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Make this your best summer ever in Vancouver with music festivals, outdoor movies, sporting events and so much more
Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver is a bustling market with art, shopping, food and live music on the Shipbuilder’s stage. It’s open every Friday until September 30 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., so head on over for a fabulous Friday night.
Admission is freeShipbuilders’ Square, Wallace Mews Road, North Vancouver
Stop by the Richmond Night Market for rides, live entertainment, shopping and, of course, the famed hurricane potatoes. The market is open on Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m., and on Sundays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. from now until October 10.
General admission is $3.25 and free for seniors and children 10 and under8351 River Road, Richmond
Mosey over to the International Summer Market (also known as the Panda Market) in Richmond where you’ll find LED trees, minigolf, and all sorts of tasty treats. It’s open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. from now until September 11.
Admission is free12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond
Summer is here and Vancouver Farmers Markets are back to supply you with the season’s freshest local foods. With everything from chef demonstrations to musical entertainment, summer markets make grocery shopping tons of fun.
TROUT LAKE
This community market started in 1995 and has since become one of Vancouver’s most adored farmers’ markets. Come by to mingle with neighbours and stock up on delicious local food.
Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., now until October 22, Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Nelson Park, the West End Market is a perfect place to visit on a sunny summer day.
Every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., now until October 22, 1100 Comox Street
With a playground and waterpark nearby, and live music throughout the day, the Kitsilano Market is a great place to visit with the family.
Every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., now until October 23, Kitsilano Community Centre, Larch Street
If you don’t feel like dealing with parking, the Main Street Station Market is located right at the commuter intersection at Main and Terminal. Hop on the SkyTrain and head to this bustling summer market to pick up some groceries or to watch a chef demonstration.
Every Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., June 1 to October 5, 1100 Station Street
*Relocated to Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza as of June
After three years, Vancouver Farmers Markets has now moved its Yaletown Market at 1200 Mainland to Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza.
Every Thursday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., June 2 until October 27, 649 Cambie Street at Georgia
Head to the Mount Pleasant Market for a more small-town vibe. This friendly little market has blossomed into a community hot spot.
Every Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 12 to October 9, 2300 Guelph Street
Every summer, Bard on the Beach puts on one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit Shakespeare festivals at Vancouver’s magnificent Vanier Park. This year’s season runs from June 3 to September 24 and features The Merry Wives of Windsor, Othello, Romeo and Juliet, and Pericles.
To make the most of the experience, spend some time before the show exploring the Bard Village, or attend a show on Talk Back Tuesday for a free Q&A with the cast after evening performances.
Tickets and schedule details here, 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vanier Park, Vancouver
Back for its 12th year, the VIBC City of Bhangra Festival is the largest of its kind in North America. Celebrate community spirit with high-energy performances, music and delicious Indian food at different events including Bhangra on Main and Downtown Bhangra (also known as Vancouver’s biggest, free backyard party). Dance away Indian wedding-style at the official kickoff night on June 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. at Club FIVESIXTY (+19).
Event schedule and information here
Celebrate Vancouver’s vibrant Italian culture at this year’s Italian Day on the Drive. This spirited street festival spans 13 blocks along Commercial Drive (aka Vancouver’s Little Italy) and will include food, music, dancing and other Italian-themed festivities from noon to 8 p.m. This year’s theme is an Italian’s favourite past time: Mangiamo! or Let’s eat! So come with a big appetite, and enjoy delicious food and drinks while learning about Italian culture and heritage.
For some oceanside fun, check out the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in and around the Creekside Community Centre, Creekside Olympic Village and the waters of False Creek. This celebration of Canada’s multicultural heritage will not only feature high-calibre dragon boat racing, but delicious food, local art, children’s activities and live music on the World Beat Stage. The festival will kick off Friday afternoon with traditional Eye Dotting and Dragon Blessing Ceremonies followed by two days of festivities as Dragon Boat racers compete for the title of champion.
Event schedule and details here, admission is free
Think you’re tough? Prove it at this year’s Tough Mudder in Whistler. Tough Mudder is a world-class obstacle course designed to test both physical and mental strength. The race prioritizes camaraderie over winning and includes obstacles like the new Block Ness Monster, the revamped Cage Crawl and Elecroshock Therapy. If you’re looking for motivation to get in shape this summer, look no further.
Registration starts at $199, teams can be any size, Whistler Olympic Park, 5 Callaghan Valley Road, Whistler
If you love getting down to some of the world’s best jazz, funk, Latin, fusion or world music, you’re in luck because the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is back in the city this summer. From June 24 to July 3, 1800 musicians will perform in over 300 shows in and around Metro Vancouver. The best part is over half the concerts are free. The weekend will kick off with two days of free concerts in the heart of downtown Vancouver and feature more free concerts over the course of the festival, so lace up those dancing shoes and get ready for a good time.
Admission varies depending on event
Mark your calendars for the biggest birthday of the summer, because July 1 is Canada Day and Vancouver is not one to miss a party.
With live music on three stages, a parade and fireworks, this is Vancouver’s biggest Canada Day celebration. The parade starts around 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Georgia and Broughton Streets and has everything from giant Canada-themed floats to Mounties in uniform on horseback. After the parade, stick around to watch the Burrard Inlet firework show light up the skies above Coal Harbour and Dundarave in West Vancouver at around 10:30 p.m.
Festivities begin at 10 a.m., admission is free, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
For slightly smaller crowds and delicious cake, head to Granville Island for a heaping helping of birthday fun. There will be a Canada Day ceremony, a parade, live jazz performers and a cultural fair.
Admission is free, 1661 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
If you love salmon, the Steveston Salmon Festival is the place to be this Canada Day. A 70-year Richmond tradition, over 1200 pounds of salmon filets will be cooked over open firepits throughout the day. If that isn’t enough to lure you in, there’s also a pancake breakfast, parade, art show, food fair, childrens’ festival and other festivities.
Admission is free, salmon is $15 per plate, in the heart of Steveston, Richmond
FVDED in the Park is back for its second year at Holland Park for a weekend of epic music and festival fun, featuring over 30 world-renowned artists performing across three outdoor stages. Headliners this year include Diplo and Skrillex’s super group Jack Ü, Travis Scott, Zedd, RL Grime, Galantis, and Bryson Tiller.
Single day and VIP passes available, all-ages event, 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
