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Free Vancouver Events in August

Free Vancouver August Events and Activities

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.

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.

 

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 2024. 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.

 

BC Day Long Weekend

Vancouver Maritime Museum 25% Discount Offer

 

Thursday, August 1st (2024)

  • North Van’s Deckchair Cinema – a movie plays outside the Polygon Gallery near Lonsdale Quay. (Note: It’s by donation, but with a suggested amount of $10, so it’s not actually free.)
  • Summer Movie Nights – a film shows outdoors on a giant screen in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery at night.
  • New Westminster Farmers Market – a market at Tipperary Park between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
  • False Creek Farmers Market – from 3:00 pm to 7:00 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 Summer Stages – free live music and other entertainment takes place today at Confederation Park.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music. There is also a big screen to watch the Olympic games on today.
  • 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

 

Free Vancouver Summer Concerts

Engine 374 Pavilion

 

Friday, August 2nd (2024)

  • Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Today is Pride Night!
  • Pride at the Pier – an event celebrating Pride Week with drag shows and other live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. (TBC)
  • Dance Dance Dance – Vogue dancing at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn which is the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
  • Burnaby Summer Cinema – a free movie shows outdoors at Confederation Park in Burnaby.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • White Rock Sea Festival – a community event by the beach in White Rock.
  • 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 by donation today (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music. There is also a big screen to watch the Olympic games on today.
  • 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

 

Artisan Farmers Markets

 

Saturday, August 3rd (2024)

Saturday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours

 

Sunday, August 4th (2024)

Sunday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Monday, August 5th (2024)

  • BC Day – various special events take place throughout this August Long Weekend. Click BC Day for details.
  • Tsawwassen Sun Festival – a softball tournament and community fair in Delta.
  • Vancouver Street Dance Festival – a free event with lots of dancing at Robson Square.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music. There is also a big screen to watch the Olympic games on today.
  • 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:
    • 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.
    • Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
    • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
    • Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island and Mackin House. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)

 

Tuesday, August 6th (2024)

  • Summer Cinema – a free film shows outdoors in Stanley Park.
  • lululemon Summer Yoga – a free yoga experience at Greendale Acres.
  • 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 – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music. There is also a big screen to watch the Olympic games on today.
  • 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:

 

Art Downtown Vancouver

 

Wednesday, August 7th (2024)

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

African Descent Festival

 

Thursday, August 8th (2024)

  • North Van’s Deckchair Cinema – a movie plays outside the Polygon Gallery near Lonsdale Quay. (Note: It’s by donation, but with a suggested amount of $10, so it’s not actually free.)
  • Summer Movie Nights – a film shows outdoors on a giant screen in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery at night.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Vancouver Mural Festival – an art-themed street party takes place in Mount Pleasant.
  • False Creek Farmers Market – in Concord Community Park near False Creek.
  • New Westminster Farmers Market – a larger market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue.
  • Port Coquitlam Farmers Market – a small market at the Terry Fox Hometown Square outside the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.
  • Burnaby Summer Stages – free live music and other entertainment takes place today at Confederation Park.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music. There is also a big screen to watch the Olympic games on today.
  • 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

 

Shipyards Night Market

World Of Love Carnival

 

Friday, August 9th (2024)

  • Dance Dance Dance – Hustle Dancing at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn which is the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
  • Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. Tonight is SHIPYARDS’ GOT TALENT night!
  • KitsFest – a sports festival at Kitsilano Beach. It features numerous sports competitions and a live DJ.
  • Vancouver Mural Festival – an art-themed street party takes place in Mount Pleasant.
  • Fridays on Front – a night market in New Westminster with vendor stalls, food trucks, live music and more.
  • MONOVA – the museum in North Vancouver hosts a free Indigenous Artisan Market.
  • Harmony Arts Festival – a free arts and music festival in West Vancouver.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music. There is also a big screen to watch the Olympic games on today.
  • 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

 

BC Dumpling Festival

African Descent Festival

Artisan Farmers Markets

 

Saturday, August 10th (2024)

Saturday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Dished Food Truck Fest

 

Sunday, August 11th (2024)

Sunday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Monday, August 12th (2024)

