vancouver: what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | September 8, 2011
Welcome to yoyomama’s weekend guide! Your go-to list of family friendly fun things to do with kids in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
There’s tons of fun for everyone this weekend; Check out the Park Royal Village Block Party, The Davie Day Street Festival, Collingwood Bubble Tea Time, Melonhead’s Street Party and the Southlands Country Fair, Collage Collage’s Second Birthday celebrations … and get excited because the Backyardigans are in town! You can also celebrate the Corn Festival, the Salmon Festival, and the Chinese Mid Autumn Festival. Farther afield, North Ridge Church and Fleetwood are hosting carnivals, Kirkland House turns 100, and the Maple Ridge Library is celebrating Eid.
The Park Royal Village Block Party
Thursday, September 8th, 3:30 pm – 7 pm, The Village at Park Royal, North Vancouver
Join the Park Royal Village for live music and a variety of kids’ entertainment, including a bike parade. All your kids need to do is bring their bikes – all the decorating supplies will be provided by the village: www.shopparkroyal.com
Collage Collage Second Birthday Celebrations
Friday, September 9th, 3 pm – 5pm; Saturday September 10th, 1 pm – 4 pm; and Sunday, September 11th, 2 pm – 4 pm, Friday & Sunday, Collage Collage, 621 Kingsway, Vancouver & Saturday, the CAG, 555 Nelson Street, Vancouver
Collage Collage is celebrating their second birthday with all sorts of celebrations. Friday afternoon it’s a free workshop, Saturday it’s printmaking workshop at the CAG (and a parade!), and on Sunday they’re throwing themselves a birthday party with free colouring for all the live music from Murder Burger: collagecollage.ca
Luxury And Supercar Weekend
Friday, September 9th – Sunday, September 11th, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
This event offers an up-close and personal opportunity to view the world’s finest examples of automotive excellence. The car fans in your family will not be disappointed: www.luxurysupercar.com
The Backyardigans Quest For The Extra Ordinary Aliens
Saturday, September 10th, 1pm / 4pm / 7pm, Bell Performing Arts Centre, 6250 144 Street, Surrey & Sunday, September 11th, 1 pm & 4 pm, The Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver
Come see the Backyardigans live on stage in a non-stop musical expedition, as they become daring detectives, cookie security guards, and space ace reporters who travel in hot pursuit of a mysterious space ship and its missing passengers. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ca: www.thebackyardigansontour.com
Come Try Ringette
Saturday, September 10th, 1 pm for those aged 8 and under, and 2 pm for ages 9+, Hillcrest Arena, Ontario & 30th Avenue, Vancouver
Bring your kids, their skates and helmets, and try out Ringette! The Vancouver Ringette Association wants your family to learn more about this family friendly sport, and will be on hand to provide on ice instruction, demos, and an exhibition game. Registration is required: www.ComeTryRingette.ca
The Cultch Community Square Dance
Saturday, September 10th, 7 pm – 10 pm, The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver
The Cultch invites you and your family to do a little dosey-doeing at a family friendly celebratory community square dance featuring local string band Shout! and professional dance caller Paul Silveria: www.squaredancepaul.com
Photos For Famine Fundraiser
Saturday, September 10th, 10 am -1 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm, saf & benjamin, 1081 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
In response to the growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Somalia, two Vancouver entrepreneurs are planning a child photography fundraiser this Saturday. For a suggested minimum donation of $50 per child, you will get a modern mini portrait session of your little one, or a family portrait for $75. The Canadian Government will match dollar for dollar what is raised from this event, so why not get some fantastic family pictures while aiding a country in need: www.safandbenjamin.com
Parkgate Family Days
Saturday, September 10th, 10 am – 1 pm, Parkgate Community Centre, 3625 Banff Court, North Vancouver
This promises to be an excellent morning of family friendly entertainment, including a mountain bike show, Will Stroet, face painting, arts and crafts, and much more: www.myparkgate.com
Corn Festival
Saturday, September 10th, 11 am – 5:30 pm, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver
Hosted by the Canada El Salvador Action Network Society, this festival will feature a Farmer’s market, food vendors, and free, fun, family entertainment. There will be live Latin music, face painting, and the crowning of Corn Queen 2011. All profits will be used to support a community radio station in San Salvador: www.britanniacentre.org
Collingwood Bubble Tea Time
Saturday, September 10th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Kingsway and Joyce, Vancouver
