Sometimes a night out or day activity is worth every penny (like a concert or fun festival), but sometimes that penny can be better spent elsewhere. Luckily, having fun and being thrifty can still go hand in hand, even in Vancouver.
The first month of fall is an exciting time to be. Summer is coming to a close, pumpkin spice flavours fill the air, and trees will soon turn autumn colours. Speaking of autumn-coloured trees, fall is also a beautiful season for a road trip.
If you're looking for local fun, here is a list of free events and festivals happening this month.
Sunset Beach Roller Jam
The regular roller disco lets you jam out on skates with a view of the beach. The event comes with DJs, chalk street art and 70s fashion, and is worth stopping by before the rain sets in.
When: Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: 1204 Beach Ave.
Car-Free Days
If you've ever been curious about what the city would look like without cars, this series of events will satisfy that itch. On separate days, three Vancouver streets will be car-free and filled with food and drinks, local art, and live music.
When: September 10, 18, 25 from noon-7 p.m.
Where: Sept. 10 on Commercial Drive from North Grandview Hwy to 1st Ave; Sept. 18 on Main Street from 10 Ave to 25 Ave; Sept. 25 on Denman Street from Davie to Robson streets
DIY Donut Workshop
Vancouver's iconic Lee's Donut shop is hosting a workshop for all ages where you can decorate your own donut and learn the science behind the making of the famous Granville Island dessert.
When: September 24 at various times
Where: 108-1535 Johnston St
DTVAN Kids' Day
This event is filled with free fun for all kids, with water play, face painting, glitter tattoos and more.
When: September 17 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Emery Barnes Park - 1170 Richards St
Light It Up Chinatown
The weekend-long community celebration will have food trucks, live entertainment, a self-guided walking food tour, lights, and colourful decorations. This free event is a fun way to explore Chinatown.
When: Sept. 10 starting at 11 a.m. and Sept. 11 starting at noon
Where: Chinatown. Main Stage at the intersection of Columbia and Keefer streets; Kids Zone at 127 E Pender St (across from the Chinatown Storytelling Centre) from noon to 4 p.m.
Latin Independence Day Festival
Celebrate the nine Latin countries that share the same Independence Day and try traditional dishes, shop for traditional crafts, learn history, and enjoy Latin music and dancing.
When: September 17 from noon-6 p.m.
Where: TBB El Redentor - 2551 E 49th Ave
Fire Dragon Festival
This event will be filled with cultural activities and performances, such as dragon dancing and workshops, to bring the Chinatown community together and educate about the neighbourhood's legacy.
When: September 17 from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: Throughout Chinatown, including activities in the Chinese Cultural Centre courtyard and Andy Livingstone Park
Four Fires Festival
This festival celebrates traditional indigenous canoe racing and canoe carving. There will also be visual and performance art, dancing, and live music by award-winning musicians.
When: September 10-11
Where: Concord Community Park - 50 Pacific Blvd
Indigenous Culture in Community Exhibit
This free nine-day celebration highlights the work of Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Coast Salish and Urban Indigenous artists within the community. An opening reception kicks of the exhibition and events which take place both at the Roundhouse and several city parks.
When: September 22 through October 1 (9:30 a.m. -9:30 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. weekends); opening reception on September 22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Various locations; Opening Ceremony at the Yaletown Roundhouse - 181 Roundhouse Mews
Vancouver Thunderbird Chorus
The community choir is offering free singing lessons starting September 21. The five-week program teaches a capella singing techniques and arrangements suitable for men and lower-voiced women. Registration required.
When: On Wednesdays from September 21 through October 19 from 7:15-9 p.m.
Where: St. Faith's Anglican Church - 57th & West Boulevard
Yoga for Coal-Free Fashion
This free yoga class doubles as a protest asking Lululemon to phase out coal and switch to 100 per cent clean and renewable energy by 2030. The event is BYOM (bring your own mat) and will be led by an experienced instructor.
When: September 17 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: 1818 Cornwall Ave
Run to the Polls
This free guided route helps educate runners on non-partisan topics surrounding voting, such as checking voting eligibility, ways to hold elected officials accountable, where to find your local voting site, and more.
When: September 25 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Rackets & Runners - 3880 Oak St
