July is here, and it looks like the summer weather is finally here to stay! So get out there and enjoy all of the free concerts, outdoor shows, pop-ups, and street parties you can, Vancouver. This is the season we’ve been waiting for all year long.
Here are 20 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this July.
Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival is back, taking over West 4th Avenue with over 50 live music performances by Vancouver’s top artists, an array of local artisans, and food trucks galore. Created by the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Association in 2011, the beloved tradition has blossomed into a 10-block street fair that tops the list of every Vancouverite every summer.
When: Saturday, July 5, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: West 4th Avenue
Cost: Free admission
This month, the Whitecaps are up against the Valour on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
When: Wednesday, July 9
Time: 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 777 Pacific Blvd.
Cost: $23.23 to $32+
Join us at Canada Place on July 1 for Canada Together! This free, daytime event will span across the outdoor areas of Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, and the surrounding city block to bring you family-friendly festivities, great food, activities for all ages, and multiple activity zones and stages with a diverse lineup of entertainment including headliner Dear Rouge — check out @canadaplace for more information.
When: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, and surrounding city blocks
Cost: Free admission
The Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park is once again transforming into a magical summertime destination 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, 2025 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
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
You are invited to enjoy classic films under the stars on Cates Deck in front of the Gallery. Now in its fourth year, Deckchair Cinema treats audiences to a summer of al fresco film screenings. Hosted for nine Thursdays beginning July 3, the screenings commence at sunset and will be complemented by music and entertainment leading up to curtain time.
Here are all the films you can check out at sunset at Deckchair Cinema:
- July 3, 2025: Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars
- July 10, 2025: Universal Language
- July 17, 2025: Gravity
- July 24, 2025: Spaceballs
- July 31, 2025: The Fifth Element
- Aug. 7, 2025: Flash Gordon
- Aug. 14, 2025: Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan
- Aug. 21, 2025: Starman
- Aug. 28, 2025: David Lynch’s Dune
When: Thursday, July 3 to Aug. 28, 2025
Time: Movies start at sunset
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation
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, mini golf, and so much more.
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 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
Cheer on the Vancouver Canadians at the Nat all month long as they face off against the Spokane Indians and Eugene Emeralds.
When: Games throughout July
Time: 3 to 10 p.m.
Where: 4601 Ontario St.
Cost: $22+
From mini markets to plaza concerts, to outdoor yoga, there are a ton of free events to check out in South Granville this month. So it’s worth it to check out any upcoming live music, wine tastings, local vendors, and pop-ups when you’re in the area.
When: Events throughout July
Time: Varies per event
Where: South Granville
Cost: Free admission
One of Vancouver’s most beloved summertime traditions, Symphony at Sunset, is back at Sunset Beach Park this July for its sixth year. The free concert brings together the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and hundreds of beach-goers for a magical evening of live orchestral music.
When: Saturday, July 5, 2025
Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1204 Beach Ave.
Cost: Free
Looking for another opportunity to catch the VSO live? Deer Lake Park in Burnaby is transforming for another evening of beautiful music and summer views. The concert will be led by Music Director Jacques Lacombe and feature Verdi’s Rigoletto, Mozart’s Così fan tutte, and Puccini’s La Bohème, to name a few timeless pieces.
When: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 5435 Sperling Ave., Burnaby
Cost: Free
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
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
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
Canada’s first and only all-vegan market is hosting three beachside night markets this July, all of which will bring dozens of plant-based food vendors and local artisans to Locarno Beach.
When: Thursday, July 3, July 17, and 31, 2025
Time: 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Locarno Beach
Cost: $4 minimum donation
Sunwave hosts electronic, techno, and house nights at outdoor and indoor locations across the city, and each open-air event offers party-goers a little something different.
Here’s their upcoming schedule for July:
The Vancouver Art Gallery offers free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 to 8 p.m. The next free Friday night will be on July 4, 2025 — so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some new exhibits.
When: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St.
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
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
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