20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: July 13 to 19

Keep the summer vibes going strong with our list of fun things to do around Vancouver.

From Summer Cinema Series in Stanley Park to Strathcona Block Party and more, here are our picks for 20 great events to check out from July 13 to 19.

Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

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Evo Summer Cinema Series at Stanley Park

What: Outdoor movies in Stanley Park are back this summer, and you can even help pick one of the films to watch under the stars.

Fresh Air Cinema and Evo Car Share have unveiled the lineup for the 2026 edition of the Evo Summer Cinema Series, returning to the Grand Lawn at Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach.

Thousands of people will gather every Tuesday from July 14 to Sept. 1 for Canada’s largest outdoor movie series. You can watch a curated lineup of Hollywood hits and family favourites on the giant 40-foot inflatable movie screen.

When: Every Tuesday from July 14 to Sept. 1, 2026
Time: Screenings begin at sunset
Where: Ceperley Meadows beside the Second Beach pool — 8501 Stanley Park Dr., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Twilight Tuesdays at Science World

What: The return of Twilight Tuesdays at Science World means patrons can enjoy extended hours every Tuesday until 8 p.m. under the dome. Plus, you’ll receive discounted admission if you arrive after 5 p.m.

There is lots to discover at Science World this summer, including the popular feature exhibition Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum.

When: Every Tuesday until Sept. 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Discounted admission after 5 p.m.
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Regular admission before 5 p.m. Discounted admission after 5 p.m. of $18.95 plus tax for adults, seniors, and youth, and $14.95 plus tax for ages 3 to 12. Children who are ages 2 and under get in free and don’t require a ticket. More info online.

Kitsilano Showboat

What: The iconic Kitsilano Showboat is in its 91st season this year with five performances each week in front of the North Shore mountains’ scenic backdrop. Enjoy dance, music and more from around the world right here in Vancouver, and each show is free to enjoy.

When: Wednesdays to Sundays until Aug. 23, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Kitsilano Beach – western end of the park next to Kits Pool
Cost: Free

Port Moody Ribfest

What: The Port Moody Ribfest is a three-day celebration of all things ribs, and it’s happening from July 17 to 19. Be prepared for plenty of food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.

When: July 17 to 19, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Rocky Point Park — 2800 Murray St., Port Moody
Admission: By donation

Summer Movie Nights on the Square

What: Every Thursday evening from July 16 to Aug. 13, Downtown Van will inflate a large 33-foot screen in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square at the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery for the family-friendly Summer Movie Nights.

This summertime tradition will see a massive crowd of moviegoers watch their favourite flicks under the stars. Activities start at 5 p.m., so there will be plenty of fun before the screening starts.

When: Every week from Thursday, July 16 to Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026
Time: Activations start at 5 p.m.; movies start at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W. Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra Concert

What: Experience classical instruments playing modern Girlypop hits. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a warm-up DJ set, the main concert starts at 7 p.m., and the entire event ends at 8 p.m. Admission is free.

When: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 6 to 8 p.m
Where: South Granville Plaza East – Granville Street and W. 14th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free 

Return-It to Win-It!

What: Recycling is an important part of Canada’s sustainable future — but B.C. recyclers now have even more reasons to keep returning their beverage containers, with the “Return-It to Win-It” contest.

Powered by Return-It — a federally incorporated, not-for-profit product stewardship organization — the program makes it easy and convenient for people to recycle their beverage containers.

In addition to their usual deposit refunds, participants now have the chance to earn redemption points that can be redeemed for limited-edition plush characters or sweepstakes tickets.

Each ticket gives recyclers a chance to win one of the $1,000 monthly cash draws or the $10,000 grand prize.

When: On now
More details: Online

Public Disco Block Party

What: Public Disco is hosting a Block Party on Saturday, July 18, in the city’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. The 19+ event features international DJs and local performers, food trucks, pop-up bars, and more.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: City Centre Artist Lodge – 2111 Main St., Vancouver
Admission: $23.10 to $44.10, which includes GST. Purchase online

Bard on the Beach

What: Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Presented in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, the festival offers Shakespeare’s plays, related dramas, and several special events from June through September each year.

This year’s offerings include The Merry Wives of Windsor, Macbeth, Goblin:Oedipus, and Antigone.

When: Now until Sept. 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

White Rock Night Market

What: The White Rock Night Market returns for another year with an incredible lineup of food tents, local artisans, live entertainment, lawn games, face painting, and the best sunset views in town.

