August is peak summer in Metro Vancouver, and 2026 brings a stacked calendar: a long weekend right out of the gate, the PNE Fair’s brand-new outdoor amphitheatre, arena-sized concerts from AC/DC to J. Cole, and the final stretch of two hit Arts Club musicals. Whether you’re after live music, family outings, or a laid-back neighbourhood market, here’s your complete guide to things to do in Vancouver this August.
BC Statutory Holiday & Long Weekend in August 2026
British Columbia Day (BC Day) falls on Monday, August 3, 2026, the first Monday of the month as always. That gives Metro Vancouver a three-day long weekend running from Saturday, August 1 to Monday, August 3. Government offices, banks, and most municipal services are closed on BC Day, though many shops, restaurants, and attractions stay open, and it’s traditionally one of the busiest travel and beach weekends of the summer. Aside from BC Day, there are no other statutory holidays in August, leaving the rest of the month wide open for festivals, concerts, and outdoor fun before Labour Day wraps up the season in September.
Arts & Culture
Come From Away
- Date: Now playing—August 16, 2026
- Venue/Place: Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, Arts Club Theatre Company, Granville Island
- The Tony-winning musical about the small Newfoundland town that welcomed 7,000 stranded airline passengers after 9/11 is in its final weeks at the Arts Club. Built on true stories, the show moves seamlessly between humour and heartbreak with a score rooted in Celtic folk music.
- Who is it for: Musical theatre fans, history buffs, and anyone who loves a genuinely uplifting true story.
- Why worth checking out: This is one of the most acclaimed musicals of the last decade, and August is your last chance to catch this Arts Club run before it closes.
- Price: Tickets vary by date and section; check the Arts Club site for current pricing.
- More info: https://activevancouver.ca/events/come-from-away-arts-club-theatre-musical/
The Play That Goes Wrong
- Date: Now playing—August 30, 2026
- Venue/Place: Lindsay Family Stage at Granville Island, Arts Club Theatre Company
- A murder-mystery-turned-disaster as an amateur theatre troupe’s opening night collapses in real time, with sets falling apart and lines going hilariously sideways. It’s a masterclass in physical comedy and precision chaos.
- Who is it for: Comedy lovers, families with older kids and teens, and anyone who enjoys watching a live show teeter on the edge of collapse (on purpose).
- Why worth checking out: It’s one of the most purely funny shows to hit Vancouver stages in years, with a long, celebrated run at the Arts Club.
- Price: Tickets vary by date and section; check the Arts Club site for current pricing.
- More info: https://artsclub.com/shows/2025-2026/the-play-that-goes-wrong
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons with Early Music Vancouver
- Date: August 7, 2026
- Venue/Place: Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC
- Early Music Vancouver presents Vivaldi’s beloved Baroque masterwork on period instruments, offering a historically informed take on one of the most recognizable pieces in classical music.
- Who is it for: Classical music lovers and anyone curious about hearing familiar music performed the way it originally sounded.
- Why worth checking out: The Chan Centre’s acoustics are some of the best in Western Canada, and Early Music Vancouver’s period-instrument approach brings fresh texture to a piece most people only know from recordings.
- Price: Tickets available through Early Music Vancouver; check their site for current pricing.
- More info: https://chancentre.com/events/vivaldis-the-four-seasons-4/
Rooftop Remix at Vancouver Public Library
- Date: August 21, 2026, 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
- Venue/Place: Central Library rooftop, Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia Street)
- The Vancouver Public Library Foundation’s signature after-hours fundraiser takes over the Phillips, Hager and North Rooftop Garden atop Central Library. Expect a literary lounge with new books from Raincoast Books, bookish trivia, a live auction, canapés, and dancing under the stars. This 19+ event raises funds to build Early Learning Spaces at VPL branches.
- Who is it for: Book lovers, library supporters, and adults looking for a unique night out for a good cause.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a rare chance to experience one of Vancouver’s most architecturally striking buildings after hours, all while supporting early literacy programs for Vancouver’s youngest readers.
