Top Vancouver Summer Events and Festivals 2024

Discover the best Metro Vancouver summer events and festivals. From fun outdoor activities to viewing incredible fireworks, to cultural performances and so much more, it doesn’t get much better than summer in Vancouver. There are also plenty of fun-filled family events for all ages to explore.

Don’t miss one of the newest BC Day celebration in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park, Lafarge Lake. The event will include BC’s biggest salmon BBQ, Best of BC Pavilion, and Drone Show featuring BC artists, and it will be a celebration of the spirit and beauty of British Columbia.

We will be continually updating these summer events, so remember to check back often. If you’re looking for more festive events, see our guide to the Vancouver area. From outdoor concerts to local food festivals, there are countless amazing things to do in Vancouver that will keep your summer packed with fun. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s always something new to explore. Don’t miss out on the unique experiences this vibrant city has to offer!

Remember, berry season runs from mid-May until the middle of September. Find out where to find the freshest berries.

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2024 Vancouver Summer Events and Festivals

Trout Lake Farmers Market – Saturdays, April – October 26, 2024

Trout Lake Farmers Market brings farm-fresh goodness to the city with fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and dairy products. There is a good selection of artisan foods and crafts along with food trucks and buskers. The market is located in the north parking lot.

Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom – Vancouver Aquarium – now until September 4, 2024

Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom is a brand new interactive experience at the Vancouver Aquarium. This exhibit features 17 habitats with incredible new animals. Learn about the clever ways these animals protect themselves from lurking dangers in the wild. Be sure to book your tickets online.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival – May 30 – June 2, 2024

Be sure to catch Canada’s best loved children’s singer Fred Penner. Check here for the full schedule of performers at this year’s Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

Spot Prawn Festival – May 26, 2024

Vancouver’s popular Spot Prawn Festival is back in all its glory at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, May 26 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The event features spot prawn dishes from some of Vancouver’s best chefs. Open to the public, local celebrity chefs will be showcasing cooking demonstrations. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample this delicious seafood. The festival itself is free, but the tasting experience requires a ticket. Find out more about the festival here.

Where to buy the best spot prawns. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Italian Day on The Drive – June 9, 2024

These year’s celebration offers 14 blocks of community fun along Commercial Drive, from Venables Street to Grandview Highway.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival – June 11 to September 21, 2024

Celebrating it’s 35th year, Bard of the Beach Shakespeare Festival returns to Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park in Vancouver. Four different performances will take place on the Main Stage: Twelfth Night, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors and Measure for Measure.

Be sure to check out special packages for Bard Fireworks Nights!

The crowd-pleasing Bard Fireworks Nights, where patrons enjoy a performance of Comedy of Errors followed by a dessert buffet, and guaranteed, spectacular views of the Celebration of Light. Fireworks evenings are July 20, 24 & 27. New this year: Bring your own picnic supper, preorder from us (for an extra charge), or snack the night away—the choice is yours.

Museum of Anthropology at UBC – June 13, 2024-March 30, 2025

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC, reopened on June 13, following an 18-month closure to complete historic seismic upgrades of its iconic Great Hall.

• To Be Seen, To Be Heard: First Nations in Public Spaces, 1900–1965: an immersive, multimedia exhibition that explores the diverse ways that First Nations worked to be seen and heard, striving to have their rights recognized during a period of potlatch prohibition and other forms of erasure in Canada.
• Pursuit of Venus [infected]: Māori artist Lisa Reihana’s digitally animated interpretation of the French Neoclassical scenic wallpaper Les Sauvages de la Mer Pacifique, which portrays harmonious encounters between Europeans and Polynesians amidst a Tahitian landscape. Reihana’s work depicts a darker narrative, exposing the oppressive and often violent exchanges absent from the utopian colonial portrayal.

Fleurs de Villes – Artiste at VanDusen Botanical Garden – June 21 – 30, 2024

Walk the floral trail to see 25, one-of-a-kind art-themed installations created by Vancouver’s top floral artists. Throughout the day, watch floral demonstrations, learn gardening tips and listen to botanical-inspired culinary talks every 90 minutes. On weekends, shop for blooms to take home from local florists at the fresh floral market.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival – June 21 – 30, 2024

Jazz venues across Vancouver and North Vancouver will celebrate the 39th annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival. The festival includes lots of free activities, as well as ticketed events. Look for the return of Downtown Jazz and the free concerts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

There will be an array of performances on Granville Island throughout the week.

Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival – June 22 – 23, 2024

Celebrate a weekend local culture and music. Catch dragon boats racing on the water until 6:30 p.m. There will be a family-fun zone, 25+ food trucks, the biggest waterfront licensed patio in Vancouver and Hey Ocean! and a variety of other artists on the TD Main Stage, visit the Chinese Pavillion, PRIDE Pavillion and Indigenous Pavillion. Don’t miss Vancouver’s first public drone show.

Light up the Night – Vancouver’s first public drone show – June 22 at 9:30 p.m. in the skies above False Creek

Celebrate the first weekend of the summer with Vancouver’s first public drone show The show will begin as the sun sets over the Vancouver skyline, and can be viewed from around the North East False Creek basin and screens throughout the site.

Greek Day – June 23, 2024

Celebrating 50 years in Vancouver, Greek Day’s vibrant tribute to Greek culture features fun for the whole family with authentic food, live performances, music and marketplace. Located along Broadway in the heart of Kitsilano.

New sensory adventure – Awaken Canada – June 29 – ongoing

Celebrating what ‘Home’ means to Canadians, Flyover’s newest immersive flying journey, Awaken Canada, launches on Canada Day long weekend.  After more than a decade, following cutting-edge upgrades to sound and projection systems, Awaken Canada replaces the original Flyover Canada experience.

Showcasing Canada’s beauty, diversity, and welcoming spirit through a different heightened perspective soaring across spectacular landscapes and challenging terrain. Awaken Canada will become the attraction’s new anchor experience. Be sure to look for BC Resident rates.

Indian Summer Festival – July 4-14, 2024

The 14th annual Indian Summer Festival is a cultural celebration of the South Asian spirit with a variety of inclusive, diverse events at venues throughout Vancouver. The 10-day festival kicks off with a symphony of sounds, flavours, and art at the PARADOX opening party. Chef Tushar Tondvalkar presents a tasting menu reflecting the bustling streets of Mumbai to the regal banquet halls of Rajasthan.

Khatsahlano Street Party – July 6, 2024

Billed as the largest fee music and arts festival in Vancouver, this 10-block fair runs along 4th Avenue from McDonald to Broadway. Enjoy more than 50 of Vancouver’s top musical performers, as well as artisans and street performers, as well as licensed beer gardens and plenty of food options.

Theatre Under the Stars – July 5-August 24, 2024

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents CATS and School of Rock, at Stanley Park’s iconic Malkin Bowl. These two iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpieces feature show-stopping song and dance numbers in CATS and high-voltage, fist-pumping rock score in School of Rock. Performances on the TUTS stage has been a Vancouver tradition since 1940. TUTS’ early bird tickets are on sale now through June 19.

Royal Opera of Madrid Authentic Flamenco Vancouver – July 11-14, 2024

Spanish art form expressing raw passion and emotion. The Royal Opera of Madrid is the most important performing arts institution in Spain and these talented award-winning artists will provide Vancouver with an unforgettable performance of vocals, instruments and vibrantly visual dances. Location: York Theatre, Commercial Drive.

2024 Honda Celebration of Light – July 20, 24, 27, 2024

The 32nd annual fireworks festival is a three-night family-friendly event, which takes place along the beaches of English Bay attracting up to 400,000 people nightly.
2024 will feature pyrotechnics teams from Portugal, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival – July 19-21, 2024

Discover a weekend full of music, dance, food and children’s activities at Jericho Beach Park for the 47th Vancouver Folk Music Festival. There will be more than 40 different musical performances from 15 countries, 9 American states and 6 provinces and territories. Tickets are on sale now.

Vancouver Pride Festival and Parade – July 26 – August 4, 2024

The Pride Parade takes place on August 4. The schedule of events is continually updated here.

PNE Fair – August 17-September 2, 2024

This year’s PNE promises to be better than ever with lots of fun for the whole family. Tickets go on sale in May. This year’s PNE prize home is located in Greater Vancouver.

