20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: July 20 to 26

Jul 19 2026, 8:00 pm

July is just speeding by! We’d better make the most of it with our list of 20 great things to do in Vancouver from July 20 to 26.

Check out the Vancouver Chinatown Festival, the Strathcona Blocks Party, and more.

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

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Vancouver Chinatown Festival

Vancouver Chinatown Festival

Vancouver Chinatown Festival/VCBIA

What: The 23rd Vancouver Chinatown Festival will be held on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26. It will feature a variety of activities and live entertainment highlighting the historical neighbourhood.

This year’s celebration features an artisan market, a Kids Zone, international food trucks, and more.

When: Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Columbia Street and Keefer Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Science World After Dark: Sparks and Rec Outdoor Edition

What: Head to Science World for a special outdoor edition of After Dark. Guests are invited to sip and stroll through Ken Spencer Science Park and enjoy a live science show and performances by local musicians. Then head inside to explore everything under the dome.

When: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Science World — 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: $39.99 plus tax, available online

Richmond Night Market

What: The Richmond Night Market is returning this month, and with it, it’ll be bringing the world’s first night market zipline, an all-new Trading Card Zone, and over 500 food items to try.

The theme for this year’s market is “Little Wonder World,” which the market describes as a “dazzling, globe-trotting adventure filled with iconic landmark decorations, vibrant displays, and a stunning themed wall designed for unforgettable moments.” There will also be a giant soccer display.

When: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays until Sept. 20, 2026
Time: From 7 p.m.
Where: 2431 Number 3 Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 general admission, $40 Zoom pass. Free for children under 7 years and seniors 60 years and up

Vancouver Rise vs Halifax Tides

vancouver rise swangard stadium

@VancouverRiseFC/X

What: Vancouver Rise continue their Northern Super League season this weekend with a match against Halifax Tides on Saturday, July 25 at Swangard Stadium.

When: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Swangard Stadium — 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Various; purchase online

Drive-In Movie Nights in Richmond

What: Drive-In Movie Nights at Lansdowne Centre, presented by the shopping mall and Fresh Air Cinema, takes place every Wednesday from July 22 until Sept. 2.

The movie screenings take place in the parking lot of Lansdowne Centre, and viewings are free this summer. Each week spotlights a different film theme, and viewers can vote on which one they would like to enjoy.

When: Every Wednesday from July 22 to Sept. 2, 2026
Time: The film starts at sunset
Where: Lansdowne Centre — 5300 Number 3 Rd., Richmond
Cost: Free

Theatre Under the Stars

What: A longtime Vancouver theatre tradition returns to Stanley Park with a pair of iconic Broadway musicals.

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)’s 2026 season, its 86th year at the Malkin Bowl, will feature Sister Act and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Get swept up in the magic this summer.

When: July 3 to Aug. 22, 2026 (Performances alternate evenings)
Time: 8 p.m., except on special event nights, which start at 7 p.m.
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Strathcona Blocks Party

strathcona block party

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What: The Strathcona Blocks Party is a free community event for the community, featuring activities with local Strathcona businesses, live entertainment and performances, food, shopping, and a beer garden with games, BBQ food and live DJ entertainment hosted by Strathcona Beer in celebration of their 10th year anniversary!

Once you’ve explored all there is to do at the Strathcona Blocks Party, head over to the East Side Arts Festival at MacLean Park, open until 8 p.m.

When: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 600 to 900 Blocks of East Hastings, Vancouver
Cost: Free!

Plaza Pours Wine Tastings

What: Enjoy an outdoor evening wine tasting session hosted by a local sommelier from the Stable House Bistro. Doors open and the tasting starts at 5 p.m., running for one hour. Admission is completely free, but advance registration is required due to limited space and beverage quantities.

When: July 9 and 23, Aug. 6 and 20, 2026
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza West – Granville Street and West 13th Ave., Vancouver
Admission: Free, but advanced registration is required

Mission Folk Music Festival

What: The Mission Folk Music Festival is back for its 39th year with two days and three nights of live open-air concerts.

Enjoy over two dozen artists on four stages, as well as artisan markets, food vendors, all ages activities, camping, and more.

When: July 24 to 26, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Fraser River Heritage Park, Mission
Cost: Various, purchase online

Meet Me at the Gallery: Pride Edition

Art Party

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is teaming up with Thursday Dating for a Pride edition of the after-hours singles mixer.

Acclaimed drag artist Mx Bukuru hosts the 19+ event, which includes a live DJ, cocktails and mocktails by The Lazy Gourmet and exclusive access to the Gallery’s first and second-floor exhibitions, including That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of NatureJim Lambie: Zobop (Colour-Chrome) and Future Geographies: Art in the Century of Climate Change.

When: Friday, July 24, 2026
Time: Doors 6:45 p.m., event from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Outdoor Movie Nights in North Vancouver

What: Movie nights are some of the best times we get to spend with family, and this summer, you can enjoy some of your favourites outdoors on the North Shore for free.