- Price: Ticketed; proceeds support VPL Foundation programs.
- More info: https://vplf.ca/rooftop/
VanDusen Botanical Garden 51st Birthday Celebration
- Date: August 29–30, 2026
- Venue/Place: VanDusen Botanical Garden & Bloedel Conservatory
- VanDusen celebrates 51 years as one of Vancouver’s premier public gardens with member-exclusive early access, complimentary refreshments, and a special promotion letting members bring a friend for free to both VanDusen and Bloedel Conservatory.
- Who is it for: Garden members, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxed weekend outing among 7,500 plant species.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a low-key, family-friendly way to explore one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces while celebrating a genuine Vancouver institution.
- Price: Free for members with a friend; regular admission applies otherwise.
- More info: https://vandusengarden.org/
Music, Nightlife & Concerts
AC/DC – Power Up Tour 2026
- Date: August 13, 2026
- Venue/Place: BC Place Stadium
- The Australian rock legends bring their stadium-shaking Power Up Tour to Vancouver, delivering a career-spanning set of hard rock anthems with the full pyrotechnics and spectacle a band of this stature commands.
- Who is it for: Classic rock fans and anyone who wants to see a genuine arena-rock institution live.
- Why worth checking out: Stadium shows of this scale don’t come around often, and AC/DC’s live show is famous for its energy and staying power.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://www.bcplace.com/events-tickets/
Daniel Caesar – Son of Spergy Tour
- Date: August 16–17, 2026
- Venue/Place: Rogers Arena
- The Toronto-born, Grammy-nominated R&B singer brings his soulful, genre-blending sound home to Canada for two nights, with support from 070 Shake.
- Who is it for: R&B and soul fans, and anyone who appreciates a genuinely great vocalist live.
- Why worth checking out: Daniel Caesar’s live shows lean into the intimacy of his songwriting even in an arena setting, making for a surprisingly personal big-venue experience.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://rogersarena.com/events/
J. Cole – The Fall-Off Tour
- Date: August 24, 2026
- Venue/Place: Rogers Arena
- One of hip-hop’s most respected lyricists brings his long-awaited tour to Vancouver, promising a set built from over a decade of acclaimed albums.
- Who is it for: Hip-hop fans and longtime followers of one of the genre’s most consistent voices.
- Why worth checking out: J. Cole tours infrequently, so this is a rare chance to catch him live in Vancouver.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://rogersarena.com/events/
The Strokes – Reality Awaits North America
- Date: August 27, 2026
- Venue/Place: Rogers Arena
- The band that helped define 2000s indie rock brings their sharp, garage-inflected sound to Vancouver on their North American tour.
- Who is it for: Indie rock fans and anyone who grew up on early-2000s alternative music.
- Why worth checking out: The Strokes remain one of the most influential rock bands of their generation, and their live shows still carry that raw, early-2000s energy.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://rogersarena.com/events/
PNE Summer Night Concerts
- Date: August 22–September 7, 2026 (concerts run most nights the Fair is open)
- Venue/Place: Freedom Mobile Arch, PNE Fairgrounds, Hastings Park
- The PNE Fair’s concert series christens its brand-new outdoor amphitheatre with a stacked lineup: Blue Rodeo (Aug 22), The Guess Who (Aug 23), The Beaches (Aug 25), Nelly (Aug 26), Zedd (Aug 27), Mt. Joy (Aug 28), and Cynthia Erivo performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (Aug 29). Every concert ticket includes admission to the PNE Fair itself.
- Who is it for: Music fans of nearly every genre, from classic Canadian rock to pop, EDM, and orchestral crossover.
- Why worth checking out: This is the debut season for the Freedom Mobile Arch, and the VSO/Cynthia Erivo pairing alone is worth the price of admission for anyone who loves a full orchestra behind a powerhouse vocalist.
- Price: Starting at $49 plus fees, including Fair admission.