PNE Summer Nights Concerts – August 17-September 2, 2024

One of the most popular programs of the annual PNE Fair the Summer Night Concerts will be held in the Pacific Colosseum.There will be diverse performances showcasing iconic figures from music history in Pop, Rock, and R&B, along with rising stars in the industry.

Here are some of the performers: Burton Cummings, Blondie, Blue Rodeo, Pointer Sisters, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and more. Admission to the Fair is free with the purchase of show tickets.

A Series of Concerts by Candlelight, now until December 31, 2024

Enjoy a series of live concerts illuminated by candlelight in a variety of locations throughout Vancouver.

To find out more or to book tickets, visit Concert by Candlelight.

Burnaby Events and Festivals

Burnaby Farmers Market – May 13 through the end of October

Shop for an assortment of B.C. crafts, a variety of farm-fresh produce and delicious baked foods, while listening to live music. The market opens May 13 and 14 and then operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Burnaby City Hall near Deer Lake

Summer Stages Confederation Park – July 9 – August 29, 2024

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30 a.m, and 2 p.m., celebrate summer with a free live performance series. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy. The stage is located near the spray park.

North Vancouver and West Vancouver Festivals and Events

Ambleside Farmers Market – May through the end of October

Shop the Ambleside Farmers Market for an assortment of B.C. Crafts, a variety of farm-fresh produce and delicious prepared foods. The market is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays at Ambleside Park.

New Westminster Summer Festivals and Events

Hyack Parade & Festival in the Park – May 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Hyack International Parade is the province’s largest family-friendly parade, with more than 120 entries from throughout B.C., Washington, and Oregon. You won’t want to miss the high-energy, colorful, and entertaining procession of floats, marching bands, community groups, mascots, performance artists, and more that fill the streets of New Westminster. The parade starts at 6th Street and ends at Tipperary Park.

Seniors Week – June 4-7, 2024

Celebrating seniors in the community and their important contributions to help shape society.

Queensborough Neighbourhood Walk & Social – June 5 from 9 – 11 a.m.

Meet at the Queensborough Community Centre before heading out to explore the natural beauty of the neighbourhood. Stay for a coffee and social time after the walk. The event is free, but registration is required. Find more Seniors Week events here.

Richmond and Delta Summer Events and Festivals

Richmond Night Market – April 28 – October 9, 2024

The Richmond  Night Market is the largest market of its kind in North America. The market features Asian street food, entertainment and a wide variety of merchandise vendors. It’s easy to get to from the Canada Line and River Rock Casino.

The Steveston Spot Prawn Festival and Seafood Celebration – May 15 – June 16, 2024

The Steveston Spot Prawn Festival and Seafood Celebration runs May 15 through June 16, with lots of seafood-inspired activities, including fresh spot prawns brought into Fisherman’s Wharf daily, demonstrations from professional chefs on the Culinary Stage June 8, and locally caught seafood (by Steveston fishers) featured on participating restaurant menus as part of Dine About, June 1 to 16.

Country Wines Winery – Weekends, May Long Weekend until the end of October, 2024

Take a tour of Country Vines Winery, a six-acre vineyard located behind Richmond Country Farms, to learn about that city’s rich agricultural heritage and how its fertile land contributes to making award-winning wines.

After the tour enjoy the lounge and picnic area. Make a reservation to be guaranteed a spot to sip wine, savour a charcuterie selection and listen to live music. Please limit your stay to 90 minutes.

Coquitlam Summer Festivals and Events

ScotsFestBC – BC Highland Games and Music Festival – June 14 – 15, 2024

The 92nd Highland Games features lots of entertainment for the entire family. There will be performances and competitions of B.C.’s best pipe bands, drumming, highland dancing and Scottish games. Don’t miss the big kitchen party along with lots of Celtic music, cultural workshops and children’s activities.

East coast fiddling phenomenon and Juno award winner, Ashley MacIsaac makes his first appearance at ScotFestBC 2024.

Whisky School

• Friday evening – Whisky & Oysters
• Saturday – Whisky School
• Saturday – Chocolate & Whisky

See full schedule of events and purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. ScotsFestBC is presented by the United Scottish Cultural Society in conjunction with the BC Pipers’ Association, BC Highland Dancing Association, and the Royal Scottish Country Dancing Association. Location: Town Centre Park, Lafarge Lake.

