20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: June 8 to 14

The last full week of spring is upon us. Are you ready to check out some fun things to do around Vancouver?

Plan your days with our list of 20 great events happening around the city from June 8 to 14. FIFA World Cup watch parties, Italian Days, and more.

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

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FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Amphitheatre Concert Series and Park Stage free concert series

What: Soccer fans from around the world are coming to Vancouver this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and so are some of music’s biggest artists.

FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver has revealed the amphitheatre concert series lineup at the PNE, with the ticketed events being part of a massive transformation of the PNE into a “FIFA World Cup hub” with “family-focused entertainment to immersive fan activities for all ages.”

Organizers have also revealed more than 60 free performances at the Park Stage this summer, joining the music lineup for the 28 days of live entertainment at Hastings Park.

When: Various dates from June 11 to July 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Freedom Mobile Arch at The PNE — 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, 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.

When: June 9 to Sept. 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Game Days at South Flats

What: Game Days turns 1155 East 6th Avenue into Vancouver’s free, open-air home for the international soccer tournament. Catch matches on a big outdoor screen alongside live entertainment between games, food trucks, a beer garden, covered first-come, first-served seating, and a kids’ zone.

Running June 11 to 13 and June 18 to 21, with hours based on the match schedule. Reserve free tickets in advance.

When: June 11 to 13 and June 18 to 21, 2026
Time: Various times. Hours based on the match schedule (found on the website).
Where: 1155 East 6th Ave., Vancouver
Tickets: Free, reserve entry tickets online

Italian Day

What: Let your tastebuds start tingling! Vancouver’s annual celebration of Italian culture, heritage, and community returns this month.

Thousands of Vancouverites will take over Commercial Drive as it transforms into a huge car-free party. There will be plenty of merchants, food vendors, and entertainment to discover throughout the day-long event.

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Surrey Soccer Fan Zones

What: The City of Surrey is turning three public spaces into gathering places for soccer fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On select dates from June 11 to July 19, during the tournament period, the municipal government will host “Surrey Soccer Fan Zones” — offering free public viewing events where residents and visitors can watch matches together throughout the tournament.

Three primary locations will serve as the city’s fan zones: Surrey Civic Plaza, Cloverdale Agriplex, and South Surrey Athletic Park. Each fan zone will broadcast matches live on large LED screens and include additional activities designed to create a festival-style atmosphere.

When: Select dates from June 11 to July 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza, Cloverdale Agriplex, and South Surrey Athletic Park
Cost: Free, more info online

Vallea Lumina

What: Vallea Lumina’s night walk lets visitors experience a heightened natural landscape of the forest through video, lighting, sound, and special effects put on by Moment Factory. On this evening excursion, the pathway through an old-growth forest lets your imagination come alive as you walk through a mysterious valley filled with enchantment.

When: Various dates
Time: Various timeslots
Where: Cougar Mountain Basecamp, Whistler
Cost: Starting at $49.99, children five and under get in for free. Purchase online

Grouse Gravity Coaster

What: North Vancouver’s newest attraction for adventure seekers is open at Grouse Mountain, and the Gravity Coaster is ready to serve up fresh air thrills.

Grouse Mountain’s permanent coaster spans a track length of 1,434 metres (4,700 ft.) on a downhill descent of 919 metres (3,015 ft.) and a vertical drop of 91 metres (298.5 ft.).

The Grouse Gravity Coaster is located to the skiers’ left of The Cut, weaving through a series of trees and twists before enjoying a view of the city below. Riders will be able to reach speeds up to 45 km/hr (28 m/hr).

When: Operating daily
Time: Various time slots
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me, But Banjos Saved My Life

What: Veteran performer and former CEO Keith Alessi shares his true story of leaving the corporate world behind to follow his dreams of playing the banjo! When faced with a battle with cancer, the certified public accountant discovers the key to saving his life may be his music.

The performances are a fundraiser for the Western Gold Theatre’s Creative Accessibility Program and the West End Seniors Network’s delivery of essential services.

When: June 11 to 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday
Where: PAL Studio Theatre – 8th Floor, 581 Cardero St., Vancouver
Tickets: $40, purchase online

The Vancouver Vice Tour

What: Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours presents a deep dive into the gritty history of the city’s West End neighbourhood in the ’70s and ’80s.

Led by award-winning author and historian Aaron Chapman, the Vancouver Vice Tour will explore a world of turf wars, gambling dens, wiretapped hustlers, vigilante cops, and more.

When: June 13 and July 4, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Meet at Jim Deva Plaza on Davie Street
Cost: $35, purchase online

Game Day Happenings at Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

What: The Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown’s Game Day Happenings highlight an elevated experience during the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring special food and beverage offerings, themed cocktails, exclusive dining features like the Chef’s Burger & Brew for $22, and a fan zone in the lobby.