- More info: https://pne.ca/
Guns N’ Roses & The Black Crowes
- Date: August 29, 2026
- Venue/Place: BC Place Stadium
- Two rock institutions share a stadium bill, with Guns N’ Roses bringing their explosive world tour to Vancouver alongside The Black Crowes.
- Who is it for: Classic and hard rock fans looking for a big stadium night out.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a rare double bill pairing two of rock’s most enduring live acts on the same stage.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://www.bcplace.com/events-tickets/
Movie Premieres
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
- Date: August 14, 2026
- Venue/Place: Cinemas across Metro Vancouver
- The Paw Patrol pups head into dinosaur territory in this latest big-screen adventure aimed squarely at the preschool and early-elementary crowd.
- Who is it for: Young kids and PAW Patrol fans.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a reliable, low-stress family outing that gives younger kids a proper theatre experience.
- Price: Standard cinema admission; check local theatre listings.
- More info: Check Cineplex.com for Metro Vancouver showtimes.
Coyote vs. ACME
- Date: August 28, 2026
- Venue/Place: Cinemas across Metro Vancouver
- The long-shelved live-action/animated hybrid finally arrives, following Wile E. Coyote as he sues the ACME Corporation for its faulty, life-endangering products.
- Who is it for: Families, Looney Tunes nostalgics, and anyone who followed the film’s unusual, years-long path to release.
- Why worth checking out: This is one of the more talked-about theatrical comebacks of the year after its high-profile shelving in 2023, and it’s finally getting its big-screen moment.
- Price: Standard cinema admission; check local theatre listings.
- More info: Check Cineplex.com for Metro Vancouver showtimes.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (35th Anniversary)
- Date: August 28, 2026
- Venue/Place: Select cinemas across Metro Vancouver
- James Cameron’s genre-defining sequel returns to the big screen for its 35th anniversary, with Arnold Schwarzenegger back as the reprogrammed Terminator protecting a young John Connor.
- Who is it for: Action movie fans and anyone who’s never seen this landmark sci-fi film on a proper cinema screen.
- Why worth checking out: T2 is still regularly cited as one of the greatest action films ever made, and anniversary re-releases like this rarely stick around for long.
- Price: Standard cinema admission; check local theatre listings.
- More info: Check Cineplex.com for Metro Vancouver showtimes.
Sports
BC Lions vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Date: August 8, 2026
- Venue/Place: BC Place Stadium
- The BC Lions return to their downtown Vancouver home for a CFL regular-season matchup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
- Who is it for: CFL fans and families looking for an accessible, exciting live-sports outing.
- Why worth checking out: BC Place’s atmosphere on game day is one of the best in Canadian football, and this is a great entry point if you’ve never caught a CFL game live.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://www.bcplace.com/events-tickets/
BC Lions vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Date: August 23, 2026
- Venue/Place: BC Place Stadium
- The Lions host their second home game of the month against a fierce divisional rival, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
- Who is it for: CFL fans, especially those who enjoy a heated rivalry matchup.
- Why worth checking out: Lions–Roughriders games tend to be some of the most competitive and well-attended of the CFL season.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://www.bcplace.com/events-tickets/
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Home Matches
- Date: August 1, 4, 7, 19, and 22, 2026 (check exact kickoff times)
- Venue/Place: BC Place Stadium
- The Whitecaps play a busy home slate in August, including Leagues Cup matches and MLS regular-season games against Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas.
- Who is it for: Soccer fans and families looking for an affordable, high-energy night out.
- Why worth checking out: August is one of the Whitecaps’ busiest home stretches of the year, giving fans several chances to catch live MLS action downtown.
- Price: Varies by section; check Ticketmaster for current pricing.
- More info: https://www.bcplace.com/events-tickets/
Vancouver Canadians Baseball
- Date: Home games throughout August, including August 25, 2026 (Bobblehead Giveaway night)
- Venue/Place: Nat Bailey Stadium
- The Vancouver Canadians, the Toronto Blue Jays’ High-A affiliate, play a full slate of home games at “The Nat” throughout August, including giveaway and theme nights.
