10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Aug. 4-7)

We’re coming off of a long weekend, but the summer fun isn’t slowing down at all. From free beachside concerts in West Vancouver to a Vines Art Festival, here are 10 of the best things to do in Vancouver this week (Aug. 4-7).

Hosted by Vancouver’s Vine Arts Society, this annual festival celebrates artists who are working towards land, water, and relational justice through their works. The 2026 iteration is all about transformation, exploring what is becoming visible that society is told not to look at. A series of free events (concerts, performances, workshops, etc.) is coming to parks and beaches across the city during the festival’s duration that you’ll want to check out.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Aug. 15
Time: Varies per event
Where: Parks and beaches across Vancouver
Cost: Free

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

Maybe you prefer to catch your outdoor movie at Stanley Park, in which case, Evo Summer Cinema on Tuesdays is the event to mark down. This week, Moulin Rouge is screening at the Ceperley Park Playground on the massive, 40-foot screen.

When: Tuesday, July 28, and Tuesdays until Sept. 1, 2026
Time: 9 to 11 p.m.
Where: 8701 Stanley Park Dr.
Cost: Free admission

The iconic Shakespeare comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor is kicking off this year’s Bard on the Beach program, set in the community athletic centre of a (fictional) Vancouver suburb that happens to be obsessed with soccer. There are also a handful of other Shakespeare-inspired productions to keep an eye out for if you’re ready to check out what’s onstage next: Macbeth (now until Sept. 18, Goblin:Oedipus (now until Sept. 19), and Antigone (now until Sept. 18).

When: Shows throughout July, August, and September
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1695 Whyte St.
Cost: $30 to $103 per person, depending on seating

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

Every Thursday evening until Aug. 13, Downtown Van screens a family-friendly movie on a large, outdoor, 33-foot screen in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square at the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Activations commence at 5 p.m., and movies begin at dusk; this week, they’re screening Wicked: For Good.

When: Thursday, July 30 and Thursdays until Aug. 13, 2026
Time: Activations start at 5 p.m.; movies start at dusk
Where: 850 West Georgia St.
Cost: Free

The Polygon has officially brought back its popular outdoor movie nights this summer, and its next movie night is coming up this week on Thursday, July 30. This time, the series will screen Speed Racer, an anime film from the creators of The Matrix, starring Matthew Fox, John Goodman, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, and Emile Hirsch.

When: Thursday, July 30, and every Thursday until Aug. 27, 2026
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation

If you’re between 27 and 42 years old and looking for love (or the possibility of it), you can meet like-minded people at this Speed Dating Walk, which pairs singles off for an evening stroll along the seawall, with partners changing every five minutes.

If you’re interested in seeing who’s out there, the meeting spot is the Aerodynamic Forms in Space Sculpture (1940 West Georgia St.) at 7 p.m.

When: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 1940 West Georgia St.
Cost: $11.98 per person

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

Fans can dive into how both early adjustments and more recent innovations have changed the way we experience professional soccer. This Science World exhibition also highlights the host nations of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with objects connected to Canada’s recent international football history on display.

When: Friday, May 15, 2026, to Sept. 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1455 Quebec St. 
Cost: $37.50 per adult

Recent posts:
This stunning B.C. island has some of the warmest waters north of Mexico
These exciting summer festivals are soon heading to Metro Vancouver