B.C. Adventures: Our Picks for July

From summer night markets to outdoor festivals and more, here’s what to add to your calendar this month

1. Steveston Salmon Festival – Monday, July 1

a man spraying oil over fish cuts on a black grill with smoke and fire under it
Jennifer Strang Photography

Steveston village is hosting its 77th annual community-wide Canada Day celebration! The full day event, presented by the Steveston Community Society and Richmond Agricultural and Industrial Society, kicks off with an official Canada Day parade at 10 a.m., followed by a full day of performances and art shows. There are two separate zones for live music: the Spirit of Steveston and the Catch of the Day. Be sure to check out both, as different musicians will be performing at each of them. Over 20 food trucks are spread out along the festival grounds, including Johnny’s Pops, Martha’s Kettle Corn, Takenaka and Tornado Truck. And of course, there is an abundance of activities for the kiddos, including face painting, interactive games and button making.
Steveston Village, Richmond; Free entry; Details online

 

2. Night Market at Metropolis at Metrotown – Thursday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7

open wheat wraps containing tomato, mango, grapes, and cilantro pieces with cheese
La Meza Grill

Spend a summer evening at a brand new night market by Metropolis at Metrotown. This market is inspired by hawker centres in Asia, offering up a variety of unique foods and drinks. For four days only, enjoy food offerings at the market from vendors Wakwak Burgers, Aburi’s WA Bagel, Butcher’s Block BBQ, Kam Wai Dim Sum, Bon Moment, La Meza Grill and Don Oso. What’s more, there is a free photobooth with the Met’s summer-themed backdrop, along with live music, a street circus and dancers! The market is located at the centre’s outdoor South Plaza on Central Boulevard, facing the Metrotown SkyTrain Station.
4700 Kingsway, Burnaby; Free entry; Details online

 

3. FlyOver: Awaken Canada – Starting Friday, June 28

a huge blue skyview meeting a huge forest with colorful trees and a train on an elevated train track
Pursuit

You may or may not have heard of FlyOver, a unique attraction in Vancouver that virtually transports guests to destinations all around the world using engineered flight motion seats to stimulate the feeling of “flying”. This attraction is offering a brand new Canadian flying journey to celebrate Canada’s diverse landscapes and cultures ahead of the Canada Day long weekend. Awaken Canada showcases the country’s terrain from a variety of perspectives, such as soaring above Baffin Island, through the sails of the historic Bluenose II, the Prairies, Mt. Logan and the Arctic. This flight is sure to leave travellers and locals alike in awe of Canada’s beautiful sights.
201-999 Canada Place, Vancouver; Tickets from $30; Details online.

 

4. CREATE! Eastside Arts Festival – Monday, July 22 to Sunday, July 28

a group of men and women seated around a table covered with arts and crafts items
Wendy D

Eastside Arts Society is presenting their 4th summer festival, complete with a series of arts workshops, live music, dance, comedy performances and live mural paintings. This week-long festival aims to celebrate the diversity of performing and visual arts in Vancouver’s Eastside Arts District. The festival’s traditional all-day outdoor activities at Strathcona Park is returning on Saturday, July 27. Check out the festival’s full schedule here to see what you can expect each day of the week!
Various locations; Prices vary; Details online.

 

5. Garden, Grooves and Grills: A Country Gala – Saturday, July 13

2 guitarists, a drummer and a pianist with their instruments at an outdoor event
Marazzi Photography

Calling all dwellers of the Wild West! Head over to Langley this summer in your best western gear for a lively country gala. This celebration of all things western will feature live music from Whiskey Blind, a line dancing class, a hearty pork roast by Pork Mafia and locally distilled spirits from Mainland Whisky. This is a picnic-style evening, so be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy Langley’s version of the Wild West! Pro tip: while dressing up isn’t mandatory, there is a prize for best dressed!
Sage and Solace – 2768-256 Street Langley Township; Tickets from $95; Details online

 

6. Carnaval del Sol – Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7

2 dancing ladies wearing colorful animal feathers with a huge crowd behind
Carnaval Del Sol

Take part in celebrating Latin American culture during this three-day festival! Organized by Latincouver, this event features cultural cuisine, arts and entertainment fit for the entire family. The opening night party is hosted for those aged 19+ at the Granville Island Beer Plaza. Dance the night away to live DJs and be prepared to be wow’ed by dazzling drag queens! The next two days of the event are family friendly and are hosted at Jonathan Rogers Park. Enjoy over 50 immersive activities at 11 distinct plazas with your loved ones.
Various locations; Ticket prices vary; Details online

7. Peach Classic Triathlon 2024 – Sunday, July 7

a group of swimmers stepping into the water with a crowd on a platform
Peach Classic Triathlon

If you’re hoping to get active this summer, I’ve got just the activity for you! Head over to Penticton and join in on this invigorating swim-bike-run race. As one of the oldest triathlons in the country, the Peach Classic is celebrating its 40th anniversary in July. This full day of activity is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and stronger than ever before.
Martin Street & Lakeshore Drive West, Penticton; Ticket prices vary; Details online

8. Movie in the Park – Wednesday, July 10

a vast aerial view of a park with buildings and greenery
Tourism Vernon

Are you living in or visiting Vernon? Here is a perfect summer night activity for you! Enjoy a movie in the park under the starry sky. Cozy up with your loved ones as you watch the movie Elemental. Food and beverages are available for purchase onsite, but remember to bring your own chairs and blankets. The movie is set to start at 9 p.m., but you can always arrive early to grab the best seats in the house!
Arbor Park – 1882-1960 BC-6, Lumby; Free entry; Details online.