Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Activities

5 Free Summer Events in Vancouver

By Tarana Rana, 17 Jul, 2019

    Start the summer on a budget! Here are some fun things to do in Vancouver this season at no cost.

     

      

    There are so many ways to spend the long summer days in Vancouver, including festivals, outdoor movies, fireworks and concerts. Here are the top five events you should check out that are family-friendly and free.

    Experience a local festival

    Surrey’s annual Fusion Festival is a popular free community event with live music, food and family-friendly activities. Held in Holland Park in Surrey on July 20-21, there are over three-dozen cultural pavilions showcasing different countries from around the world. Enjoy the numerous free concerts and performances, watch culinary demonstrations and learn some new dance moves.


    Watch breathtaking fireworks at English Bay

    One of Vancouver’s iconic annual events, the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition in English Bay is a must-see. Taking place on July 27, July 31 and August 3, this year’s participating countries include India, Canada and Croatia. The fireworks show happens at 10 pm each night, but there is also live music and other fun activities in the early afternoon on all three days.


    Watch an outdoor movie at Canada Place

    Catch a series of free summer outdoor movies at Vancouver’s Canada Place this summer. Held on Thursday evenings starting July 11, Waterfront Cinema will feature free movies shown around 8 pm or 9 pm till the end of August. The selected movies are usually family-friendly and this year’s selections include Captain Marvel, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.


    Catch a concert at White Rock

    Listen to some live music with the family for free at TD Concerts For the Pier at White Rock. Hosted on select Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August, the free concerts usually run from 7 pm to 9 pm and typically feature a headliner band as well as one or two opening groups. Check out the lineup at the White Rock BIA website.


    Enjoy an action-packed day at the PNE

    Vancouver’s PNE Fair is a summer staple. Taking place in the last few weeks of summer, in addition to the Playland rides, you can enjoy concerts, live entertainment, delicious food stalls and experience interesting exhibits. If you visit on August 20 and August 27, you can enjoy free gate admission for all guests between 11 am-1 pm.

    Photos: Courtesy of events/organizations featured - Facebook, Port of Vancouver, Tom Paillé

     

    MORE Activities ARTICLES

    Have some fun this summer

    Have some fun this summer

    Like most things in Vancouver, summer activities often come with a price tag! If you want to make...

    Things to do this Spring

    Your kid-friendly guide to activities in Vancouver this spring break.

    Vancouver's Winter Festivals

    After days of making merry, feasting on delicious things, opening presents, and attending parties...

    Vancouver Holiday Guide

    Vancouver Holiday Guide

    Mark your calendars – the holiday season is upon us and the city is abuzz with events and a...

    5 Reasons to love Fall in Vancouver

    5 Reasons to love Fall in Vancouver

    Crisp air, longer nights – it’s that time of the year again. Fall in Vancouver means Halloween events, Thanksgiving dinners and a line-up of fun festivals. Here is a quick list to help you make the most of this busy season.

    Beat the Heat: BC’s Top Summer Spots

    There’s nothing like a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day. Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out where to go.