- Who is it for: Families and baseball fans looking for a relaxed, affordable summer outing.
- Why worth checking out: Nat Bailey Stadium is consistently ranked among the prettiest ballparks in North America, tucked right beside Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Price: Tickets starting around $24.
- More info: https://www.milb.com/vancouver
Family & Kids
PNE Fair 2026
- Date: August 22–September 7, 2026 (closed August 24 and 31)
- Venue/Place: PNE Fairgrounds, Hastings Park
- BC’s largest and longest-running ticketed event returns with rides, farm animals, live shows, the SuperDogs, a lumberjack show, and the new British Columbia Tattoo and Wizard of Oz on Ice. A new $30 Any Day Ticket lets visitors pick any single day during the run.
- Who is it for: Families with kids of all ages, this is Metro Vancouver’s classic end-of-summer outing.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a genuine Vancouver institution, and 2026 brings the debut of new attractions alongside long-running favourites.
- Price: Any Day Ticket $30; season passes and concert-bundle tickets also available.
- More info: https://pne.ca/
Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market
- Date: August 2, 16, and 30, 2026, 10:30 am–3:30 pm
- Venue/Place: Garry Point Park, Richmond
- A bi-weekly outdoor market with up to 60 local vendors selling produce, crafts, and artisan goods, set in one of Richmond’s most scenic waterfront parks.
- Who is it for: Families looking for a relaxed weekend outing that pairs a market with a walk along the water.
- Why worth checking out: Garry Point Park is a beautiful setting, and the market is a great excuse to explore Steveston Village afterward.
- Price: Free admission.
- More info: https://activevancouver.ca/events/steveston-farmers-artisans-market-outdoor-market/
VPL Summer Reading Club
- Date: Ongoing throughout August 2026
- Venue/Place: Vancouver Public Library branches citywide
- VPL’s free summer programming continues through August with storytimes, live-animal presentations, craft activities, and reading challenges for kids and teens at branches across the city.
- Who is it for: Kids from babies through teens, and their caregivers.
- Why worth checking out: It’s completely free, keeps kids engaged over the summer break, and gives families a reason to explore branches outside their usual neighbourhood one.
- Price: Free; some programs require online registration.
- More info: https://www.vpl.ca/programs/summer-reading-club
Richmond Garlic Fest
- Date: August 15, 2026, 10:00 am–3:00 pm
- Venue/Place: The Sharing Farm, 2771 Westminster Highway, Richmond
- A family-friendly farm festival celebrating all things garlic, with live birds-of-prey demonstrations, a children’s activity area, a farmers market, and food booths.
- Who is it for: Families with young kids and anyone who enjoys a laid-back farm festival.
- Why worth checking out: It draws around 5,000 visitors each year and blends education, entertainment, and food in a genuinely charming farm setting.
- Price: Check event page for current admission details.
- More info: https://www.sharingfarm.ca/garlicfest
CTORA Academy Youth Theatre Programs
- Date: Ongoing through August 2026
- Venue/Place: CTORA Academy Studio, Richmond
- CTORA, the Richmond-based youth theatre organization behind musicals like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast, runs academy programs and workshops for young performers throughout the summer, alongside its ongoing free community art workshop series.
- Who is it for: Kids and teens interested in acting, singing, and musical theatre.
- Why worth checking out: CTORA has built a strong reputation for nurturing young performers in the Lower Mainland, with alumni going on to perform in major productions across Metro Vancouver.
- Price: Varies by program.
- More info: https://ctora.ca/academy
Food & Drinks
Light Up Chinatown!
- Date: August 8–9, 2026, 11:00 am–7:00 pm (Sat) and 11:00 am–5:00 pm (Sun)
- Venue/Place: 500 Block Columbia Street, Chinatown, Vancouver
- This free two-day outdoor festival, now in its sixth year, features live performances, food pop-ups, and vendor collaborations celebrating the culture and cuisine of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.
