They say that August is the Sunday of summer, but the sunshine and outdoor fun show no signs of slowing down in Vancouver! From outdoor movies to baseball, to a free visual arts festival, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Aug. 5-8).
It’s the 10th anniversary of Canada’s largest outdoor movie series, AKA Evo Summer Cinema. This week, it’s screening Mamma Mia on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, with free, first-come, first-served seating available at Second Beach.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025
Time: 8:45 to 10:45 p.m.
Where: Second Beach
Cost: Free, or $28.77 for VIP seating
The Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park has transformed into a magical summertime destination for this year’s Theatre Under the Stars program. The program 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
This week (and weekend), the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Hillsboro Hops at the Nat, so it’s worth catching a game or two if you’re keen on enjoying some classic summertime fun.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 5 to Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
Time: 1:05 and 7:05 p.m.
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $22+
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
Flash Gordon (with music by Niña Mendoza) is the next sci-fi movie screening at Deckchair Cinema at Cates Deck this week. The free outdoor movie series takes place on nine Thursdays this July and August, so now is a great time to catch a movie if you haven’t already.
When: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
Time: Movies start at sunset
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation
Head to Dude Chilling Park this Friday for a lively concert series called Songs of the Sun, which features live music, poetry, rhythm, and sounds that celebrate the sun as a force of life and a symbol of renewal. From 6 to 10 p.m., park goers can expect to hear tunes by Kinfolk Nation, Black Pace, and Kin Balam.
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: 2390 Brunswick St.
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 Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: Participating Vancouver venues
Cost: Varies per show
Summer Movie Nights is a free outdoor movie series presented by Downtown Van (Downtown Vancouver BIA). Each night, movies are shown on a 33-foot inflatable screen beginning at sundown (around 9 p.m.). Before each night’s feature film, there are several activations and activities starting at 5 p.m., including face painting, dancers, circus performers, live music, and mini golf.
This week, it’s screening Wicked.
When: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. (movie starts around 9 p.m.)
Where: 850 West Georgia St.
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
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
Recent Posts:
A complete guide to Vancouver’s South Cambie neighbourhood
A free summer street festival is coming to Chinatown with exclusive food collabs and live music
