Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for August 18 to 24

This week: solve a murder mystery, frolic among sunflowers, visit the PNE + more

1. Railtown Cafe’s Saturday Tailgate Barbecue — Saturday, August 18

Railtown Cafe is bringing back one of their most-loved summer events this year. The Saturday Tailgate Barbecue is your chance to enjoy Southern barbecue and cold drinks in a warm summer atmosphere. Featuring 35-hour Texas-style beef brisket cooked in a 12-foot smoker barbecue barrel, the evening’s menu offers a selection of barbecue favourites like corn on the cob, jalapeño cornbread, coleslaw, creamy potato salad and house-made sangria. Get the flavour and excitement of a summer barbecue with none of the mess or fire hazards.
Railway Cafe, 397 Railway Street, Vancouver; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tickets $29 per person, $19 for a vegetarian menu

2. The Fair at the PNE — Saturday, August 18 to Monday, September 3

Your chance to fill up on mini donuts is here! The Fair at the PNE kicks off this Saturday and Boyz II Men headline this year’s first in the Summer Night Concert series. You can expect all your annual favourites like the SuperDogs, PNE prize home and agriculture exhibitions. This year, you can see live jousting, animatronic dragons and a Fall for Local Summer Market. Try the new wacky and wonderful food at the fair this year, from charcoal ice cream served inside a pineapple to mac ‘n’ cheese covered with beer froth and crushed potato chips.
Pacific National Exhibition, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to late; Tickets from $15, with full details online

3. Cosmic Nights: OSIRIS-REx at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre — Saturday, August 18

Cosmic Nights is an adults-only party at the Space Centre featuring a planetarium show, music, drinks, science demos and games provided by Starlit Citadel. This edition of Cosmic Nights celebrates asteroid probe OSIRIS-REx. Planetary geophysicist Dr. Catherine Johnson will talk about her work on the mission and you’ll learn a ton about asteroids and comets. Invite your nerdiest friends to join you at this spectacular space-themed party.
H. R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver; 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets $25

4. Clue-less: An Improvised Murder Mystery — Sunday, August 19

Love murder mystery hilarity? Join the Instant Theatre Company for their Clue-inspired murder mystery improv show! Audience participation will help Mrs. Peacock and the whole zany cast of characters uncover clues to identify the murderer among the group. This show takes places at the theatre at Havana, so you can dine at the trendy Cuban restaurant prior to the show or grab drinks and dessert after.
Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets $10

5. Tacofino Yaletown Anniversary Patio Party — Sunday, August 19

Spend a Sunday afternoon on a sun-dappled deck eating tacos and drinking beer. This Tacofino patio party celebrates the second anniversary of the chain’s Yaletown location. They will be grilling up steaks and squid on the deck for two delicious celebratory taco specials. Moody Ales will be doing a tap takeover so you’ll have the opportunity to try a number of their fine offerings. DJ Dana D will be providing the jams while you enjoy expanded happy hour options.
Tacofino Yaletown, 1025 Mainland Street, Vancouver; 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Free to attend

6. The 2nd Annual East Van Cider Fest — Wednesday, August 22

There’s no better time than summer to savour a delicious cider! Grab your foodie friends and head to the East Van Cider Fest where you can sample ciders, mead and spirits from around the province, all paired with locally made appies. You’ll be drinking for a good cause too, as proceeds from this festival benefit the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Tickets are available at all Liberty Wine Merchants locations.
The Wise Hall & Lounge, 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tickets $29.99, plus a non-perishable food donation

7. Tasting Plates Commercial Drive Food Tour — Wednesday, August 22

The Commercial Drive neighbourhood offers some of the best food in Vancouver. Play tourist and hit the pavement as you explore restaurants and cafes on the Tasting Plates Food Tour. This self-guided tour takes you into the heart of Vancouver’s Little Italy, to meet chefs and sample both favourite dishes and new gems served up along the Drive.
Various locations; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets from $45

8. Chilliwack Sunflower Festival — Wednesday, August 22 to Sunday, September 16

The new Chilliwack Sunflower Festival promises to give you a healthy dose of summer colours and magnificent photo ops. This family-friendly event invites you to explore five acres of peak season sunflowers. You can pick your own or shop sunflower-inspired gifts. Wander the festival grounds to find the perfect backdrop for your Instagram snaps, enjoying lawn games and ice cream at this idyllic festival that’s sure to be a new favourite.
41310 Yale Road, Chilliwack; Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to sunset, Friday to Sunday from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset; Details online

9. Safe & Sound Music Festival — Friday, August 24 & Saturday, August 25

In the heart of New Westminster, the Safe & Sound Music Festival is an easy way to enjoy a summer festival experience with the comforts of the city close by. Rather than camping overnight, you can go home, have a shower and sleep in your own bed as you prep for day two of the festival. With an exciting line up of R&B and hip-hop acts scheduled over two full days—plus plenty of good beer and food—this music festival in the city is a must for summer fun.
Westminster Pier Park, New Westminster; Friday 2 p.m.  to 11 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Tickets from $59.99

10. Cineplex Family Favourites: Paddington 2 — Saturday, August 25

Escape the August heat at the movies with Cineplex Family Favourites. This Saturday at the Metrotown Cineplex, they will be playing Paddington 2. If you missed your chance to see this heartwarming film in theatres the first time around, definitely bring the family to this showing. Paddington the bear will bring a smile to every face in the theatre and will leave you craving a marmalade sandwich.
Cineplex Cinemas Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby; 11 a.m.; Tickets $2.99