What's Happening

BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for Aug. 31-Sept. 6

This week in BC: Grab some beautiful antiques, enjoy music in the sun, get a taste of Taiwan, walk cute paws for a cause and more  

By Anna Dupas /

Kerrisdale Antiques Fair — August 31

Why forage at flea markets when you can troll for quality collectibles all in one place at the Kerrisdale Antiques Fair? Taking place August 31 and September 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kerrisdale Arena (5670 East Blvd, Vancouver), this antiques extravaganza features over 250 vendors, making it a one-stop-shop for everything from estate jewelry and Depression-era kitchenware to antiquarian books. Admission is $7 at the door.



Credit: Sunshine Music Festival

32nd Annual Sunshine Music Festival — August 31

Record-breaking summer notwithstanding, water-logged West Coasters are always game to soak up the sun. And we’ll be doing just that at the 32nd annual Sunshine Music Festival, taking place August 31 and September 1 at Palm Beach Park in Powell River. When you’re not taking in the performances by international and homegrown acts like Locarno, The Matinée and Ash Grunwald, you can browse the craft market and enjoy world eats at the food fair, starting at noon. Tickets are $30.



Credit: Telus TaiwanFest

Telus TaiwanFest — August 31

If the thought of barbecued squid, pork dumplings and sticky-rice buns makes your mouth water, you’re in luck. You’ll find these ethnic eats and more at the Telus TaiwanFest, taking place August 31 to September 2 on the grounds of the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza (750 Hornby St). Modelled after Taiwan’s famous night market, this sidewalk shindig features music, dance, games and the ever-popular Tainan Street Banquet, from noon to 10 p.m.



Bumbershoot with Tegan and Sara – August 31

It’s Labour Day long weekend, the summer holiday’s last gasp, which, in our opinion, warrants one big blowout bash. Rising to the challenge is Bumbershoot, Seattle’s biggest urban arts festival, unfolding from August 31 to September 2 with a lineup of musical guests including Heart, Death Cab for Cutie and Tegan and Sara. But great tunes are only part of the fun at this 43rd annual bash, featuring everything from a carnival, comedy shows and counterculture comix exhibition to a film festival, dance and food fair. Check it out at Seattle Center, with ticket info online.



Labour Day Fall Fair at Burnaby Village Museum — September 2

Quaint contests like corn-shucking, watermelon-eating and bake-offs are entertainments from a distant age. So where better to reboot them than at Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave), a 1920s-era town hosting an old-fashioned Labour Day Fall Fair on September 2. The 10-acre site, comprised of period and replica buildings peopled with costumed townsfolk, will be teeming with musicians, children’s entertainers and “games of skill and chance.” So swing by from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and don’t forget to take a spin on the 1912 CW Parker Carousel.



Credit: Vancouver Fringe

Vancouver International Fringe Festival — September 5-15

If your artistic appetite runs toward the offbeat, you’ll find just the ticket at the Vancouver International Fringe Festival, B.C.’s biggest and best-loved stage spectacular running from September 5 to 15. With over 600 performances by 89 artists, this sometimes-edgy, always eclectic fest runs daily on indoor and outdoor stages across Granville Island. And whether your curiosity is piqued by shows like 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche or Geek Life, the festival’s mandate is “Theatre for Everyone,” making it one of the most popular and populist events on the city’s cultural calendar.



RBC GranFondo at St. Regis – September 7

A proud supporter of the RBC GranFondo Whistler, taking place on September 7, the award-winning St. Regis Hotel (602 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver) has a perfect pre-event package for road racers and their cheering fans. The GranRegis Package includes one night’s accommodation, a ticket to the RBC GranFondo Whistler, secure bike parking, a GranSlam pre-event breakfast and more. Book this package, valid September 6 to 7, from $449 per night (plus tax, based on double occupancy).



Credit: BC SPCA

Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause: Walk for the Animals — September 8

Did you know that the BC SPCA assists, shelters and re-homes more than 37,000 animals in need each year? Do-gooding of that degree wouldn’t be possible without the public’s help, so why not register now for the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause: Walk for the Animals, a fundraising and awareness campaign taking place on September 8 in 35 locations across B.C., including the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan and all points in between. To sign up for a walk near you, simply register online.



Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa

The South Okanagan is known as Canada’s premier wine country. But why just read about it when you can experience it for yourself at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa (1200 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos), now rolling out a Great Estates Package starting from $150 per night. The offer includes a wine tour and tastings at five of the region’s best-known wineries, including Inniskillin, Jackson Triggs and Sumac Ridge. To book, call 1-877-313-9463 or reserve online.



Credit: Galiano Oceanfront Inn

Girlfriend’s Getaway at the Galiano Oceanfront Inn

Summer’s coming to a close, and if you’re bummed at the thought of spending the next few seasons under dark clouds and drizzly skies, we’ve found one way to ditch the doldrums fast. The award-winning Galiano Oceanfront Inn (134 Madrona Drive, Galiano Island) is tempting travellers with a Girlfriends’ Getaway that includes a two-night stay, gourmet breakfast for two, luxurious spa treatments and complimentary bubbly and chocolate truffles. To book this package, priced from $799 based on double occupancy, call 1-877-530-3939.


Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.