Spirit of BC and Drone Show – August 4, 2025

New BC Day celebration in Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park, Lafarge Lake. The event will include BC’s biggest salmon BBQ, Best of BC Pavilion, and Drone Show featuring BC artists, and it will be a celebration of the spirit and beauty of British Columbia.

Surrey Summer Festivals and Events

5X Fest – June 13 – 16, 2024

Celebrating its seventh year, 5X Fest brings out well-known names in South Asian music and art. Many events sell out fast, so grab your tickets while you can.

Surrey Pride Festival – June 22, 2024

Celebrating its 25th year, the Surrey Pride Festival will include drag performances, headlined by Canada’s Drag Race finalist, Kendall Gender and Queer as Funk.

Canada Cup International Softball Championships – June 28 – July 7, 2024

Since 1993, this event has brought the highest ranked women’s teams to play softball, as well as international women’s fast pitch. Teams include Canada, USA, Taiwan Great Britain, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Ukraine. The competition is held at Softball City, Cloverdale Athletic Park, and Sunnyside Park in Surrey, BC.

FVDED in the Park Summer Music Festival – July 5 – 6, 2024

This electric dance festival in Holland Park is a 16 years and older event.

Langley Summer Festivals and Events

Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery Music and Mead Festival – July 20

Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery brings music and mead magic to this very lively festival.

Get ready to tap your feet to the music, sip on delicious honey-based mead or award winning Pilsner, and have a blast with fellow music enthusiasts.

The festival brings together amazing live performances, including talented local artists with a throwback to Woodstock. Whether you’re a fan of rock, folk, or something new, they’ve got you covered! The property is a five-acre hobby farm situated in Langley, BC’s wine region, on which the owners explore the lost tradition of mead (honey wine) making.

Don’t miss their Fathers Day Fiesta! (mojito mead release), which they describe as just like high tea, but with tacos! Be prepared to get a little messy (Sombreros optional). Enjoy live music, their food truck, and some specials surprises in celebration of dad — or any father figure in your life.

Youth Concert Showcase Series – May 26 – July 14, 2024

Enjoy eight weeks of free jazz performances every Sunday afternoon between 1-3 p.m.  in the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station.

Enjoy art exhibits by  local artists and guided tours of the restored CNR 1915 train station.

Aldergrove Fair – July 19 – 21, 2024

The 112th annual Aldergrove Fair celebrates ‘Country Roots and Cowboy Boots,’ with a fairground full of family fun. Friday night starts off with a car show before a weekend full of old fashion games in the Kidzone, main stage entertainment, unique vendors, food trucks, a ‘beverage garden,’ and many agricultural displays and demonstrations, including an antique tractor pull, air pistol demos, World Fast Draw Contest, rides, games and much more.

Abbotsford Summer Festivals and Events

Lakeland Lavender Fields – June – August, 2024

Blooming in June, there are five acres of fragrant lavender fields to enjoy the aromatic scent. Check out the 13 varieties of blooms and scents.

Summer of Sunflowers – July – September, 2024

Experience 40 acres of giant sunflowers with a number of different varieties. Admission includes five stems from the Sunflower U-Pick. Additional sunflowers are available to buy. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.

Chilliwack Summer Events

152 Annual Chilliwack Fair – August 9 – 11

Chilliwack Heritage Park

The Chilliwack Fair, the second oldest continuously running Fair in BC, is an opportunity to celebrate all that the community has to offer. Despite being the foundation on which it was built, the fair is about much more than agriculture.

At the fair, you’ll find amazing food vendors, entertainment, face painting, pony rides, marketplace vendors, Rough Stock event on Friday night (bulls, bareback, saddle bronc), BCRA Rodeo, 4-H and farm animals, live music, talented local artists, a kitchen stage, photo booth, Inflatable games and more!

In recent years they’ve added the Vancouver Circus School, CampH FMX bike flipping, Laser Tag, Foam Party, and a ninja parkour course!

66th Annual War Canoe Races – May 31 – June 2

Cultus Lake

The 66th Annual War Canoe Races are back at Main Beach at Cultus Lake, with incredible adult and children’s canoe races, arts and crafts, food vendors, bannock, and more!

Parking fees will be collected directly by the organizer at both Parking Lot A and B for the duration of the event! All parking fees in these lots go directly to supporting this historic event!

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