From outdoor music festivals to exhibitions and more, here’s what to add to your calendar this month
1. Goblin: Macbeth – Saturday, August 19 to Sunday, September 17
Embark on a fantastical journey with William Shakespeare’s Macbeth through the eyes of three goblins. For the 34th season of Bard on the Beach, this performance adds a twist to the classic story while still paying tribute to the masterpiece. Tickets are available now, so make sure you book ahead to snag the best seats.
Vanier Park – 1000 Chestnut Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $30; Details online
2. Music on Main Summer Pop-up Concerts – Monday, August 14 to Wednesday, August 16 & Monday, August 21 to Wednesday, August 23
Enjoy the evening summer breeze with the sounds of strings this month. Music on Main returns with free instrumental concerts at Mount Pleasant Park. What started out as an initiative to enjoy free music in a group setting during the pandemic has transformed into an annual event. With a changing lineup of musicians each day, rest assured that you’ll experience a different vibe every concert.
Mount Pleasant Park – 3161 Ontario Street, Vancouver; Free entry; Details online
3. Jeremy Shaw’s Phase Shifting Index Exhibition – Until Sunday, September 24
This exhibition by Vancouver-born, Berlin-based artist Jeremy Shaw is an artful combination of film, sound and light. With a successful opening at the Pompidou Centre in Paris in 2020, Shaw brought his art back home to Vancouver this year. The immersive installation depicts his story about mankind’s future, in which seven subcultures believe they can alter reality. Visitors can view the seven different panels, each featuring a different channel of video and sound. Take a step into this imagined future and explore the depth of Shaw’s mind.
The Polygon Gallery – 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver; Entry by donation; Details online
4. Ambleside Music Festival – Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20
Headlined by Weezer and Third Eye Blind, this two-day music festival is back for its 10th annual run. Okanagan Wine Festival has also joined in on the fun this year to bring the region’s best wines to the event. Both one-day and two-day passes are available, as well as VIP passes, which include six complimentary wine-tasting tickets and exclusive food options. Book tickets ahead to enjoy early-bird offers.
Ambleside Park – 1150 Marine Drive, West Vancouver; Passes from $79.50; Details online
5. Richmond Garlic Fest – Sunday, August 20
Join Richmond’s celebration of agriculture at their 13th annual garlic festival. This event supports the Sharing Farm’s initiative to provide sustainably grown produce to local families who face food insecurity. Check out all the neighbourhood farmers' stalls for fresh produce, enjoy the live birds-of-prey flying demonstrations, and try out some exclusive garlic offerings from food trucks.
2771 Westminster Highway, Richmond; Entry by donation; Details online
6. Farmhouse Fest – Saturday, August 12
Calling all beer fanatics! This festival is dedicated to both local and import breweries, so expect a huge range of tastes—from funky and sour to dry and fruity. More than 50 breweries from around the world will be participating, along with local food vendors to bring you some high spirits in this sunny weather. This event is for those aged 19+ only.
UBC Farm Events Field – 3461 Ross Drive, University Endowment Land; Tickets from $85.27; Details online
7. Harmony Arts Festival – Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 13
Hosted along the waterfront on Argyle Avenue in West Vancouver, this festival celebrates visual and culinary art. You can expect an array of activities each day of the festival—from Indigenous carving demos to art markets. Kids’ art workshops are also available, as well as multiple dining options, such as the Park Royal Beachside Patio and tastings from restaurants like Cantina Norte. Take your pick!
Argyle Avenue, from 14th to 16th Street, West Vancouver; Prices vary; Details online
8. Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival – Saturday, August 12
Check out this family-friendly music festival for a day of blues with a side of local food offerings. Not only will you get to enjoy live music for free this year (first time ever!), there will also be a family area where alcohol is not permitted. Artists like Buffy Sainte-Marie and Allison Russell are headlining the event, and food trucks will be offering up a wide variety of eats.
Deer Lake Park – 5435 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby; Free entry; Details online