Top 5 August Long Weekend Events in Vancouver

Photo: Remy Scalza

Don’t have any big vacation plans for the August Long Weekend? Don’t worry! There’s so much happening in and around Vancouver that you’ll be glad you stayed in town. Here’s a rundown of the Top 5 Events happening in the Lower Mainland over the long weekend (And if you’ve got more to add, please leave a comment below).

1) Celebration of Light Fireworks

When: Saturday, July 31, at 10 p.m.
Where: The fireworks are launched from English Bay and visible from spots all around the downtown core.
What: This is the last installment of Vancouver’s annual fireworks competition. The Chinese team – always strong favorites – will be presenting its display of pyrotechnic wonders.
More info: www.celebration-of-light.com; Read InsideVancouver’s review here.

2) Pride Parade

When: Sunday, Aug. 1, at noon.
Where: The parade winds through Vancouver’s downtown and West End. It starts on Robson Street, heads down Denman Street and follows Beach and Pacific Avenues, ending at Sunset Beach.
What: The parade is the culmination of Vancouver’s annual Pride Festival. More than 500,000 spectators are expected to watch the more than 150 colourful floats, marching bands and more.
More info: www.vancouverpride.ca ; Read InsideVancouver’s review here.

Photo: Vancouver Pride Society

3) Harmony Arts Festival

When: Friday, July 30, to Sunday, Aug. 8.
Where: Ambleside Park and other venues throughout West Vancouver.
What: The annual festival features free live music and other performances along West Vancouver’s waterfront. This year there will be 82 performances, as well as a wine garden.
More info: www.harmonyarts.ca

Photo: HarmonyArts.ca

4) Jamaican Canadian Cultural Festival

When: Sunday, Aug. 1.
Where: Holland Park in Surrey (across from the King George Skytrain station).
What: This annual celebration of Jamaican culture features live reggae, authentic Jamaican food, a cricket clinic, bobsled races and more.
More info: www.jccabc.net/events.html

Photo: www.jccabc.net

5) Powell Street Festival

When: Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, Aug. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oppenheimer Park (on the 400 block of Powell Street in East Vancouver)
What: This annual festival celebrates Japanese Canadian arts, culture and heritage. There are dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and, of course, authentic Japanese food (including some very cheap sushi).
More info: www.powellstreetfestival.com; Read InsideVancouver’s review here.