Labour Day Weekend Events Guide

Close out the summer with a bang by spending this long weekend at one of these Labour Day events

For the younger generation, it’s the last weekend before school. For the adults, it’s the last holiday before Thanksgiving. Either way, Labour Day is your last chance to let loose and enjoy the warm weather.

Take advantage this weekend with events happening all over the Lower Mainland, Whistler, Victoria and even Seattle. Pick your favourite or attend several and end your summer with a burst of fun.

Vancouver/Lower Mainland

TaiwanFest: August 31 to September 2, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. everyday

Image by: Telus TaiwanFest

Delve in to the Taiwanese culture with the free Telus TaiwanFest. This weekend event includes culinary experiences with a street banquet provided by top chefs from Japan, and several exhibitions, including the Ship Show. Watch lectures and films, participate in the bubble tea-making contest and bring your kids down for a weekend of cultural fun.

Music in the Park: September 2, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This musical experience ends on Labour Day, and what better way to finish off the summer than by listening to music out in the sun? The Labour Day schedule includes the likes of David Blair, The Patrick Ernst Trio and Blackberry Wood. There will also be various art displays and demonstrations, including a clay artist and an illustrator.

Labour Day Fall Fair: September 2, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This free old-fashioned family fair includes games of chance, market vendors and entertainment, complete with musical performances, a yo yo performer and clowns. There are races, corn shucking and carousel rides to ensure a day full of fun.

The Fair at the PNE: until September 2

This is the last weekend for the Fair at the PNE, so get your fill of mini donuts, visit the petting zoo and check out the various performances, from musical acts to acrobats. And if you’re a VanCity member, head to the PNE on Thursday August 29 to get yourself and a friend in for $5 each.

Whistler

Whistler Outdoor Concert Series: August 30 to September 1

If you’re planning on heading up to Whistler for the weekend, check out the Whistler Outdoor Concert Series. With artists like Hannah Georgas, Ali Millner and Current Swell, you won’t want to rush back to your hotel in the evening. Instead, grab a blanket and plunk yourself down for three nights of amazing tunes.

Victoria

Butchart’s Summer Festival: August 29 to 31

When you visit the Buchart Gardens this summer, you can attend their free outdoor concerts. Labour Day long weekend features Chris Millington and Dancin’, Babe Gurr and the Sutcliffes. Saturday night features a special fireworks show in the gardens after the musical act, so be sure to bring a blanket to enjoy the display.

36^th Annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival: August 30 to September 1

Image by: Classic Boat Festival

This three-day festival attracts the finest in sail, power and steam boats from the Pacific Northwest. A silent auction, rowing demonstrations, kids’ zone and steamboat parade all take place during this annual event.

The Saanich Fair: August 31 to September 2

The Saanich Fair is held every Labour Day weekend, with produce and livestock exhibitions. Live entertainment, dog shows, a midway ride and face painting are just a few of the attractions available at this yearly event.

19^th Annual Vancouver Island Blues Bash: August 31 to September 2

This mix of free and paid performances features local, regional and international blues and R&B artists. The stage is set on Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, Ship Point Picnic Site. Musical acts like Adam Karch, Duke Robillard and the Stephen Barry Band headline the 19^th annual bash.

Seattle

Bumbershoot: August 31 to September 2

Take a trip just over the boarder to Seattle Center to enjoy a weekend of musical and performing acts. Now in its 43^rd year, Bumbershoot brings the best in music, film, comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre, performance and visual arts. Various venues, both indoors and outdoors, food, merchandise and urban craft vendors will ensure your weekend is jam packed with entertainment. Day passes and full event passes are available.