The weeks are flying by, and we’re rapidly approaching the official start of summer. As such, there are tons of fun concerts, festivals, and things to do around the city that will kick off the season ahead. From a Japan-inspired market to an open-air EDM party, here are 11 of the best things to do in Vancouver this weekend (June 13-15).
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 14 and 15, 2025, the Japan Market Summer Fest is hosting its largest event of the year at the Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, with over 80 vendors offering Japanese-style food, crafts, and art. There will also be cultural workshops and live entertainment to check out at the market.
When: Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St.
Cost: $4 minimum donation
The 4th annual Strathcona Blocks Party is taking place on the 800 block of East Hastings this weekend, and it will include live music, tasty food trucks, and free kids activities like face painting, balloon art, and giant games. And for the adults, there will be refreshing sips and mini golf at the Strathcona Beer Garden.
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 800 East Hastings St.
Cost: Free admission
Sunwave hosts electronic, techno, and house nights at pop-ups across the city, and the upcoming open-air event is taking place in Mount Pleasant this weekend. Each open-air event offers party-goers a little something different.
When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 4 p.m.
Where: 390 Industrial Ave.
Cost: $33.28
The Brentwood Farmers Market is back for its second season, bringing you all the best of local fresh produce, sweet treats, savoury delights and artisanal gifts. Join them for Pride events in July and the second annual Pet Parade in September. Located steps away from the Brentwood Skytrain station, this is a market you won’t want to miss!
When: Sunday, June 15 to Sept. 14, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Brentwood Boulevard at The Amazing Brentwood
Cost: Free admission
Musqueam’s annual weekend of canoe races is coming up this weekend in honour of Chief Ernie Campbell, and all are welcome to attend. Taking place at the mouth of the Fraser River at the Musqueam Cultural Centre, the races will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13, and at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, 2025.
When: Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Where: 4000 Musqueam Ave.
Cost: Free
The Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF) is a celebration of Canada’s short film, documentary, and animation community, with screenings taking place at the SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts all weekend long.
When: Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: Varies per event
Where: 149 West Hastings St.
Cost: Varies per event
Inspired by global pedestrian-first movements like Paris Respire, Gastown Sunday Set is a new car-free series set to transform the cobblestone streets of Gastown. For 12 consecutive Sundays this summer, starting in June, there will be a variety of open-air parties, concerts, and live events.
When: Sundays from June 15 to Aug. 31, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Water Street in Gastown
Cost: Free admission
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
Riverdance is a fusion of Irish and international dance and music, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide in a Grammy-winning performance. In honour of the production’s 30-year milestone, Riverdance is going on a special anniversary tour, which is coming to Vancouver this week. The special show features new choreography, costumes, lighting, and graphics, welcoming a new generation of performers who were not yet born when the original show began 30 years ago.
When: Tuesday, June 10 to Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: Shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on the day
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $47.90
Cheer on the Vancouver Canadians at the Nat as they go up against the Spokane Indians this weekend, with games on Friday, June 13, Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, 2025.
When: Games from Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: From 7:05 p.m., and from 1:05 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $22+
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: From 7:05 p.m., and from 1:05 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
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