Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for September

Safely enjoy live jazz, picnics in the park and more this September, in and around the city

1. Science World – Re-opened

Back open for business, the iconic dome once again welcomes visitors to learn more about the science of the world around us, helping to raise funds via its new The World Needs More Nerds campaign, featuring a 7-year-old Dr. Bonnie Henry and encouraging people to support science.
Pre-book a time slot online or at the door for general entry; Omnimax Theatre and Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks can be reserved for a specific time online; Details online

2. Chilliwack Sunflower Festival – Until Monday, September 7

Roam more than three kilometres of pathways through the fields and see 25 different varieties of sunflowers, more than 50 varieties of dahlias and six varieties of gladiolus. 41310 Yale Road, Chilliwack; Open daily; Book online

3. Dine OutSide Vancouver – Until Monday, September 21

Eat out this summer! Tourism Vancouver has collaborated with community partners to launch Dine Out Vancouver Festival’s first summer-time food and drink celebration, Dine OutSide. Making the most of the summer weather and newly expanded patios, more than 160 participating dining establishments will offer prix fixe menus at $15, $25, $35 or $45 price points, plus special promotional offers or take-outside and picnic packs for those who want to take in the great urban outdoors.
Details online

4. Picnic in the Park – Until October

Picnic in the Park in style with The Teahouse in Stanley Park’s new summer offering. From noon until 10 p.m., park visitors can choose al fresco options from the new picnic menu and take a seat on a checkered blanket to enjoy seasonal salads, sharing plates and casual entrees.
7501 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver; Details online

5. Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Virtual Festival – Friday, September 4 & Saturday, September 5

Attend the third annual Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival virtually this year; streaming on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and the festival’s website. In addition to more than a dozen live-streamed and pre-recorded concert performances of world-class jazz, blues, gospel and soul acts, this year’s festival includes a virtual art walk, a salsa dance party, live interactive hosting and more. There will be two ticketed concerts, in addition to 11 performances that are free to view.
Details online

6. Summer at Nikkei Garden – Friday, September 4 & Saturday, September 5

Enjoy Japanese arts and culture with a selection of Matsuri vendors and a museum pop-up shop in the beautiful outdoor garden, along with entertainment. Head inside for access to a second hand Japanese bookshop and Mikoshi display, or join Matsuri Share virtually for themed challenges and fun activities.
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby; Times vary; Book online

7. TAIWANfest 2020 – Saturday, September 5 to Monday, September 7

Head to šx????n?q Xwtl’e7e?nk? Square near the Vancouver Art Gallery to see the installation “Sky” or attend the festival virtually through a platform called The Survived, which includes a special virtual series I’m Different, Just Like You! and projects to get you involved called “Under the Same Sky” and “We Are All in This Together.” The festival also includes a live-streamed concert called “The Island and the Maple Leaf”, which sees musicians from Vancouver and Taiwan take part in a dialogue through music.
Details online

8. Symphony Sundays at Grouse Mountain – Sunday, September 6

Not all concerts are cancelled! Soak in the views and the music from the natural amphitheatre at the top of Grouse Mountain with special performances by members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in the Sitka String Quartet. Marked areas on the grass will ensure spacing and provide the perfect place for a picnic!
Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver; 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.; Ticket included in mountain admission; Details online

9. Vancouver International Film Festival, VIFF at Home – Thursday, September 24 to October 9, 2020

Lights, camera, action for the Vancouver International Film Festival as it moves ‘online-primary’ for its 39th edition. The 2020 fest will be showcasing 100 feature films from around the world, as well as short films from up-and-coming talent and interactive talks with filmmakers through Creator Talks, Totally Indie Day and VIFF AMP conferences.
Details online

10. B.C. Culture Days – Friday, September 25 to Sunday, October 25

Get cultured! Self-guided tours and live streamed performances, as well as events hosted on digital mediums and at socially distanced venues, will form the basis of B.C. Culture Days this year, giving people the chance to experience work by local artists within a safe environment.
Details online