This community association event offers free refreshments, including yummy bubble tea, a clock tower ceremony, coupon booklets for Collingwood deals, a sidewalk sale, prize draws, and an art show: www.shopcollingwood.ca
Davie Day Street Festival
Saturday, September 10th, all day, Davie Street from Burrard to Broughton, Vancouver
Bring the family and experience a day of fun, laughter, and music in Vancouver’s West End. Davie Street will be closed from Burrard to Broughton, and every block will be crammed with entertainment for the whole family: www.davieday.ca
Otesha Project
Saturday, September 10th, times TBD, Science World at Telus World Of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Enjoy a live performance by the Otesha Project on making sustainable choices in your daily life. The Otesha Project is a youth led charitable organization that mobilizes and equips Canadians to create local and global change, through individual and collective choices: www.scienceworld.ca
Midlo Block Party
Saturday, September 10th, 11 am – 2 pm, Civic Plaza at 14th and Lonsdale, North Vancouver
Mid-Lonsdale neighbours and merchants invite you to join them for a community block party. Bring your lawn chairs and a picnic lunch, and enjoy live entertainment, giveaways and draws: www.midlo.webs.com
Southlands Country Fair *update*
Sunday, September 11th, 10 am – 4 pm, Southlands Riding Club, 7025 Macdonald Street, Vancouver
Bring the family and enjoy a day in the country … without leaving the city. This community event focuses on horses and a rural lifestyle within the city of Vancouver, while providing tons of country fair activities sure to please everyone in the family: www.southlandsridingclub.com
Ambleside Coho Walk
Sunday, September 11th, see site for schedule, Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
This is the Salmon Festival of Salmon Festivals! Check out the phenomenal wild Alaskan Salmon BBQ while enjoying children’s activities and live entertainment by the water. The festival is also a venue for Coho Kids to raise funds for salmon programs in the classroom: www.cohosociety.com
4Cats Arts Studio Commercial Drive Fall Open House
Sunday Sept 11th, 4Cats Commercial Drive, 1650 East 12th Avenue, Vancouver
4Cats Arts Studio invites you and your kids to join in some clay wheel, clay, splatter paint, and spinner art fun. There will also be light refreshments: www.4cats.com
Kitsilano Community Centre Fall Open House
Sunday, September 11th, 10 am-2pm, Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch Street at 12th, Vancouver
Interested in what the Kits Community Centre has to offer for you and your children? Then join them for a delicious BBQ while learning about upcoming classes and programs, and everything the facilities have to offer: www.kitscc.com
Melonhead’s Children’s Hair Care Back-To-School Bash!
Saturday, September 11th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Melonhead Vancouver, 2962 West Broadway, Vancouver
This is a not-to-be-missed event! Melonhead is hosting a sidewalk fair with complimentary ice cream and kid friendly stations, including sidewalk chalk, bubble blowing, and an arts and crafts area, plus complimentary party hairstyles while kids take a ride on seats ranging from airplanes to choo-choo trains, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy that ice cream: www.melonhead.ca
Mid-Autumn Festival
Sunday, September 11th, 10am-6pm, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Join this traditional Chinese festival celebrating the end of the summer harvest season. This year’s full-day extravaganza includes fortune telling, traditional games, moon cake tasting and tea, community lantern making, and live music by Turning Point Ensemble, Orchid Ensemble, and Buckman Coe. Plus, enjoy the most beautiful moon of the year (they hope!): www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Farther Afield:
Place des Arts Family Open House
Saturday, September 10th, 2 pm – 4 pm, Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Looking for a new art activity for yourself or your kids this fall? Or wish to expand your existing skills? Bring the kids and drop by this free Family Open House. This event is an enlightening, entertaining, and fun way for the whole family to discover all that Place des Arts has to offer: www.placedesarts.ca
Goin’ Green Kids Swap Meet
September 10th, 9 am -1 pm, Cascade Community Church, 35190 Delair Road, Abbotsford
A great opportunity to clean or stock your home! Sell items, or buy great kiddo essentials: goingreenkids.webs.com
Fill-a-Truck At The Greater Vancouver Zoo
Saturday, September 10th, 10 am – 2 pm, Greater Vancouver Zoo, 5048 – 264th Street, Aldergrove
The Greater Vancouver Zoo and the Canadian Diabetes Association are trying to fill an entire three-ton truck with your old stuff! They need you to bring unwanted clothing and household items (like dishes, cutlery, stuffed animals, picture frames, linens, etc.) to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. By bringing a bag or box of your no-longer-needed stuff, you can enter a draw to win great prizes, and the first 100 people to donate get $5 off admission: www.gvzoo.com
