33 fun FREE events to check out in Vancouver this summer
Staying in Vancouver this summer to save some money? Visiting the city and don’t know what affordable events happening in Vancouver? This comprehensive list will help you find fun things to do around the city without breaking the bank.
Vancouver Greek Summerfest
Vancouver’s epic Greek Summerfest is back for eight days this July. If you do not feel like spending money at the festival, you can still go enjoy and learn about Greek culture. There will be Greek dances, Bouzouki performances, and other entertainment.
Where: 4521 Boundary Rd
When: July 4-7 and 11-14, 2024
Wonton Wrapping Workshop with Chinatown Auntie Cindy
Learn how to make wontons from a long-time Chinatown resident, Auntie Cindy. It was a lifelong dream of hers to have a wonton business. So not only are you learning how to make this Chinese delicacy, but you are also helping Auntie Cindy to make her dream come true. In return, she will serve you her wonton and some Chinatown famous buns for free.
Where: Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall National Historic Site – 487 Alexander St Vancouver
When: Friday, Jul 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Free first Friday nights at the Vancouver Art Gallery
At the start of each month, go to the Gallery for an inspiring evening of art and enriching public programs, offered free of charge from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are limited to two per group due to space capacity and reservations are required.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby St.
When: First Friday of each month from 4 to 8 p.m.
Symphony at Sunset
In the past years, over 15,000 people attended this concert performed by Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Symphony at Sunset is a free open-air concert that plays music from hit films and popular classical pieces. Bring a picnic mat and or a low chair to enjoy the beauty of music next to English Bay.
Where: Sunset Beach Park
When: Saturday, July 6 from 8-9:30 p.m.
Vancouver World Naked Bike Ride
You do not need to be nude to join but you can be…The sans-clothing ride is happening in downtown Vancouver where hundreds of shirtless people will be cycling through the city. Being the home of The World Naked Bike Race, this event takes place annually. So, if you want to take a breezy ride, join this crowd for free!
Where: Cyclists can meet at Sunset Beach, Beach Avenue, and Bute Street
When: July 6 (The race starts at 2 p.m. but cyclists are encouraged to meet at noon for body painting)
Khatsahlano Street Party
Music festival tickets can be expensive. That’s why you should seize the opportunity to join Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival at The West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Street Party. This 10-block street fair, spanning from Burrard to MacDonald Street features multiple stages showcasing more than 50 of Vancouver’s top musical performers as well as the eclectic work of local artisans and street performers. They also have food stalls, special activities, and a licensed beer garden.
Where: West 4th Avenue, spanning from Burrard to MacDonald
When: Saturday, July 6 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Writing Animals with Andrea Routley
Do you enjoy reading books like Life of Pi or Moby Dick? Always fascinated by literature that involves animals? Then this creative workshop taught by Andrea Routley, a local screenwriter and author, is the perfect weekend activity for you. This class offers innovative approaches to writing about animals, blending scientific insights with an awareness of biases. Join the class and use some of that creative juice of your.
Where: Yosef Wosk Poet’s Corner, Level 9 in Central Library – 350 W Georgia St
When: Saturday, July 6 from 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Tour De Concord
If you enjoy the thrill of watching competitive pro cyclists race laps, you should definitely go to the free Vancouver Community Bike Festival and Criterium Cycling Races. It is a family-friendly activity where your kids can try out its obstacle courses while the adults enjoy a drink at the beer garden. There will also be vendors, food stocks, and bike tune-ups.
Where: Concord Pacific Vancouver – 88 Pacific Blvd
When: Sunday, July 7th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
EVO Summer Cinema
You don’t always get a chance to watch movies in the great outdoors surrounded by nature. Unless events like EVO Summer Cinema decide to host movie nights at Stanley Park every Tuesday. Gather your friends and head to Stanley Park to enjoy watching your favourite films on a massive 40ft screen under the stunning night sky.
2024 Outdoor Cinema at Stanley Park movie lineup:
- July 9: Toy Story
- July 16: Back to the Future
- July 23: Emperor’s New Groove
- July 30: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
- Aug. 6: School of Rock
- Aug.13: Barbie
- Aug. 20: Twilight
- Aug. 27: Vote for your choice! Voting is open until July 24
Where: Beside the Second Beach pool in Stanley Park – 8501 Stanley Park Dr
When: Tuesdays, July 9- Aug 27 starting at sunset around 9 p.m.
