20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: July 17 to 23
FEATURED ON THE LISTED GUIDE
Keep the summer vibes going strong with our list of fun events happening around town.
From Honda Celebration of Light to Surrey Fusion Fest, The Cup and more, here are our picks for 20 great things to do this week.
And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.
Honda Celebration of Light and Red Bull Air Show
Honda Celebration of Light/Instagram
What: There will be even more reasons to look to the sky during this year’s Honda Celebration of Light – and that’s before the sun even goes down.
Event organizers have announced that the fan-favourite Pete McLeod and the Red Bull Air Show will return over English Bay for all three nights this summer. That means that you will see jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics on July 22, July 26, and July 29 before the massive fireworks displays.
- Schedule and nations:
- Saturday, July 22: Australia, represented by Howard & Sons
- With pre-fireworks Red Bull Air Show
- Wednesday, July 26: Mexico, represented by Grupo Avacon
- With pre-fireworks Red Bull Air Show
- Saturday, July 29: The Philippines, represented by Blue Peacock
- With pre-fireworks Red Bull Air Show
- Saturday, July 22: Australia, represented by Howard & Sons
- Time: 10 to 10:25 pm (25-minute duration each night). Rain or shine.
- Location: English Bay, Vancouver
Burnaby Pride
What: Burnaby’s annual Pride event recognizes and celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Burnaby. Enjoy a full afternoon of live performances, activities, and more at Burnaby Civic Square.
When: July 22, 2023
Time: 12 to 6 pm
Where: Burnaby Civic Square – 6100 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Neighbourhood Patio at Bentall Centre
What: The Bentall Centre’s Neighbourhood Patio pop-up takes place every Thursday and Friday throughout the summer, with live music, art and dance nights, pop-up markets, and more. In addition to DJs and live music, the pop-up patio will offer a chill space to enjoy sips and snacks right in the heart of Vancouver.
This week’s highlights include Thirsty Thursday with discounted drinks, live music, and food, and a Bark Park Takeover on Friday. Bring your furry friends to Neighbourhood Patio to enjoy delicious eats from Good Dogs. Plus $1 from every beverage sold will go towards Loved at Last Dog Rescue.
When: Every Thursday and Friday until August 25, 2023
Time: 3 to 9 pm
Where: The Breezeway at Bentall Centre — 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Reserve a table online
Surrey Fusion Festival 2023
What: Surrey Fusion Festival’s 2023 theme of “Dance Around the World” will be on full display at over 50 cultural pavilions and on the eight stages at Holland Park. Explore them all to discover traditions from around the world that bring people together and build bridges between cultures.
When: July 22 and 23, 2023
Time: 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Admission: FREE
Public Disco Free Block Party
Public Disco/Submitted
What: Get your dancing shoes on because Public Disco is throwing a free block party in Downtown Vancouver. The all-ages event features feel-good tunes by ESB, DJ Hector, Kozue, and STAR x DUST. There will also be a pop-up market, food vendors, and licensed bars for your summer fun.
When: July 22, 2023
Time: 3 to 10:30 pm
Where: Bentall Centre’s Neighbourhood Patio and pop-up art gallery – 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Club Leon
What: Local soccer fans will get a rare chance to see the Vancouver Whitecaps take on a team from Mexico’s top league this week.
Club Leon, the reigning CONCACAF Champions League title holders, will play the Whitecaps at BC Place on Friday, July 21. It’s the first match for both clubs in the Leagues Cup, a “World Cup-style” tournament that runs until August 19.
When: July 21, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online
Studio Ghibli Forever!
What: Vancouver International Film Festival is presenting Studio Ghibli Forever! Part 2 throughout the spring and summer. The celebration at VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre includes seven Studio Ghibli films, including animated masterpieces and cult classics by the Koganei, Tokyo-based company.
Studio Ghibli Forever! is an ongoing series throughout 2023, with additional films being added to the screening lineup later this year.
When: Now until July 17, 2023
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online.