Day At The Farm
Saturday, September 10th, 10 am – 4 pm, Westham Island Herb Farm, 4690 Kirkland Road, Delta
Day at the Farm is a free event that shares the importance of local agriculture within the community. Bring the family to learn about crops and all things farm related. There will be hay wagon farm tours, draft horse ploughing exhibits, live music, a live auction, and children’s activities: www.deltafarmland.ca
North Ridge Church Carnival
Saturday, September 10th, 11 am -3 pm, Thomas Haney Centre, 23000 116th Avenue, Maple Ridge
Not quite ready to let go of the summer carnival? Why not join North Ridge Church for all the bouncy castles, face painting, carnival games, and pony rides you can handle! For the older set, there’s an extreme games zone and a skate competition: www.nrchurch.ca
Steveston Sports Swap Meet
Saturday, September 10th, 10 am – 1 pm, Steveston Community Centre Gym, 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
This is an excellent opportunity to outfit your kids with soccer cleats, hockey pads, ballerina shoes, and much more: www.richmond.ca
White Rock’s Uptown Street Festival
Saturday, September 10th, 11 am – 4 pm, Johnston Road and Russell Avenue South Surrey, White Rock
White Rock is hosting a street festival and your family is invited! Join the community for live entertainment, kids’ activities, food tasting, contests, and more: www.allscenes.com
Surrey Kid’s Stuff Swap Meet
Saturday, September 10th, 11 am – 3 pm, South Surrey Recreation Centre, 14601 – 20 Avenue, South Surrey, White Rock
This swap meet is geared towards preschool and children’s items, and is an excellent opportunity to flush out the toy chest, augment the library, or shop for larger sized clothing: www.surrey.ca
Fleetwood Festival
Saturday, September 10th, 11 am – 3 pm, Fleetwood Community Centre, 15996 84 Avenue, Surrey
Join Fleetwood Community for miniature golf, bouncy castles, a giant ball pit, face painting, dancers, wizards, music, a mini train, and more: www.surrey.ca
Eid Celebration
Saturday, September 10th, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Maple Ridge Public Library 130-22470 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge
Maple Ridge Public Library is celebrating Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan on the Muslim calendar. Eid is a time for coming together as a community and renewing friendships and family ties. Learn about the culture, see calligraphy demonstrations, and taste delicious food: www.fvrl.bc.ca
Learn To Fish
Saturday, September 10th, 10 am – Noon, Matsqui Trail Regional Park, Abbotsford
Are your children obsessed with catching a fish? Why not teach them how to identify and properly handle fish, and how to use rods, reels, lines and tackle? Your kids will also get a chance to fish along the banks of the Fraser River. Registration required. Ages 5-15: www.abbotsford.ca
Sapper Flap Jack Saturday
Saturday, September 10th, 8:30 am – Noon, Sapperton Pensioner’s Hall, lower floor, 318 Keary Street, New Westminster
Sapperton Old Age Pensioners are hosting a pancake breakfast with NW Fire Fighters, and will be flipping pancakes and cooking ham for families to enjoy! They are also having a local Sapperton historical contest, with prizes relating streets or places to how or for whom they were named, and approximate dates in history. Tickets at the door: www.newwestcity.ca
Kirkland House Turns 100
Saturday, September 10th, 2:30 pm – 4 pm, Kirkland House, 4140 Arthur Drive, Ladner
Celebrate Kirkland House’s 100th birthday with old-fashioned games, music, refreshments, and tours of the historic house: www.corp.delta.bc.ca
Lego Literacy Building Challenge
Saturday, September 10th – Sunday, September 11th, 10 am – 2 pm, Central City Shopping Centre, 10153 King George Boulevard, Surrey
Check out a Master Lego Builder at work as he builds a massive Lego display, then take a look at what Surrey’s corporate community was able to build: www.centralcity.ca
Scotiabank And BC SPCA Paws For A Cause Walk For The Animals
Sunday, September 11th, various locations around BC
Enjoy fantastic entertainment and activities for all ages, as you walk your two and four legged children for a good cause. Visit local rescue group booths, pick up some great BC SPCA merchandise, and win prizes – all in support of animals who need help: www.support.spca.bc.ca
Do you have an event you would like to see in our weekend guide? Then send us your details and we’ll help you get the word out. Looking for a feature listing? Contact Erin, our Director of Sales and Marketing, for more information.
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!
2 Responses to “vancouver: what to do, what to do?”
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Hi there,
Southlands country fair is on Sunday not on Saturday.
Hi 200ser – yes, our apologies. We had the date right and the day wrong. We’ve updated it on the site, Facebook & Twitter! Sorry, we’re breaking in a new research and there’s a lot of research to be done!