 29 (2021)
- Carnaval del Sol – the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest. (There are both online and in-person events in 2021.)
- Kaleidoscope Arts Festival – a fun, family-friendly event in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park.
- Music at Lonsdale Quay – a live music concert happens today at the North Vancouver public market.
- 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
- Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver.
- Kitsilano Farmers Market – between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Kitsilano Community Centre in Vancouver.
- Poirier Street Market – from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 624 Poirier Street in Coquitlam.
- Steveston Village Farmers Market – between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm outside the Steveston Community Centre.
- Whistler Farmers Market – between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm outside the Whistler Racket Club.
- White Rock Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm in the Miramar Plaza.
- 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 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.