Things to do in Metro Vancouver this Labour Day long weekend

From sweet to savoury to downright strange, there is something for everyone at the PNE this year.

The last weekend of August is also the Labour Day long weekend and the finale of the PNE Fair. Whether you’re a local staying in Metro Vancouver or a visitor spending the weekend here, there are plenty of events scheduled. Here are some you may want to check out.

Tatus Festival at the PNE

The annual PNE Fair wraps up on Monday, but before it goes, it will play host to a festival within a festival in celebration of Indigenous music, art and food.

The Tatus Festival will showcase 127 Indigenous artists on the PNE Festival Stage on Friday and Saturday, plus Indigenous food trucks and an art and craft market.

Performances are scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each day.

Taiwanfest Vancouver

Downtown, the long weekend will bring with it celebrations of “the connections between Taiwan, Canada and the world,” according to the organizers of Taiwanfest.

The event will close the 600 and 700 blocks of Granville Street, between Dunsmuir and Robson streets, from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It will also take over šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, with a variety of artist markets, exhibitions and food stands.

Live performances, talks, culinary programs, workshops and more are planned for the festival area as well as venues elsewhere downtown. A full schedule of events can be found on the Taiwanfest website.

Serbian Days

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is hosting its annual Serbian Days festival this weekend in South Vancouver.

Featuring sports and games, kids activities, Serbian food and musical performances, Serbian Days has been “the most attended local Serbian event” and a chance for the community to share its culture with neighbours for decades, according to organizers.

Festivities will take place Saturday and Sunday at the church on East 63rd Avenue and in nearby George Park.

Nikkei Matsuri Japanese Summer Festival

For a celebration of Japanese culture, head to the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre in Burnaby for Nikkei Matsuri, a summer festival that also marks the centre’s 25th anniversary.

A Mikoshi procession, drum and dance performances, crafts and activities, vendors and food stalls are all on offer, along with a beer and sake garden.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $12 online in advance or $15 at the door.

Car Free Day Burnaby

A few blocks down Kingsway from the Nikkei centre, Edmonds Street will close between Kingsway and Mary Avenue for Burnaby Car Free Day on Sunday.

Featuring three stages of live performances, food trucks, community booths and more, the free event runs from noon to 5 p.m.

More information, including a performance schedule and a map of the festival, can be found on the City of Burnaby website.

50 years of VanDusen Botanical Garden

Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary with live entertainment, “hands-on activities in three themed zones, local food vendors and guided historical tours” this Saturday.

The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are included with garden admission, which can be booked online in advance.

With files from MOVE 103.5’s Leanne McLaren