Vancouverites love the warmer seasons and this year promises to be full of fun events, festivals, and more.
The city's first post-pandemic summer will see the return of many beloved festivities and some new and big additions to others.
If you're looking to plan your weekend outing in advance or for some last-minute fun, check out this ultimate summer guide to events, festivals, and nightlife happening in Vancouver this summer:
Events
Outdoor movie nights
Every Thursday at 5 p.m. starting July 6 through Aug. 17 there will be free movie screenings at Šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (formerly the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza). Find the full movie lineup here.
Honda Celebration of Light
The massive fireworks festival recently announced this summer's competing teams. Red Bull will put on an air show during the day before each performance.
When: July 22, 26, 29
Where: English Bay
Cost: Free
RuPaul's Drag Race "Werq The World" Tour
The "largest drag show on Earth" arrives in Vancouver this summer with season 15 winner Sasha Colby and finalist Mistress Isabelle Brooks headlining the performance. Expect music, sets, fashion, choreography, and lighting unlike anything fans of drag have seen before.
When: July 27, 8 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: From $86; tickets available online
Rosé Disco
Dress code? Pink and white! This event is part party, part picnic, and part wine tasting. Kind of like Dîner en Blanc but with rosé.
When: Sunday, July 30 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: PNE Fairgrounds - 2901 East Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: Pre-sale tickets $30, regular $55
Day of Music
Vancouver will be filled with a smorgasbord of music from over 100 free concerts. Here's where you can tune in to a performance.
When: June 10, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 13 stages across the Lower Mainland
Cost: Free
Meowfest 2023
It's a cat purrrty! There will be all sorts of cat-themed activities, from tattoos and a giant kitten mural to a scavenger and a fabulous cat costume contest. This year, the huge event also aims to break the record for the world's largest fur ball.
When: Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Rocky Mountaineer Station - 1755 Cottrell St, Vancouver
Cost: General Admission $27 (ages 7-12 $10); VIP Admission Pass $120
Pet-A-Palooza
This summer bash is for local pups and their owners. Last year's festival included a 120-foot pool party (for dogs only), yoga with puppies, adorable dog races, and yummy treats like pupachinos and a puppy pancake breakfast.
When: Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1100 Mainland St., Vancouver
Richmond Night Market
The popular market includes over 100 food vendors and trucks (Indonesian, Turkish, and Mexican cuisines are new this year), as well as entertainment.
When: April 28-Oct. 9
Where: south of the River Rock Casino, Richmond
Black Culture Celebration
This celebration marks Juneteenth (officially held on June 19 in the U.S.) -- the day that marks the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy. In Vancouver, this festival will feature Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) food, clothing, artisan vendors, and also showcase 50 years of hip-hop in the country,
When: June 17
Where: Sunset Beach
Cost: $50-$75
Laser Light Show & Pink Floyd Tribute
A mesmerizing concert by local tribute band Crazy Diamonds will cover the popular bands' famous albums "Dark Side of the Moon" as well as both classic and deep cutes from albums "Meddle" and "The Wall."
When: July 22, 6 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre
Cost: from $30; available online or in-person at Zulu Records, Red Cat Records, Neptoon Records
Block & Street Parties
- Strathcona Blocks Party - June 17 on E Hastings St; giant Jenga and tic-tac-toe, free tote bag pressing, food trucks, market, music
- Khatsahlano - July 8 on West 4th Ave; a full day of music, food (including patios and beer gardens), and other entertainment.
- Italian Day on The Drive - June 11 on Commercial Dr; 14 blocks of Italian live music, food, patios, and entertainment in Vancouver's "Little Italy"
- Greek Day on Broadway - June 25 on Broadway; traditional Greek dance, ceramics, pottery, cooking demonstrations, and workshops
Festivals
Happyland Festival
This musical Pride festival will take over the PNE Amphitheatre and Playland Amusement Park for a day. Attendees will be able to see RuPaul's Drag Race queens Trixie Mattel and Pabllo Vittar perform with Alaska, Slayyyter, Priyanka, and other artists, as well as enjoy the regular PNE and Playland attractions.
When: August 6
Where: PNE Amphitheatre
Pride Festival
The annual event and festival will be changing routes and moving locations this year, but locals can still expect the same fun festivities and celebrations.
When: August 5-6
Where: Downtown Vancouver and West End
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
The musical festival is bringing 140 performances to Vancouver, of which over 50 will be offered for free to the public. The concerts will take place all over the city.
When: June 23-July 2
Where: various locations; find out HERE
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (VFMF) is one of the several music festivals that was cancelled this year, including one of Metro Vancouver's most anticipated festivals. After an outcry from local fans, the VFMF was revived for another summer.
When: July 14-16
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Vancouver Mural Festival
The city's popular art festival will feature mural tours, live performances, an Asian market, and a big street party filled iwth DJs, drag performers, lion dancers, and karaoke.
When: Aug. 4-13
Where: Mount Pleasant neighbourhood
Cost: varies
Vancouver Craft Beer Week
Following last year's disastrous experience, the popular craft beer festival is making some changes for the 2023 event, including making it a one-day festivity.
When: July 8
Where: TBA
Cost: general admission $78
Nightlife
Uprise Project
This community-based initiative is pushing drum and bass music culture forward through free parties. The monthly events showcase all genres of drum and bass music at local clubs and venues.
Keep an eye out for party announcements on Instagram.
Sunwave Open Air Parties
The electronic music event organizer, which recently opened a new and exclusive party and event space in Vancouver, is holding a series of open air summer parties.
Keep an eye out for announcements on Instagram.
