From dumpling tastings to music festivals and more, here’s what to add to your calendar this month
1. Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) – Thursday, September 28 to Sunday, October 8
The Vancouver International Film Festival is back for its 42nd year! Early bird tickets are now available for 32 Sounds by Sam Green and Machine Folklore by Taiwan’s Software2050 & NAXS FUTURE. More than 100 features and 100 shorts will be presented at the festival, and so far eight special presentations have been announced. Canadian stories like Swan Song by Chelsea McMullan and Seven Veils by Atom Egoyan are featured, along with international film features such as The Old Oak by Ken Loach and Monster by Hirokazu Kore-eda. Indulge in contemporary storytelling from filmmakers across the world at this annual event.
Various locations; Tickets from $13; Details online
2. Harrison Sunflower Festival – Friday, August 25 to Sunday, September 17
Enjoy the last few rays of summer sunshine while basking in a sea of sunflowers at the Harrison Sunflower Festival. The founder of the Chilliwack Sunflower and Tulip festivals is hosting this event at a new location on an Agassiz family farm. Enjoy Mount Cheam as your backdrop to three kilometres of sunflower pathways, along with plenty of photo ops like swing sets, antique tractors and vintage bicycles. Food trucks are available as well, so get ready for a full day of fun!
5039 Lougheed Highway, Agassiz; Tickets from $10; Details online
3. Dumpling Trail – Friday, September 1 to Saturday, September 30
World Dumpling Day is September 26, and the City of Richmond is holding a Dumpling Trail event in celebration. Fifteen different eateries across Richmond are featured on the trail, and visitors can embark on a self-guided journey following the Dumpling Trail brochure. This event is a great opportunity for you to venture out and experience dumplings from a variety of different Asian cultures across the Richmond food scene. Try out dishes from Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam to find your favourite!
Various locations; Prices vary; Details online
4. Vancouver International Flamenco Festival – Monday, September 18 to Sunday, September 30
Immerse yourself in the passion of flamenco! This dance festival is back for its 33rd year, offering both paid and free events. Each day of the festival features a different flamenco performance by a variety of artists, so you can rest assured you will get a fresh experience each time. Also, a free dance masterclass is available on September 18 if you would like to try flamenco dancing yourself. Don't miss these dramatic and explosive performances!
Various locations; Tickets from $26.25; Details online
5. The Comic Strippers – Saturday, September 16
A potentially hilarious idea for your next girls' night out, this improv show is a male stripper parody featuring the award-winning Comic Strippers. Although it’s rated ages 19+ only (no minors please!), organizers claim there will not be extreme nudity—just extreme fun! Loosen up on a Saturday night to this zero-script, fully improvised show.
Kay Meek Arts Centre - 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver; Tickets froom $39; Details online
6. Interior Design Show Vancouver – Thursday, September 21 to Sunday, September 24
Calling all working and aspiring interior designers! The Interior Design Show Vancouver is back for another exhibition at the Convention Centre. This event is open to all—from those just starting out and wondering where to begin to seasoned designers looking to share knowledge and experience. The annual show is kicking off with an opening party on Thursday, then a trades-only day on Friday, followed by two public access days on Saturday and Sunday. Get inspiration from designers all over the world for your own home or clients’ homes!
Vancouver Convention Centre - 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver; Tickets from $12; Details online
7. Foolish: A Daytime R&B Party – Sunday, September 3
Groove to smooth tunes at Prive for their summer finale R&B party. This daytime event plays R&B music from the '90s and 2000s to the 2010s and current times. You can expect to hear from local DJ artists like Rashad Rawkus, Yeppa, and Lux; as well as a live performance by Chlo. The venue offers a rooftop patio and a gaming lounge to dance the day away. The party goes from 2 to 7 p.m. so you you'll be home way before bedtime.
PRIVE - #200-1001 West Broadway, Vancouver; Tickets from $17.31; Details online
8. AHFOMAD Festival – Friday, September 1 to Sunday, September 3
The AHFOMAD Festival is back for its eighth annual showing. Enjoy a weekend of concerts hosted by the non-profit African Heritage Music and Dance Society. This event showcases live music and dance performances by different African diasporas from around the world. You will hear from artists like Dremo, Selmor Mtukudzi, Ndidi O and Alpha Yaya Diallo this year. Besides musical performances, there will also be vendors presenting workshops and music masterclasses.
The Massey Theatre - 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster; Tickets from $20; Details online