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $10 for students and accessible pricing, $13 for seniors, and $15 for adults. Purchase online
Takeover 3: The Next Generation
Empire Boxing Enterprises/Submitted
What: An action-packed Thursday awaits Richmond as professional boxing is back with a bang with the Canadian Professional Boxing Council East vs West Title Belt on the line.
Takeover 3: The Next Generation, presented by Empire Boxing Enterprises, is taking place at the River Rock Casino in Richmond. The event will feature professional fighters from Ontario and Alberta fighting against local boxers from Metro Vancouver.
When: July 20, 2023
Time: 7 pm
Where: River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond, BC
Tickets: Get them online
Evo Summer Cinema Series at Stanley Park
What: Get your blankets and favourite snacks ready because Evo Summer Cinema Series in Stanley Park is returning this summer. And you can even help pick one of the films to watch under the stars.
Hundreds of people will gather every Tuesday until August 22 for Canada’s largest outdoor movies series. You can watch a curated lineup of Hollywood hits and family favourites on the giant 40-foot inflatable movie screen.
When: Every Tuesday until August 22.
Time: 8 to 11 pm; screenings begin at dusk
Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach – 8502 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Fridays on Front
What: Summertime and the eatin’ is easy, especially with the return of food-fuelled celebrations to New Westminster this summer.
Fridays on Front, the popular free block party series, fires back up on Front Street Mews in Downtown New West. Guests will enjoy artisan vendors, musical performances, and, of course, a lot of great food. And it’s a quick walk from both the New Westminster and Columbia Skytrain Stations.
When: Every Friday from July 7 to July 21 and August 11 to August 25, 2023
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Front Street Mews in Downtown New Westminster
Admission: Free
Spot the Bot Comedy show
What: House of Comedy hosts an interactive comedy game show where the audience tries to figure out which comedian has been provided jokes by the AI Joke Bot. This month’s comics include Janice Bannister, Nic Enright-Morin, Roger Nairn, Parvin Sohal, Tania Taylor, and emcee Erin Jeffery.
When: July 21, 2023
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: The Attic at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy – 530 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Tickets: $16 plus fees, purchase online
Port Moody Ribfest 2023
Shutterstock
What: Port Moody Rotary Ribfest is officially returning to Metro Vancouver this summer, and foodies are pumped about it.
This event features a lively beer garden, live music, family-friendly events, tented seating, and of course, lots and lots of ribs. Admission is by donation to Rotary Club of Port Moody.
When: July 21 to 23, 2023
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Rocky Point Park, Point Moody
Cost: By donation
Summer Movie Nights on the Square
What: Vancouver’s free outdoor movie series in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, also known as the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, is set to return this summer.
Every Thursday evening until August 17, the Downtown Van will inflate a large 16-ft inflatable screen for Summer Movie Nights. It’s the perfect urban environment to take in a favourite flick surrounded by the concrete jungle — just be sure to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets. Food trucks will be on-site during each screening.
When: Every Thursday until August 17, 2023
Time: Activations start at 4 pm, movie starts around 9 pm, depending on when the sun sets.
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Bard on the Beach
What: One of Vancouver’s most beloved theatre companies is returning to Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park this summer with an exciting lineup of shows.
Bard on the Beach’s 34th season includes a British invasion, a vast historical drama, a tale of political intrigue, and an immersive theatre piece drawn from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
When: Now until September 30, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online
White Rock Pride Family Day
White Rock Pride Society/Facebook
What: White Rock Pride Society is hosting its second annual Pride Family Day at Miramar Plaza. The family-friendly event will feature a vendor market, food carts, a kids zone and live performances throughout the day.
When: July 22, 2023
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Mirimar Plaza – 15165 Thrift Avenue, White Rock
Admission: Free
Richmond Night Market 2023
What: Richmond Night Market is back for another season filled with epic eats and live entertainment. The largest night market in North America draws crowds from across the province who travel to check out the 600+ international food items up for order. There is also a ton of unique shopping along with the diverse lineup of nightly performances on the 50-foot stage.
