Weekend Wander: Festivals to Catch in BC (Sept 20–21)

Word Vancouver: A Book Lover’s Festival

Start in downtown Vancouver on Saturday at Word Vancouver, where the city’s long-running literary festival transforms UBC Robson Square into an open-air book bazaar. Expect author readings, workshops, indie presses, and kids’ programming. It’s free, central, and pairs perfectly with a coffee-and-people-watching loop around the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza.

Come Toward the Fire Festival: Indigenous Arts and Culture

Also in Vancouver, the Come Toward the Fire Festival runs this weekend, offering two days of Indigenous music, dance, film, and an artisan market presented by the Chan Centre and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). Daytime programming is free and family-friendly, with performances, workshops, and a vibrant community-focused atmosphere.

Country Charm: Pass Creek Fall Fair & Vancouver Island Exhibition

If small-town fair vibes call to you, head east to the Pass Creek Fall Fair in Robson (near Castlegar), Sept 19–21. The fair features livestock shows, home arts, field competitions, live music, and plenty of fresh-baked treats. Meanwhile, on the island, Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island Exhibition also lights up the weekend with midway rides and family fun.

Wine Capital Weekend in Oliver

In the South Okanagan, Wine Capital Weekend (Sept 19–21) takes centre stage. Saturday’s Cask & Keg celebrates craft beer, cider, and spirits with lively Beer Olympics, while Sunday’s Festival of the Grape features 40+ wineries, food trucks, VIP lounges, live music, and the fan-favourite grape-stomp competition.

Plan Your Weekend Adventure

Whether you’re in the city, the countryside, or wine country, this weekend in B.C. offers something for every festival fan. Pack your appetite, your curiosity, and maybe some dancing shoes.