what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | August 13, 2009
It’s another busy, busy weekend and we’ve gone a little bit farther afield than normal. And don’t forget these ongoing summer musical events and have you become a beach hero yet?
Purple Pirate Show!
Thursday, August 13th, 1 pm – 1:45 pm, Riley Park Community Centre, 50 East 30th Avenue, Vancouver
Riley Park’s throwing a BBQ from 12:30 – 2:30 pm and a big highlight is the Purple Pirate’s action packed show full of adventure, magic and comedy: www.rileypark.ca
The Summer of Love – Woodstock Revisited
Saturday, August 15th, all day, West 4th Avenue from Balsam to Fir, Vancouver
Kits will be hopping with the spirit of Woodstock with four different stages featuring heaps of live music, over 100 classic cars from the ’60s, a sidewalk sale all along 4th Avenue and a Kids Zone with painting, chalk art, games and the magic of the Art Express. Plus you can learn to macramé and 3H Craftworks will be selling one-of-a-kind tie tied tees, just like back in the day: www.kitsilano4thavenue.com
Lantern Making Workshop
Saturday, August 15th, various times & locations, North Vancouver
In preparation for the Wildlights Lantern Festival on August 21st the North Van Community Arts Council will be holding lantern making workshops at Capilano Mall and the Lynn Valley Library Square. Check their site for exact times and locations: www.nvartscouncil.ca
Jugglin’ Act
Saturday, August 15th, Noon & 2 pm, Science Theatre TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Juggling whiz Mike Battie will be performing death-defying stunts that include juggling knives. This is one of those “don’t try this at home” sort of events: www.scienceworld.ca
Ice Breaker: The Coolest Celebration in Kits
Saturday, August 15th, 1 pm – 4 pm, Kitsilano Ice Rink, 2690 Larch Street, Vancouver
In the spirit of community and 2010 Winter Games awareness there’ll be fun for the whole family with winter sporting events and competitions including Sledge Hockey Puck Shoot Out, Jam Pail Curling and figure skating and speed skating demos. And outside there’ll be a picnic in the park with fun for the whole family: vancouver.ca
Music in the Garden Family Day
Sunday, August 16th, 10 am – 3 pm, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
The garden’s great lawn will be alive with music and an environmental village. Plus the Tickle Trunk Touring Circus will be on hand performing, there’ll be face-painting, craft-making, a musical instrument “petting zoo” and more. And kids under six are free: www.musicfestvancouver.ca
Latin Summer Fest
Sunday, August 16th, 11 am – 7pm, Trout Lake Park, Vancouver
All in honour of Latin culture, the day starts with a parade along Commercial Drive and ends at Trout Lake Park with food pavilions, and outdoor stage with live music and performances, and a kids’ activity area: www.latinsummerfest.com
Safety and Security Sunday
Sunday, August 16th, Noon – 5 pm, Main Street – Broadway to 12th Avenue, Vancouver
This Sunday’s Summer Spaces on Main Street will be themed around safety and security and will involve local merchants, residents, community groups and organizations. And it’s all car-free: www.mountpleasantbia.com
Fire Hall Open House at Firehalls #8, #13 & #10
Sunday, August 16th, 1 pm – 3 pm, #8 – Yaletown, 895 Hamilton Street, #13 – Riley Park, 4013 Prince Albert & #10 – University, 2992 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver
The Firehall open houses continue so here’s your chance to check out your local firefighters, learn more about what they do and talk fire and safety: vancouver.ca/fire
4th Annual Tsleil-Waututh Nation Cultural Arts Festival
Sunday, August 16th, 1 pm – 7 pm, Cates Park, North Vancouver
A one-day celebration of Aboriginal culture through the arts there’ll be contemporary and traditional music and dance performers on the Chief Dan George Main Stage, a traditional artisan village, children’s crafts, a salmon BBQ and more: www.twnation.ca
Canada Line Opening
Monday, August 17th, 1 pm – 9 pm, Canada Line between Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver, Richmond City Centre and YVR
The Canada Line opens ahead of schedule on the 17th and it’ll be free for a whole eight hours so if you want to go for a free ride here’s your chance. No pets or bikes will be allowed on opening day: www.canadaline.ca
Enterprising Moms Network
Tuesday, August 18th, 7 pm, 3rd floor, Hollyhock Room, Tides Renewal Center, 163 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
The Enterprising Moms Network is coming to Vancouver with their inaugural event this Tuesday and will feature Rob Stocks of ideaLEVER talking ecommerce: www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com
Farther Afield:
Discovery Days
Thursday, August 13th – Thursday, August 27th, 10 am – 2 pm daily, Surrey Nature Centre, 14275-96 Avenue, Surrey
