No matter what you’re looking to get up to this week, there’s a little something for everyone. Check out West Vancouver’s free arts festival, a 2010s-themed dance party, or the iced beverage alternative to the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. Here are 11 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (July 28-Aug. 1).
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
With 80+ flavours and 50 vendors, Vancouver’s cold drink alternative to the Hot Chocolate Festival (AKA Koolfest) is on until Aug. 10, 2025, 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
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, 2025.
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: Saturday, July 26 to Aug. 8, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: Participating Vancouver venues
Cost: Varies per show
Craving a cold, tasty beverage to cool you down? You can’t go wrong with a Thai iced tea, and the Pandan Thai Iced Tea with Jelly Boba from Thaï Express definitely hits the spot. To kick off the season, the restaurant is offering a Buy one, get one 50 per cent off until July 31, 2025, or while supplies last.
When: Until Thursday, July 31, 2025, while supplies last
Time: N/A
Where: Thai Express restaurants across Canada, valid in-store and online.
Cost: N/A
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 The Wizard of Oz.
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
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
Canada’s first and only all-vegan market is hosting another beachside night market this week, which brings together an array of plant-based food vendors, live artists, and local artisans to Locarno Beach.
When: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Locarno Beach
Cost: $4 minimum donation
The Fifth Element 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
Welp, it’s finally happened. 2010s-themed parties are now considered “throwback” nights, and while nothing has made us feel older, it is an excuse to dig into the back of your closet and dance along to LMFAO shamelessly.
When: Friday, Aug. 1, 2025
Time: 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: 2321 Main St.
Cost: $13 advance, $18 at the door
The Shipyards Night Market is on this Friday (and every Friday) until September, providing the perfect opportunity to hit some patios or breweries after work, enjoy some live music, and snag some dinner at Shipbuilders Square.
When: Every Friday until Sept. 12, 2025
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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
