35 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: June 29 to July 2

The Canada Day long weekend is here! Get out and enjoy these 35 great events in Vancouver on Friday, June 29, Saturday, June 30, Sunday, July 1 and Monday, July 2! Canada Day fireworks, David Lam Park Jazz Weekend, and more!

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

Friday, June 29, 2018

Golden Spike Days Festival

• What: The Golden Spike Days Festival is one of the oldest and longest running family events in BC. The festival is held at Rocky Point Park around Canada Day, attracting upwards of 40,000 people of all walks of life with live entertainment, special events, and activities for all ages.
• When: Friday, June 29 to Monday, July 2, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Rocky Point Park – 2800 block Murray Street, Port Moody
• Admission: By donation

Wild Rumpus Adult Summer Camp

• What: The Wild Rumpus ensures you will get the full camp experience, including boating to an island, bunking in cabins, eating in a dining hall, zip lining, kayaking, slip and slide kickball, and much more to keep you entertained all weekend. Of course, there is an adult twist with themed parties, music, and plenty of adult beverages.
• When: Friday, June 29 to Monday, July 2, 2018
• Where: Gambier Island, BC
• Tickets: $485, click here for registration details.

Bill Clinton

• What: Former president Bill Clinton is coming to Vancouver this summer, as part of his latest book tour to discuss his forthcoming fictional novel, The President is Missing. Clinton’s Vancouver appearance is one of just two Canadian city stops on his tour, the other city being Toronto a week earlier. In writing The President is Missing, Clinton collaborated with author James Patterson and this novel marks the first time a president has collaborated with a bestselling novelist on a work of fiction.
  
• When: Friday, June 29, 2018
• Time: 4:05 pm
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Once

• What: A Dublin street musician is struggling through heartbreak and frustrated with his songs when he chances upon a girl who challenges him to go for his dream. With a company of actors who all play instruments onstage, this theatrically breathtaking musical is a captivating love song, a foot-stomping melody, and a bittersweet duet.
• When: Now to Friday, June 29, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Granville Island Stage – 1585 Johnston St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Beaver Wetland Paddle

• What: Join a leisurely paddle to the headwater of the Brunette River. Enjoy the sunset and watch for beavers and other wildlife.
• When: Friday, June 29, 2018
  
• Time: 7 to 9 pm
• Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park
• Admission: $21.25 per youth/adult/adult 65+. Registration required: 604-432-6359

Sick Boss

• What: A band straight out of Vancouver, Sick Boss puts together the sax, drums, bass, trumpet, and FX for their own unique and unforgettable sound.
  
• When: Friday, June 29, 2018
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: (Drip Audio Night) The Imperial – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Available online, $23

Reborning

• What: Art and life become disturbingly interchangeable when a sculptor of baby dolls meets a woman desperate to recreate the past. This dark comedy takes an unsettling look at work, latex, loss, and the power of creation.
• When: Now to Friday, June 29, 2018
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: The Annex – 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Starbucks Cold Brew Giveaway

David Lam Park Jazz Weekend 2018

• What: The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is finishing off strong this weekend with two full days of free concerts. The event features three indoor stages and one large outdoor stage, and includes performances by Red Baraat, Bend Sinister, Tanga, Raashan Ahmad, Ben Henriques Quintet, Sr. Mandril, and more. A huge LED-viewing screen will be brought back for this year’s concerts to complement the David Lam Park Mainstage by projecting close-ups of the artists as they perform onstage.
  
• When: Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 12 to 10 pm
• Where: David Lam Park — 1300 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Dominion Day

• What: Celebrate Canada Day the old-fashioned way with heritage demonstrations, live music and performers, and old-fashioned games with prizes.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: Historic Stewart Farm – 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
• Admission: Free

World Naked Bike Ride Vancouver 2018

• What: Each year, World Naked Bike Ride protests car culture, the pollution cars cause, and the use of non-renewable energy resources like oil. Participants can ride as free or as covered as they please and on whatever they like from bikes and skateboards to rollerblades. Participants are encouraged to gather at Sunset Beach at noon for socializing, body painting, and bike decorating. The ride kicks off at 2 pm, following a route along several major streets in the downtown core. The ride and all activities are free and will go ahead, rain or shine.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: Ride begins at 2 pm
• Where: Sunset Beach (near the corner of Beach Avenue and Bute Street)
• Admission: Free