These guided nature programs are designed to help you discover local trails and forests. Plus you can check out the heritage museum exhibit, create an eco-craft and more: www.surrey.ca
16th Annual Arts Alive
Saturday, August 15th, 10 am – 5 pm, Downtown Langley, Fraser Highway between 204th and 206th Streets, Langley
The streets of downtown Langley will be filled with fine arts, artisans, crafters, a multicultural venue and a fun children’s activity area, artist demos, live entertainment and lots more free fun: www.downtownlangley.com
Art on the Farm
Saturday, August 15th, 10 am – 4 pm, Art on the Farm, 1162 Iverson Road, Columbia Valley
Thinking of a little road trip this Saturday? Why not head out towards Cultus Lake for this free, family event that benefits the BC Children’s Hospital. You’ll find artists peddling their wares, hand-made kids clothes and more. Plus live music, blackberry picking, kids’ activities and stories: www.members.shaw.ca/artonthefarm
8th Korean Heritage Day Festival
Saturday, August 15th, 10:30 am – 6 pm, Blue Mountain Park, 975 King Albert Avenue, Coquitlam
Surround yourself with the bright colours, unique sounds and culture of Korea without travelling farther than Coquitlam. The main events all happen on Saturday, but here will be exhibits and performances on the 14th and 16th as well. Be sure to check their site for all the details: www.kchs.ca
A Day at the Races – Be at the Finish Line
Saturday, August 15, 11 am – 4:30 pm, Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Kids will get a chance to ride on replica vintage, ride-on toys, play with hoop and stick toys, race toy cars, enjoy Seaforth School Storytime, create crafts and more. But be sure to start off the fun by designing a top hat or fancy hat to adorn your head for the day of fun: www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Kids Day in the Park
Saturday, August 15th, 11 am – 3 pm, Filberg Lodge and Park, 61 Filberg Road, Comox
We snuck this one in for island mamas. Here’s your chance to make instruments out of recyclables and then jam with Bobs & Lolo. Be sure to get your tix in advance: www.filberg.com
Canadian Cheese Rolling
Saturday, August 15th, Noon – 4 pm, base of Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler
Okay, we’ve gone a little farther afield again, but how could we not include cheese rolling in our weekend guide? In addition to men’s and women’s heats there’ll be kids’ uphill races, face painting, a cheesy kids’ obstacle course (and we mean that literally not figuratively) and more: www.canadiancheeserolling.ca
Movies Under the Stars: The Lion King
Saturday, August 15th, 4:30 pm – 11 pm, Holland Park (100 Avenue & King George HIghway), Surrey
This Sunday The Lion King is on the bill and starts at dusk, but there’ll be a BBQ, community displays, entertainment, crafts and more beforehand: www.downtownsurreybia.com
Outdoor Movie: Up
Saturday, August 15th, 6 pm onwards, 1524 Foster Street, White Rock
Come early to get a good seat for this screening of Up that starts at dusk. There’ll be live music beforehand and it’s the perfect spot for a picnic too: www.whiterockbia.com
The Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society Open House
Sunday, August 16th, Noon – 4 pm, Car Barn, 64 Avenue & 152 Street, Surrey
Mini railway enthusiasts will want to check out this impressive collection of heritage railway cars and the restored original line: www.fvhrs.org
Summer Sundays at Civic Square
Sunday, August 16th, 1 pm – 4 pm, Kingsborough St & McKay Ave, next to Bob Prittie/Metrotown Library
If the weather’s inclement for these free, family-friendly shows, you can always hit the library: www.burnaby.ca
Ridge Meadows RCMP Musical Ride
Tuesday, August 18th, 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm, Albion Fairgrounds, 23448 – 105 Avenue, Maple Ridge
The next stop for the RCMP Musical Ride is the Albion Fairgrounds, so here’s your chance to take in there 32 riders and their horses as they perform their historical, must-see ride: www.mapleridge.ca
Blackberry Bake-Off
Wednesday, August 19th, 11 am – 2 pm, Langley Demonstration Garden, 221st between 48th and 49th Avenue, Langley
The garden will be alive with a BBQ, crafts, live music and lots of blackberry baking to sample. Plus you can bring your own blackberry creations and enter them to win prizes: www.leps.bc.ca
And we wanted to remind you to always call or visit the website for event info before you head out just in case any changes have been made since we posted it. And of course, have fun!
One Response to “what to do, what to do?”
Leave a Comment
Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!

We are from Kamloops and heading to Vancouver from the 28th until the 30th. We are staying at a hotel on Marine Drive in North Vancouver and wondered what you would recommend that we could do with the children that is low-cost, fun and hopefully outdoors as the forecast is good. Thanks in advance,
Shona