Another week, another roundup of free and low-cost things to do across the city. Whether you’ve got a busy week ahead or not, it’s worthwhile to see what’s going on near you. From the second night of the Honda Celebration of Light to Theatre Under the Stars, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (July 21-25).
It’s the second instalment of the Honda Celebration of Light this week, which will be presented by Team Royal Pyrotechnie (Quebec) this Wednesday, July 23, 2025. So get ready for an explosive evening surrounded by fellow Vancouverites, no matter which beach you decide to view them from.
When: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Time: Fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
Where: English Bay
Cost: Free admission
Spaceballs 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 yet!
When: Thursday, July 3 to Aug. 28, 2025
Time: Movies start at sunset
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation
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: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 to Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1695 Whyte Ave.
Cost: $35 to $88 per person
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 will be several activations and activities starting at 5 p.m., including face painting, dancers, circus performers, live music, and mini golf.
This week, they’re screening Scott Pilgrim vs the World.
When: Every Thursday from July 3 to Aug. 14, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. (movie starts around 9 p.m.)
Where: 850 West Georgia St.
Cost: Free admission
Cheer on the Vancouver Canadians at the Nat all week long as they face off against the Eugene Emeralds.
When: Games from Tuesday, July 22 to Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 1:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., depending on the day
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $22+
Presented by Presentation House Theatre, World Ender is a musical exploring various publicly-derived answers to one question: “How would the world end for you?” The show includes vignettes of songs and stories exploring themes such as global warming, existentialism, and the human condition.
When: Thursday, July 24 to Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 333 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver
Cost: $15 to $20 per person
The Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park has come to life 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, 2025, 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
Artemis Space Adventure is Science World’s newest feature exhibition, exploring space through fun, interactive LEGO® challenges hosted by Vancouver’s Community for Adult Fans of LEGO®. Build your own LEGO creations with guided prompts and code a micro:bit robot to navigate space.
When: Until April 6, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 1455 Quebec St.
Cost: $39.95
The beloved Shipyards Night Market is back every Friday until September, providing the perfect opportunity to hit some patios or breweries after work, enjoy some live music, and snag some food truck eats at Shipbuilders Square.
When: Every Friday until Sept. 12, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver’s self-guided Ice Cream Fest is back this summer with over 30 participating ice cream spots across Metro Vancouver, from BETA5 to Bella Gelateria. So if you’re looking to beat the heat and want to try a new spot, this is a great opportunity to do both.
When: Friday, June 20 to Aug. 4, 2025
Time: During operating hours
Where: Over 30 participating locations in Metro Vancouver performance venues
Cost: Varies per location
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