Just because it’s back to school doesn’t mean the fun has to end! As we transition from summer to fall in September, the city continues to bustle with festivals and fun for all ages. We’ve picked out ten free events to enjoy around Vancouver in September:
First Free Fridays – Start off every month by visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art for free on the first Friday afternoon or evening. Read our full guide to free and pay-what-you-can days at local galleries.
Free Gardening Workshops in Richmond – Lansdowne Centre continues to host their weekly gardening workshops on Thursdays through September and October. The workshops take place every Thursday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in the southeast parking lot near T&T Supermarket and no advance registration is required.
Car Free Days – There are two Car Free Day street festivals in Vancouver this month: Commercial Drive on September 5th along Commercial Drive and September 13th along Main Street. These events celebrate diversity, sustainability, creativity, and connection by transforming busy streets into vibrant public spaces, bringing artists, performers, local businesses, and communities together.
Filipino Fest Surrey – The Museum of Surrey hosts this free cultural celebration on September 12th with food, live performances, vendors, textile displays, Tagalog and English storytelling sessions and more.
RiverFest in New Westminster – Celebrating World Rivers Day – and BC Rivers Day – this free fest is hosted by the Fraser River Discovery Centre on September 19, 26, and 27. Join plant walks and guided tours along the riverfront and in parks around the city, shop an exhibitor expo and artisan market, and catch live performances. Space is limited on the tours, RSVP in advance.
Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival – Experience enchanting live music, giant lanterns and illuminated art set among the towering trees and flowing waters of Renfrew Ravine during the festival’s Lantern Procession & Harvest Fair on September 26th. RSVP for free.
Festivibe is a free multicultural festival at The Shipyards in North Vancouver on September 19th. Browse and shop a diverse artisan market, get some play in at the Kids Village, savour an assortment of food options, and enjoy live performances. RSVP for free.
The Path Forward – Curated by VSO Indigenous Council – Now in its fourth year, The Path Forward is a free community celebration curated by the VSO Indigenous Council, representing a meaningful step in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s ongoing journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. It takes place at the Orpheum on September 27th, no advance registration is required.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Maple Ridge) – One of many community events for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Maple Ridge’s takes place September 27th at Memorial Peace Park, co-hosted by Katzie First Nation with PLEA Community Services Society, Fraser River Indigenous Society, and BC Spokes.
BC Culture Days – Culture Days is Canada’s largest public participation campaign for the arts. Celebrate arts, culture, and heritage in your community through free and interactive events September 18 to October 4. From walks and talks to concerts, crafts, and dancing, there’s something for everyone in each community. Browse the Truth and Reconciliation event tag to find related events.