- Who is it for: Foodies, families, and anyone who wants to support Chinatown’s small businesses and restaurants.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a genuinely community-driven festival, with exclusive pop-ups and collaborations you won’t find any other time of year.
- Price: Free admission.
- More info: https://www.lightupchinatown.ca/
Thai Festival Vancouver
- Date: August 8–9, 2026, 11:00 am–8:00 pm
- Venue/Place: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
- A celebration of Thai food and culture in the heart of downtown, with vendors, cultural performances, and prize giveaways including a trip to Bangkok.
- Who is it for: Foodies and anyone curious about Thai culture and cuisine.
- Why worth checking out: It’s an accessible, centrally located festival that brings an authentic taste of Thailand to downtown Vancouver for a weekend.
- Price: Free admission; food and drinks priced individually.
- More info: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/thai-festival-vancouver-2026-tickets-1991398993998
VanDusen Chef’s Tasting Dinner
- Date: August 11, 2026, 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
- Venue/Place: Shaughnessy Restaurant at VanDusen Botanical Garden
- An exclusive five-course tasting menu crafted by Executive Chef Pavlo Onopriienko, served in the picturesque setting of VanDusen’s Shaughnessy Restaurant.
- Who is it for: Food lovers and couples looking for a memorable date-night experience.
- Why worth checking out: Dining inside a botanical garden after hours is a genuinely special setting you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
- Price: Ticketed; check VanDusen’s website for current pricing.
- More info: https://vandusengarden.org/
Richmond Night Market
- Date: Friday–Sunday evenings through September 2026
- Venue/Place: 8351 River Road, Richmond
- North America’s largest night market returns for another summer, with over 100 food stalls, hundreds of vendors, live entertainment, and carnival-style games.
- Who is it for: Foodies, families, and anyone who loves a bustling night-market atmosphere.
- Why worth checking out: With more than a million visitors annually, it’s one of the signature Metro Vancouver summer experiences, especially for street food.
- Price: General admission around $8.50; children under 7 and seniors free.
- More info: https://www.richmondnightmarket.com/
Markets & Shopping
Vancouver Summer Marketplace & Business Expo
- Date: August 7–9, 2026, 11:00 am–6:00 pm
- Venue/Place: Vancouver Convention Centre
- A three-day showcase of local shops, artisans, and entrepreneurs from across BC, featuring handmade products, fashion, home décor, specialty foods, and wellness services.
- Who is it for: Shoppers looking to support small, local businesses and anyone who enjoys browsing a large indoor market.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a great one-stop destination for handmade and locally made goods, all under one roof with waterfront views.
- Price: Check Eventbrite for current admission details.
- More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vancouver-summer-marketplace-business-expo-2026-tickets-1993921552037
Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market
- Date: August 2, 16, and 30, 2026
- Venue/Place: Garry Point Park, Richmond
- (See full listing under Family & Kids above.) Beyond the produce, this market features a strong lineup of local artisans selling handmade jewellery, crafts, and goods.
- Who is it for: Shoppers who prefer an outdoor, community-market vibe over big retail.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a manageable size without feeling overwhelming, and every visit supports Richmond’s local maker community.
- Price: Free admission.
- More info: https://activevancouver.ca/events/steveston-farmers-artisans-market-outdoor-market/
Richmond Night Market Shopping
- Date: Friday–Sunday evenings through September 2026
- Venue/Place: 8351 River Road, Richmond
- Beyond the food, the market’s retail section is packed with imported goods, novelty items, and unique finds you won’t see at a typical mall.
- Who is it for: Shoppers looking for something different from the usual retail experience.
- Why worth checking out: It’s part market, part festival, making it a fun evening even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
- Price: General admission around $8.50.
- More info: https://www.richmondnightmarket.com/
Workshops & Learning
VPL Summerween: Theatre, Zombies & Mental Health with Jordyn Wood
- Date: August 25, 2026
- Venue/Place: Vancouver Public Library (check branch on registration)
- Touchstone Theatre’s playwright-in-residence Jordyn Wood leads a discussion on how zombie imagery in popular film and literature has shaped their creative work, blending pop culture with mental health themes.