  • 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:
    • Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
    • Fort Langley – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
    • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
    • Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
    • Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island and Mackin House. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)

 

Tuesday, August 13th (2024)

  • 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 – from 11:00 am to 7:00 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:

 

Art Downtown Vancouver

 

Wednesday, August 14th (2024)

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Engine 374 Pavilion

 

Thursday, August 15th (2024)

  • Chilliwack Mural Festival – murals to admire as well as music and dancing in downtown Chilliwack.
  • Summer Movie Nights – a film shows outdoors on a giant screen in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery at night.
  • North Van’s Deckchair Cinema – a movie plays outside the Polygon Gallery near Lonsdale Quay. (Note: It’s by donation, but with a suggested amount of $10, so it’s not actually free.)
  • New Westminster Farmers Market – a larger market at Tipperary Park.
  • False Creek Farmers Market – 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.
  • MONOVA – the North Vancouver museum hosts a screening and Q&A session with admission by donation.
  • Burnaby Summer Stages – free live music and other entertainment takes place today at Confederation Park.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 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

 

Symphony in the Park in Abbotsford

Ribfest Langley

 

Friday, August 16th (2024)

  • 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.
  • Chilliwack Mural Festival – murals to admire as well as music and dancing in downtown Chilliwack.
  • Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
  • Dance Dance Dance – Bachata Dancing at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn which is the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver.
  • New West Pride – an LGBTQ-themed street party in New Westminster.
  • 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 Plaza in Burnaby.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 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

 

Artisan Farmers Markets

 

Saturday, August 17th (2024)

  • 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.
  • Festival of India – a cultural festival at Creekside Park near Science World.
  • PoCo Car Show – a community event that includes a barbecue and classic cars cruising around downtown Port Coquitlam.
  • Steveston Dragon Boat Festival – dragon boat races at Imperial Landing Park.
  • Cates Park Concert Series free live music takes place from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Cates Park in North Vancouver.
  • 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 9:00 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

 

Sunday, August 18th (2024)

  • 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.
  • Festival of India – a cultural festival at Creekside Park near Science World.
  • 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.
  • PoCo Car Show – lots of fancy vehicles to admire in downtown Port Coquitlam.
  • Swingin’ In The Park(let) – music, dancing and dance lessons happen at the Uptown Plaza in New Westminster between 2:00 and 4:00 pm.

Sunday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Monday, August 19th (2024)

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 – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
    • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
    • Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island and Mackin House. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)

 

Tuesday, August 20th (2024)

  • 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.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 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:

 

Art Downtown Vancouver

 

Wednesday, August 21st (2024)

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Thursday, August 22nd (2024)

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Shipyards Night Market

 

Friday, August 23rd (2024)

  • Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
  • Burnaby Summer Cinema – a free movie shows outdoors at Civic Plaza in Burnaby.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
  • Fridays on Front – a night market in New Westminster with vendor stalls, food trucks, live music and more.
  • 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

 

Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival

Labour Day Weekend Activities

World Of Love Carnival

 

Saturday, August 24th (2024)

Saturday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Sunday, August 25th (2024)

Sunday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Monday, August 26th (2024)

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 – the national historic site is very affordable, especially for children and youth under the age of 18 who get in for free.
    • Engine 374 Pavilion – an indoor train museum with a real locomotive and free admission at the Roundhouse in Yaletown.
    • Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture.
    • Other places that are either free or with admission by donation on various days of the week include Granville Island and Mackin House. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)

 

Tuesday, August 27th (2024)

  • 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 11:00 am to 7:00 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:

 

Art Downtown Vancouver

 

Wednesday, August 28th (2024)

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Thursday, August 29th (2024)

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

Friday, August 30th (2024)

  • Shipyards Night Market – artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
  • White Rock Night Market – a monthly event with vendors, food trucks and live music by the promenade in White Rock.
  • Junction Public Market – from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Granville Square with vendors, a bar and live music.
  • Burnaby Summer Cinema – a free movie shows outdoors at Civic Plaza in Burnaby.
  • 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

 

Labour Day Weekend Activities

 

Saturday, August 31st (2024)

Saturday Markets

Other Inexpensive Things to Do

 

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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