Resume Writing & Interview Skills

• What: Resume Writing & Interviewing Skills is a crash course to help job seekers develop an eye-catching resume, and give a stellar interview. This one day class includes interactive Q&A, role play, demonstrations, and examples of grade-A resumes and interviews.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 4 pm
• Where: SFU Harbour Centre Campus Vancouver – 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $29.95-$39.95

Camelot: The Musical

• What: A musical take on the age-old story of King Arthur, a man with big dreams, featuring the beautiful music of Alan Jay Lerner and Fredrick Loewe. Presented by Deep Cove Stage Society.
• When: Now to Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: 4360 Gallant Road, North Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Maya Rae

• What: Jazz vocalist Maya Rae is just 16 years old and she’s already enjoying a phenomenal music career with originals that brush shoulders with jazz standards and modern tunes. You can catch Rae performing with the Miles Black Quintet at Pyatt Hall.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Pyatt Hall – 843 Seymour Street
• Price: $34 – Tickets available via Coastal Jazz

Jaimie Branch

• What: As a trumpeter, composer, and improviser, Jamie Branch creates incredible sounds that transcend genres like post-bop, noise-rock, and chamber jazz. That’s why you need to hear her live show to hear it for yourself.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: 11:50 pm
• Where: The Ironworks – 235 Alexander Street
• Price: $17 – Tickets available via Coastal Jazz

Sailor Moon Van Expo

• What: A massive festival paying homage to the Sailor Scouts on International Sailor Moon Day. Fans can enjoy a movie screening, door prizes and raffle draws, Sailor Moon-themed art, and vendors for all your fandom needs. And of course – the largest collective display of Sailor Moon fans in the city.
  
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: 3 to 11 pm
• Where: Holiday Inn & Suites – 1110 Howe Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Urban Shift

• What: Urban Shift explores two perspectives on the Vancouver urban landscape. The works are shaped by personal relationships to the city, and expressed through manipulated photographic images and paintings. Featuring the works of Carolina de la Cajiga and Martha Jablonski-Jones, and is hosted and organized by the Burnaby Arts Council.
• When: Now to Saturday, June 30, 2018 
  
• Time: Various times
• Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
• Admission: Free

Vancouver Canadians vs Salem-Keizer Volcanoes

• What: Vancouver Canadians take on the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in MiLB action at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.
• When: Now to Tuesday, July 3, 2018.
• Time: Various times
• Where: Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Fiesta Blanca Salsa Cruise

• What: Kick off summer and Latin American week with the unforgettable three-floor-level Fiesta Blanca Salsa Cruise. Dress to the nines while cruising and dancing to vibrant Latin beats on the MV Britannia ship. A white dress code is in place.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: Check in at 8:30 pm. Cruise from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am
• Where: MV Brittania  – Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $31. Group of 15 or more $26

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Canada Day at Canada Place

• What: This year’s Port of Vancouver Canada Day celebration is gearing up to be the largest event outside the nation’s capital. Highlights include the Canadian Forces Zone, Citizenship Ceremony, Coast Capital Savings Youth Zone, a main stage headliner performance by JoJo Mason, the Innovation Zone, food trucks, and of course fireworks.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: Festivities all day, with fireworks at 10:30 pm
• Where: Canada Place and surrounding city streets
• Admission: Free

O Canada Day on Granville Island

• What: Head to Granville Island for their annual Canada Day Parade, as well as jazz concerts, live shows, festival food, and more.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: Festivities all day, parade at 1:30 pm
• Where: Granville Island
• Admission: Free

Canada Day at Swangard Stadium

• What: Celebrate the spirit of Canada Day in Burnaby with a free concert by Said the Whale, DJ Khanvict, and The Boom Booms, activities and exhibitors for the whole family, and a grand fireworks finale.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 5 to 10:30 pm
• Where: Swangard Stadium – 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
• Admission: Free

Canada Day at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre

• What: The Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre will have a plethroa of Canada Day activities, including Strawberry Tea, food trucks, live performances by Serena Ryder and Brett Kissel, and more. The event wraps up with a massive fireworks display at dusk.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 11 pm
• Where: Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre – 17728 64 Ave, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Canada Day by the Bay

• What: The Annual Canada Day by the Bay at White Rock Beach and features a variety of family-friendly activities from morning to night. The celebration attracts thousands of people and is one not to be missed.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 10 pm
• Where: White Rock Beach
• Admission: Free