When: June 5, July 17, Aug. 7, and Sept. 4, 2026
Time: Starting at 3 p.m.
Where: 14970 Marine Dr., White Rock

Sue Foley

What: Sue Foley is an award-winning blues guitarist who has released 15 albums during her 35-year career. The Juno Award winner brings her brand of Texas blues to the Rio Theatre on July 16.

When: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: Doors 7:30 p.m., show 8 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Strathcona Block Party

What: The Strathcona Block Party is back for its fifth year and will be taking over the 600 to 900 blocks of East Hastings on July 18.

Fun for all ages, this much-anticipated event is the perfect way to celebrate summer in style by supporting the community through live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and more.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 600 to 900 Blocks of East Hastings, Vancouver
Cost: Free!

Graze: The Mini Produce Pop-Up

What: Pick up fresh, local produce every week at Graze: The Mini Produce Pop-Up every Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.

Admission is free to the South Granville event, and no tickets are needed to browse the local vendor stands.

When: Every Thursday until Sept. 24, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza West (West 13th Avenue) until July 2; South Granville Plaza East (West 14th Avenue) starting July 9
Admission: Free

Symphony in the Park with the VSO

What: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) Symphony in the Park is returning to Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park on Saturday, July 18.

The performance is a fantastic opportunity to hear some of the city’s most talented musicians. This year’s program includes music from Star Wars, Hook, E.T., and more.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 2 to 7 p.m. (VSO School of Music’s family-friendly Playzone), 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (concert begins)
Where: Deer Lake Park — 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Free, seating is first-come, first-served

Jimmy Eat World

What: Jimmy Eat World is a two-time Billboard Music Award nominee that is touring to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their smash-hit album, Bleed American.

Bleed American is certified platinum in the U.S. and gold in the U.K., with the catchy single “The Middle” recently becoming a member of the Spotify Billion Streams Club. Other memorable tracks include the title song as well as “Sweetness.”

When: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Blvd., Vancouver
Tickets: Tickets for sale online

Koolfest

What: Vancouver’s Koolfest Summer Hot Chocolate Festival has returned with 48 different drinks to try.

The festival takes place until Aug. 4 and has participating vendors across Metro Vancouver creating some delicious cold drinks and frozen treats. Think chocolate milk, iced coffees, milkshakes, floats, fruit slushies, iced teas, bubble teas, and more.

When: Now until Aug. 4
Where: Participating vendors across Metro Vancouver

Harrison Lake Inflatable Waterpark

What: Harrison Lake Inflatable Water Park has reopened for the new season, and be prepared to get wet during your visit.

Harrison Watersports’ giant attraction not only has an epic floating obstacle course/playground on the lake, but you can also rent bumper boats and Sea-Doos for the ultimate lake trip.

There’s a “Wipeout Style” obstacle course, with swings, teeter-totters, hamster balls, monkey bars, and the popular Blob.

When: Open daily until Sept. 6, 2026
Where: 100 Esplanade Ave., Harrison Hot Springs
Tickets: Available online from $39.99. Book online

Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2026

What: The 49th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival is this weekend, and fans won’t want to miss these absolute trailblazers.

Every year, the iconic beachside music fest brings together dozens of artists representing the best of contemporary roots and blues, indie folk, and world music. It’s a classic summertime tradition for a reason!

According to organizers, this year’s festival is set to include droves of talented singer-songwriters, indie acts, international talent, and Vancouver faves, including Hazlett, Billy Bragg, Valerie June, Ruby Waters, Aysanabee, and Tami Neilson, to name just a few artists.

When: July 17 to 19, 2026
Where: 3941 Point Grey Rd.
Cost: Various ticket prices, purchase online

Downtown Farmers Market

What: Located centrally at West Georgia and Hornby Street in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, this market features over 30 farms and producers, food, and coffee trucks.

Do all your shopping conveniently, as the Downtown Farmers Market is directly adjacent to a busy bike path and is close to many transit lines, with Skytrain and Canada Line stops nearby.

When: Every Wednesday until Dec. 23, 2026
Time: 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: West Georgia Street at Hornby Street

Sabai Sabai Night: Sainam x Somsak

What: Chef’s Angus An and Poom Sikarin Sirisupanon from Isaan-style restaurant Sainam are welcoming Chef Andrew Martin of Bangkok’s Somsak for a very special, one-night-only collaborative dinner.

Dubbed “Sabai Sabai Night” (sabai sabai being a common Thai phrase meaning take it easy, enjoy), the two restaurants will be serving up som tum (papaya salad), grilled meats, curries, and more.

When: Monday, July 14, 2026
Time: Seatings available from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Sainam — 1235 Davie St., Vancouver
Cost: $75 per person (with an optional $20 beer pairing)