Events

8 Labour Day Weekend Events Happening Near Vancouver in 2025

From lively cultural festivals to quaint artisan markets, here's how to spend the last few days of August

By Sandrine Jacquot /

The sun is setting earlier—but it’s not time to enter full fall mode just yet. This weekend is Labour Day, and that means more festivals, markets, concerts and fun activities are happening near Vancouver to keep the whole family occupied.

1. TAIWANfest Vancouver

 

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TAIWANfest is returning to downtown Vancouver. Every year, TAIWANfest explores the connection and shared experience between Taiwan, Canada and other cultures around the world, examining the influence human migration and history has on today’s culture. This year’s theme is Echoes of the Ocean, with the annual “in dialogue” series focusing on Portugal. The festival itself has a long lineup of various free activities, like a pickling workshop (which requires some preparation and a free RSVP) or an international Artist Market with artists from Japan. There will be many more performances, talks, films and exhibitions you won’t want to miss.

vancouvertaiwanfest.ca
Free, with some activities requiring reservations
Various locations around Vancouver
Saturday, August 30 to Monday, September 1

2. VanDusen Botanical Garden’s 50-Year Celebration

VanDusen Botanical Garden turns 50 this year, having opened on August 30, 1975. Tickets for this Saturday include access to live performances, nature-inspired activities and workshops across three themed zones (biodiversity, art and learning garden zones), guided historical tours and food vendors. Celebrations run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., but the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. so you can stay and admire the flowers a bit longer.

vandusengarden.org
$14.10 per adults, $9.87 for seniors and youth, $7.04 for children and kids under 4 are free
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St, Vancouver
Saturday, August 30

3. PNE Fair

 

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Although this activity might not count as a Labour Day-exclusive event, it would be remiss of us not to suggest attending the PNE Fair’s last weekend. Wrapping up its 115th season on September 1, the PNE Fair has a weekend’s worth of activities. Check out events like the SuperDogs Wild Wild Woof show, the Big Backyard Free Play Zone, music in the park, the market or the Summer Concert Series (this weekend sees Meghan Trainor, Atif Aslam and Rainbow Kitten Surprise). On from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., buy tickets ahead online for a discount.

pne.ca
Online fair ticket prices: $20 for adults, $14 for seniors and youth, $7 for children and kids 3 and under are free (ride passes are extra)
2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Saturday, August 16 to Monday, September 1

4. Summer Send Off at Greendale Acres

people performing on the stage at Greendale Acres in Chilliwack, for the summer send off festival on Labour Day weekend
Photo: Greendale Acres/Chilliwack Corn Maze

Greendale Acres (a.k.a. the Chilliwack Corn Maze) is hosting one last weekend-long party before school. The Summer Send Off will have a lineup of live music on Saturday and Sunday (the farm’s biggest concert of the season), a freezie-eating competition (my teeth already hurt), a sack race and other farm games, face paint and sweet treats. As well, adults can enjoy liquor sales starting at 2 p.m. until close on Saturday and Sunday.

greendaleacres.ca
$18 per person, $21 at the door. Seniors 75+, 2 and under get in free
Greendale Acres Farm/Chilliwack Corn Maze, 41905 Yale Rd W, Chilliwack
Saturday, August 30 to Monday, September 1

5. The Clayton Night Market


Unfortunately, the Clayton Night Market in Surrey got rained out on August 15. Not so unfortunately, it’s been postponed to this weekend, on Friday, August 29. The teddy bear pyjama party (who doesn’t love a teddy bear theme) will feature live entertainment, food trucks and a ton of local vendors to shop. The theme isn’t just for show either, with a colouring area and a teddy bear check-in for photos so kids can embrace the PJ party too.

thecollectivemarkets.ca
Free
Clayton Community Centre, 7155 187A Street, Surrey
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, August 29

6. Nikkei Matsuri Japanese Summer Festival

For a family-friendly day immersed in Japanese culture, head to Nikkei Matsuri, the Japanese summer festival in Burnaby. Enjoy bites from the food truck plaza, Yatai food stalls and Nikkei Cafe. For adults, unwind with sake at the beer garden—or head to Zenyasai on Matsuri eve (Friday, August 29; separate tickets) to sample a sake flight with a live DJ. The festival will feature performances like taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations and a samurai show. From an anime market, an otakara market and kids arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone. Proceeds from this annual festival support the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.

nikkeimatsuri.nikkeiplace.org
$15 Admission ($12 online); free for Nikkei Centre members, seniors 65+ and youth (under 18)
Nikkei Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31

7. World’s Largest Hike With Kathmandu

Credit: Kathmandu Outdoor

Be part of a Guinness World Record (hopefully) this Labour Day weekend and hike Cypress Mountain with new-to-Canada outerwear brand Kathmandu. Between 1,000 to 2,000 people need to hike this free, 4km trail simultaneously to set the world record. Participants comfortable with a moderate hike will go from the mountain base to the top of the Sky Chair. As well, there will be music, vendors, food and beverages at the base of the mountain, along with opportunities to support community partners. Reserve your spot ahead.

kathmanduoutdoor.ca
Free to attend, additional purchase of a download lift ticket
Cypress Mountain, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Check-in opens at 9:30 a.m., hike starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 30

8. Labour Day at the Burnaby Village Museum


Looking for something a bit more educational this long weekend? The Burnaby Village Museum is putting on a day-long, free event this Labour Day. Attendees of all ages can enjoy carousel rides, live performances of Japanese and Canadian folk songs and stories, a Labour Day-themed scavenger hunt and special displays to learn about the history of the labour movement in B.C.

burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Free admission
Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, September 1