Cover of Olimpia Malatesta’s book Ordoliberalism, State and Society: A Political Theory of Social Order. | Photo courtesy of Routledge.
Welcome back, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful summer. While the return to school marks the winding down of the season, late summer still offers a colorful array of events and festivals to enjoy. From inspiring cultural experiences and intellectual book discussions to lively outdoor celebrations and exciting artistic productions, there’s plenty to explore as we transition into fall. It’s the perfect time to balance learning with fun and community spirit. Take a look at some of the interesting events below.
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22nd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival
Aug. 23–24, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
www.richmondmaritimefestival.ca
Celebrate Richmond’s diverse nautical history at the 22nd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival! Enjoy a vibrant program of free live music, maritime-themed kids activities, a display of beautifully restored wooden boats and ships and much more.
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Summer Music and Fireworks August Festival
Aug. 23, 3–9:30 p.m.
www.hyackfestival.com/fireworksfestival
All good things must come to an end, but the New Westminster Hyack Festival Association won’t let it go lightly. Every year, they send summer off in style, so join them at the New Westminster Quay for a spectacular day filled with artisan market vendors and exhibitors, live entertainment, fantastic food and the pièce de résistance: a Fireworks extraordinaire to captivate thousands of enchanted onlookers. Check out their website for more information.
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Westcoast Comic Con
Aug. 24, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Westcoast Comic Con is happening at the Maritime Labour Centre on Aug. 24. This one-day extravaganza provides opportunity to see and purchase some awesome comics, toys, anime and other collectibles. The comic con organizers are excited to bring together dealers, fans, artists and cosplayers, allowing attendees to connect with people they may not have seen in a long while.
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Ordoliberalism, State and Society: A Political Theory of Social Order
Aug. 25, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
https://events.sfu.ca/event/45135-ordoliberalism-state-and-society-a-political
The SFU Institute for Humanities will be hosting a book discussion with author Olimpia Malatesta and director Samir Gandesha on Ordoliberalism, State and Society: A Political Theory of Social Order, which provides a new interpretation of ordoliberalism – the influential German version of neoliberalism – by exploring the political, legal and social context of its emergence. Ordoliberal scholars regarded sociology, juridical science and economics as concrete policy-making instruments designed to discipline the structural conflicts of modern society. For, in their view, society should not impinge on the economy. Ordoliberalism is presented here as a political theory of social order, developing out of the crisis of the Weimar Republic and which has proven to be one of the most influential neoliberal accounts of social organization after the Second World War.
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Climate Change Science – Policy-Society Interface in the High Himalaya
Aug. 28, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
The UBC Himalaya Program is excited to host a panel discussion on: Climate Change Science-Policy-Society Interface in the High Himalaya. Join them for an evening of conversation featuring government officials from Nepal. The panelists will discuss climate change impact on the high Himalaya as experienced by Indigenous communities of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality (KPLRM). Findings from the upcoming KPLRM Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA) will be shared during the event to highlight the accelerated melting of snow and ice, increasing climate change induced risks and hazards, changing socio-economic dynamics and deteriorating conditions for climate-resilient Indigenous Sherpa lifeways.
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Nikkei Matsuri
Aug. 30–31, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
This annual celebration of Japanese culture hosted by the Nikkei Cultural Centre since 2013 returns to Burnaby once more. “Matsuri” is the Japanese word for festival. Local performers will showcase taiko drumming, a dynamic samurai show, traditional Japanese dance, as well as an idol unit and impressive martial arts demonstrations. Satisfy food craving with delicious Japanese festival foods from Yatai street food stalls, food trucks and the Nikkei Cafe. Special guest, WA Studio KIWA, a kimono upcycling designer, will present a unique stage performance.
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Vancouver TAIWANfest: Dialogue with Portugal
Aug. 30–Sept. 1
TAIWANfest is an annual cultural festival exploring the connections between Taiwan, Canada and the world. Through live performances, films, talks, culinary programs, exhibitions, workshops and more, the festival examines the influences of history and human migration on today’s culture. This year’s festival’s theme is Taiwan’s relationship with Portugal creating an immersive dialogue between Portuguese and Taiwanese diasporas, fostering deeper intercultural understanding. From the mournful strains of Fado entwined with Taiwanese folk melodies to the intricate artistry of azulejos juxtaposed with Taiwan’s indigenous storytelling traditions, each artistic interpretation serves as a vessel for audiences to navigate themes of belonging and transformation.
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Vancouver Fringe Festival
Sept. 4–14
One of Vancouver’s most beloved festivals returns to Granville Island for the 41st time to delight, entertain and inspire independent theatre goers of all ages. From the humorous to the intellectual, the tear-jerking to the naughty, there’s something for everyone. On Sept. 3, the festival will have a two-and-a-half hour Fringe Teaser preview, featuring many artists presenting their reason why you should see their show. For more information, please visit their website.
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Vancouver Latin American Film Festival
Sept. 4–14
www.vlaff.org
Founded in 2003, the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to the promotion and exhibition of Latin American cinema in Vancouver. This 11 day annual festival offers a space for dialogue between cultures and celebrates the art of contemporary Latin American, Latin-Canadian and Indigenous filmmaking. Since its inception, VLAFF has provided audiences with a unique opportunity to enjoy inspiring and innovative films and connect with filmmakers from across Latin America and the diaspora. For a complete list of shows being held at the festival, please check out their website.
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A Doll’s House
Sept. 4–Oct. 5
www.artsclub.com/shows/2025-2026/a-dolls-house
The Arts Club Theatre Company’s Canadian premiere production of A Doll’s House by the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen will be playing at the historic Stanley Stage. This new version by playwright Amy Herzog runs from Sept. 4 to Oct. 5. A seemingly perfect life unravels as Nora, a charming wife and mother, grapples with a shocking secret. Hidden debts and societal expectations force her to confront a harsh truth: she’s been living in a carefully crafted dollhouse, yearning for freedom. In a daring move that shakes the very foundation of her world, Nora makes a choice that will change everything.
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Place des Arts September Exhibition
Starting Sept. 5. Various end dates.
www.placedesarts.ca/exhibitions
The Place des Arts Gallery will be showcasing three new exhibits in September. Check out Split Wood Sculpture, wood sculptures by Robert Riley; Our Stories, Our Voices, various mediums curated by Christine Mackenzie; and Agua pasa por mi casa, paintings and installation by Alejandra Morales Garza. There will be a free opening reception event on Sept. 5, 7 p.m. with a cash bar and opportunity to meet the artists.
