Vancouver Summer Festivals.
May 30 2024, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
During the summer, Vancouver comes alive with a diverse array of festivals celebrating music, food, culture and the arts. From outdoor theatre to beachside concerts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the can't-miss events happening this summer.
Bard On The Beach
June 11 - Sept 21
Vanier Park
The iconic Shakespeare festival, Bard On The Beach, returns to the outdoor tents in Vanier Park this summer, offering a stellar lineup of Shakespeare plays including Twelfth Night, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, and Measure for Measure. The Bard makes it easy to bring the whole family by offering Family Days with more relaxed performances and family-friendly activities.
To make the most out of your experience, enjoy food with the show by pre-ordering a picnic from Emelle’s when you purchase your tickets.
Foodie Fest
June 15-16
Capilano Mall
This free foodie event will be taking over Capilano Mall with a smorgasbord of food trucks paired with live entertainment and kid-friendly activities including face painting and temporary tattoos.
One of the highlights is the Flavour Lab, where food meets science. Prepare to be amazed as Bhavana Rao and her team use liquid nitrogen to instantly freeze toppings before serving them over creamy ice cream right before your eyes.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
June 21-30
If you’re a fan of jazz, you won’t want to miss this 10-day-long festival of over 150 jazz performances, including 50 free events. Head to Granville Island to be right in the hub of the festival. Headliners throughout the festival include Killer Mike, Veronica Swift and Julian Lage.
Deckchair Cinema
June 27 - August 29
The Polygon Gallery
The Polygon Gallery's Deckchair Cinema offers a unique outdoor movie experience on the North Vancouver waterfront, with films screened by donation under the stars. Showings begin at sunset, so be sure to bring a blanket or chairs, and arrive early to snag a prime viewing spot on the grassy area in front of the gallery. Movies showing this summer include Stop Making Sense, Night Raiders, Scott Pilgrim vs the World and more!
The evening is made complete with live music prior to the showing, a concession with local beer and snacks, and of course, the stunning waterfront views.
Theatre Under The Stars
July 5 - Aug 24
Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
For a quintessential summer experience, catch a musical under the stars at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. This season's productions include the hit shows, CATS and School of Rock. Performed on outdoor stages set against the gorgeous backdrop of the park, it's a beloved tradition for locals.
Vancouver Craft Beer & Music Festival
July 6
PNE Fairgrounds
If you’re a beer lover, you won’t want to miss the Vancouver Craft Beer & Music Festival this July on the PNE Fairgrounds! This event features over 150 craft beer and cider tastings from over 70 breweries, with all beer samples included in each ticket and food vendors throughout the grounds.
During the festival, there will be live performances from American indie pop group, lovelytheband and Western Canada favourites, Yukon Blonde, Post-Modern Connection and Black Pontiac.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 19 - 21
Jericho Beach Park
What could be better than a beach-and-mountain backdrop to your favourite live music? Known by locals as Folk Fest, this beloved summertime music festival is a cultural institution, with tens of thousands of loyal fans heading to Jericho Beach Park annually. This year’s line-up includes Leif Vollebekk, James Vincent McMorrow and Milk Carton Kids, amongst others.
Since this festival takes place right on the beach, you can bring your swimsuit and go for a dip in the ocean between sets.
Canada Pride Festival 2024
July 26 - Aug 4
This 10-day festival celebrates Vancouver's 2SLGBTQIA+ community, filled with vibrant energy, rainbow colours, and a spirit of inclusivity and joy. Over 40 events are planned to take place across the city, including the main festival VanPrideFest which features live music, fierce drag shows, pulsing DJ sets, activities and local vendors, along with a brand new Queer Rights Summit.
The annual Vancouver Pride Parade will commence on August 4th, where the town will be painted rainbow and lead the celebration into the last day of VanPrideFest.
Ambleside Music Festival
Aug 17 -18
Ambleside Park
The Ambleside Music Festival will be taking over the picturesque Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, promising an incredible lineup of musicians performing against the stunning backdrop of the ocean and mountains.
Details are still being finalized, but if last year's performances by artists like Saint Motel, Bahamas, and Weezer are any indication, it's sure to be a can't-miss event. Stay tuned for lineup announcements!
