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. It’s also easy to get these event listings in our handy new app, OnTheGoKids, which takes our weekend guide and makes it mobile!
Looks like it’s going to be another eventful summer weekend, with the Garlic Festival, a barn raising, MusicFest Vancouver, Latin Summer Fest, and Portobello West outdoor market. And don’t forget to check out one of the many outdoor movies – the weather is going to be perfect for a movie under the stars!
MusicFest Vancouver
Ongoing until Sunday, August 19th, see site for more information, various locations around Vancouver
With over 40 different concerts and events all over town, MusicFest Vancouver has something for every taste. And don’t miss Music in the Park: BMO Family Day on Sunday, August 19th at 11 am at VanDusen Botanical Garden: www.musicfestvancouver.ca
Hot Rod Saturday
Saturday, August 18th, 9 am – 4 pm, The Village at Park Royal, 2002 Park Royal South, West Vancouver
Admire this gathering of over 150 Hot Rod cars, and enjoy old-time Rock n’ Roll music. There will also be a craft area for the kiddos to get creative: www.shopparkroyal.com
Portobello West on Granville Street
Saturday, August 18th, 11 am – 7 pm, Sunday, August 19th, 11 am – 5 pm, 800th block of Granville Street, between Robson and Smithe, Vancouver
Granville Street will transform into a pedestrian-only, open-air market for the weekend. Come take a stroll and admire the talents of the local artists and makers of all things wonderful: www.potobellowest.com
Cupcakes for Variety
Saturday, August 18th, Noon – 4 pm, Mt. Pleasant Neighbourhood House, 800 East Broadway, Vancouver
There will be henna tattoos and cupcakes for sale…and who can resist a delicious cupcake, especially for a good cause? So bring the family and support Variety: www.variety.bc.ca
Trail Troupers
Saturday, August 18th, 10 am – 11 am, Spanish Banks Beach, meet-up at parking lot by Admiralty Trail, Vancouver
Explore the beach and learn about everything you see. For kids aged 2-12, accompanied by an adult: www.pacificspiritparksociety.org
Imagine and Explore – Yum, Yum!
Saturday, August 18th, 10:30 am – Noon, Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver
Can you eat trees? How about flowers? Learn more about edible plants in this program for kids ages 3 – 6. Pre-registration is required, as well as adult accompaniment: www.dnv.org
Civic Plaza Artisan Craft Fair
Saturday, August 18th – Sunday, August 19th, 11 am – 4 pm, Civic Plaza, Civic Place Mews, North Vancouver
Admire the talents of local artists and shop for jewellery, clothing, soaps, and more: nvartscouncil.ca
Crack the Code
Saturday, August 18th – Sunday, August 19th, 11 am – 3 pm, TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Discover the secrets of mirror writing. Solve codes and create your own! Regular admission rates apply: www.scienceworld.ca
Latin Summer Fest
Sunday, August 19th, 11 am – 7 pm, Trout Lake Park, Victoria Drive & East 15th Avenue, Vancouver
Join this free fiesta of Latin-American food and music in the park. Fun for the whole family: latinsummerfest.com
Fire Hall Open House
Sunday, August 19th, 1 pm – 3 pm, Fire Hall 8, 895 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, Fire Hall 12, 2460 Balaclava Street, Vancouver, Fire Hall # 13, 4013 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver
Vancouver Fire & Rescue will host open houses at the fire halls all summer long, so head out to meet your local firefighters and ask all your questions about fire safety. There will also be refreshments! Open houses are scheduled at different fire halls throughout the summer: vancouver.ca
Stanley Park’s Historic Trails
Sunday, August 19th, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, Stanley Park Nature House, under the viewing plaza at the corner of Alberni and Chilco Street, Vancouver
Have you ever wondered what Stanley Park might have looked like a hundred years ago? Or where all the trails got their names? Discover answers to these questions and more: stanleyparkecology.ca
Roundhouse Picnic in the Park
Sunday, August 19th, 4 pm – 7 pm, David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the afternoon with free crafts and games, a BBQ, and music: vancouver.ca
Farther Afield:
Wild, Wild Puppet Show
Thursday, August 16th, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, Muriel Arnason Library, 130 20338 65th Avenue, Langley
Take a wild ride through space and time! Hear the amazing stories and songs, and don’t miss the puppet show. Pre-registration is required for this free event: www.fvrl.bc.ca
Willingdon’s Community Fair
Thursday, August 16th, 5:30 pm – 8 pm, Willingdon Community Centre, 1491 Carleton Avenue, Burnaby
A family-friendly evening filled with games, music, a BBQ, and more. The fun runs rain or shine: www.burnaby.ca
Walk Richmond
Thursday, August 16th, 7 pm, Garry Point Park/West Dyke, meeting point at Garry Point concession stand, 12011 7th Avenue, Richmond
Join this free, stroller-friendly guided walk for all ability levels. The walk is one hour long. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and good shoes, bring your water bottle, and enjoy the walk at your own pace: www.richmond.ca
Bat Watch
Friday, August 17th, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Minnekhada Regional Park, Quarry Road, Coquitlam
Take a walk in the dark and discover the important role bats play. For kids aged 6+. Please pre-register: www.metrovancouver.org
City Centre Movie in the Park – The Lorax
Friday, August 17th, 7pm, Garden City Park, Garden City Road, Richmond
Enjoy an evening in the park with free activities, popcorn and face painting, followed by the movie, which begins at dusk: www.richmond.ca
Prospera Cinema under the Stars – The Lion King
Friday, August 17th, 8:30 pm – 10 pm, Exhibition Park, 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford
Bring a blanket and enjoy this Disney classic under the stars – for free: www.prospera.ca
Screen on the Green Movie Night: The Lorax
Friday, August 17th, 9 pm, The Meadow at SFU, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby
Come enjoy this free outdoor movie for the whole family. Bring your blanket and bundle up: university.ca
Kids Swap Meet
Saturday, August 18th, 9 am – 1 pm, Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 176th Street & 60th Avenue, Surrey
Find the perfect bargains for kids, from newborns to teens: www.cloverdale.bc.ca
Fab Forts Day
Saturday, August 18th, 9 am – 5 pm, Fort Langley National Historic Site, Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
Visit Fort Langley to commemorate the War of 1812, with cannons and other historic weapons. A day of history and fun for the whole family: www.pc.gc.ca
What Can You See?
