FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VANCOUVER, BC, 2026 – For five years, hundreds of autistic individuals and families have been able to experience one of Metro Vancouver’s most iconic summer traditions in an environment designed with their needs in mind, the PNE Fair.
This August, AutismBC and the PNE mark the partnership’s fifth anniversary of Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the PNE Fair Barns, an initiative that reduces sensory barriers and creates a more accessible way for autistic visitors and their families to enjoy the fair experience before it opens to the public.
For many autistic individuals, attending large events like the PNE Fair can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Crowds, noise, lights, and other sensory experiences can present barriers that may limit participation in meaningful connections and activities.
That’s why we are thrilled to once again partner with the PNE for Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the PNE Fair, two exclusive members-only AutismBC Goes events which have the opportunity to foster a quieter, more comfortable environment where autistic individuals can attend and connect with each other, our staff and the PNE team.
Community members gleefully return each year to meet fuzzy and feathered friends, learn all about farming, and engage in activities at their own pace with dimmed lights, reduced music and announcements, and no public crowds.
“Without this calm and quiet setup, I would never ever have the opportunity to bring my son to this location to explore and enjoy being up close with animals,” said one caregiver who attended in 2024 and provided a testimonial. “It would be utterly impossible. I am incredibly grateful this was coordinated! “
The partnership demonstrates how community organizations and public venues can collaborate to remove barriers and create more inclusive spaces and events, making iconic venues more accessible to our community and beyond.
“Five years of Sensory Friendly Mornings means five years of community having the opportunity to say: ‘Yes, we can go to the PNE, too,” says Suzanne Perreault, Executive Director of AutismBC.
“We know sensory differences can make large public events challenging, and we believe everyone should have opportunities to participate in the community in low-barrier, supportive ways that work for them.”
We hope this event will ignite hope and inspire others to host similar sensory-friendly gatherings.
Event Details
The upcoming events are on:
- Date/time: August 27 and September 3 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM
- Location: 188 North Renfrew Street on the PNE grounds (2901 East Hastings Street)
Registration details are available on the event page. Tickets are limited, and early registration is recommended.
About AutismBC
AutismBC is a provincial non-profit that offers programs and workshops designed to empower, support, and connect the autism community.
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About the PNE
The PNE is a non profit and statutory organization dedicated to delivering memorable experiences to guests and investing in the social fabric of our community.
Media Assets
Photos from past years of Sensory-Friendly Mornings at PNE Barns can be found in this folder.
Media Contact:
To attend as media, arrange an interview with AutismBC representatives, and/or pursue a feature story about accessibility at large public events, please fill out our Media Request Form.