Best September events in Vancouver and nearby

Enjoy the best September events in Vancouver and nearby areas. The cooler days of September nods its head to the close of summer, as children head back to school. September doesn’t have to mean the fun stops, it’s just a new time of the year to explore some great new events. There are interesting culinary offerings, sunflower festivals, apple and cranberry harvesting, cultural performances, corn mazes to explore and so much more.

If you are interested in checking out the Vancouver International Film Festival this year, tickets are on sale now.

If we have left off your favourite event, let us know in the comments below.

Plan ahead and save money. Look for early bird discount codes for some events – check out our 2023 Guide best pumpkin patches and corn mazes in Metro Vancouver, 2023 Haunted Halloween Guide for Metro Vancouver, and the 2023 guide for Vancouver Christmas events, holiday light displays and markets.

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Best September Events in Vancouver

Festival of Electrification – Full Charged LIVE Canada Home Energy and Electric Vehicle Show – September 8-10, 2023

Don’t miss a chance to find out what’s new and upcoming for electrification, renewable energy and clean technologies for consumers and businesses. Full Charged LIVE Canada will offer more than 50 informative sessions with inspiring experts from around the world.  The show states that it is the only live experiential event dedicated purely to electric vehicles and home energy.

EV’s are not the only subject. Learn about everything from e-bikes to micro-mobility, transit, commercial vehicles, marine vessels and even airplanes. Take a look at charging options, mobility planning and various related products and services.

This informative festival is only landing in six location across the globe, with two being in North America. Learn more and buy tickets.

Fringe Festival – September 7-17, 2023

The Fringe Festival is the largest alternative theatre event of its kind in BC. The festival has been running since 1985 and features more than 700 performances. There are performances showcase a variety of theatrical styles and there is something for everyone, from comedy, drama, dance and more.

Admission: Tickets will be available starting August 21 in advance online. Location: Granville Island and beyond, Vancouver

Clementine at the Garden – September 9, 2023

Family-friendly folk concert by Chorus & Clouds, sing along, nature inspired activities, and arts and crafts with Clementine and friends. The main event takes place on the Great Lawn and then enjoy the 55-arce VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Advanced tickets advised. Limited tickets sold at the gate.

Little Shop of Horrors – September 7 – October 8, 2023

The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage presents, The Little Shop of Horrors, is a sci-fi, 60s-inspired musical, comedy thriller. Follow the antics of a nerdy shop assistant who discovers a highly unusual human blood craving plant in the little flower shop. Buy tickets.

American Crown Circus and Circo Osorio – various dates in September 2023

Feel the excitement under the big top with African acrobats, high flying flyers and much more.

Locations: Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in Abbotsford (September 7-11, 2023), Guildford Town Centre in Surrey (September 14-18, 2023) and Tsawwassen Mills in Tsawwassen (September 21-24, 2023). Buy tickets here.

Great Outdoors Comedy Festival September 15 and 16, 2023

Two all time great comedians will be performing at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Stanley Park. Named one of the best comics of all time, Russell Peters hits the stage on September 15,  followed the next night by Emmy & Grammy nominated Kevin Hart on September 16. Find out more about the festival and tickets.

Renfrew Ravine Moonfest – September 23, 2023

In it’s 21st year, the Renfrew Ravine Moonfest is a delightful progressive free event with multiple components. The festival celebrates the full moon, harvest, diverse cultural traditions, and the natural environment of the neighbourhood. See map of area. There is a great lineup of entertainers, artists and workshops.

• Start at 4 p.m. with the Harvest Fair in Slocan Park for an afternoon of music, workshops, performances, games and food. One of the performing groups is The Indigenous Women Rise Drum Group representing Indigenous women from across Turtle Island.
• 7:10 p.m. – Twilight Lantern Procession is a walk with colourful figures and performers among surprising sounds and sights along the route of streams buried beneath the Renfrew-Collingwood neighbourhood.
• 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Streamside Lantern Installations, projections, and live performers will light up Renfrew Community Park.

The Indigenous Women Rise Drum Group is proud to represent Indigenous women from across Turtle Island.

The Lava Cup – September 22-24, 2023

Tennis fans will not want to miss this three-day competition of the world’s top tennis players. It is the first time this event has been hosted outside of the USA. Come see tennis legends team captains, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, as six of the best Team Europe players battle it out against six leading players of Team World. On Friday night, Roger Federer, one of tennis’ greatest athletes of all time will be honoured.

The event will take place at Rogers Arena. Book tickets here.

