The PNE Fair and other things to do in Vancouver this weekend

People are silhouetted while riding the Atmosfear double swing that lifts riders more than 66 metres into the air while spinning at up to 70 km/h, at the Pacific National Exhibition Fair, as a waxing crescent moon rises in Vancouver, on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)

The 2026 PNE Fair opens this weekend, Canada’s only WNBA team is playing two games at Rogers Arena, and dragon boats are returning to False Creek.

There’s lots to do in and around Vancouver this weekend. Here are some highlights.

2026 PNE Fair

“It’s back and bigger than ever,” the PNE’s homepage proclaims about the annual summer fair.

Gates open Saturday at 11 a.m., and the fair runs through Sept. 7, except for two Mondays: Aug. 24 and 31.

Among this weekend’s highlights—in addition to the classic fair foods, rides, vendors and agricultural displays—are the NFL Experience, the British Columbia Tattoo and Summer Night Concerts by Blue Rodeo (Saturday) and The Guess Who (Sunday).

Dragon Boat Regatta in False Creek

FIFA-related restrictions scuttled the annual Dragon Boat Festival in False Creek this June, but a scaled back event is scheduled for Saturday.

In addition to boat races, the Dragon Boat Regatta will feature live music, free activities, food trucks and craft creators at Concord Pacific Place.

Organizers are also promising “a special announcement” about the festival’s return from June 25 through 27, 2027. Races start at 8 a.m. and admission to the festivities at Concord Pacific Place is free.

Toronto Tempo visit and more for the sports fans

The WNBA’s Toronto Tempo is bringing its inaugural season to Vancouver this weekend, hosting fellow expansion team the Portland Fire at Rogers Arena on Friday at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the Tempo will take on the Las Vegas Aces at 4 p.m.

In between, fans can head to the arena on Saturday for “Tempo Live,” a community celebration featuring interactive basketball activities, community clinics, exclusive merchandise and family-friendly programming. Tickets are free, but required for admission.

Next door at B.C. Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps will host FC Dallas on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and the B.C. Lions will take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Sunday in their annual “Watermelon Smash” game. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.

Day of the Dog in Yaletown

Dog lovers will be making their way to Yaletown on Sunday for Pet-a-Palooza’s Day of the Dog event.

Featuring breed-specific races, pet product vendors and exhibitors, and photo opportunities for dogs and owners, the event will take place at 1100 Mainland St. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Vancouver Outdoor Salsa Festival

Head to Hastings Mill Park on Alma Street on Saturday for the Vancouver Outdoor Salsa Festival.

Hosted by Rueda De La Vida Dance Society, the event promises live music, workshops, social dancing, food and vendors. Admission is free and the festival runs from noon to 8 p.m.

Indonesian Festival

A celebration of Indonesian culture is taking over šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Organizers promise live performances, interactive games and activities, traditions from across the archipelago, and, of course, delicious food and drink.

Admission is free.

Fireworks Festival in New Westminster

The Hyack Festival Association is hosting its annual Summer Music and Fireworks Festival this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at New Westminster Quay.

The festival features two stages of live music, a market, nearly two dozen food vendors, a kids’ zone and a free pop-up sauna and cold plunge.

As the name implies, the free event culminates with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Richmond Maritime Festival

The 23rd annual Richmond Maritime Festival is taking place this weekend at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site in Steveston.

Celebrating the city’s nautical history, the event features live music, children’s activities, restored wooden boats and ships, food trucks and more.

Admission is free and the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.