Welcome to another glorious long weekend! With tons going on around the City for Vancouver Pride, the Early Music Summer Festival, and Harmony Arts Fest in West Van, you have your hands full when it comes to choosing which plans make it out of the group chat. From the first Davie Village Pride Fest in six years, to classical music concerts, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (Aug. 1-4).
The annual Pride Parade is almost here! Get ready for a day of community celebration on Sunday, Aug. 3, starting with a parade of queer-serving organizations and allies making its way along Pacific Boulevard to the Dave Village Pride Festival, which kicks off at 2 p.m.
The parade will start at 1 p.m. on Pacific Boulevard, just past Griffiths Way. According to their website, there will be four accessible viewing zones along the parade route this year.
When: Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Along Pacific Boulevard, map here
Cost: Free
After six long years, the Davie Village Pride Festival is finally back as the grand finale of Pride weekend, set to transform Nelson Park and all of Davie Street (from Burrard to Jervis) into a community-wide, all-ages celebration of queer life and culture. Attendees can expect live music and drag performances all day long, in addition to expanded patios, lounges, local pop-ups, vendors, and interactive activations.
When: Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Time: 2 to 10 p.m.
Where: Along Davie Street (from Burrard to Jervis) and Nelson Park
Cost: Free admission
Every year, the Early Music Festival invites audiences of all musical backgrounds to discover the beauty and artistry of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. This year’s theme explores the connection between music, nature, and the soul via “BACH & MOZART: In Endless Ascent,” taking place across multiple Vancouver venues from this Saturday through Aug. 8.
Festival highlights include an ensemble of over 50 established and emerging international and Canadian talent, including a solo show by keyboardist and Pacific Baroque Orchestra director Alexander Weimann, Montreal-based baroque dance company Les Jardins Chorégraphiques, and much more.
When: Until Aug. 8, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: Participating Vancouver venues
Cost: Varies per show
West Vancouver’s free-to-enter visual arts festival is back starting this week! Visitors can enjoy a mix of local art, vendors, live music by world-class performers, children’s workshops, and food trucks at Millennium Park.
When: Friday, Aug. 1 to Aug. 10, 2025
Time: Various start times until 10 p.m.
Where: 1564 Argyle Ave., West Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Local craft beer, cider, cocktails, and wine all await at this year’s Queers and Beers block party at The Birdhouse, which is set to transform the entire block of 4th Avenue between Ontario and Manitoba Streets.
When: Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Time: 1 to 8 p.m.
Where: 44 West 4th Ave.
Cost: $19.25
The Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park has transformed into a magical summertime destination for this year’s Theatre Under the Stars program, which weaves Stanley Park’s beautiful surroundings with the stories of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde from June 27 to Aug. 16, with performances alternating every evening in between.
When: Friday, June 27 to Aug. 16, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $35 to $69
With 80+ flavours and 50 vendors, Vancouver’s cold drink alternative to the Hot Chocolate Festival (AKA Koolfest) is on until Aug. 10, with plenty of refreshing iced drinks to try in the Greater Vancouver area. And yes, there are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options too!
When: Until Aug. 10, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Participating vendors
Cost: Free admission
The 2025 Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is in full swing, and you can check out one of four iconic productions: Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], and The Dark Lady.
When: Until Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1695 Whyte Ave.
Cost: $35 to $88 per person
Gastown Sunday Set is a car-free series that’s transformed the cobblestone streets of Gastown into a pedestrian haven. For 12 consecutive Sundays this summer, there will be a variety of open-air parties, concerts, and live events to check out.
When: Every Sunday until Aug. 31, 2025
Time: Varies per event
Where: Water Street in Gastown
Cost: Free admission
The beloved Richmond Night Market is in its 25th year, complete with hundreds of international street food booths, local retail vendors, and a first-of-its-kind zipline.
When: Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 for GA
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