Get ready for an action-packed weekend, Vancouver! We’ve got the height of Vancouver Pride festivities, fireworks at English Bay, and an iconic West Vancouver arts festival all on our radar, plus tons more. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (July 31 to Aug. 3).
It’s not quite the Honda Celebration of Lights, but it’ll be a beautiful, exciting fireworks display nonetheless. Summer Lights is this year’s one-night, free fireworks show at English Bay, kicking off the long weekend with a 25-minute show commencing at 10 p.m. sharp.
Live music will get the festivities started earlier, with a lineup of local musicians and DJs beginning at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. respectively.
When: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: English Bay
Cost: Free admission
This Sunday marks Vancouver Pride’s signature event: The Vancouver Pride Parade. Every year, over 100,000 people gather to celebrate the love, creativity, and history of 2SLGBTQAI+ communities through a giant parade featuring local community groups, businesses, live marching bands, and colourful floats galore. There will be four accessible viewing zones from which to watch the parade, which will wind its way from BC Place to Howe Street and Pacific Boulevard.
Following the parade, the Davie Village Pride Party will take over Davie Street from Burrard to Jarvis Streets with live music, DJs, drag shows, and roaming performances of all kinds.
When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Parade begins on Pacific Boulevard near BC Place, travelling to Howe Street and Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $60.50 for GA
West Vancouver’s beloved annual Harmony Arts Fest is back with two weekends of artisan vendors, cultural programming, live music, and tasty food.
When: Friday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Ambleside Beach and locations across West Vancouver
Cost: Free admission, free and ticketed concerts
This neat workshop at Slice of Life Gallery lets you create your own ink from invasive tree botanicals, led by the Invasive Art Initiative. If you’re looking for something accessible and creative to do, this is a great way to kickstart your weekend of fun.
When: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: 1636 Venables St.
Cost: Free
Vancouver Pride officially kicked off this past weekend, and there are tons of fun concerts and events to check out across the city. This includes a Queer as Funk concert at the Commodore this Friday, which will bring all of the Vancouver band’s iconic music to centre stage.
When: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 868 Granville St.
Cost: $60.50 for GA
Every Sunday this August, the Little Italy Kitchener Plaza on Commercial is coming alive with outdoor movies, family-friendly activities, and food vendors.
When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., movies start at dusk
Where: Little Italy Kitchener Piazza (next to LIVA Forno e Vino — 1399 Commercial Dr.)
Cost: Free admission
Always wanted to try out a dragon boat? Birds Nest Properties is hosting community paddling days at False Creek (Creekside Community Centre), and all you have to do is show up. You’ll learn how to paddle from the experts, with sessions at 1, 2, and 3 p.m., with proceeds supporting various community groups. While organizers encourage online pre-registration, walk-ins are welcome and subject to capacity.
When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026Time: 45-minute slots from 1 to 4 p.m.Where: 1 Athletes WayCost: $2 per person
Organized by the Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS), Gastown Sunday Set creates numerous third spaces for people to connect, whether it’s at a drag show, a dance battle, or a live mural painting. With events slated for Sundays all summer long, there’s plenty to discover here.
This weekend, there’s a live art battle and open-air art crawl to check out!
When: July 5 to Sept. 6, 2026
Time: 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Water Street in Gastown
Cost: Free admission
This summer, two beloved musicals known for their feel-good music and inspiring storylines take the stage at Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl. Theatre Under the Stars is officially back for its 86th year of live theatre, showcasing Sister Act and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
When: Friday, July 3 to Aug. 22, 2026
Time: Various showtimes
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $35 to $69 for GA
The zipline is back, the less-than-$10 happy hour items are back, and tons of exciting new attractions await at this year’s Richmond Night Market.
When: Opens Friday, April 24, 2026, operates 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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