Summer Movie Nights
Brought to you by Downtown Van, this free, family-friendly event is set to transform the heart of downtown Vancouver into an open-air theatre. Summer Movie Nights is a free outdoor movie event. Movies are played on a 16-foot inflatable screen and begin at sundown. With Barbie, The Devil Wears Prada, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Princess Bride playing in July, and Mamma Mia!, Knives Out, and Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse showing in August, you can enjoy a fun movie date with your loved ones.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
When: Thursdays evening, from now until August 15 (Movies begin at sundown)
Vancouver Chinatown Festival
Vancouver Chinatown Festival is coming back in July to celebrate the community’s history with cultural performances, food trucks, Chinese arts and crafts, and, most importantly, giant Mahjong tiles. Perfect for families, this free two-day festival will allow you to learn more about the Chinese culture that has been around in Vancouver for over 100 years.
Where: Columbia and Keefer streets
When: Saturday and Sunday, July 13-14, 2024 from noon-6 p.m.
Bend & Flow Yoga
Outdoor yoga with your neighbour is one of the best ways to start the day of rest. Join your community for a Sunday yoga session where you stretch, breathe, and find your inner zen in a beautiful green space in the heart of the neighbourhood. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with your community, and enjoy a serene yoga session for free. Bring your mat, your smile, and a spirit ready to unwind and rejuvenate.
Where: 1595 W 10th Ave
When: Sunday, July 14 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Honda Celebration of Light
The fireworks competition is back! Using the night sky as a canvas, pyrotechnic teams from Portugal, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom will paint their beauty work with colourful lights. The fireworks celebration goes on rain or shine. Be prepared and bring sunscreen, lots of water, and a rain poncho to keep you dry just in case. If you want a more private experience, VIP tickets are also available.
Where: The fireworks are shown at English Bay, so people can watch the show at the beaches along it
When: July 20, 24, and 27 starting at 10 p.m. rain or shine!
Summer Pop-up Market
Want to bring your pet on a shopping spree? Summer Pop-up market allows you to take your pet while looking at all the locally made products.
Where: Heritage Hall – 3102 Main St.
When: Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21 and Sunday, August 18 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dude Chilling Park Beer & Music Festival
Chillin’ in the Park Music & Beer Festival is coming back to Mount Pleasant this July. Join your favourite local indie bands, some of the city’s best craft breweries, and local restaurant pop-ups. Admission is free (the beer is not).
Where: Dude Chilling Park – 372 E 8th Ave
When: Saturday, July 27 from 1-7 p.m.
Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra free outdoor concert at Jack Poole Plaza
Calling Orchestra lovers! Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra (VMO) is hosting an outdoor symphony for the public. Listening to the tunes of the strings and the brass accompanied by the percussion by the waters is going to be an experience to remember.
Where: Jack Poole Plaza (Burrard Landing) at Canada Place
When: Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m.
Free Vancouver scooter tour
These monthly Free Vancouver Tours happen on the last Friday of every month. You will be cruising around Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, Granville Island, False Creek and other neighbourhoods on an Electric UniCycle or an e-scooter.
Where: Meet at 1455 Quebec St
When: Friday, July 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Pride 2024
The streets will be filled with rainbow colours from late July to the beginning of August as the Vancouver Pride Festival and Pride Parade take over the city. Over the span of 10 days, Vancouver will be transformed into a hub of celebration of Queer identities and their different intersections. There will be events such as the VanPrideFest and the Vancouver Pride Parade.
VanPrideFest
Where: Concord Pacific Place – 50 Pacific Blvd
When: August 3 – 4 from noon-7 p.m.
Vancouver Pride Parade
Where: Starts at Davie & Denman streets and ends at Concord Pacific Place at False Creek
When: August 4, Starting at noon and the last float leaves the staging area at 2:15 p.m.
Powell Street Festival
Does Japanese culture fascinate you? Or do you want to immerse yourself in a different culture? Then the 48th Annual Powell Street Festival is perfect for you. Ranging from Butoh dance, Taiko drumming, sumo tournament, and Japanese food and craft booths, you can take part in celebrating Japanese Canadian art and culture.
Where: Oppenheimer Park – 400 Powell St
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 3-4 from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Vancouver Mural Festival Mural Tour
Using buildings or walls as a canvas, Vancouver local artists are painting the town in many colours. The tours take you to several neighbourhood murals, highlighting the meaning of each artwork and sharing behind-the-scenes stories of how they were made. Want a reason and a guide to explore communities that you have never been to? Here it is.