Stage Fright 2 – Murder at the Disco – September 28-October 28, 2023

The highly popular interactive whodunnit murder mystery comedy is back at the Improve Centre on Granville Island. Set in 1977, the ‘Diamond Disco’ is ready for everyone to boogie to the max to win a major cash prize…but for one of these disco dancers, it’ll be their last. Inspired by audience suggestions, the performance will be full of hilarious hijinks and it’ll be up to one lucky audience member to solve the Murder at the Disco.

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm from September 29 to October 28, with a special opening night performance on Thursday, September 28 at 7:30 pm. Buy tickets.

Location: The Improv Centre, Granville Island

BANKSYLAND Vancouver – September 29 – October 1, 2023

The immersive art exhibition of BANKSY, one of the world’s most elusive artists.  There are more than 80 pieces and installations in the Vancouver exhibit. It features original and studio works, salvaged street artworks, and never-before-seen immersive installations at a secret location in central Vancouver (will be announced to ticket holders only 1-2 weeks before opening). Tickets are almost sold out.

Harvest Haus – September 29 and 30, 2023

Come for an Octoberfest celebration of European fall harvest at the 8th annual Harvest Haus.

Activities: Traditional German Octoberfest food and entertainment with more than 16 beer vendors featuring seasonal local craft brew along with European offerings. Wine and other spirits available.
Admission: Register for presale access Buy tickets. Location: PNE Forum, Vancouver

Vancouver International Film Festival – September 28 – October 8, 2023

Celebrating its 43nd year, VIFF is one of North America’s largest film festivals. The festival will present about 120 features and 100 short films. Buy tickets online. Tickets are now on sale for two VIFF Live events, and VIFF+ Members can purchase festival ticket packs starting today. Ticket packs go on sale to the general public on August 17.

Eight special presentations announced August 10, including many Canadian stories: Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe by Robert McCallum, Swan Song by Chelsea McMullan, an inside look at the National Ballet of Canada’s 2022 production of Swan Lake directed and staged by the legendary Karen Kain; and Seven Veils by Atom Egoyan, a psychodrama about a young theatre director forced to re-examine her own trauma while working on a remount of Salome.

BC Culture Days September – October 16, 2023

BC Culture Days is a three week celebration of culture, heritage and arts in communities around BC.

With more than 100 events to choose from in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley discover pop-up Flamenco, free dance and music performances, DIY Donut Workshop, art sessions, storytelling, walking tours and more. Find an event.

A Series of Concerts by Candlelight until December 31, 2023

Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in a variety of locations throughout Vancouver.

Find out more about this Concert by Candlelight and to book tickets.

North Vancouver and West Vancouver September Events

Polish Festival Vancouver- September 3, 2023 – 1 p.m. – 8 p.m

The 9th annual Polish Festival Vancouver features a Polish food menu (pierogi, sausages, pastries and Polish beer), the Polonez Polish Folk Dance Group from Vancouver, guest singer from Poland and a variety of soloists and musical groups plus lots of activities for kids.

Location: 115 Victory Ship Way, Shipyards North Vancouver.

Shipyards Festival – September 23, 2023 – Noon – 10 pm

Come enjoy the car free sights, sounds and tastes of the North Vancouver Shipyards Festival, an event for the whole family

Seaspan Family Zone, located in the Pipe Shop is a family-friendly zone will lots of fun activities: bounce houses, face painting, glitter tattoos, arts and crafts and performances by Katie Brock and juggler Mike Battie.

• The Commons Stage: SonReal (JUNO Nominated singer, songwriter), Sol, Garret T. Willie, Noxious Obs Society, Lady Sinncere, Eagle Ex Machina, Raw Honey, Emilyn, and Cate Bateman
• Shipbuilders Square Stage: Miina, Run Garner, Michaela Slinger, Norine Braun, Ayla Tesler-Mabé, DM Elektrik Co., Ruthie Ha, and Clara Sanchez
• Car Free Day Stage: Tourist Company, Devours, Project Vancity, Adam Mah, Dani Camacho, Glisha, Logan & Nathan, and more to be announced.
• Seaspan Family Stage: Katie Brock and Mike Battie
• Burrard Dry Dock: Kiérah and Sweetpan
• Cates Deck: Etienne Siew, Jessica Benini, Silent St. J, Joe Abbott, and Francis Baptiste

Ambleside Farmers Market – Now until the end of October

Shop the Ambleside Farmers Market for an assortment of BC Crafts, a variety of farm-fresh produce and delicious prepared foods.

