From the last days of the Richmond Night Market to the launch of B.C. Culture Days, there’s lots happening in Metro Vancouver on the final weekend before fall officially begins. Here are some events you may want to check out. Last weekend of the Richmond Night Market Organizers of the Richmond Night Market say Sunday will be their last night of operation. While local politicians and community members have pledged to find a way to keep the market going, so far, no concrete plans have materialized, and the market itself is selling off assets and promoting its final season. If nothing else, this weekend is likely to be the public’s last chance to experience the market—and its 100 food vendors, retail booths, games, zip line and more—in its current form and location. B.C. Culture Days Culture Days is not just a Metro Vancouver or B.C.-specific event, but a country-wide public participation campaign for the arts. Events, activities, workshops and more will be held across Canada from Friday through Oct. 2 under the Culture Days banner. In B.C., a launch event is scheduled for Sunday in Delta’s Hawthorne Grove Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The full schedule of events in B.C. can be found on the Culture Days website. Vancouver Flamenco Festival The Vancouver Flamenco Festival will take place primarily on Granville Island, with a few events at other venues across the city, from Saturday through Sept. 27. According to organizers, the festival is one of few festivals devoted to flamenco art outside of Spain. It has been produced annually in Vancouver for more than 35 years. This year’s program includes a guitar concert, vocal and dance performances, free classes and more. Fire Dragon Festival The Fire Dragon Festival, which marks the mid-autumn celebrations of China’s Hakka ethnic group, returns to Vancouver’s Chinatown this weekend, though organizers say the titular creature will be absent. “This year, the fire dragon will take a pause from the celebration, as community groups continue to face the realities of being underfunded,” organizers say in a social media post. A lantern-making workshop is still scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Chinatown Memorial Square, with Qilin and lion dances to follow, as well as a mid-autumn altar procession. More information can be found on the festival’s website. ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl Come Toward the Fire The fifth annual ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire) festival is taking place at UBC’s Vancouver campus this Friday through Sunday. The three-day celebration of Indigenous culture centres around performances at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts. There are also food and artisan vendors, as well as workshops on a special “Day of Knowledge Sharing” on Friday. Admission is free for most events, with the exception of Sunday’s ticketed closing concert. The full schedule can be found on the festival’s website. Festivibe Head to The Shipyards in North Vancouver on Saturday for “Festivibe,” a multicultural street festival that organizers say is “designed to highlight the diversity, creativity, and spirit of the North Shore.” Live performances, artisan vendors, food trucks, a kids zone and more will be on offer throughout the day. The event runs from noon to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Ukrainian New West Fest Ukrainian culture will be on display in New Westminster Saturday at Ukrainian New West Fest 2026. Organizers promise live music and dance performances, authentic Ukrainian cuisine, a “culture exhibition and market,” and more. The free street festival runs from noon to 8 p.m. at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 501 4th Ave., in New Westminster. Word Vancouver 2026 Founded in 1995 as “Word on the Street Vancouver,” the annual celebration of reading and writing now known as Word Vancouver is taking place in-person on Saturday and online through Sept. 28. “This year’s festival focused on finding joy in the dark times includes workshops, online events, readings, an onsite literary and art fair, and plenty of moments for individuals and families of all ages and configurations to enjoy,” organizers say on their website. The main festival day takes place at UBC Robson Square from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the sports fans The Vancouver Giants return to action this weekend, beginning their 2026-27 WHL season with a home game against the Kelowna Rockets. The puck drops at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Langley Events Centre. Vancouver Rise FC is also at home this weekend. The NSL club hosts Montreal Roses on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Swanguard Stadium in Burnaby.
