The Fair at the PNE: All the Food and All the Fun

From science fiction to science fact and mini donuts to classic acts, there are amazing things in store at this year’s fair

Since 1910, the Pacific National Exhibition has marked the jubilant close of summer in Vancouver, offering one final two-week opportunity to celebrate a season full of fun with the family. From themed nights to new exhibits, the 2018 incarnation of The Fair at the PNE is dishing up crazy cuisine and undeniable excitement.

These are five things you definitely shouldn’t miss at The Fair at the PNE this year…

1. Summer Night Concerts series

When it comes to pop music pedigree, they don’t get more impressive than that of Grammy-nominated trio Wilson Phillips. Influenced heavily by their singer-songwriter parents, the group has offered up perfect harmonies since their 1990 breakthrough hit, “Hold On”. This year, they hit the fair on August 24th. Revered—and hilarious—Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden takes the stage on August 30th with a setlist surely jammed with her Juno Award-winning hits, rock legends Chicago headline September 1st and Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winner Cyndi Lauper closes up the series with a showcase on September 3rd.
Full Summer Night Concerts schedule available online

2. Creative cuisine

Move over mini donuts! Heading to the food vendors at The Fair at the PNE now means summoning some courage. With chefs increasingly turning to ingenious (and sometimes just plain shocking) ingredients, the delicacies on offer in 2018 include more than a few surprises. Try a cricket-covered caramel apple perhaps? Or skip the insects and opt for deep-fried Kit Kat bars or charcoal soft serve.

3. New pop-tech discoveries

Science fact meets science fiction at POPnology. Shining a light on just how technology has been influenced by the creative minds of artists, filmmakers and designers, it’s an interactive opportunity to explore both our cultural past… and future. Grab a photo with the famed DeLorean from the Back to the Future franchise, better understand menacing HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey and more.
POPnology is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

4. Markets and makers

In recent years, an increased emphasis has been placed on local makers and artisans at the fair and 2018 continues this trend. The Fall for Local open air marketplace is open August 19th to September 3rd from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring more than three dozen different designers and businesses over the course of the fair, the market offers a rewarding, one-of-a-kind shopping experience. 

If art trumps commerce in your books, take in the stunning murals of Arcy Live. A graffiti artist hailing from Connecticut, Ryan “Arcy” Christenson will be designing and creating massive art pieces celebrating the past 50 years of amazing memories at the Pacific Coliseum.

5. Classic eats and greets

Sure, technology and innovation deserve some of the spotlight, but there’s something to be said for a “classic.” The Fair at the PNE boasts some annual traditions that can always be counted on. Mini donuts will provide a sugar fix while agricultural exhibits (and barn animals), a fishing pond tutorial and even a “discovery farm” will help teach little ones about farming and industry.