The market is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays at Ambleside Park located at the foot of 13th Street.

New Westminster September Events

Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance – September 23, 2023

The Mushtari Begum Festival celebrates its 12th annual event of Indian dance and classical music. Find out more about tickets to the performance at the Massey Theatre.

RiverFest 2023 – September 20–24, 2023

The 21st RiverFest annual celebration of World Rivers Day is put on by the Fraser River Discovery Centre. This free festival features family-friendly activities, an artisan market, live music and a tugboat parade.

Location: Quayside boardwalk, Waterfront Esplanade

Richmond and Delta September Events

Richmond Night Market – Every weekend until October 9, 2023

The Richmond Night Market is the largest event of its kind in North America. Come experience the array of international foods, interesting characters and creative merchandise sold by many booths. There are more than 110 food booths along with food trucks offering more than 600 different foods, drinks and desserts.

Coquitlam September Festivals and Events

World of Love Multicultural Carnival – September 16 and 17, 2023

Location: Coquitlam Town Centre Park, 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam

Mid-Autumn Moon Family Day  September 23, 2023 – Noon until 3 p.m.

Attend the third annual Mid-Autumn Moon Family Day celebration to learn about mooncakes, watch performances from Uzume Taiko, a Lion dance by the Shao Lin Hung Gar Lion Dance Team, and a special performance by The BC Chinese Music Ensemble presented by Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra.

Location: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House 1116 Brunette Avenue

Surrey September Festivals and Events

Cloverdale Market Days – September 16, 2023

Market Days is set in historic downtown Cloverdale. The street is closed to car traffic for the open air market allowing easy access to explore the 150 vendors. There are food trucks, local artisans and family-friendly activities. Take time to discover the charming shops and restaurants in the area.  Location: 176 St: between 56A Ave and 58 Ave

Filipino Festival – September 23, 2023

Celebrate the Philippines. Enjoy live performances, dance, music, an ocean-inspired expressive arts with Filipino-Canadian artist Paulina Constancia, Tagalog and English storytelling and more. This event is held at the Surrey Museum.

Langley September Festivals and Events

Langley Good Times Cruise In – September 9, 2023 – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Good Times Cruise In is one of Canada’s largest mixed car shows. The annual event started in 1997 and has grown in popularity ever since. The car show may display more than 1,200 vehicles, depending on registrations. In 2002, there were 1,532 cars registered.

Location: Fraser Hwy from 264 to 272 St in Aldergrove

Metro Vancouver Feast of Fields at Stable Farms – September 10, 2023

The 28th Annual Feast of Fields fundraising event brings together farmers and top chefs, bakers, food artisans, vintners, brewers, distillers and others for this four-hour wandering gourmet festival. Wander from tent to tent, tasting gourmet offerings and beverages while listening to live music. The VIP ticket package includes a private tasting, guided farm tour and other exclusive perks along with a $75 tax receipt.

A shuttle pickup is available from two locations: Vancouver and Surrey.

The Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm – Late September – October, 2023

Come experience the Cranberry Harvest and Farm Tour at Riverside Cranberry Farm.

Take the Harvest Walk around the perimeter of the cranberry field to watch active cranberry harvesting. On a self-guide audio tour to learn about cranberry farming and its history. There are lots of great photo opportunities. For an additional fee, take the cranberry plunge wading experience.

Remember to visit the farm to table store onsite to pickup fresh cranberries for Thanksgiving. The stage of harvest cannot be guaranteed for tour date purchased

Check for dates and tickets.

Harvesting cranberries can be found near Vancouver in September at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley

Harvesting cranberries at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley.

Harvesting cranberries at the Bog Riverside Cranberry Farm in Langley

Abbotsford September Events

Taste of Abbey Fall Food Festival – September 15-24, 2023

Come out to Abbotsford to discover the best of the fall harvest through a series of events. Here is a sample of the events but there is so much more to discover.

• Sept. 15 – Experience the Night Market featuring an evening of flavours from around Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley, handcrafted beverages and  live music.
• Sept. 16 – Taste of Abby Guided Food Tour – Start at the Farm and Country Market, then continue for VIP Tour of EcoFarm Discovery Centre and finish with a picnic at Nature’s Pickin’s.
• Sept. 20 – Experience grape stomping at Singletree Winery.
• Sept. 21 – Downtown Abbotsford Art and Wine Walk
• Sept. 22 – Harvest Fest Dinner and Live Music

Abbotsford Lakeland Summer Flower Festival – August 18 – early September, 2023

Explore 20 acres of 28 different types of sunflowers in many colours. This beautiful flower farm has made a remarkable recovery after the devastating floods in the Fraser Valley in 2021.

