Vancouver Weekend Guide: The Final Nights of Richmond Night Market & Other Must‑Do Activities

It’s a bittersweet weekend for Greater Vancouver. After more than a quarter‑century of neon lights, sizzling wok stalls and carnival rides, the Richmond Night Market is bowing out for good. The final two evenings promise a nostalgic rush of familiar smells – think grilled satay, bubble‑tea clouds and the sweet perfume of fried dough – plus a few surprise performances that longtime fans won’t want to miss.

If you’ve never been, now’s the only chance to walk through the maze of over 200 vendors, snag a bite of the famed curry puffs, and snap that Instagram‑ready photo under the massive lantern arches before they come down for the last time.

While the night market’s lights dim, the rest of the city stays lit. Downtown Vancouver is hosting a pop‑up street food festival on Granville Street this Saturday, where local chefs reinterpret Asian‑fusion classics and serve up fresh Pacific oysters straight from the dock.

Families looking for daytime fun can head to Kitsilano Beach for the annual Sandcastle Competition. Kids and adults alike spend hours sculpting intricate towers, and a panel of local artists judges the creations, awarding modest prizes and plenty of bragging rights.

For those who prefer a slower pace, free outdoor yoga sessions return to Stanley Park on Sunday morning. The seasoned instructor meets near the Seawall at 9 a.m., inviting participants to stretch, breathe, and enjoy the lingering summer breeze.

Art lovers aren’t left out either. The Vancouver Art Gallery opens its new exhibition, “Coastlines & Communities,” featuring works by Indigenous painters and contemporary photographers who capture the region’s ever‑changing shoreline.

And if you still crave a night‑market vibe, the Vancouver Night Market in the West End kicks off Friday evening. It’s smaller than its Richmond counterpart but offers a solid lineup of live DJs, a roller‑disco, and an impressive array of vegan‑friendly stalls.

Whether you’re saying farewell to a beloved summer tradition or simply hunting for one‑off experiences before the weather turns, this weekend packs enough variety to keep every Vancouverite (and visitor) busy.