We love a free event. Here are a few taking place during this gorgeous month of August.

Drive-In Movie Nights at Lansdowne Centre

Watch your favourite movies under the stars every Wednesday night this month.

When: Wednesdays in August, 9pm
Where: Landsdowne Centre
Admission: Free

Sunset Cinema

Catch a free movie on the šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn outside Queen Elizabeth Theatre every Wednesday evening in August. 

When: Wednesdays in August, 9pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza
Admission: Free

Follow The Rainbow Brick Road - Pride in Gastown

Kick off Vancouver Pride weekend in true Gastown style: with live music, dancing, and all of the love. 

When: August 3, 4 to 8pm
Where: Maple Tree Square Pizza
Admission: Free

Pride Week - Allyship Workshop

Engage in an allyship education presentation accompanied by interactive activities, light refreshments, and social connections through artistic expression. 

When: August 3, 4:30 to 6pm
Where: Cambie Community Centre
Admission: Free (registration required)

FakeKnot Arts Society

Catch a dance performance by the FakeKnot Arts Society at Metropolis at Metrotown’s South Plaza.

When: August 4, 2pm and 3pm
Where: Metrotown’s South Plaza
Admission: Free

Chess Time in Chinatown

Play chess, checkers, and other games while listening to live music. Beginners are welcome, and chess boards are available (though it’s encouraged to bring your own chess or checkers sets, chairs, and tables for guaranteed seating). 

When: August 4, 7 to 9pm
Where: Chinatown Memorial Plaza
Admission: Free

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: August 4 to 13, schedule here
Where: Millennium Park
Admission: Free

Drag Queen Karaoke

Celebrate the power of Pride by singing in the spotlight or taking in the tunes while enjoying light refreshments.

When: August 5, 3 to 5pm
Where: East Richmond Community Hall
Admission: Free (registration required)

VanPrideFest

For the first time, Pride is going to be a two-day affair. The stage at Concord Pacific Place will be buzzing both Saturday and Sunday, featuring performances from Fefe Dobson, Coco & Breezy, Madison Rose, and Prado Monroe.

When: August 5 and 6, noon to 7pm
Where: Concord Pacific Place
Admission: Free

Summer Event Series

The Amazing Brentwood is hosting free performances to showcase local musical talent. Catch Desmond Day, MARZIA, Warren Dean Flandez, and Best Night Ever on Saturday, and Cassandra Maze, Uno Mas, Potato Head People, and Marie Hui on Sunday. 

When: August 5 and 6, 2 to 8pm
Where: The Amazing Brentwood Plaza
Admission: Free

Powell Street Festival

Celebrate Japanese Canadian art and culture with live performances, a Japanese food and craft marketplace, panels and workshops, martial arts demos, children’s activities, and much more. 

When: August 5 and 6, 11:30am to 7pm
Where: Oppenheimer Park
Admission: Free

Outdoor Bollywood dance classes

Enjoy a high-energy dance class on Tuesdays throughout August led by expert instructor Rohan D’Silva. Absolutely no prior dance experience is necessary. 

When: Tuesdays in August, 7 to 8pm
Where: Civic Plaza
Admission: Free (registration required)

Social ballroom dance workshops

Learn how to build a foundation in social ballroom dance to sweep your future dance partner off their feet. 

When: August 8, 15, 22, 5:30 to 6:30pm
Where: Civic Plaza
Admission: Free (registration required)

the della kit concert

Recently a featured artist in the 2023 First Up with RBCxMusic program, the della kit is planning to perform a free unplugged lounge experience at the Fairmont Pacific Rim this month, featuring songs from her debut album moonbeams & frequencies. 

When: August 9, 6 to 10pm
Where: Fairmont Pacific Rim
Admission: Free

Brews & Books: An Evening with Renée Saklikar

Enjoy an evening of food and drinks with acclaimed author and poet Renée Sarojini Saklikar, who will delve into her latest epic fantasy, Bramah’s Quest.

When: August 9, 6 to 7:30pm
Where: The Modern Pantry
Admission: Free

Tea & Paint Dim Sum in Chinatown

Everyone is welcome to enjoy tea and painting, with painting instructions provided by @Lucky.Munyi. This session will be watercolour dim sum.

When: August 12, 6 to 9pm
Where: Chinatown Memorial Plaza
Admission: Free

Summer Pop-Up Concerts with Music on Main 2023

Check out a variety of top-flight musicians and soul-stirring repertoire. Take a breath and simply listen.

When: August 14 to 16, 21 to 23, 6:30pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Park
Admission: Free

Opera in Oak Park

Catch a free concert with soprano Emma Petersen, mezzo-soprano Yenny Lee, bass-baritone Andrew Greenwood, tenor Ian McCloy, and pianist Roger Parton. 

When: August 19, 2 to 3:30pm
Where: Oak Park
Admission: Free

The Cultch 50th Anniversary Open House

Celebrate 50 years of The Cultch with a free drop-in party that includes snacks, theatre tours, and free mimosas. Kids welcome.

When: August 26, 11am to 2pm (drop-in)
Where: 1895 Venables
Admission: Free (RSVP here)

Compound block party

Monstercat’s annual free block party is back at Monstercat HQ later this month with a mainstage lineup that includes Cankdat, Blanke, Nostalgia, Godlands, Ace Aura, and Chyl. 

When: August 26, 2 to 9pm
Where: 380 Railway Street
Admission: Free

Flats Fest

This free, family-friendly community event will include a beer garden, food trucks, local musicians, an artisan market, and more. The lineup includes Hayley Wallis, Cody Lawless, and KAllITECHNIS. 

When: August 26, 2 to 6pm
Where: 565 Great Northern Way
Admission: Free

It’s Not Rocket Surgery - Mike Jackson Solo ART SHOW

Join Mike Jackson as he shares original and limited-edition works.

When: August 27, 6pm
Where: Monica Reyes Gallery
Admission: Free

Meet Me in Gastown

Catch live music, art demonstrations, games, and a special finale performance on closed-down Water Street in celebration of Gastown’s heritage and community. 

When: August 31, 3 to 7pm
Where: Water Street from Abbott Street to Carrall Street
Admission: Free

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