The City of North Vancouver is bringing back Sunset Cinema for several dates, including Lilo & Stitch on July 24 at Civic Plaza, How to Train Your Dragon at Ray Perrault Park on Aug. 7, and Zootopia 2 at Heywood Park on Aug. 14.

When: Various dates
Time: 8:30 p.m. estimated start time
Where: Various locations in North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Junction Public Market

What: Vancouver’s open-air container market is back, and you won’t want to miss the fun. Now in its third year, the free-to-enter downtown market and hub has over 30 new vendors this year, in addition to live entertainment and community events throughout the summer.

When: April 30 to Sept. 7, 2026
Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday at varying times
Where: 200 Granville St. 
Cost: Free admission

Eastside Arts Festival

What: The Eastside Arts Festival features a variety of arts workshops, live performances, art activations, and more in several Eastside Arts District studios, breweries, and venues.

Hosts Eastside Arts Society also welcomes art lovers to a full day of fun at MacLean Park on July 25 from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be outdoor art-making workshops, food trucks, beverage garden beer, cider and wine from Strange Fellows Brewing, and a free outdoor concert stage presented in collaboration with Rickshaw Theatre.

When: July 17 to 26, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various costs, purchase online

Olympic Village Comedy Classic

Jokers Comedy

Jokers Comedy

What: Jokers Canada is a travelling comedy club that showcases professional stand-ups all over Metro Vancouver. Featuring acclaimed comics that have performed at Just For Laughs and Winnipeg Comedy Festival, on CW and the CBC, and more.

This week, Jokers is bringing the Comedy Classics to the BMO Theatre Centre at Olympic Village. Performers include Myles Anderson (CBC Debaters), Cory Lupovici (JFL Vancouver), Bobby Warrener (“Subway Takes”), Alannah Brittany (CBC New Wave), Patricia Mansur (winner of the LMG Comedian Competition), Ray Morrison (CBC LOL), and Darcy Boon Collins (actor and touring Comedian).

When: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre – 162 West 1st Ave. 203, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, promo code DAILYHIVE25 for discount. Purchase online

Bend & Flow Community Yoga

What: Find your center with refreshing, fresh-air movement classes. Admission is entirely free; participants just need to bring their own yoga mat.

When: July 12 and 26, Aug. 9 and 23, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza East – Granville Street and West 14th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free (Bring your own mat)

Vancouver Pride Week

What: Vancouver Pride is celebrating being “Unapologetically Queer” in 2026, with a whole week of events from July 25 to Aug. 2.

The fun culminates with the return of the Davie Village Pride Festival and the 48th annual Vancouver Pride Parade. There will also be dance parties, drag shows, and more to enjoy.

When: July 25 to Aug. 2, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Ticketed and Free Events

False Creek Crab Fest

What: False Creek Crab Fest is returning to Vancouver for its fourth year.

The event takes place at False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf, allowing festival goers the rare opportunity to connect directly with local fishers (all while enjoying some of Vancouver’s top waterfront views). You can also expect plenty of live music, games, and educational booths.

At the heart of this celebration is, of course, Dungenous crab, which will be highlighted in a mouthwatering crab boil experience by local chefs, including Vish Mayekar (chef and owner of Elem) and Johnny Bridge (president of Chefs’ Table Society of B.C.).

When: July 26, 20206
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf — 1505 W. 1st Ave., Vancouver
Cost: $65 plus tax for early bird tickets until June 14, $70 plus tax for general admission starting June 15, and $75 on the day of

Wine School Wine Bar

things to do Vancouver

Forecast Coffee

What: A wine bar pop-up in collaboration with This Is Wine School and Autostradda at Forecast Coffee on Main Street.

Enjoy a selection of premium, unique wines served by sommeliers at the bar at Forecast and a selection of bites created by Autostradda.

When: Every Friday and Saturday night starting July 24, 2026
Time: 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Forecast Coffee – 2980 Main St, Vancouver
Admissions: Free

Deckchair Cinema at The Polygon Gallery

What: The Polygon Gallery’s Deckchair Cinema returns starting on Thursday, June 25, on Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront deck.

Hosted in partnership with presenting sponsor Rogers Communications and supporting sponsor Mubi, the open-air film series will feature music and entertainment, food and drinks, and more.

Admission to the fifth annual series of outdoor movies is by donation, courtesy of BMO Financial Group, and includes entrance to access Polygon Gallery’s summer exhibition Greg Girard (opening July 9), Simranpreeet Anand: Living with the Eternal, and James Harry: Eye of the Ancestor.

When: Every Thursday from June 25 to Aug. 27, 2026
Time: Music and concession open at 7 p.m., screenings begin at sundown
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Crt., North Vancouver
Cost: By donation

Vancouver Fetish Weekend

What: Now in its second decade, Vancouver Fetish Weekend draws hundreds of international attendees each year for a mix of nightlife, community events, and kink-positive spaces.

The 2026 edition includes a meet-and-greet social, a black-and-white-themed ball, a fetish cruise, and more.

When: Thursday, July 23 to Monday, July 27, 2026
Time: Varies by event. Check the schedule here
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies; single-day tickets and weekend passes available online

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