Summertime is prime time for food and beer festivals, markets, and other family-friendly outdoor events in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley area. With kids out of school and long days with the sun perched in the top of the sky, it’s the perfect time of year for some outdoor fun.
Here are some of the fun goings-on to look forward to this summer:
Khatsahlano Street Party
The Khatsahlano Street Party is the city’s largest free music and arts fest that’s been running since 2011. Organized by the Kitsilano West 4th Avenue Business Association, this outdoor event spans 10 blocks and features dozens of performers, local artists, plenty of food, beer gardens, and giveaways.
When: July 6
Where: Burrard to MacDonald Street in Vancouver
The BC Highland Games & World Music Festival
The BC Highland Games is a large annual event that’s been running for the 92nd year now, known for world famous heavy competitions, Highland piping and dancing, live Celtic music, and family fun. There will be plenty of musical performances, liquor service, and plenty of action to take in all day.
When: June 14-15
Where: Town Centre Park in Coquitlam
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
The annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival is put on by the not-for-profit Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, an organization on a mission to increase the appreciation of the music and strengthen the arts community. This huge community event attracts roughly 100,000 visitors per year, and features some of the best musicians from around the world.
When: June 21-30
Where: Downtown Vancouver
Mission Fest
Mission’s favorite community festival is back this summer, where the city shuts down First Avenue from Murray to Grand. Instead of cars, there will be performers, activities, a 300-foot zipline, food trucks, and bouncy castles. And the day is totally free! Learn more about Mission Fest.
When: August 24, 10am-4pm
Where: 1st Avenue in Mission
Honda Celebration of Light
The Honda Celebration of Light is an annual musical fireworks competition – a favourite among Vancouver residents. The goal of the event is to bring together different ages, backgrounds, and cultures to celebrate Vancouver’s people and landscapes. Fireworks teams from around the world will compete, and some of the city’s best food trucks will be standing by.
When: July 20, 24, & 27
Where: English Bay in Vancouver
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
The Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is a two-day event in Burnaby filled with family fun and games. Celebrating all things Scandinavian, this festival will have Scandinavian Dancers, a Viking Raid, a vintage Volvo show, Swedish Meatballs, a Finnish wife carrying contest, and so much more. Plus, there’ll be over 50 vendors and plenty of children’s activities.
When: June 22-23
Where: 6540 Thomas Street in Burnaby
Langley Community Day
Langley Community Day is a free family event in the park with lots of live entertainment and food. There will be a concession benefitting the Douglas Park Community School Society, community booths, mini food truck festival, beer garden, and BC Shop Local featuring dozens of local vendors. Parking costs $5/day, and also benefits the Community School Society.
When: June 8, 11am-7pm
Where: Douglas Park in Langley
Vancouver Craft Beer Festival
Calling all beer lovers! Vancouver is the place to be if you enjoy sipping craft beer in the sun, and the annual Craft Beer Festival at the PNE is no exception. Early bird tickets are $65 per person, which includes all beer samples. Along with the beer, enjoy chef pop-ups, live music, and plenty of merch. Learn more about the Vancouver Craft Beer Festival.
When: July 6
Where: PNE Fairgrounds in Vancouver
Carnaval del Sol
Carnaval del Sol is the biggest Latin American Festival in the Pacific Northwest, complete with 11 different plazas. The main plaza will have live Latin American music, dancing, and performances, and the family plaza will have an additional 120 performers. Early bird tickets are available for $17 each. Seniors and kids get in free!
When: July 5-7
Where: 110 West 7th Avenue in Vancouver
Caribbean Days Festival
The Caribbean Days Festival lands on one of the hottest weekends of the summer and is completely free for all ages. There will be no shortage of live Caribbean music and performances, plus Parade in the Park, world-famous Caribbean cuisine from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, and elsewhere, and craft market.
When: July 27-28
Where: Town Centre Park in Coquitlam
Vancouver Chinatown Festival
The 22nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival is a free 2-day community event that takes place on the corner of Keefer and Columbia Street in Vancouver’s Gastown area. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to this event to celebrate Chinese culture and enjoy performances, theatre, and guided tours of Chinatown.
When: July 13-14
Where: Keefer & Columbia Street in Vancouver
Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is a free 2-day event featuring local and international artists. With a vibrant atmosphere and diverse musical lineup, this family friendly festival will have workshops, dancers, art displays, and other cultural events, plus ticketed events you’ll have the choice of attending.
When: July 27-28
Where: Fort Langley Community Hall
Chilliwack Ribfest
The Chilliwack Ribfest is back for a second year after great success in 2023. Quite possibly the most mouth-watering event of the summer, you’ll want to make sure the family is hungry this weekend. 5 of the country’s best ribbers will be in attendance, plus food trucks, live entertainment, and a beer garden.
When: July 26-28
Where: Vedder Park in Chilliwack
Chilliwack Mural Festival
The Chilliwack Mural Festival is a world class display of artistry in historic downtown Chilliwack, presented by the Chilliwack Arts Council. Artists from around the country will come to transform buildings and walls into beautiful urban artworks. There will also be vendors, street performers, and musicians for all to enjoy.
When: August 15-17
Where: Downtown Chilliwack
The Chilliwack Fair and Rodeo
The 152nd annual Fair is back, and the Rodeo is celebrating its 35th year in Chilliwack. Brought to you by the Chilliwack Rodeo Association, this Rodeo is hosted at the annual Chilliwack Fair, and is included in the price of admission to the Fair, complete with bull riding, racing, and events for kids. The Fair will have plenty more vendors and activities, such as bike flipping competition, laser tag, foam party, and more. Learn more about the Chilliwack Fair and Rodeo.
When: August 9-11
Where: 44140 Luckakuck Way in Chilliwack
Vancouver Pride Parade
As part of the annual Vancouver Pride Festival, the Parade will be happening on August 4th. Come celebrate pride and the LGBTQ+ community while witnessing the colourful floats and marching bands. Plus, there’ll be plenty of food and vendors hitting the streets too.
When: August 4
Where: Pacific Boulevard and Beach Avenue in Vancouver
Shipyards Night Market
The Shipyards Night Market in North Vancouver features live music on The Stage at Shipbuilders Square, a pop-up beverage garden, food trucks, and a children’s splash park every evening starting May 10 and ending in mid-September. The environment is fun and family friendly with so much do enjoy.
When: May 10 – September 13
Where: Shipyards in North Van
With 14 liquor stores and 4 pubs across the Fraser Valley and Vancouver, Springs Group is your partner in outdoor summer fun. We’ve got craft beer, wine from right here in BC and around the world, and a healthy selection of mixed drinks and spirits. Stop by today and let our friendly staff help you find something special.
