27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: June 22 to 24

Summer has arrived and the events are hotter than ever in Vancouver! Here are 27 fun things to do in Vancouver on Friday, June 22, Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24! TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Greek Day, and more for your calendar.

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

Friday, June 22, 2018

TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival

What: The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is British Columbia’s biggest music and arts event with hundreds upon hundreds of musicians participating in over 300 concerts at 35 indoor and outdoor venues. Among this accessibility options are the 150 free concerts, which feature local, national and international artists, and take place throughout the city in locations like at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church, Ironworks Afternoon Sessions, Granville Island in the afternoons (and all day on Canada Day), and at several venues on the North Shore.
When: Friday, June 22 to Sunday, July 1, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues throughout the city
Tickets: Available online

Pacific Rim Basketball Classic

Image: Canada Basketball / Twitter

What: Canada’s senior men’s national team will face China in the Pacific Rim Basketball Classic. Canada’s roster will feature some of the country’s biggest and brightest stars, including players playing professionally in the NBA, NBA G League, and several of the top professional leagues overseas.
When: Friday, June 22, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, starting at $20

Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival

What: Community, culture, and competition, all in one boat. That’s the name of the game during the Concord Pacific Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival. The event features three days of music, activities, and world-class racing. This year, the festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary and everyone is invited to come check out the festivities.
When: Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24, 2018
Where: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and the waters of False Creek
Admission: Free

Indigenous Opportunities Forum 2018

What: The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s 8th annual Indigenous Opportunities Forum will explore the important role that Indigenous peoples play in British Columbia’s economy. This year’s theme is Creating Balance, with a focus on partnerships, procurement and progress. The forum will feature case studies of businesses and Indigenous communities working collaboratively for mutual prosperity and progression.
When: Friday, June 22, 2018
Time: 7:30 am
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – BC Ballroom – 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $179-$229

Hart House Long Table Dinner

What: Guests will gather around a shared long table to join an al fresco dinner paired with wines from the Okanagan Valley’s LaStella Winery.
When: Friday, June 22, 2018
Time: 6 pm
Where: Hart House Restaurant – 6664 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: Online, $139

Playland Nights

Playland at night / Facebook

What: Playland Nights features multiple bars, several DJs, live performances, and VIP experiences. New for this year, attendees can check out a brand-new Virtual Reality racing experience, as well as burlesque shows featuring nostalgic carnival glamour, and atmospheric entertainment throughout the park. This year, Playland Nights is introducing a VIP ticket option to provide exclusive benefits for discerning guests looking for an elevated experience.
When: Every Friday, from June 22 to July 27, 2018
Time: 7 pm to midnight
Where: Playland Amusement Park – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $31 online/in advance until 5 pm on the day of the event $34 onsite, day-of. VIP tickets available for $81 online/in advance until 5 pm on the day of the event, or for $84 onsite, the day-of.

12 North Sports Classic

What: The 12 North Sports Classic brings together celebrities and professional athletes from various sports to British Columbia every summer for a series of unique, fun events. The event raises funds and awareness for local causes, expose and inspire youth to be active and participate in sports, while showcasing British Columbia’s scenery and culture.
When: Friday, June 22, 2018
Time: 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Where: Redwoods Golf Course – 22011 88 Ave, Langley Township
Tickets: Online, $40

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Strathcona Street Party with Vancouver Mural Festival

Strathcona Street Party

What: Hosted and produced by Create Vancouver Society and Made in Strathcona, the event will showcase some of the coolest local businesses, community groups, and artists in the neighbourhood. The family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, art, and a craft beer garden from the Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW). Other highlights include an “Oasis Lounge” by Public Disco, Turntable lessons for kids, and live dance battles by Vancouver Street Dance Festival. The event will also showcase the unveiling of four new murals which have been produced by the team at Vancouver Mural Festival.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 12 to 8 pm
Where: 877 East Cordova and Campbell Street
Admission: Free

Strange Fellows Brewing Midsummer BBQ

What: As the sun sets on the longest day of the year, people feast, dance, and light bonfires to celebrate the sun’s triumph over darkness. Strange Fellows Brewing’s mid-summer barbecue will be the ideal place to spend a summer night with friends. Corey Curtis will be there to serenade guests with sweet summer tunes, and you can get a burger and a beer for $15.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 4 to 7 pm
Where: Strange Fellows Brewing — 1345 Clark Drive, Vancouver
Price: $15

Dash Berlin

What: Dash Berlin returns to Vancouver for the Legend of the Feels tour.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 10 pm
Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $45-$70

Coquitlam in Bloom Day

What: Join the City of Coquitlam’s Parks team for a drop-in, fun-filled experience that includes activities and displays for the whole family. You also won’t want to miss out on the very popular Tractor Dance.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Mundy Park – 641 Hillcrest St, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition 2018

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

What: The Titanic: Artifact Exhibition has been designed to focus on the real, authentic human stories of those who boarded the Titanic and bringing those tales back to life. To help recreate the memories of the passengers, more than 120 authentic pieces from the vessel will be present, as well as extensive re-creations of rooms on the ship.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018, to Friday, January 11, 2019
Where: Lipont Place – 4211 No. 3 Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online, $17.95

Newfoundland Kitchen Party

What: Experience a traditional East Coast style lobster dinner without leaving the West Coast. Traditional maritime music will be performed by the band New Fish. Beers from local breweries will be available for purchase and coolers for those that do not like beer. There will also be hot dog dinners for guests that do not want a lobster.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: Port Moody Station Museum – 2734 Murray St., Port Moody,
Tickets: Lobster Dinner $35, Hot Dog Dinner$ 15. Available for purchase at the museum with cash or cheque only

Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver 2018

Dinner in the Sky Canada/Westcoast Sightseeing

What: Dinner in the Sky North Vancouver will present brunch, lunch, and dinner offerings from 415 West Esplanade.The North Vancouver waterfront location will provide a stunning panorama view of the ocean, mountain, and city, and is the first of several other locations to soon be announced. Curating the dinners is BC-born chef Ned Bell, known for his several appearances on celebrity cooking shows and his role as a sustainable seafood ambassador.
When: Saturday, June 23 to Sunday, July 29, 2018, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: 415 West Esplanade, North Vancouver
Tickets: Available online starting at $149

Bulldog Racing at Hastings Racecourse

What: Racing isn’t just for horses, and Hastings Racecourse wants to make that abundantly clear with the return of The Dogs Days of Summer. This year, they’re adding bold and beautiful bulldogs to the mix, and you will not regret seeing them run. Dog racing season kicks off on Saturday, June 23, when you can watch the adorable bulldogs (specifically, purebred English/British bulldogs) run the track between each horse race. The races start at 1:50 pm and admission is free!
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: First live horse race starts at 1:50 pm. Dog races will occur between horse races.
Where: Hastings Racecourse, 188 N Renfrew St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Port Moody Community Fair

What: Featuring rides, entertainment, and information booths for people to visit. There will also be Science World demos, the Fun GymBus (a kids’ gym on wheels), a firefighter booth complete with a fire truck, a police booth with a patrol car, and the chance to win a summer gift basket from the City of Port Moody.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Civic Centre – 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Babes Who Brunch

What: Babes Who Brunch is real talk for real women, over brunch. Whether you come for the bubbles, the brunch or to hear from an incredible lady boss, it doesn’t matter. All are celebrated, all are welcome and all will leave feeling empowered through the connection and community built at this signature ACE event.
When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: per se Social Corner – 891 Homer St, Vancouver
Tickets: $51.55; buy online

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Greek Day

Greek Day in Vancouver (Greek Day / Facebook)

What: This event is the largest one day Greek festival in Vancouver and it attracts more than 100,000 people every year. This year it’s taking place on June 24 in a five-block stretch from McDonald to Blenheim Street. Featuring food, beverages, shopping, and music, this shindig is the final event in a month-long Greek Heritage Festival going down in the city.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: MacDonald to Blenheim Street
Admission: Free

Morgan James

What: Morgan James is a Broadway regular and you may have already seen her star in Motown: The Musical, Godspell, and more. She’s also known for her YouTube videos covering the likes of Aretha Franklin, Jeff Buckley, and Prince.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Time: 8 pm
Where: Performance Works – 1218 Cartwright Street
Price: $28 – Tickets Available via Coastal Jazz

Snail Mail

What: Lindsey Jordan aka Snail Mail is touring in support of her debut album, Lush. Featuring special guest Bonny Doon.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St. Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15

Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon

What: Hit the road with Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon. Sign up for the 21k or 5k and enjoy the summer run.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Start Time: 7:30 am
Start Location: East Mall (West of Thunderbird Arena), UBC
Register: Online

29th Annual Bullhead Derby

What: Spend the morning at Garry Point Park at the Bullhead Derby at beautiful Garry Point Park. Pack your fishing gear, including barbless hooks and a picnic basket. It’s a perfect occasion to bring your family for a fun day of fishing. There are two categories: kids 12 and under and seniors 65+.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Garry Point Park – 12011 Seventh Ave, Richmond
Admission: Free

Downtown Jazz Weekend 2018

What: The free-to-attend outdoor concert will host 30 performances over the two days on three different stages – the Georgia Stage, Robson Stage, and the Anthem Properties Sounds of Youth Stage. Highlighted performers over the weekend include American rhythm dynamos Ghost-Note, UK-based vocalist and instrumentalist Gwyneth Herbert, and Brooklyn-based Nubian pop stars Alsarah & the Nubatones, among others.
When: Saturday, June 23 to Sunday, June 24, 2018
Time: 12 to 9 pm
Where: The Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square – Vancouver
Admission: Free

Seek the Peak 2018

Seek the Peak

What: Think you’ve got what it takes to climb 4,100 feet. Whether you’re a seasoned Grouse Grind veteran or just willing to try anything out for a good cause, the 15th annual Seek the Peak is for you. Racers who wish to test their fitness, stamina, and mental toughness can either tackle the race on their own or split up the 13 km race amongst a team.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Time: 8:15 am
Where: Ambleside Park to Grouse Mountain, West/North Vancouver
Registration: Available online

Summer Cask Festival

What: The Summer Cask Festival is back featuring all their fruit and sour casks. There will be up to 35 different casks from all the local craft beers around the Lower Mainland. Your $30 ticket gets you 6 beer tokens and 1 food token.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: 871 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Price: $30; buy online

Cherry Glazerr Plus Swim Team

What: This rock band out of LA has just the right amount of punk to go alongside their catchy riffs and indie attitude. Put them together with Swim Team and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable concert experience just waiting to happen.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
When: 9 pm
Where: The Imperial – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, $23

Dan Weiss Starebaby feat. Taborn, Dunn, Mitchell, Monder

What: Hailed as one of the top five jazz drummers by The New York Times, Dan Weiss’s forward-thinking compositions and innovative playing have pushed musical limits for years.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
Where: The Ironworks — 235 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Time: 9:30 pm
Tickets: Available online, from $23

Friday, June 22, 2018

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Sunday, June 24, 2018

See also