B.C. Adventures: Our Picks for September

From art exhibitions to cultural events and more, add these picks to your calendar this month to welcome the autumn season.

1. Vancouver Monster Jam – Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29

Join in on the fast and furious family-friendly fun this fall in the Monster Jam arena. Featuring stunning performances by world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks, this experience is sure to leave audiences asking for more. Expect to see the world’s top drivers face-off with massive stunts, backflips and all-out racing in battles for the event championship.
Pacific Coliseum at PNE – 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver; Tickets from $22; Details online. 

2. Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) – Thursday, September 26 to Sunday, October 6

The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is back for its 43rd annual run! Passes are available now for an entire week of film artistry. Explore crucial contemporary issues like colonialism and climate crisis through this year’s Special Presentations and Showcase films: All We Imagine as Light, Caught by the Tides, Dahomey, Flow and My Favourite Cake. All these works had premiered with critical acclaim at the Berlin and Cannes Film Festivals. Plan your visits now, especially if you’re a film fanatic!
1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver; tickets from $14; Details online.

3. 2024/25 Global Dance Connections Series: Agrimony – Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21

Agrimony, a contemporary dance-concert hybrid performance, will be opening The Dance Centre’s 2024/25 Global Dance Connections Series. This work was created by Vancouver-based choreographer Sophie Dow and UK-based composer Laura Reznek, with inspiration from Dow’s experience healing from traumatic brain injuries. This collaboration delves into humanity’s search for authenticity while constrained by societal expectations. Take part in this internal exploration, guided by live indie music and rhythmic choreography.
677 Davie Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $28; Details online.

4. stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow – Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15

Witness and support Indigenous culture at the third annual stɑl’əw̓ Pow Wow, hosted by the stɑl’əw̓ Arts and Cultural Society. This event will showcase the intergenerational transfer of traditional songs, dances, regalia, foods and artwork. All visitors and residents of B.C. are welcomed and encouraged to join and celebrate with the First Nation communities of qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓, q̓ic̓əy̓, Máthxwi, and Se’mya’me’.
Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley; Tickets from $10; Details online.

5. Moonlight Magic: A Mid-Autumn Celebration – Saturday, September 14

Celebrate this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival with Gateway Theatre at this family-friendly event. Mid-Autumn Festival marks a significant date in the lunar calendar and represents a time for unity and family traditions. This year’s celebration will kick off with hand-crafted lanterns and complementary mooncakes at Gateway Theatre, followed by lantern play under the full moon and a live musical performance by Mezzo-soprano Renee Fajardo at Minoru Park. Gather your family, and be prepared to learn about the rich traditions and cultural significance behind the Mid-Autumn festival!
6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond ; Tickets from $10; Details online.

6. Lake Country ArtWalk Festival – Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8

Spend a weekend reveling in the beauty of art at the 31st annual Lake Country ArtWalk Festival! This event will feature visual and performing arts displayed by over 200 Okanagan artists, hands-on children’s activities, live artist demonstrations, workshops, an art auction and local food vendors. This community-based, volunteer-run festival is meant to support local artists and provide hands-on art experience to the general public. Stop by, have a bite and enjoy the art!
10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country; Entry for $2; Details online. 

7. “Summers-End” Market – Sunday, September 8

Enjoy the last bits of summer sunshine at East Kelowna’s “Summers-End” Market. Hosted at the picturesque Sperling Vineyards, this market offers a selection of local goods and activities. There will be a complimentary soft yoga class in the centre of the labyrinth at 11:30 a.m., so remember to bring your yoga mat! From 12:30 p.m. onward, the market will feature a variety of materials and supplies for visitors to explore with local artists. This interactive market is sure to satisfy each and every one of your senses as you say goodbye to summer.
1405 Pioneer Road, Kelowna; Ticket prices TBD; Details online.