Cars, culture, and a celebration of fall food and drink: What’s up in September

September is a month of change.

For many families, the month marks the beginning of something like a new year as kids head back to school. It’s also the month where we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall. The temperatures begin to dip and the aroma of pumpkin spice everything fills the air.

A new month also means a new itinerary of events.

Today, we highlight a selection of September happenings in the Fraser Valley.

COMMUNITY

Hope Brigade Days returns beginning Sept. 8. The three-day festival, which began in 1968, celebrates all things Hope. This year’s event will include amusement rides, a parade, motor sports, a lumberjack show, live music, and more. Many attractions are free admission, others require the purchase of a wristband. Purchase tickets and view a full schedule of events online.

Have fun supporting a cause. The Langley Good Times Cruise-In will be rolling through the streets on Sept. 9. The event has grown from its humble beginnings in the late 90s to drawing a crowd of 50,000. The car show will feature live music on multiple stages, contests, the always highly-anticipated burgers from American fast-food chain In-N-Out, and of course cars. The event takes place on Fraser Highway from 264 to 272 streets in Aldergrove. The following day, Sept. 10, the Aldergrove Community Secondary School parking lot plays host to a swap meet and car corral, that typically includes an eclectic mix of goods like car parts, memorabilia, and vehicles for sale. Funds raised from the weekend event will support local charities.

The following week, the popular Terry Fox Run will take place across the country on Sept. 17. Earlier this year, the Terry Fox Foundation launched its #DearTerry campaign inviting people to share how Terry’s story has inspired them. Many of those messages can already be found online.

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Find details on runs happening in the Fraser Valley by clicking on each community:

Harrison/Agassiz | Chilliwack | Abbotsford | Mission | Langley City | Langley Township

To find how to submit your #DearTerry message visit the foundation’s website here. Money raised from the annual run goes towards cancer research.

CELEBRATE

Celebrate Indigenous culture at the second annual stɑl̓əw̓ pow wow beginning Sept. 15. The three-day event will take place at the Langley Events Centre and will honour Indigenous culture, traditions, music, regalia, and art. The public is invited to share in the celebration and learn the important role of traditions and how they define Indigenous culture.

CONSUME

Tantalize your taste buds. Celebrate the fall harvest at the Taste of Abby beginning Sept. 15. The 10-day fall food festival will feature a night market, guided farm tour, a culinary showcase, grape-stomping, a wine walk, and more. Organizers are also giving away an 18-ticket flex pack for the upcoming Abbotsford Canucks season. To learn more about the contest, to purchase tickets to the many events, and to learn how to treat your palate visit the festival’s website here.

Near the end of the month the sixth annual Fraser Valley Distillery and Beer Festival returns. The speakeasy-themed fundraising event will pay homage to the 90th anniversary of the prohibition; guests are invited to dress in costume. The event will feature 150-plus “spirits and suds,” food, live music, a photo booth, and silent auction. The fundraiser will take place on Sept. 23 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Tickets are available online.

FVC’s monthly events story is just a selection of happenings in the Fraser Valley. Insider members get access to a more extensive weekly events list. Find out how you can become a member and support local journalism.