See ya, work week. Hello, weekend! 

This one might not be quite as long and luxurious as last weekend, but that’s all the more reason to seize the days while you can. Here’s what’s on.

Vancouver Queer Film Festival

The Vancouver Queer Film Festival is putting 2SLGBTQIA+ stories and experiences on the big screen, curating local and international films that illuminate, celebrate, and bring positive change for queer, trans, and Two Spirit people. Check out five must-see films here.

When: Until August 30

Where: Various venues

Admission: $15

Tea in the Window

High tea gets an upgrade with the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Tea in the Window. Aptly named, this luxury experience for two sees diners sidled up inside a window (yes, you read that right) of the historic hotel, enjoying a selection of warm or cold teas, mocktails, and, of course, delicious goodies. It may feel a bit strange at first to be dining on display, but smiling at all the curious passersby on Georgia Street ends up being its own special kind of fun. For food, the emperor ham sandwich is classically divine, as is the tomato tartlet complete with shrimp and gold leaf flecks. The house-baked buttermilk scones are the runaway winner, though, especially when smothered in chantilly cream. Arrive hungry, leave happy.

When: Monday through Friday from August 11 to September 29, with seatings at 11am and 2pm

Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Admission: $120 per person (reserve here)

Lobe Artist Residency Series: ZAMEEN-A

Cry [No More], ZAMEEN-A’s debut album explores musical possibilities beyond the confines of conventional western melodic and rhythmic structures, tapping into some of the most universal yet rarely shared emotional states.

When: August 11, 6pm

Where: Lobe Studio

Admission: PWYC $15 to $30

Richmond Fusion Festival

This free festival will include over 25 food trucks, live music, a beer garden, vendors, and much more.

When: August 11 to 13, 4 to 7pm

Where: Lansdowne Centre

Admission: Free

KitsFest

KitsFest is back at Kitsilano Beach this weekend for its 15th annual event, featuring basketball, touch football, volleyball, and roundnet tournaments, as well as a beer garden, yoga, and much more. 

When: August 11 to 13, 9am to 9pm

Where: Kitsilano Beach

Admission: Free

Satan Wants You

Victoria was once the epicentre of the “satanic panic” of the 1980s, as shown in the documentary Satan Wants You playing at Vancity Theatre this month. 

When: August 11 to 22

Where: Vancity Theatre

Admission: $15

Good Stank Stampede

Throw down a couple yeehaws at the Good Stank Stampede, which is back for its second year. Enjoy a free vendor market during the day (perfect chance to pick up a pair of cowboy boots before Bass Coast 2024), and then a country-themed party at night featuring live music and late-night karaoke.

When: August 12, 11am to 5pm (market) and 8pm to 12am (party)

Where: Red Gate

Admission: Market is free; evening party is ticketed at $17.31

Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival

There’s no better place for live music in the summer than Deer Lake Park, and the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival offers a full lineup for free. Check out Bebe Buckskin, The Trade-Offs, Boy Golden, The Dip, Allison Russell, and Fleet Foxes at this year’s event. 

When: August 12, 2 to 10pm

Where: Deer Lake Park

Admission: Free

A-WHOLE-LOTTO-JAMS

Catch eight to 10 bands playing three songs each throughout the night on stage at Burnout Cafe.

When: August 12, 6:30pm to late 

Where: Burnout Cafe

Admission: $10

Harmony Arts Festival

Harmony Arts Festival features 10 days of events and activities showcasing arts and culture during this celebration of summer on the North Shore. 

When: To August 13

Where: Millennium Park

Admission: Free

Across Our Queer Bodies: A Sash Decorating Textile Workshop to Celebrate Pride

Celebrate Pride by joining queer interdisciplinary artist Sarah Wong in a textile workshop that explores pageant sashes as wearable objects of pride that reflect both movements of resistance and expressions of fantastical glamour.

When: August 13, 1 to 3:30pm

Where: Museum of Vancouver

Admission: Free
 

All Over the Map 2023

Check out the annual series of dance and music performances across outdoor spaces on Granville Island.

When: August 13, 1 to 4pm

Where: Granville Island Picnic Pavilion

Admission: Free

Want more? Check out our events page to find out what else is going on around the city.