Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for September 21 to 27

Take a guided hike to stunning waterfalls, set sail to sip high tea on the water + more

1. Riverfest 2019 — Wednesday, September 18 until Saturday, September 21

Presented by the Port of Vancouver, RiverFest is a week long free family-friendly festival, featuring vendors whose products embody the Fraser River, a diverse assortment of exhibitors, children’s activities and live music.
Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Drive, New Westminster; Various times; Details online

2. Active Days — Saturday, September 21

Hikers who are looking for an alternative way to see some sights can try Parks Canada’s Active Days Park Bus series of guided walks in B.C. This weekend’s trip goes to Norvan Falls in North Vancouver for a 14-kilometre trek through the forest to the waterfall. 
Details online

3. High Tea on the Sea — Saturday, September 21

Take a tranquil cruise on the MV Carousel II to enjoy tea with a view while listening to contemporary harpist Kyla Egli. Sample five teas from around the world with a tea expert and enjoy specialty crafted canapés.
1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Adults $75; Details online

4. Vancouver Improv Fest — Tuesday, September 24 to Sunday, September 29

The 21st Vancouver International Improv Festival features performers from across North America and beyond, including Andrew Phung of Kim’s Convenience, Stephnie Weir of MadTV, Rich Talarico, a writer from Key & Peele, and Lamabati, one of Israel’s leading and longest-standing improv groups. 
The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $18; Details online

5. Elton John — Tuesday, September 24

The “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” is “Still Standing”! Sir Elton John comes to Vancouver for an extra date this September. So come and feel the love tonight.
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver; Tickets from $161; Details online

6. Vampire Weekend — Wednesday, September 25

Part of an ambitious May to October North American tour, Vampire Weekend’s Father Of The Bride Tour with guest Soccer Mommy also includes stops at Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl. 
Deer Lake Park, 6450 Deer Lake Drive, Burnaby; Tickets from $65; 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Details online

7. New Forms Festival — Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 29

Now in its 19th year, New Forms celebrates audio-visual artists from Vancouver and beyond, with events, workshops, and installations. 
Various locations and times; Details online

8. Harvest Feastival — Thursday, September 25

Celebrate fall with a long table dinner featuring fresh, local food from the UBC Farm, followed by an evening of arts and culture programming.
University Commons, outside the AMS Nest, and the Arts and Culture District, UBC Campus, Vancouver; Tickets from $10; From 4 p.m.; Details online
 

9. Culture Days — Friday September 27 and Saturday, September 28

Culture Days is a national festival that enables a Canada-wide network of arts, culture and heritage organizers to facilitate free public events in their communities every year during the Culture Days weekend. Choose from dance, art and cultural workshops, talks and other events throughout the province.
Various locations and times; Details online

10. LiterAsian — Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28

Themed around Genesis: Writing Life Into Art, this year’s festival of Asian Canadian writing features author events, workshops and panels in and around Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.
Various locations and times; Details online