7 free events to enjoy in Vancouver this summer

by Megan Jones

Vancouver is home to plenty of free and family-friendly events throughout the year. Here are a few to jazz up your calendar this summer. [Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Dannielle Hayes]

From July through most of August, musicians take to the stage in Deep Cove’s Panorama Park (named for its spectacular views of ocean and mountains) for free concerts each Friday evening. Past acts have included Blues artist Gary Comeau and the classic Motown group The Dynamics.

Also on the North Shore, this evening concert series lights up Shipbuilder’s Square at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue each Saturday evening (from 7 to 10 pm) July through August. Bring your own chair and enjoy free performances from local musicians – as well as artisan vendors and food trucks. Bonus: weekly prizes are given to the best dancer of the night.

From North Vancouver to West Vancouver, check out Harmony Arts Festival for 10 days of outdoor concerts along with an art walk, wine garden, kids programs and more free events. Located on Argyle Avenue, near John Lawson Park, views of the ocean and mountains makes for a spectacular backdrop at this community spirited festival.

Looking for something to do on a Tuesday evening? Grab a blanket and your favourite movie snack and head to Stanley Park for a free outdoor movie on the big screen. Movies begin at sunset (about 9:20 pm) each Tuesday from July through August.

Celebrate the environment and your own community on Car Free Day this June. Neighbourhoods across the city, from Mount Pleasant to Kitsilano to Commercial Drive, will participate by closing one main street to traffic and filling it with concerts, vendors, food trucks and markets.

There’s no better way to spend a weekend in Vancouver than by touring its vibrant farmers’ markets. They are all free to attend, but be sure to bring your wallet, in case you get hungry for local cherries! From Trout Lake (one of Vancouver’s original markets) to Riley Park outside Nat Bailey Stadium, there’s a market for everyone this summer.

This fireworks competition takes place on weekend nights from July to August, showcasing magnificent displays from some of the world’s best fireworks designers. You can watch the fireworks from the city’s main beaches including English Bay and Kits Beach. This year, it’s Japan, the UK and Canada competing, rain or shine.

Don’t feel that you need to break the bank to have fun in Vancouver this year. Choose from one of the many free events happening this summer, and you’ll create memories without even opening your wallet.