On New Year’s Eve, just minutes before midnight, Vancouver and the world lost a true gentleman and legend — big band leader Dal Richards, who until last summer, had played the Fair at the PNE for 75 consecutive years.
So it’s fitting the PNE is planning a special tribute to the King of Swing on Seniors Day, Thursday, Aug. 25. The tribute to Richards is one of the highlights of the fair, which runs from Aug. 20 to Sept. 5 and features something for everyone, no matter what age.
New this year
Angry Birds Universe: The art and science behind a global phenomenon
Daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the Rollerland Building
Angry Bird fans of all ages will have an opportunity to be “the bird” while being (safely) propelled along zip lines into enormous foam structures, just like in the game. Besides being a lot of fun, this full-body experience demonstrates the physics behind the Angry Birds games, providing an integrated approach to learning.
Alien Worlds and Androids Exhibit
Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Garden Auditorium
Blast off to a world where science fiction meets science fact. How close are we to discovering new alien worlds and life? What are the differences between androids and robots? This exhibit lets visitors explore cutting edge science, including a chance to check out the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. You are not alone...
UNBELIEVABLE: A Magical Experience
Daily 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Coliseum
Witness grand illusions and watch champions of magic. Free with admission or purchase a VIP reserved seat that includes an exclusive backstage magic experience and popcorn for the show.
Festival Park
Festival Park is a new themed entertainment zone located in the heart of the fair on the PNE grounds. Celebrate Canada’s upcoming 150th birthday with fun for the whole family. Grab a seat at a picnic table, unwind and enjoy summer jazz, a parade, guest artists and special events. See your selfie on the big screen, grab some food and kick back and relax.
Returning favourites
Craft Beer Fest: New location
Daily 2 to 8 p.m. in the Italian Gardens
More than four dozen craft breweries will highlight the diverse craft drafts getting brewed around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Purchase your tickets in advance online for a discount and access a pre-purchased ticketholder line. Admission includes a four ounce collector’s sampling cup. Samples are $2 and beer tokens are available to purchase online.
PNE Prize Home
Tours daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2016 PNE Donut Dash
Aug. 21 at 9 a.m. at Empire Field and throughout the PNE fairgrounds
Vancouver’s tastiest five-kilometre run where participants enjoy treats including mini doughnuts and cotton candy… while running. Run registration includes a PNE Donut Dash T-shirt, race bib, finisher medal and fair gate admission for Aug. 21. Visit pne.ca for registration details and cost.
Dinosaurs Alive! A Jurassic Experience
110 a.m. to 11 p.m. along Miller Drive
This outdoor exhibit offers guests a spectacular and representative snapshot of 20 different dinosaurs that roamed the earth during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, including 14 life-sized animatronic models.
Duelling Pianos
Nightly from 7 to 9:45 p.m. at the Celebration Plaza Beer Garden
Request a favourite song, raise a glass and hit the dance floor.
SuperDogs
Daily at 12:30, 2:30 and 5 p.m.
in the Pacific Coliseum
The SuperDogs are back with a brand new show celebrating all the fun, energy and excitement of rock and roll. Watch as the dogs put together their own canine band called Five Directions.
Mermaid Tales: A Musical Journey Under the Ocean
Daily 1:30, 4 and 6:30 p.m. on the
BCAA ToonCity Stage
Take a trip under the ocean and into the magical world of mermaids. Join the Mermettes, the biggest pop sensation under the sea, as they host this mermaid celebration.
Let’s Pretend with KC Bear!
Daily at noon, 3 and 5:30 p.m. at the
BCAA ToonCity Stage
Join KC Bear and his friends for a family holiday adventure as they perform a musical stage show. Kids can gather round and pretend to be a fireman, policeman, royal princess and more.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit pne.ca.
Kidz Discovery Farm
Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the livestock barns
The Discovery Farm allows kids to become farmers while learning about agriculture and just how it is their food gets from the farm to the local grocery store. Kids will be put to work pretending to milk cows, pedal a tractor, collect eggs and harvest apples while moving from farm to farm.
For more information and a complete schedule, visit pne.ca.