Canada Day at Rocky Point Park

• What: The City of Port Moody invites residents and visitors to a Canada Day celebration featuring free entertainment and activities for all ages, including live music, a community art project, and a giant inflatable slide. The City of Port Moody also presents Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts for a set of great music starting at 9 pm, as part of the Golden Spike Days Festival.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 6 pm
• Where: 2800 Block Murray Street, Port Moody
• Admission: Free

Steveston Salmon Festival

• What: The people of Steveston have come together every year since 1945 to celebrate Canada’s birthday. The day will begin at 6:30 am with a pancake breakfast, followed by live entertainment and activities. The main attraction will be their famous salmon barbecue, where over 1,200 pounds of wild salmon filets are grilled over open fire pits.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time:6:30 am to 8 pm
• Where: 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
• Admission: Free, salmon BBQ $16 per plate

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Colorado Rapids

• What: Vancouver Whitecaps take on the Colorado Rapids in a Canada Day match at BC Place.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 4 pm
• Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Canada Day at Waterfront Park

• What: For the 30th year in a row, the Rotary Club of Lions Gate will host a fun-filled, family afternoon full of events at Waterfront Park. The festivities will include an array of local performers, displays from North Shore community members, fun-filled games and activities, multicultural food, and free cupcakes. The event also features on-site entertainment such as balloon artists and a fire juggler, to bouncy castles and a 24’ high climbing wall, to keep everyone entertained and active for the afternoon.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 12 pm to 4 pm
• Where: Waterfront Park – 200 Block of West Esplanade, North Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Monday, July 2, 2018

Campbell Valley Nature Walks – Summer’s Songsters

• What: Learn about wildlife and wildflowers on a casual walk with veteran naturalist Al Grass. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through a variety of habitats, and discover the park’s summer birds and how they live. Bring your camera.
• When: Monday, July 2, 2018
  
• Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
• Where: Campbell Valley Regional Park, Langley
• Admission: Free, registration required

Chor Leoni Mane Event

• What: Chor Leoni shake out their manes for a fabulous show at Bard on the Beach at Vanier Park. Expect familiar tunes, mind-boggling choreography, over-the-top costumes, and a crackerjack band as the Lions close out their season with a wink and a roar.
• When: Monday, July 2, 2018
• Time: 3 and 8 pm
• Where: Bard on the Beach at Vanier Park
• Tickets: Online

The Alimony Brothers – Summer Residency

• What: The Alimony Brothers perform forgotten gems and the occasional classic from the golden age of country music every Monday in July. The Alimony Brothers are veterans from the roots and country music scene in Vancouver.
• When: Every Monday until July 30, 2018
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: The Wise Hall & Lounge – 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

ZimCarvings African Carvings & Art

• What: This summer, Bloedel Conservatory is exhibiting the beautiful and unique stone sculptures by ZimCarvings. The exhibit will showcase hand-carved, original works from over 30 Zimbabwean stone sculptors with all pieces available for purchase. As an extension of the show, an outdoor marquis tent in front of the Conservatory will feature carving demonstrations by artist Patrick Sephani, and smaller sculptures, hand-woven baskets, and jewelry available for purchase.
• When: Daily until September 16, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Bloedel Conservatory – 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Regular rates apply

Gun Hill Royals

• What: Los Angeles based Gun Hill Royals have been at it since 2013, honing their sound and writing songs that represent the many musical influences of all four members. Their sound is a melting pot of many styles, heated by their collective love of country music. It contains elements of old and new, ranging from good old country waltzes to rug cutters and barn burners.
• When: Monday, July 2, 2018
• Time: 9:30 pm
• Where: Guilt & Company – 1 Alexander Street, Downstairs, Vancouver
• Admission: Pay What You Can

Nice For Aubrey at Midnight Mondays

• What: In celebration of Drake releasing his album Scorpion, Fortune Sound Club throws Drake and OVO in the mix all night long. Featuring Domingo Vintage Pop Up, Art.illery Dance Set, and DJs Flores, Clu and Jace.
• When: Monday, July 2, 2018
• Time: 10 pm to late
• Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 E. Pender St., Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

SV Dance at Kitsilano Showboat

• What: Enjoy a night of outdoors performances featuring SV Dance and its international folk group, along with the SV belly dancers.
  
• When: Monday, July 2, 2018
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Kitsilano Showboat – 2300 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

See also

• Here's everything you can eat at The Deighton Cup 2018
• A massive art display of 888 pandas is coming to Vancouver this summer
• 'The Book of Mormon' returns to Vancouver this fall