When: Fridays to Sundays until October 9, 2023, plus some holiday Mondays
Time: Friday from 7 pm to 12 am; Saturday from 6 pm to 12 am; Sunday from 7 pm to 11 pm (Holiday hours may vary)
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond (near Bridgeport Station)
Admission: $8 for general admission, free for children under 7 and seniors over 60.
Bollywood Trivia Night
What: Fan-favourite Maan Farms is back with another event you can’t miss — Bollywood Trivia Night.
Maan Farms is calling all Bollywood fanatics to attend its trivia night on Friday, July 21, and showcase their expertise. From Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Maan Farms will cover it all.
When: July 21, 2023
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Maan Farms — 790 McKenzie Road, Abbotsford, BC
Cost: $35, purchase online.
The Cup 2023
The Cup/Facebook
What: Get your chicest hats and flashiest bowties out! The city’s most fashionable festival is back this summer and some huge musical acts are coming to the party.
The Cup is taking over Hastings Racecourse on Saturday, July 22. The day-long event is serving up live entertainment, delicious food, and even a fashion competition with a big cash prize.
When: July 22, 2023
Time: Gates open at noon
Where: Hastings Racecourse — 188 N Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $55, purchase online.
Celebration of Light Fireworks and Sunset Cruise
What: On July 22, 26, and 29, sail off on Prince of Whales’ luxury catamaran, where you can watch the world-famous Honda Celebration of Light fireworks in a lively atmosphere with panoramic views from the Pacific Ocean.
Passengers can enjoy complimentary hot drinks and a delectable assortment of small menu items and delicious catered snacks served by Truffles Fine Foods during the excursion, and locally sourced alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on board.
When: July 22 (Australia ), July 26 (Mexico), and July 29 (The Philippines)
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Where: Prince of Whales on Granville Island – 1666 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2
Cost: $189 per person plus taxes and fees, purchase online
Weaving Cultural Identities at Museum of Surrey
What: Weaving Cultural Identities is a contemporary textile art exhibit that showcases works from Coast Salish Indigenous weavers and graphic artists as well as from Vancouver’s immigrant Muslim communities.
Themes of multicultural identities and intercultural relations are uncovered in the collaborative exploration of histories. The exhibit also explores uneasy issues of belonging, displacement, diaspora, land, and identity.
When: Now until October 1, 2023 (Closed on Mondays and statutory holidays)
Time: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), noon to 5 pm (Sunday)
Where: Museum of Surrey — 17710 56a Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free though donations are appreciated
Railtown Tailgate BBQ
What: Mouthwatering barbecue, refreshing drinks, and good times are being served at Railtown’s Tailgate Barbecue this summer. Join Chefs Dan Olson and Tyler Day of Railtown Cafe and Railtown Catering as they fire up the custom-made 12-foot barbecue barrel for a delicious event on the Boxcar Patio.
Dig into the slow-smoked brisket, pork shoulder, beer-brined chicken and brats, and melt-in-your-mouth Jalapeño Corn Bread. Each guest will also enjoy their choice of two Southern-style sides.
When: July 23 and August 20, 2023
Time: Seatings at 3 and 5 pm
Where: Boxcar Patio – 917 Main Street, Vancouver
Cost: $35 for Tailgate Plate, $35 for a Vegetarian Plate, $25 for the Cheeseburger or Beyond Meat Burger Plate. Order online
Boundary Bay Airshow
Boundary Bay Airshow/Submitted
What: Boundary Bay Airshow, presented by the City of Delta and Alpha Aviation, will feature a variety of world-class aviation attractions, including aerobatic teams, a Red Bull racer, and more.
Boundary Bay Airshow was first held 15 years ago and regularly draws massive crowds of over 15,000 to the waterside airport.
When: July 22, 2023
Time: Gates open at 11 am, Airshow starts at noon
Where: Boundary Bay Airport – 7800 Alpha Way, Delta
Admission: Free