September is a fabulous month to be in Metro Vancouver. The weather is still usually nice, plus there are great free events and things to do in the region.
Best FREE Places in September in Vancouver
Free (or almost free) things to do in September most years include various festivals, plus many of the summer’s regular great activities like Farmers Markets and exploring the great outdoors. There are also free attractions like Burnaby Village (in the first couple days of the month), the Polygon Gallery, Museum of Surrey, Britannia Heritage Shipyards, Sasquatch Museum and Stanley Park, as well as Beaches and Nature to explore.
Below is a list of some of the best free and extra-inexpensive things to do this month in the Lower Mainland.
(Note: Event locations, times, prices and other details listed below are subject to change. Check with each event’s website for the most up-to-date information.)
Tuesday, September 30th (2025)
- National Day for Truth & Reconciliation – a day for people to remember and acknowledge the racist history of Canada’s former residential school system and work towards a better tomorrow.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Empowering Voices Through Art – a free National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event at Place des Arts in Coquitlam.
- BC Culture Days – live and online events take place at various venues in the Lower Mainland and around the province.
- Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – drumming takes place at Stanley Park’s Third Beach if the weather is sunny from early evening until sunset.
- Heritage Harbour at the Maritime Museum – you can wander around on the docks and admire the boats in front of the Vancouver Maritime Museum for free. Also, if you want to go inside the museum, use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER when purchasing your tickets online to save 25%.
- 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, Vancouver beaches are also great places to visit.
Other Inexpensive Things to Do
- Vancouver on a Budget – other places to explore include the following:
- 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.
- Museum of Surrey – an interesting museum with free admission in Cloverdale.
- 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, Mackin House, and Stewart Farm. (See attraction articles and websites for details about hours and admission.)
For a full list of things to do in September, including events that aren’t free, see Vancouver’s September Calendar or the Festivals & Events Calendar.
For other affordable things to do, see Vancouver on a Budget.
To see what’s happening next month, check out the October Calendar of Events.