Bring good walking shoes to travel to the field and expect to walk at least 500 m from the parking area. Strollers, wheelchairs and people with mobility issues may find it a challenge at this time. Every admission includes a 5-stem bunch of sunflowers to bring home or brighten someone’s day.

Location: 3663 Marion Rd, Abbotsford

Beautiful, bright and bold, sunflowers can be found in several fields near Vancouver in September. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Abbotsford Farm and Country Market – Every Saturday, September – October 2024

Pick up locally grown and produced products from Abbotsford farmers and artisans.  The market is Abbotsford’s longest running market. All vendors are vetted, meaning the market showcases the best on the area. Location: Jubilee Park,  2552 McCallum Road. 9 a.m. – Noon.

Maan Farms Fall Festival opens mid September 2024

Activities: Celebrate family fun at the 11th annual Fall Festival on the Maan Farm. The Barnyard Adventureland features a zip line, pedal kart track, giant tire crawl, play fortress, jumping pillow, and giant slides.

The Classic Pumpkin Patch includes the opportunity to take a photo in the Pumpkin House with a Princess. The four-acre poop-themed Corn Maze is an interactive daytime adventure of interesting facts. There is also an animal play area with goats and hay wagon rides.

The festive fall and Halloween inspired treats are popular and tasty. There apple juice pumpkins, wine-filled ‘blood’ bags at the Blood Bar, Mad Jack Pumpkin Spice wine and a Creepy Cloud Cocktail.

We tasted the Butter Chicken Naan Tacos, Double Pumpkin SpiceCream, Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts, which were all delicious. Hours: Opens September 17 for the Fall at the Farm. Pumpkin Patch opens around September 24, 2023
Location: 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford, BC

See our guide to Metro Vancouver Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

A visit to Maan Farms Fall Festival. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

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Maan Farms Fall Festival Fun

Maan Farms Fall Festival Fun

Maan Farms Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch fun. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Chilliwack Fall Festivals and Events

Fraser Valley Distillery and Beer Festival – September 23, 2023

The 6th Annual Fraser Valley Distillery+Beer Festival is a unique event that combines lively entertainment and delicious food with the finest artisan spirits, liquors, and seasonal brew from across the region.

Agassiz Fall Fair and Corn Festival – September 22-23, 2023

This year’s Agassiz Fall Fair celebrates 119 years and the Corn Festival, 75 years. This long running event draws about 10,000 people to partake in a wealth of agricultural entertainment and fun activities, including midway rides. There are food and artisan booths, a parade, farm animals and assorted competitions.

Location: Agassiz fairgrounds, 6800 Pioneer Ave, Agassiz, BC

Harrison Hot Springs September Festivals and Events

Harrison Sunflower Festival – August 22 until the middle of September 17, 2023

Discover 45 varieties of sunflowers and other summer flowers along three kilometres of paths on the 20 acres property at the Harrison Sunflower Festival. There are plenty of photo opportunities to capture include several swing sets, antique tractors and horse carts, vintage bicycles, a 1950’s convertible, a 1965 Airstream trailer, and raised platforms that make it easy to stage your own family or group portrait.

The Harrison Sunflower Festival replaces the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival. Find out more.

Harrison Pumpkin Festival – September 29 – October 31, 2023

A tentative opening date of Sept. 29 has been set for a new autumn attraction at the farm — the Harrison Pumpkin Festival. Stay tuned for exciting details about this coming attraction.

Squamish September Festivals and Events

Mountain Music Series at Sea to Sky  – Fridays until September 9, 2023

Brackendale Fall Fair – September 8 and 9, 2023

Celebrating 25 years, the Brackendale Fall Fair is a great family event. It offers food, music, hay rides, farm animals, 80 vendors with local produce and handmade artisan goods and more.

Squamish Harvest Moon Festival – September 30, 2023

Experience a night of music from Canada and the US, including Nashville’s Rayland Baxter at the historic Railway Museum of BC.  Find out more.

Going to Squamish? Why not make a weekend of it and stay over so you can also check out the Squamish Craft Tasting Trail.

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If you are planning a trip to explore some of the most incredible spots in Vancouver and the rest of BC, don’t miss our suggestions for experiences to last a lifetime below.

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