11 Summer Outdoor Activities Made for Indoorsy Types

Maybe you’re not into camping. Maybe you prefer a brisk walk over an extended backwoods hike or bike ride.  Do you consider yourself more ‘indoorsy’ than outdoorsy, but still like to be outside in the fresh air during the summer months? Here are some ideas to keep you entertained outside (no tent or backpack required) for the precious few weeks left of August.

Live Theatre

You can see a live theatre performance indoors any ol’ time, but enjoying a play or musical outdoors in the summer is a B.C. resident’s rite of passage. No mosquitos (or very few anyway), a warm evening (but if cuddling under a cozy blanket is required, so be it) and a star-filled sky create an inviting atmosphere for live theatre that truly speaks to the indoorsy type, like me.

There is still time to catch the last couple nights of Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in Vancouver, and you will kick yourself if you miss out. Playing until August 16, Legally Blonde the Musical and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory light up the TUTS stage at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. Celebrate 85 years of performances surrounded by the greenest Douglas Fir forest, great concessions (Wine? Hot chocolate? Snacks?) and witness the exuberance of triple-threat (sing-dance-act) talent in these family-friendly, feel-good shows.

Bard on the Beach has four different live theatre productions rolling out over the remainder of August and into September, including Much Ado About Nothing (considered one of Shakespeare’s wittiest wordplays about romance) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona, performed with a fun ‘80s musical twist (watch for the nod to Weekend at Bernie’s, possibly my favourite moment), both at the main stage. In the smaller, Douglas Campbell Theatre, two productions will play in repertory: the company debut of the smash-hit, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, and new Canadian work, The Dark Lady.

Outdoor Movies

Sadly, drive-in theatres seem nearly impossible to find now. But the summertime vibe of seeing a movie outside lives on in the way of outdoor cinema—and it’s just right for the indoorsy type. Instead of sitting in the car, sit on your own blanket or chair. The sound quality has also improved drastically from the scratchy drive-in-theatre speaker. 

Deckchair Cinema happens every Thursday until August 29 at the waterfront of The Polygon Gallery on Vancouver’s North Shore. Admission is by donation, which includes popcorn and access to the gallery’s summer exhibition, Star Witnesses, running until September 28. The event’s concession stand sells Strathcona Beer Company products, which you can sip at your seat during the movie. Bring your own chair, or reserve picnic benches by donating in advance. This summer, The Polygon is “boldly going where no gallery has gone before,” with a sci-fi vibe including Star Trek 2: The Wrath Of Khan on August 14, Starman on August 21 and David Lynch’s Dune on August 28.

Movies Under the Stars in Surrey is screening kid-friendly flicks at Holland Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Get there by 6 p.m. for free pre-show entertainment including games, singers, crafts and prize draws. Popcorn, slushies, pizza and more make for perfect outdoor movie snacks. The Saturday, August 16 show is Mufasa: The Lion King. This is the last movie of the season so get it on it while you can.

This may be the coolest (pun intended) way to enjoy an outdoor movie this summer. Langley City’s Dive-In Movie on August 16 at Al Anderson Memorial Pool is showing the live action of the Little Mermaid. This outdoor pool is set up so you can float under the stars and watch Ariel and friends do their aqua-thing on the big screen. 

Burnaby Summer Cinema is showing outdoor movies at two locations for the rest of August: Civic Square on Friday nights and Confederation Park on Saturday evenings. There’s free admission and parking. Don’t forget to bring your own blanket and snacks.

Concerts and Music

Immersing yourself in the sounds of summer is just plain good for the soul—especially if you’re listening to music outdoors. That could be anything, whether it’s a relaxing classical concert, some kickin blues, a rocking band or a dance party where no one hears the music but you.

Fairmont Waterfront’s Silent Disco is essential for the indoorsy to experience a dance club under the stars on the rooftop of this luxury downtown Vancouver hotel. Rooftop Rhythms & Garden Grooves takes place August 23 and is a silent disco: you wear headphones and choose what gets your groove-on via three DJ-curated channels with everything from disco to today’s club hits, all mixed live from DJ Remsta. Each ticket includes a handcrafted coastal cocktail from partner Grey Goose or a spirit-free alternative. Artisanal bites can be purchased to fuel up throughout the evening. Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot here.

Langley City has some fun shows lined up, like the Sounds of Summer Concert Series that happens every Wednesday until August 27 at Douglas Park. Each week two local musicians or bands entertain us with a variety of genres.

The fourth annual Meet Me in Gastown summer event is returning on Thursday, August 14. The event promises to be a mash-up of music styles, along with culinary showcasing and cocktails. Be sure to catch the Latin sounds of Marlin Ramazzini Band, the LOVUR String Quartet, Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra and a live DJ set. Meet Me in Gastown has partnered with local non-profit A Better Life Foundation and all raffle tickets sold will support the organization.

The PNE’s Music in the Park on the outdoor Freedom Mobile Stage at the PNE Fair is free with admission. It’s so much fun and reminds of how special summer evenings in Vancouver really are. Neil Diamond is honoured by Bobby Bruce’s Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band on August 16 and 17, Queer As Funk on August 22, The Motown Show on August 28 and much more. 

The Whistler Concert Series returns taking place at Whistler Olympic Plaza, This free concert series will feature the Sam Roberts Band, indie-folk artist Hollow Coves, Drag in the Mountains (including drag performances by Canada’s Drag Race winners) and more. Check the website for dates and times for a mini summer Whistler getaway.