Photo by Dreamstime/JackblueeThe BC Day long weekend is just around the corner, Aug. 4, 5 and holiday Monday on Aug. 6. How will you be celebrating?
BC Day was officially established in 1974, as a way to commemorate this great province. On Aug. 2, 1858, the province of British Columbia was created by British parliament. A great way to celebrate BC Day is to visit your local museum. But in lieu of that, we have some other great options listed below.
Vancouver Pride Parade & Sunset Beach Festival
Where: Sunset Beach, 1204 Beach Ave., Vancouver
When: Sunday, Aug. 5
Cost: Free
Why you should go: Be sure to come out to show your pride and support during one of the largest Pride Parades in Canada. With over 100 parade entries, the floats will be a sight to behold. There’s also a Vendor Village to explore, a Family Fun Zone and the brand-new Community Zone, and there will be DJs spinning in the beer garden. The parade will start at noon on Robson, turn down Denman and then turn onto Beach Avenue.
Photo by Dreamstime/Brian GanterBrigade Days
Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Ave., Langley
When: Saturday, Aug. 4 to Monday, Aug. 6
Cost: Regular admission fee
Why you should go: What better way to celebrate BC Day than at one of Canada’s National Historic Sites? Come out and explore encampments of the Hudson’s Bay Company workers, Indigenous traders, Royal engineers, Metis trappers and more. You’ll hear stories and music, and you’ll get to see demonstrations from these historical figures. On Monday, Aug. 6 at 1 p.m., the Arrival Of The Fur Brigades canoe re-enactment will take place.
Vancouver Street Dance Festival
Where: Robson Square, 800 Robson St., Vancouver
When: Saturday, Aug. 4
Cost: Free
Why you should go: This annual event brings out the best of the best dancers, and you definitely want to be around to witness this talent. This is the largest street dance festival in the northwest, and you’ll find six different dance styles at work: breaking, hip-hop, house, locking, popping and waacking. Come out and enjoy the show!
Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival
Where: Various locations around Squamish
When: Thursday, Aug. 2 to Monday, Aug. 6
Cost: Mostly free, but there are some ticket events
Why you should go: The fun never stops at the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival! There’s so much to see and do for people of all ages – children’s activities, a parade, bed races, two world-class Loggers Sports Shows, axe throwing invitational, a chair-carving contest and more!
Photo by Dreamstime/Colin MooreSunfest Country Music Festival
Where: Laketown Ranch Music & Recreation Park, Cowichan Lake
When: Thursday, Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 5
Cost: There are separate prices per day, if you only want to attend one day of the event. These prices range from $69 to $149. The full, four-day pass is $269.
Why you should go: Eric Church, Dustin Lynch, Dallas Smith, George Canyon, Emerson Drive… Need I say more? Country music lovers, rejoice!
Kamloops Powwow
Where: Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Powwow Grounds, 345 Powwow Trail, Kamloops
When: Friday, Aug. 3 to Sunday, Aug. 5
Cost: General admission is $10 per day
Why you should go: Over a thousand dancers and even more spectators will gather to watch an amazing show of dancing, drumming, storytelling and more. This is one of the largest celebrations of First Nations’ culture and heritage in western Canada.
