Vancouver is home to all sorts of attractions and delights, from world-class restaurants to internationally acclaimed concerts, to festivals, exhibitions, markets, and more—Vancouver is eternally a hotbed of activity for all to enjoy. Throughout the summer and, in particular, coming up in August, there’s lots to feast your appetite when it comes to outdoor events. Here’s our recommendations for some of the best things to do in August in Vancouver . . .
THE PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION (PNE)
Since 1910, the PNE has entertained millions of guests providing exhibits, shows, concerts, the annual summer fair, cultural experiences, and more. The PNE will arrive on August 20th this year and run through until September 5th. As always, the fair will take place at their location on Hastings, next to Playland so visitors can enjoy all the thrilling rides and take in the fair in one glorious location.
Hailed as the longest running and best attended annual ticketed event in BC, the PNE has hosted historic acts, including the Beatles, and continues to entertain every single year and this year is no exception. This year’s concert series includes The Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, Cake, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Visit the PNE for some of the best entertainment in Vancouver—fun for the entire family.
GRANVILLE ISLAND MARKET
In operation since 1979, the Granville Island indoor market is home to around fifty merchants and is a massive draw for tourists and locals alike. The mix of vendors changes every week, offering a wide range of diverse selections when it comes to boutique shopping and tantalizing food offerings. The market is open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm and the indoor venue means it’s a great place to visit no matter the weather. The waterfront area outside the market has picnic tables and the surrounding area boasts art galleries and unique shopping experiences aplenty.
DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET
Formerly known as the Yaletown Farmers Market, the Downtown Farmers Market takes place on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm-6pm in the plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Hornby Street and runs until October 5th. Here you’ll discover fresh fruits and vegetables, plus vendors selling art, toys, clothing, gifts, crafts, and more, all accompanied by live music.
RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET
Modeled after Asian night markets, the Richmond Night Market is the largest of its kind in North America. The food vendors alone are enough to warrant a visit, but you’d better bring an appetite. Food is cooked fresh in front of you and the air is filled with delectable smells of crab meat noodles, brazilian pastries, sausage, ice cream, ramen, and more. There are over 70 food stalls and over 100 retails stalls, plus live music and entertainment at the main stage and carnival stalls for everyone to enjoy.
NORTH VANCOUVER SHIPYARDS
The shipyard district in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale is a functioning shipyard, but also plays host to boutique shopping, specialty food, galleries, restaurants, antique stores, and more. Steeped in history and full of shopping excursion possibilities, The Shipyard truly captures the spirit of Vancouver’s North Shore.
With the markets providing so many shopping and dining options, there’s simply no shortage of possibilities when you visit Vancouver. When you do visit, make sure you book with stayvancouverhotels.com for all the best deals in the city! We offer amazing accommodations for your stay and provide exclusive offers including bike rentals, tickets to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and gift certificates for Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, and shopping. Learn more!