Notable Happenings for the Long Weekend in Vancouver

In case you didn’t know, we’ve got another long weekend ahead of us. (Aren’t we lucky?) Add to that news that so far the forecast is looking decent… so far. Perhaps you’ve already pre-planned an out-of-town getaway to a cabin, booked a campsite, or are jetting to Vegas. For those of us who are staying closer to home, we’ve rounded-up a few weekend go-to and must-dos that’ll ensure a great time…

Make your way to one of these Night Markets
Who needs to leave home when you can bite into the exotic in your own proverbial backyard? This weekend, tempt your taste buds, and yourself, with a sampling of the Orient. Take in the hustle and bustle of business at these lively venues and barter your way to a memorable deal, nosh on an assortment of Asian street food, and grab the latest tech-trend for a steal! With hundreds of vendors, live music and other performances offered – your senses will be on overload, in a good way!
The Vitals
What: Richmond Summer Night Market and Vancouver’s Chinatown Night Market
When: Weekends from 6:30/7pm
Where: Richmond Summer Night Market is located at 12631 Vulcan Way and Vancouver Chinatown Night Market is located within Keefer Street/Main Street area of Chinatown

PNE it up this weekend
Since opening in 1910, the PNE Playland has continuously grown to entertain millions of visitors – adding to an impressive repertoire of venues, events, concerts and scream-inducing offerings (take this years’ Atomsfear for a test-drive and then we’ll talk). Easily accessed from pretty much anywhere in the Lower Mainland, this is a great answer for a long weekend spent city-side.Our one little suggestion to beat the kidlet rush: go early, or wait until later in the day when the half-pints have exhausted themselves. It’s not quite Canada’s Wonderland, but will still bring on those butterflies…
The Vitals
What: Pacific National Exhibition
When: daily starting at 10am (hours vary in September)
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC

Go Country
Grab your car and hit the road for a day trip to BC’s other wine region in the picturesque Langley area, and discover a smorgasbord of quaffable culinary treats en route. With nearly a dozen award-winning wineries, artisanal cheese producers, and plenty of top-notch restaurants to satisfy, it’s the perfect (doable) city-escape that can also have you back in town in time for a beach BBQ. Be sure to check out Township 7, Vista D’Oro, Lotusland, and historic Domaine de Chaberton, to name just a few. Map your day out and discover it all here.

Parade your Pride, or just join the party
This long weekend, join in on the fabulously fun festivities of what has become one of Vancouver’s biggest celebrations, drawing well over 500,000 people each year. Catch all the colourful action: take in concerts, dance parties, live street performances and so much more. Park yourself along the parade route early to catch the quintessential Pride.
The Vitals
What: Vancouver’s Annual Pride Parade and Celebrations
When: July 29th to 31st
Where: Multiple locations in Vancouver’s West End

Light it Up
This Saturday, grab your BBQ, brewskies, blanket and buddies and hit one Vancouver’s beaches to secure your spot for the first of several Celebration of Light performances set to bring the night sky alive. Watch as China kicks things off with sparkle for what has become one of the most popular events held each year. This is the perfect fix for those of us stranded in the city this long weekend. Who really needs to battle all that traffic, ferry line ups, and crazy gas prices anyway?
The Vitals
What: Celebration of Lights
Where: Burrard Inlet, Vancouver
When: Saturday, July 30th at dusk until late

Peruse the Powell Street Festival
In celebration of its 35th Anniversary, this year’s Powell Street Festival promises to pull out all the stops at Vancouver’s Oppenheimer Park. This annual celebration of the Japanese Canadian community, arts, culture, and heritage offers something for all interests. It is the largest such event in Canada and longest running arts festival in the Lower Mainland – and we think you should check it out! Take in martial arts and traditional dance performances, a sumo match, art and craft vendors, and be sure to leave room for plenty of Japanese food sampling (skipping breakfast might be necessary.) The 35th Annual Powell Street Festival takes place this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 11:30am until 7pm and is free. Find it at Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street.

Image courtesy Creative Commons.