Things to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend besides, or in addition to, the PNE

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

The annual PNE Fair continues this weekend, but it’s far from the only summer festival in town. Here are some other events you may want to check out before, after or instead of making the annual pilgrimage to Hastings Park.

Granville Block Party

For the third year running, Granville Street will turn into a mini-fair, of sorts, for Downtown Van’s annual Granville Block Party.

Featuring four stages, two bars, outdoor lawn games, a kids zone with mini golf, market vendors and booths showcasing local businesses, the event will take over the street’s 700 and 800 blocks – centred on the intersection of Robson and Granville – from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is free.

Festival of India

Farther south, in Creekside Park near Science World, the 52nd annual Vancouver Ratha Yatra Festival of India will be held Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Day 1 features an artisan market, plant-based food vendors and free yoga sessions, while Day 2 will include a chariot parade and a free “vegetarian feast.” Both days will feature kirtan musical performances. The festival is free to enter.

Afro-Caribbean Cultural Summerfest

Head to Surrey’s Civic Plaza this weekend for Afro-Caribbean Cultural Summerfest, which is now in its fourth year.

Organized by New Vision Music Society, the free event celebrates Afro-Caribbean music and culture, featuring local and international artists, food and business vendors, a beer garden and more. Performances begin at noon Saturday and Sunday.

Hyack Summer Music and Fireworks Festival

New Westminster’s Hyack Festival Association will host its Summer Music and Fireworks Festival on the New Westminster Quay from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Organizers plan to “send summer off in style” with a street festival featuring live entertainment, market and food vendors and, of course, a fireworks display after sunset.

Day of the Dog in Yaletown

The event that describes itself as “North America’s largest pet festival” will return to Mainland Street in Yaletown on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Day of the Dog features a variety of pet-focused vendors, photo opportunities for dogs and their owners, and racing competitions for corgis, dachshunds, French bulldogs and other breeds.

Richmond Oval Community Day

The Richmond Oval is hosting Oval Community Day on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The free event features an obstacle course, opportunities to try a new sport or watch a demonstration, a three-on-three basketball tournament and more.

More information, including a schedule of sport demonstrations and live performances, can be found on the event’s website.

The Big Bounce

The “world’s biggest bouncy castle” will open at Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver this Saturday.

"The Big Bounce" features a variety of inflatable activities, with sessions for toddlers, kids and adults. Tickets start at $39 and can be booked online. The attraction will be in Vancouver through Aug. 31.

For the sports fans

Vancouver’s Spanish Banks Beach will play host to the second weekend of Volleyball Canada’s Beach National Championships Friday through Sunday. The first part of the competition was held in Toronto last weekend.

Elsewhere, the Vancouver Canadians are finishing a series against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Nat Bailey Stadium this weekend, with games scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Vancouver FC will host Forge FC in Langley on Friday night, and the Vancouver Whitecaps will host St. Louis City SC at BC Place on Saturday.

With files from MOVE 103.5’s Leanne McLaren