Saturday, August 18th, 10 am – 10:45 am, Ladner Harbour Park, 4905 McNeely’s Way, Ladner
Kids, ages 3-5, explore nature using all their senses, and make their own pair of binoculars. Pre-registration and an accompanying adult required: nurturingnature.weebly.com
Nuts about Squirrels
Saturday, August 18th, 10 am – 11:30 am, Burnaby Lake Regional Park, 4404-4542 Piper Avenue, Burnaby
Enjoy squirrelly games and nutty activities, and listen to the squirrels and see them running busily around. Pre-registration and an accompanying adult required: www.metrovancouver.org
Quayside Boardwalk Festival & Sale
Saturday, August 18th, 10 am – 3 pm, Quayside Boardwalk, New Westminster
This is the largest outdoor sidewalk sale in the Lower Mainland! Come and browse through tables full of treasures, or reserve a table and get ready to haggle. Hot dogs, music, and kids’ activities will also keep you busy for the day: www.quaysideboard.com
Arts Alive Festival
Saturday, August 18th, 10 am – 5 pm, various locations in downtown Langley
Over 150 preforming and visual artists take over the Langley streets for a day. You’ll enjoy non-stop musical performances while you check out the displays and vendors, and make your own art at the Children’s Fun Park: www.artsalivefestival.com
Family Day at Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery
Saturday, August 18th, 11 am – 3 pm, Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery, 2595 Lefeuvre Road, Abbotsford
Get to know the bees and everything that keeps them busy at this free, fun day for the whole family. Enjoy the games, face painting and entertainment, and have a snack at the tea shop: bchoney.com
Movies under the Stars – Despicable Me
Saturday, August 18th, 5 pm, Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Bring your blanket to bundle up for the evening and come spend time with Gru and his three adopted girls. Fun activities for the whole family start at 5 pm, and the free movie begins at dusk: www.tourismsurrey.com
Family Movie Night in the Garden – The Lorax
Saturday, August 18th, 6 pm – 10 pm, South Surrey Recreation Centre, 14601 20 Avenue, Surrey
Come and spend an evening in the garden. Enjoy a BBQ, fun activities for the whole family, and the movie (at dusk). Admission is $10 for a family, and hot dogs are included: www.surrey.ca
Starry Night at Deas Island
Saturday, August 18th, 7:30 pm – 10 pm, Deas Island Regional Park, Deas Island Road, Delta
Bring a lantern or a flashlight and take a magical walk through the park on lantern lit paths. If you stay quiet and keep your eyes open, you may see and hear nighttime animals you wouldn’t usually notice: www.etrovancouver.org
BC Supermoto Race
Sunday, August 19th, 8 am – 5 pm, Tradex, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
Come and check out the exciting supermoto race for free! There will be plenty of dirt, along with loads of fun: www.rpmsupermoto.com
4th Annual Garlic Festival
Sunday, August 19th, 10 am – 3 pm, The Sharing Farm, 2631 Westminster Highway, Richmond
It’s the perfect day for all garlic lovers! You can taste wonderful delicacies, including garlic ice cream, and enjoy the music, garlic-themed crafts and cooking activities, or take a roll in the hay pile: www.sharingfarm.ca
Kids’ Nature Quest
Sunday, August 19th, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, Ladner Harbour Park, 4905 McNeely’s Way, Ladner
Kids ages 6-12 can explore nature using all their senses, and make their own pair of binoculars. Pre-registration and an accompanying adult required: nurturingnature.weebly.com
Public Tree Tour
Sunday, August 19th, 1pm, Riverview Hospital, 2601 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
The grounds of Riverview Hospital are home to a unique collection of heritage trees. This free guided tour will give you an introduction to some of the varieties. The walk is about two hours long: rhcs.org
Harris Barn Celebration
Sunday, August 19th, 2 pm – 6 pm, Hawthorne Grove Park, 4140 Arthur Drive, Ladner
Celebrate the preservation of historic Harris Barn, and lend a hand with the assembly of the barn! Or sit back to watch, and check out the kids’ programs, silent and live auctions, and other entertainment: www.corp.delta.bc.ca
VanCity Fresh Air Movie Tour – The Lorax
Sunday, August 19th, 5 pm – 10 pm, Rocky Point Park, 2800th block on Murray Street, Port Moody
The pre-movie festival will kick off at 5 pm, featuring local non-profit organizations that focus on growing organic, fresh food. The free movie screening starts at dusk: www.vancity.com
Rock Painting for Beginners
Monday, August 20th, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, Langley Library, 20399 Douglas Crescent, Langley
Turn an ordinary rock into a work of art (or a low maintenance pet) at this free class. Rocks are provided, or you can bring your own. Pre-registration is required: www.fvrl.bc.ca
Annual Blackberry Bake-off
Wednesday, August 22nd, 11 am – 2 pm, Langley Demonstration Garden, 4887 221st Street, Langley
Bring your home-baked blackberry creation and compete for the title of Langley’s Best Blackberry Chef. Enjoy a locally grown BBQ lunch, shop at the Farmers’ Market, and check out the kids’ corner: www.leps.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!