Your Complete Guide to Abbotsford & Vancouver’s Biggest August Weekends
Your complete guide to BC Day celebrations, the Abbotsford International Airshow, and the best summer activities across Abbotsford and Vancouver.
August Events in Abbotsford and Vancouver bring some of the most exciting experiences of the summer, from the BC Day long weekend to the Abbotsford International Airshow. Whether you are planning a family outing, a weekend getaway, or looking for local festivals, this guide highlights the top events, dates, and tips to help you make the most of August.
August Events in Abbotsford and Vancouver: BC Day Long Weekend
The BC Day long weekend runs from Friday, July 31 through Monday, August 3, and the Fraser Valley is home to one of its biggest draws: the Abbotsford Agrifair, running Friday through Sunday at Exhibition Park. Expect a midway, amusement rides, 4-H shows, live music, and the kind of agricultural-fair atmosphere that’s been a Fraser Valley summer staple for decades.
If you’re willing to drive a little further, the same weekend brings several other options across the Lower Mainland:
- Celebrate BC Festival at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody — a free, multicultural celebration with food trucks and family activities
- Brigade Days at Fort Langley National Historic Site — costumed historical reenactments
- White Rock Sea Festival — waterfront entertainment and family programming
- Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival — logging competitions and family events, if you’re up for the drive out
Most of these are free or low-cost, which makes the long weekend an easy one to fill without much advance planning — though parking near Exhibition Park tends to fill up fast, so earlier in the day is generally easier than afternoon.
Next Weekend: Abbotsford International Airshow (Aug 7–9)
Designated Canada’s National Airshow, the Abbotsford International Airshow returns August 7 through 9 at Abbotsford International Airport. This year’s lineup includes the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a CF-18 demonstration, and the Red Bull Air Force, alongside historic aircraft and static displays.
A few practical notes if you’re going:
- Tickets run roughly $15–$60 depending on the day and ticket type, sold exclusively through the official Airshow website — prices climb as the event gets closer, so earlier is cheaper.
- Getting there: BC Transit runs a special Airshow Shuttle connecting the airport to the Highstreet Mall exchange, which links to the Fraser Valley Express and SkyTrain — worth using given how quickly the airport’s own parking fills.
- Bring: sun protection and ear protection for younger kids — it’s an outdoor, all-day event, and the jets are loud.
Quick Planning Tips for August Events in Abbotsford and Vancouver
- Buy Airshow tickets online in advance — quantities are limited and prices rise closer to the date
- Confirm exact hours on each event’s own site before you go, since schedules can shift
- If you’re doing both weekends, budget extra parking/transit time for the Airshow — it draws crowds from well outside Abbotsford
FAQ: Things to Do in Abbotsford and Vancouver This August
Is the Abbotsford Airshow good for kids? Generally yes — alongside the flying displays, there are static aircraft displays and interactive exhibits, though the jet noise can be a lot for very young children, so ear protection is worth packing.
Do I need a car to get to the Airshow? No — the BC Transit shuttle connects to regional transit, making it accessible without driving directly to the airport.
Is the Abbotsford Agrifair free to attend? No, it’s a paid-admission event — check the Agrifair’s official site for this year’s exact ticket pricing, since rates can change year to year.
