Forget Pemby, here are 7 Vancouver concerts to check out this summer instead

The summer festival season is almost upon us, and with it comes dreams of days spent enjoying great music in the great outdoors. But after Squamish was cancelled and Pemby released an uninspiring line-up, how can Vancouverites get their dose of al fresco action?

The answer might be closer than you think. In fact there are some incredible musicians passing through the Metro Vancouver area this summer, playing outdoor settings that will help fill the FOMO of festival life.

So get your flower crowns ready, and skytrain, bike, or walk to one of these great outdoor shows.

Mac DeMarco

After his sold-out show in the fall of 2015, Mac Demarco is back at a bigger venue. The Canadian singer/songwriter is on the road supporting his latest releases the full-length Salad Days and EP Another One. Kick off your summer early at Malkin Bowl with one of our fave West Coast indie rockers.
When: May 27, at 6 p.m.
Where: Malkin Bowl, 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online at $41.50. All ages.

Alabama Shakes

Since their 2012 hit “Hold On,” the world has not gotten enough Alabama Shakes. The Grammy nominated band is touring their 2015 release Sound & Color, and stop through Deer Lake Park for a sold-out show that’s bound to be one of the highlights of summer.
When: May 28, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Tickets: Sold out.

The Cure

The legendary glam rockers are back for their first tour since 2008. The Cure have released 13 studio albums and had a ton of hit singles since their band debut in 1976. The Vancouver date is part of a 33 show tour, and with this anticipated outdoor summer show featuring legends, it is sold-out.
When: May 31, at 5 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Tickets: Sold out.

The Lumineers

Originally scheduled at the Orpheum, the demand was so high that The Lumineers have now become part of the outdoor concert series this summer. The American folk rockers are on their Cleopatra World Tour, joined by SOAK, and we can’t wait to “Ho Hey” at Deer Lake Park.
When: June 1, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Tickets: Available online at $49.50. All ages.

Levitation Vancouver

Back for its second year, Levitation Vancouver takes place in Malkin Bowl with a line up that includes Flying Lotus, Tyco, Of Montreal, White Lung, and a ton more. In the spirit of the original Levitation in Austin, TX, the range of music has an emphasis on experimental and/or psychedelic edge.
When: June 16-18, at noon
Where: Malkin Bowl, 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online at $165. All ages.

FVDED In The Park

Probably one of our favourite summer festival line-ups is this year’s FVDED In The Park. Blueprint did not disappoint, bringing us a stacked list of artists that include Jack Ü, Zedd, Bryson Tiller, DJ Mustard, and Metro Boomin, among many others. Trust us, this one is worth the trip to Holland Park! Don’t forget your sunscreen.
When: July 2 and 3, at 1 p.m.
Where: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey
Tickets: Available online from $109.50. All ages

Weezer

A surprising show this summer is Weezer and Panic! At The Disco. One of my personal faves during high school, Weezer live is a 80s-born kid’s dream come true. Who wouldn’t want to sing “Undone- The Sweater Song” out loud on a summer day in a grassy park? To top it off, this indie-pop line up also includes Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
When: July 28, at 5 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Tickets: Available online at $55. All ages

Bonus round:

Sigur Ros

This may not be an outdoor show or in the summer, but I cannot stress how incredible Icelandic Sigur Ros is live. And considering how rare they tour, their initial show has already sold-out. Good news is, the band has just announced a second show on September 18. Pre-sale tickets are available via their website at 9 am PST on April 12.
When: September 18 & 19, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 600 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Tickets: September 19 is sold-out, pre-sale tickets for September 18 are available here.