It’s now officially summer, and that means that Bard on the Beach and the International Jazz Fest have both kicked off, in addition to a handful of new exhibits, markets, and celebrations. With that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (June 23-27).
The Vancouver International Jazz Fest is now underway, offering a mix of free, pay-what-you-can, and ticketed concerts taking place from Friday, June 20, to Sunday, June 29, 2025. The 40th annual celebration will showcase jazz in all of its forms, with local and internationally renowned artists taking the stage at venues across the city.
No matter where you are on any given day, you’re likely to be near a free show or two!
When: Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 29, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: Locations across Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed events
The 2025 Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is kicking off with Much Ado About Nothing and The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Vanier Park. So get ready for an outdoor theatre production like no other.
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
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: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: 1455 Quebec St.
Cost: $39.95
Local bakers, jam makers, honey producers, and some of B.C.’s best farmers attend the farmers market at The Quay, and this week is no exception.
When: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Cheer on the Vancouver Canadians at the Nat this week long as they face off against the Tri-City Dust Devils, with games on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
When: Tuesday, June 24 to Friday, June 27, 2025
Time: 7:05 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, and 1:05 p.m. on Friday
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $22+
The Polygon has a new exhibition coming up, created by artist Monika Szewczyk. The collection of works consists of a constellation of renowned artists, whose observations of the cosmos explore the migratory patterns on Earth.
The opening celebration is taking place at the museum on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 101 Carries Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
The Whitecaps are playing against San Diego this week on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, and the game starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Why not go cheer them on?
When: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 777 Pacific Blvd.
Cost: $27.85
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
Vancouver’s summer Queer Arts Festival (QAF), an annual artist-run celebration of queer and trans experiences, and the creativity to come out of them. Portals is this year’s curated visual exhibition, which explores the themes of queerness, migration, and belonging at a time of rising anti-trans rhetoric. There are tons of events taking place across the city until the end of June, primarily at the SUM gallery at the Sun Wah Centre.
When: Now until Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: Varies per event
Where: 268 Keefer St., Unit 205
Cost: Varies per event
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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