We knew it was coming. Summer can’t last forever, though wouldn’t it be nice if it did? So, let’s make the most of the time we have left before fall rolls in and have some fun in Surrey!
Summer Sunflower Days
Gabriel Farms | 18507 20th Avenue
Wander the sunflower lane and marvel at the thousands of sunflowers in bloom at Gabriel Farms (aka Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch). Make it a full afternoon and check out the animals, play area, fields to wander, sunflowers blooming, mini corn maze and, of course, nature’s beauty. And be sure to take home some delicious farm-fresh corn and stunning sunflowers! Summer Sunflower Days is on August 20 & 21, 27 & 28 from 11am to 3pm.
POP! Summer Stroll
August 18 – 21 and 25 – 28
Darts Hill Garden Park
These “performances outdoors in parks” are as delightful as they sound. Stroll through a picturesque park, and as you move about you discover pop-up performances in different locations. Each show station hosts a micro-performance that lasts approximately fifteen minutes before you stroll to the grand finale. August’s performances include a haunting and beautiful a cappella journey through the rich and varied folk music of Eastern Europe and the Balkans with East Van trio, Vostok, an original street theatre storytelling act for the whole family from STORIES on WHEELS: MIDDLE EASTERN TALES, the ambient sounds of traditional Indonesian music from Gamelan Tekanan Suara, and it all wraps up with a thirty-minute grand finale by Cause & Effect Circus, three of Vancouver’s favourite jugglers who will dazzle with a silly spectacle of interactive contemporary circus.
On sunny, warm days, there’s nothing like a picnic in the park. And with over 200 parks and 6,000 acres of parkland, it’s easy to find somewhere in Surrey to spread out a blanket and enjoy dining al fresco. Choose from wide-open green spaces, “secret” woodland forests or a beach with a view, here are some great, and maybe lesser known, picnic destinations in Surrey. And if you’re looking for some tasty treats to pack in your picnic basket, we have some ideas for that as well!
Take a Dip at Surrey’s Outdoor Pools
Summers end also means the end of outdoor swimming pool season! Take advantage of Surrey’s many outdoor pools and enjoy a dip on a hot day before summer fades into a distant memory! Whether you bring the whole family or decide to go for a solo swim, there are plenty of easily accessible pools dispersed all across Surrey. An added bonus: admission is free at all eight pools!
Go Back in Time at Historic Stewart Farmhouse
What was life like for British Columbia’s nineteenth-century lower Mainland settlers? All you have to do is visit the grounds of the Historic Stewart Farm to find out. Book a guided tour, or explore on your own, and visit the grounds and buildings. There’s a pole barn with farm implements; apple and pear trees; heritage gardens bursting with scarlet runner beans, roses, snapdragons, calendulas and sunflowers; there’s even an old Hadden crab boat – a relic from the oyster farming and crab fishing days of old. Each weekend has themed activities – August 20 and 21 learn about the milking process and young visitors can try a hands-on milking demo with their beloved wooden cow. And August 27 and 28 is the start of apple season! Learn about the different ways that apples were used on the farm, view the Stewarts’ orchard and try your hand at peeling an apple the old-fashioned way.
Take your tastebuds on a delicious global journey on Surrey’s new Spice Trail! Spread over six neighbourhoods, there are over 75 restaurants and shops ready to add a little flavour to your dining experience. Columbian, North Indian, Afghan, Mexican, Jamaican, Nepalese – no matter what flavour you’re craving, you’ll find it on Surrey’s Spice Trail. The Spice Trail is self-guided, but if you’d rather someone else plan your adventure and make your reservations and menu choices for you, then be sure to book a Spice Trail tour with Chew on This Tasty Tours.
Catch a Sunset
Surrey is known for its lush greenery, incredible food, and vast, sprawling agricultural land. And with so much scenery and open space, it comes as a surprise to many that Surrey has several water-front oases that make for absolutely STUNNING sunset views. So whether your find yourself in Sunny South Surrey or closer to the North Surrey neighbourhood, there’s a spot to hunker down and watch the day turn to night. Great sunset spots include Kwomais Point Park, Crescent Beach, Elgin Heritage Park, Serpentine Fen, Brownsville Bar Park, Surrey Bend Regional Park and Mud Bay.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
August 20: Sonic 2
Holland Park
Movies Under the Stars is back! The Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association presents Surreys’ free outdoor movie event at Holland Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a night of free family fun, outdoor activities, and great movies! Entertainment starts at 6pm and includes games, singers, crafts, draws, and lots more.
Nothing says summer like spending the morning at a farmers market and enjoying the bounty of fresh local produce just waiting to be devoured. After all, 30 per cent of Surrey’s land is dedicated to agriculture and committed to local food-growing. So it’s no surprise that there are a variety of Farmers Markets and farm stores peppered across the city where you can pick and choose your weekly produce pickup.
- Surrey Urban Farmers Market – Saturdays (until October 8)
- Clayton Market – August 7 & 21, 2022
- Cloverdale Market Days – August 27, 2022