The Labor Day long weekend has arrived and we’re only days away from the beginning of the next semester at UBC. Before you know it those morning lattes being sipped while seated within cafe patios of the UBC area will be poured into to-go cups as students dart off to lecture halls and recreation centers within the campus. Parents of young ones attending school in the UBC / Point Grey school catchment  area will compete with big yellow buses in the morning traffic as they drop off their little loved ones from 8 AM to 3 PM.  It’s all about to change (wish the weather didn’t) but before it all begins we have this long weekend to celebrate the transition. In today’s blog post I am providing a four day-by-day long weekend event recommendation schedule for those of you living in the in the UBC area.

4 Labor Day Long Weekend Event Recommendations in UBC:

1. Vancouver Chinatown Night Market (August 30, 6 PM – 11 PM)

Due to the heavy concentration of international students attending UBC, many UBC area households head down to the Vancouver Night Market in Chinatown to celebrate the culinary and retail treats available to those in attendance. The last long weekend of summer at the market is the busiest of all so you can expect a mingling of students, friends, and family who have come down from UBC to join in the festivities.

2. UBC Thunderbirds Football @ Thunderbird Stadium (August 31, 2 PM - 4 PM)

CFL Season is in full swing, NFL is days away, so why not kick off long weekend celebrations by supporting the local UBC Thunderbirds football team against the Calgary Dinos this Saturday afternoon? Nothing brings the community together quite like a strong showing of support for the local sports team. Visit www.gothunderbirds.ca for more information.

3. PNE Fair @ Pacific National Exhibition (September 1, 11 AM – Midnight)

No Labor Day long weekend event recommendation schedule for UBC households could be complete without mention of the Fair at the PNE. This nationally renowned fair attracts people from all over the country so sending you down from the perch at UBC is a small thing. The last Sunday of the fair is the best of all days as visitors flock to enjoy the food, the rides, the performances, and the food (didn’t I mentioned that already?) before the weekend is through, preferring to leave the Monday for more relaxing activities close to home. For more information on the PNE visit www.pne.ca.

4. AMS Firstweek Backyard Movie Night @ UBC Point Grey Campus (September 2, 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM)

This final recommendation is a great one for students and their friends/companions as the Labor Day long weekend disappears into the night sky. Courtesy of the Alma Mater Society (AMS), a free-for-all outdoor movie night takes place at Totem and Vanier Field on the UBC Campus. This year Finding Nemo swims into the hearts of those in attendance. Bring a thermos full of hot coffee, cocoa, or whatever warms your soul and enjoy this magical cinema night under the stars (weather, hang in there...).

Stay tuned to my UBC Realtor blog as I continue to provide readers with up to date information on the region. If you are considering a move to the UBC area please feel free to contact my UBC real estate office anytime. 

August arrives this week leaving just over one month until the start of the next semester at the University of British Columbia. The new semester marks a new beginning for many, be it a recent high-school grad, a college transfer, a professional returning for a Master's Degree, or even an entire household having relocated to the UBC area to support their young student's academic career in a better place. No matter the scenario, most of these individuals have already found their home in the UBC area and are using the month of August to settle in and integrate themselves within the community before September kicks in.

While much of the month ahead may be dedicated to unpacking and preparing for the semester (bargain hunting for class books, etc...) it's important to remember to stop and smell the flora - because it's still summer and you've arrived in one of the most lively communities in the city! That's right, as a UBC Realtor representing the area I want to remind everyone forget about counting the days until lecture hall 101 and to instead enjoy the events and gatherings taking place around UBC through the month of August.

Recommended UBC Events in August

1. ELI International Night: A Great Gatsby Soirée - Student Union Building Ballroom (August 2, 7PM)

This celebration of international culture leaps onto the stage of the SUB Ballroom this Friday evening. In addition to the early night performances and subsequent dance party the evening will be seasoned with booths allowing culinary talented students to present delectable dishes from their home country. This international mingle is not to be missed!

2. Paradise Lost? Contemporary Works from the Pacific - MOA & Satellite Gallery (Until September 29 @ MOA / Until August 31 @ Satellite Gallery)

UBC's Museum of Anthropology (MOA) is hosting Paradise Lost? Contemporary Works from the Pacific which features artisan works curated from islands such as Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and other islands you likely have seen on Survivor. The exhibit combines sculpture, painting, photography, and paintings to showcase the Pacific Islands. The purpose of the ongoing affair is to demonstrate insight that the Pacific Islands are more than tikis and Mai Tai's. MOA's Satellite gallery is holding an Opening Reception on August 6.

3. UBC Poetry Slam - Simply French Cafe (August 15, 7:30PM)

The fringe famed UBC Poetry Slam was touched on within this UBC real estate blog a few months ago and back by popular demand it makes an appearance here in our August UBC event recommendations. This casual event at Simply French Cafe on West 10th near UBC offers the perfect gathering where you can mingle amongst local talent and those simply looking for a hip atmosphere to chill on a warm summer evening.

4. UBC Farm Market - UBC Farm Point Grey Campus (August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 9AM - 1PM)

Every Saturday through August those with a penchant for locally sourced produce and associated goods will converge upon on of the most unique farmers markets in Vancouver. In addition to the produce there will be a bevy of baked goods, coffees, teas, prepared foods, and even artisan crafts. The UBC Farm Market offers a great place to spend a sunny Saturday morning/afternoon.