What’s on for Vancouver Family Fun in September

Back-to-school season may be here, but September still offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy Vancouver with the kids. From the final days of the PNE and car-free street festivals to cultural celebrations, lantern festivals, nature adventures, and the beginning of fall fun, there’s lots happening throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Here are some of the best family-friendly events and activities in and around Vancouver this September.

What’s on for Vancouver Family Fun in September

PNE Fair

Until Monday September 7
Hastings Park, 2901 E Hastings St.

There’s still time to squeeze in one last visit to the PNE before the gates close for another year. Catch the SuperDogs, explore the exhibits, sample classic fair food, watch live entertainment, and brave the rides at Playland. The final Labour Day weekend is a great opportunity to say goodbye to summer with one of Vancouver’s favourite family traditions.

Nikkei Matsuri: Japanese Summer Festival

Friday September 4–Sunday September 6
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby

Celebrate Japanese culture during this lively end-of-summer festival in Burnaby. Nikkei Matsuri brings together traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with music, dancing, performances, food vendors, family activities, and plenty of opportunities for kids to experience something new. The festivities kick off with an outdoor dance party for all ages.

Car Free Day on Commercial Drive

Saturday September 5, 12pm-7pm
Commercial Drive

Leave the car behind and take over the street when Commercial Drive closes to vehicle traffic for one of Vancouver’s biggest neighbourhood celebrations. Families can wander the Drive while enjoying live music, street performers, local food, vendors, community activities, and plenty of space for kids to explore. Admission is free.

Vancouver TAIWANFest

Saturday September 5–Monday September 7
Downtown Vancouver

Spend part of the Labour Day long weekend discovering Taiwanese culture at this free downtown festival. TAIWANFest fills the streets with music, performances, art, food, cultural experiences, and interactive programming. It’s an easy way to introduce kids to another culture while enjoying one final big summer weekend downtown.

Labour Day Fair at Burnaby Village Museum

Monday September 7
Burnaby Village Museum

Step back in time for an old-fashioned Labour Day celebration at Burnaby Village Museum. Families can explore the historic village while enjoying special entertainment and traditional fair activities marking the unofficial end of summer. Admission to the museum is free, making this an affordable Labour Day outing.

Wings Over Iona

Saturday September 12
Iona Beach Regional Park, Richmond

Calling all young birdwatchers and nature lovers! Wings Over Iona is a free family event celebrates the incredible fall migration happening above the Lower Mainland. Watch bird banders at work, learn about shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl, and discover why Iona Beach is such an important stop for migrating birds. The event runs from 11am to 2pm.

Car Free Day on Main Street

Sunday September 13
Main Street

If you miss the Commercial Drive celebration or simply want to do it all over again, Main Street gets its turn to go car-free. The street becomes a giant pedestrian-friendly community celebration filled with local businesses, food, entertainment, vendors, and family activities. It’s free to attend and a fun excuse to explore one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

RiverFest

Saturday September 19 + Saturday September 26–Sunday September 27
Fraser River Discovery Centre, New Westminster

Learn more about the mighty Fraser River at this free family-friendly festival in New Westminster. RiverFest combines environmental education, Indigenous perspectives, arts, culture, and hands-on activities designed to help families discover the river’s importance to the communities and ecosystems around it. Special workshops and guided programs begin September 19, with the main festival weekend taking place September 26 and 27.

Family Crafts for Mid-Autumn Festival

Saturday September 19–Sunday September 20 + Saturday September 26–Sunday September 27
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Richmond

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival while learning about the history of Richmond’s Chinese community. Families can visit the Chinese Bunkhouse at Britannia Shipyards for free hands-on crafts and activities inspired by this traditional celebration of family, the harvest, and the full moon. It’s a lovely combination of history, culture, and creativity for kids.

Mid-Autumn Melodies

Sunday September 20
Minoru Chapel and Gateway Theatre, Richmond

Celebrate family and the fall season at Gateway Theatre’s annual Mid-Autumn Melodies celebration. The afternoon begins with a family-friendly concert featuring songs from Disney favourites including Mulan, Frozen, Tangled, and Moana, along with sing-along tunes. Afterwards, families can make paper lanterns and enjoy complimentary mooncakes. The event is recommended for ages six and up.

Culture Days

Beginning Friday, September 18
Various Metro Vancouver Locations

Turn September into a month of creative exploration during Culture Days. Free events take place across Metro Vancouver and include hands-on art workshops, live performances, demonstrations, exhibitions, music, dance, and family activities. In Burnaby, participating venues include the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Art Gallery, and Burnaby Village Museum.

Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival

Saturday September 26
Renfrew Ravine

Welcome fall with one of Vancouver’s most magical community traditions. The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival celebrates the harvest moon with art, music, community activities, and beautiful handmade lanterns. The evening lantern procession is the highlight, transforming the ravine into a glowing pathway and making this an especially memorable September outing for families.

World Rivers Day at Burnaby Village Museum

Sunday September 27
Burnaby Village Museum

Celebrate World Rivers Day with a free day dedicated to local waterways and the natural environment. Families can meet environmental community groups, take part in educational activities, enjoy performances, and learn from Indigenous educators while exploring the historic village. It’s an easy way to combine outdoor fun with a little environmental education.

Visit the Richmond Night Market Before It Closes

Until Sunday September 20
8351 River Road, Richmond

September is your last chance of the year to experience the Richmond Night Market. Come hungry and sample your way through an enormous selection of street foods and sweet treats, browse vendors, enjoy entertainment, and soak up the colourful atmosphere. Older kids and teens especially will appreciate an evening outing that feels a little different from the usual family attraction.

Explore Science World

Throughout September
Science World

When September rain inevitably arrives, head indoors for a hands-on day at Science World. Kids can explore interactive science exhibits, experiment, build, play, and discover how the world around them works. Soccer fans have an extra reason to visit in 2026: the special Soccer & Technology exhibition from the FIFA Museum continues at Science World in September.

Enjoy Early Fall in Stanley Park

Throughout September
Stanley Park

September can deliver some of Vancouver’s loveliest outdoor days, so don’t retreat indoors just because summer vacation is over. At Stanley Park you can walk or bike part of the seawall, explore the forest trails, visit a playground, pack a picnic, or spend an afternoon at the Vancouver Aquarium. As the month progresses, keep an eye out for the first signs of fall colour.

Go Apple Picking

Throughout September
Various Lower Mainland Farms

September means apple season, and a trip to a local farm makes an easy weekend adventure. Farms throughout the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland offer opportunities to pick apples, explore farm attractions, visit animals, and start getting into the fall spirit. Check individual farms before heading out, as picking dates and available varieties depend on the harvest.