- Who is it for: Adults interested in theatre, horror pop culture, and creative writing.
- Why worth checking out: It’s a thoughtful, offbeat take on a familiar genre, hosted in VPL’s ongoing free adult programming series.
- Price: Free; registration required.
- More info: https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events
CTORA Academy Creative Hearts Art Workshop
- Date: Bi-weekly Fridays, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm (check CTORA for August dates)
- Venue/Place: CTORA Academy Studio A, Richmond
- A free, bi-weekly creative art workshop series for children ages 6 and up, run in partnership with the Healing Heart Youth Foundation.
- Who is it for: Kids ages 6+ looking for a creative outlet over the summer.
- Why worth checking out: It’s completely free and a great low-pressure way to introduce kids to structured art programming.
- Price: Free (sessions fill up quickly).
- More info: https://ctora.ca/tickets
Book of the Month
Here We Go Again by Liane Moriarty
- Date: On sale August 25, 2026
- Venue/Place: Available at Vancouver Public Library and bookstores citywide
- Ten years after the events of Big Little Lies, Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata, and Bonnie are back, this time navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. When a school receives a threatening package and a stranger starts asking questions, the group must reckon with the secrets they’ve kept from their kids all these years.
- Who is it for: Fans of the original Big Little Lies novel and HBO series, and anyone who loves character-driven suburban drama with a mystery twist.
- Why worth checking out: Liane Moriarty is one of the most widely read authors working today, and a sequel to one of her most beloved books is a genuine literary event.
- Price: Standard retail pricing; also available to borrow through VPL.
- More info: https://www.vpl.ca/
Video Game of the Month
Star Wars Zero Company
- Date: August 27, 2026
- Venue/Place: Available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox
- Set during the twilight of the Clone Wars, this turn-based tactical strategy game follows an elite squad of operatives hunting down the leader of a Separatist-aligned cult. Developed by former Firaxis (XCOM) talent, it blends tactical combat with Star Wars atmosphere.
- Who is it for: Star Wars fans and strategy game enthusiasts who enjoy XCOM-style tactical combat.
- Why worth checking out: It’s one of August’s most anticipated releases, combining a beloved franchise with a genre that rewards careful, methodical play.
- Price: Standard retail pricing; check platform storefronts.
- More info: Available on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store.
TV Show of the Month
Ted Lasso, Season 4
- Date: Premieres August 2026 on Apple TV+
- Venue/Place: Streaming on Apple TV+
- Ted returns to Richmond for a new challenge: coaching a second-division women’s football team. Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, and Brett Goldstein all return, joined by a wave of new cast members.
- Who is it for: Fans of the original three seasons and anyone who loves warm, character-driven comedy with heart.
- Why worth checking out: Ted Lasso remains one of the most genuinely feel-good shows of the streaming era, and this new season brings a fresh angle to a beloved show.
- Price: Requires an Apple TV+ subscription.
- More info: Available on Apple TV+.
Music Album of the Month
Confessions II by Madonna
- Date: Released July 3, 2026
- Venue/Place: Available on all major streaming platforms
- Madonna’s fifteenth studio album, and her first in seven years, serves as a sequel to her 2005 dance-floor classic Confessions on a Dance Floor. Reuniting with producer Stuart Price, the record leans fully into disco and electronic influences, with early singles “I Feel So Free” and “Bring Your Love” (featuring Sabrina Carpenter) already turning heads.
- Who is it for: Longtime Madonna fans and anyone who loves a genuine dance-floor record.
- Why worth checking out: This is Madonna’s first full album since 2019’s Madame X, marking her return to Warner Records after more than two decades, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about pop releases of the year.
- Price: Available via streaming subscription or digital purchase.
- More info: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other major platforms.
Event dates may change. Please confirm all dates and details directly with the official organizers before attending.