Get ready for an explosive weekend of fireworks, Vancouver’s annual folk music fest, a pool party, and much more. Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (July 18 to 20).
The beloved Vancouver Folk Music Fest is back at ʔəy̓alməxʷ / Iy̓ál̓mexw Jericho Beach Park this weekend! Get ready to welcome local and international folk icons to the stage, including The Milk Carton Kids, Margaret Glaspy, Ruthie Foster, and much more for three days of jams by the beach.
When: Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: 3941 Point Grey Rd.
Cost: $75 to $250
That’s right, the first night of this year’s Honda Celebration of Light is coming up this Saturday, and the festivities kick off with Yukon’s Team Midnight Sun, followed by firework displays by Quebec and Nova Scotia this upcoming week.
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: Fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
Where: English Bay
Cost: Free admission
This weekend marks Red Truck Beer’s ninth annual Truck Stop Concert Series, which brings together country music fans and beer lovers for a day of live music and summer fun. Local and international performers will take the stage, including headliner LANCO, Dawson Gray, Zachariah & The Lobos Riders, and local legend Spank Williams.
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: 295 East 1st Ave.
Cost: $79.99 per person
Riley Park/Main Street is getting a new public plaza with food pop-ups, live music, and fun for all ages this weekend, and they’re testing out the space with three days of tasty events. This includes free treats from Trafiq on Friday, food pop-ups on the weekend by Sula and The Main, and live music.
When: Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025
Time: Times vary
Where: 200 block of East 26th Avenue (between Main and Watson Streets)
Cost: Free admission
If you’d rather hang out poolside, Sunwave is hosting a Pool Party at Lions Bay this weekend that you won’t want to miss. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, starting at 4 p.m., there will be live music by local DJs, flowing drinks, and summer vibes.
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 4 p.m.
Where: Location shared with ticket holders
Cost: $54.58
With matches against the Spokane Indians every day this weekend, it’s worth it to check out one of the Vancouver Canadians’ games at the Nat and cheer on our home team.
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 1:05 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, 7:05 p.m. on Saturday
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $20+
Starting Saturday, June 28, 2025, Playland is officially kicking off its extended summer hours, now open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. So get ready for some classic summertime fun with over 30 rides and attractions to check out.
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday starting Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on select days this July and August
Where: 2901 East Hastings St.
Cost: $36.70 to $42 per person
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
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
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
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