When: August 8-18, Tours are offered 1 – 2 times daily
Where: Start locations vary
Mount Pleasant Street Party
The Mount Pleasant Street Party is part of the city’s annual Vancouver Mural Festival. This year, the organizers are taking over the streets with live art and music performances, kid zones, craft beer-tasting markets, open artists’ studios, and more. Admission is free but you might spend a few bucks on snacks from food trucks or artworks made by local artists.
Where: 2111 Main St and surrounding lots and streets
When: August 8 and 9 from 5 – 10 p.m. and August 10 and 11 from 2 – 10 p.m.
KitsFest
For the sporty ones, KitsFest is back to give you a chance to sweat it all out. KitsFest is a sports and healthy living community festival. The festival offers tournaments for basketball, volleyball, water polo, tennis, touch football and more!
Where: Kitsilano Beach – 1300 Arbutus St
When: Friday to Sunday, August 9-11 (Check KitsFest official website for the time of each event)
Vancouver Pagan Awareness Day
Vancouver is a place where people celebrate diversity. Vancouver Pagan Awareness Day is designed to increase community goodwill, public education and awareness towards Paganism. Events are open to Pagans, non-Pagans, passersby, and onlookers. There will be vendors and workshops for people to participate in.
Where: Trout Lake – 2105 E 19 Ave
When: Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
African Descent Festival
Held annually, the African Descent Festival is a leading arts and cultural festival for people of African Descent. The festival aims to create a platform for contemporary African-Descent-Canadian art and culture within Greater Vancouver to showcase and share their cultural heritage with the people.
Where: English Bay Beach
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 10-11
Hastings Raceway Market
Hastings Racetrack & Casino has long been a cherished destination for families, renowned for its thrilling races and vibrant atmosphere. This market will take place indoors in the mezzanine of the building. Fill your weekend with fun, food, and fantastic finds.
Where: 188 N Renfrew St
When: Now until August 10. Fridays: 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturdays: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Seek Bespoke Weekend Market
A two-day summer market with artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, and more. Enjoy the aesthetics of South Granville with your family and friends.
Where: Vancouver School Board Park – 1595 W 10th Ave
When: August 17-18 from noon-6 p.m.
Free Swap in August
With the inflation going on around the world, getting new things has become a luxury. However, the City of Vancouver is hosting a free swap for people to take something new back home. You can either drop off items for others and swap them with some new-to-you items, donate your goods, or just straight-up take something back home. There are general guidelines on what items you can donate, but there is no limit on the quantity of things you can take. In other words, free shopping spree.
Where: Magee Secondary School parking lot – 6360 Maple St
When: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Granville Block Party
It seems like there is a block party every month in Vancouver. The organizer of the Granville Block Party promises that this year’s free two-day street party is set to be “bigger and better than ever.” Join the party and expect a weekend filled with live music, street performers, family-friendly entertainment, and more.
Where: Granville and Robson Street
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 24-25 from 1-7 p.m.
Day of the Dog
Even though every day should be the day of the dog, there is a special date that is designated for human’s fluffy best friends. The event will feature a dog pie eating contest, 360 photo booth, amazement park, “dogue” fashion show, Corgi race, yoga with adoptable puppies, and more.
Where: 1100 Mainland St
When: Sunday, August 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Vegan Night Market
Spend your evening at the plant-based night market! Welcoming dogs and children, The Vegan Market is the place where you can enjoy delectable food and drinks, cruelty-free clothing and cosmetics, and learn more about the lifestyle.
Where: Locarno Beach
When: Every other Thursday, Now until August 29 from 6-10 p.m.
Free Swap in September
Missed the free swap day in August? Fret not, there is also one in September. Bring your bag and go on a free shopping spree. If you have things to donate, you are welcome to swap them for something there. Nothing to donate? No problem. Everyone is welcome to take items home as there are plenty of great finds to go around.
Where: Vancouver Public Library Fraserview Branch – 1950 Argyle Dr
When: Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Car Free Day on Commercial Drive
Car Free Day in Vancouver is more than a festival. It is a multi-site annual festival that transforms busy streets into vibrant public spaces, bringing artists, performers, local businesses, and communities together.
Where: Grandview Hwy – Venables
When: Sunday, September 8 from noon-7 p.m.
Car Free Day on Main Street
The second car free day, taking over Main Street, will allow you to soak in the last bit of summer before it fades away. Stroll down the vehicle-free street and immerse in the bustle of the summer crowd
Where: 10th Ave – 30th Ave
When: Sunday, September 15 from noon-7 p.m.
