Stanley Park Singing Exhibition (August 31 - September 1)

This is possibly the best weekend of music that Vancouver has ever had. This has a lot to do with the Stanley Park Singing Exhibition. The Lineup reads like a list of the most innovative bands making music today. Here's a sampling (try not to drool on your keyboard): The New Pornographers, Neko Case, Black Mountain, Andrew Bird, Destroyer, The Evaporators, and Deerhoof. On Sunday and Monday, Malkin Bowl is definitely the place you want to be. That is, unless you'd rather check out…

The Royal City Jazz Festival (August 31 – September 1)

This one may have an edge on some of the other recommendations for the very fact that it's both free and outdoors. This being Vancouver, it's not impossible to have a fantastic long weekend without spending any money. Some great local jazz musicians will get out their instruments and jam for you live out on the boardwalk. Some of the performers include Avancho, RazzMaJazz, Lesismore, and Soul Assembly. That sounds great, doesn't it? There's no possible way there could be more live music to check out this weekend.

Victory Square Block Party (September 1)

Oh yes there is. I've saved the best for you, loyal reader. Only Magazine, as usual, has delivered with a stellar set of free entertainment. Just because it's free doesn't mean it isn't high quality. Local bands such as Ice Cream, Defektors, The Evaporators (who are fantastic live), and Basketball (in their last Vancouver show) will fill the spaces between live DJ sets from My!Gay!Husband, Ian Wyatt and Benjamin, and comedy sets from Man Hussy and Bronx Cheer.

As you can see, there's a ton of options for you this weekend, Vancouver. Don't waste this golden opportunity. We'll know it if you do. We're everywhere.