Dare we say it, but it’s the last weekend of summer (though summers not officially over until the 22nd of September). In clinging to the lazy long weekend ahead, we’re all about laying low, planning a few day trips or packing it in on a patio for a few pints. Check out the latest listings of fun stuff going on around YVR and enjoy that extra day away from the office in style.

Sunset Beach Social
Kick off the weekend and grab your beach gear and head to English Bay for the final Sunset Beach Social of the season. They’ll have free food, live entertainment, a Roller Disco, Ping Pong tournament (guaranteed entertainment there) and even a roaming Mariachi Band to complete the eclectic mix of fun.

Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival
It’s worth heading down to Gastown for the day on Saturday to check out the return of the annual Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival. About a dozen local restaurants are set to compete in this community festival that bring out plenty of friendly culinary competition. Look for multiple streets to be blocked off and leave your car at home. They’ll have a huge picnic area seat up to kick back with a brew and bowl of chili, chicken wings, ribs and other mouthwatering goods. Catch live entertainment meet NHL player Jason Garrison and more. Oh, lest we forget to mention that it’s for a great cause: Athletics for Kids.

12th Annual Vancouver Latin American Film Festival
Slide a bit of culture into the long weekend mix and spice up your itinerary by attending one (or a few) screenings as part of the 12th Annual Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (on until September 7th). This always-popular film fest brings the passion of Latin cinema to Vancouver and is not to be missed. Meet producers, directors and actors from guest country, Chile as part of this year’s festival.

The Victory Square Block Party
This Block Pary is back and will be bigger and better than ever. Look for plenty of local musical acts to pitch up on stage to entertain you this Sunday. Once you’ve danced up a storm, you’ve likely piqued your appetite a bit – enter a neat little line up of food vendors and trucks to satiate you. Check out the local offerings of artists from within the Victory Square community and support

Earthwise Society’s Tomato Festival
Make your way a little bit out of town on Saturday and head out to Earthwise Society’s Tomato Festival in Tsawwassen (just across from Boundary Bay Beach. They’ll have 25 varieties of heirloom tomatoes at the festival and available for sale. Bring an appetite – you’ll need it for all the sampling you get to do featuring organic tomatoes with tastings and dishes from local restaurants. Yaletown’s Chill Winston will be operating the cob oven to produce a sinfully good dish featuring tomatoes and you can load up on other locally sourced goods while you’re there.

The Squamish Nation 27th Annual Youth Powwow
The Squamish Nation 27th Annual Youth Powwow takes place this weekend and only costs $5 to get in. It’s a worthwhile cultural experience complete with an outdoor contest for best powwow, Aboriginal dance competition, Aboriginal arts and crafts, traditional salmon BBQ and more. Check it out starting at 1pm Saturday and Sunday. It all goes down at 100 Mathias Road in West Vancouver.