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with curated menus, extended happy hour, and convenient access to match-day excitement, along with a Match Day Package that includes champagne, breakfast for two, and added touches designed to elevate the game-day experience, with options to reserve in advance for the best experience.

When: Now available until end of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Where: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown – 1128 West Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Happy Hour pricing varies. Chef’s Burger & Brew – $22. Match Day Package – room rate based on date and room type chosen. More info online

Soccer in the Square 2026 Watch Party at Wesbrook Village, UBC

What: UBC Properties Trust brings the excitement of the global soccer stage to Wesbrook Village with Soccer in the Square, a free, all-ages outdoor viewing experience.

From June 11 to July 19, catch live matches on the big screen at Norman MacKenzie Square, where fans can gather under a shaded tent with picnic seating to cheer on their favourite teams.

Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with picnic tables, leashed pups welcome, and easy access to takeout from nearby eateries. With space for up to 150 guests, plus movies, music, and entertainment between matches, it’s a festive community hangout all tournament long.

When: Various dates from June 11 to July 19, 2026
Time: Various times when games are on
Where: Norman MacKenzie Square, Wesbrook Village, UBC
Cost: Free

PROLINE House Pop-Up at Butcher & Bullock

What: The PROLINE House Pop-Up at Butcher and Bullock is the place to get the games, where you can have the ultimate soccer experience. Pop-up dates above will have over $15,000 in giveaways each day, with PROLINE swag bags given out to the first 100 people, and each day will have a grand prize package worth over $1,000.

To get in on the action — make a reservation for pop-up event days — for every $5 bet placed you’ll receive a ballot into the grand prize giveaway and enjoy the game. That’s not all, there will be a number of other activation components and ways to win great items like PROLINE Swag, Team Canada Jerseys, balls, scarves, and more while watching all the action on the new 17-foot big screen TV, with fans and rivals alike.

When: Multiple dates: June 12, 13, 18, 21, 24, 26, and July 2 and 7, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Butcher & Bullock – 911 W. Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, reservations online

Parallel 49 Viewing Party

What: Parallel 49 is transforming its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this June and July. Invite your friends to join you in checking out the giant 14-foot high-def TV during the no-cover-charge event, complete with access to the full beer list, 40 taps, delicious food, and cocktail menu.

There will be a live DJ on all Fridays and Saturdays from when the last game ends until late to keep the good times and the party going. Get there early to get your spot at a table or on the bleachers.

When: June 11 to July 19, 2026
Time: Open daily from 11 a.m. until late. Also open early for all of the 9 a.m. games.
Where: Parallel 49 Brewing Company – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Theatresports: Totally Ref’d Up

What: Vancouver’s longest-running improv comedy show is getting into the sporting spirit with Theatresports: Totally Ref’d Up.

Two teams of hilarious improvisers create sketches and scenes inspired by the audience’s suggestions at the Improv Centre. There will even be a referee on hand to issue red cards and to ensure a fair comedy showdown.

Cheer on your favourite comedians to victory, and you may even be selected to be one of the judges for the night.

When: Every Friday and Saturday from June 12 until July 18, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase Online

Bay’Score Soccer Experiences

What: Experience the summer of soccer on a larger-than-life scale at The Westin Bay’Score Fan Experience, featuring match viewing on The Westin Bayshore’s immersive LED Infinity Wall, soccer-inspired games, and elevated stadium-style bites and drinks available for purchase on site.

Value-added Sip, Snack & Play combos can be pre-purchased to help fans save on match day, while the Kickoff Without the Chaos staycation package offers Fan Experience access, a poolside cabana, dining credit, and self-parking.

When: Multiple dates: June 16, 17, 18, 27, 28, 29, 30 and July 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19. Dates and schedules are subject to change.
Time: Various times, check the Bay’Score Soccer Experiences page for the most up-to-date match viewing schedule.
Where: The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver – 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver
Admission: Access to the Fan Experience is complimentary with a $30 minimum food and beverage spend per person for a three-hour experience. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site, and value-added Sip, Snack & Play combos are available for pre-purchase for fans looking to save on match day. More information online

Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings

What: A candlelight Bridgerton concert is coming to Vancouver in June.

The highly anticipated show will be put on by Fever, with the live, multi-sensory musical experience taking place on Friday, June 12. A string quartet will perform songs from the hit Netflix series at Christ Church Cathedral.

When: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 9 p.m.
Where: Christ Church Cathedral – 690 Burrard St., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Burnaby Central Railway

What: Burnaby Central Railway is welcoming passengers to climb aboard its 3-km track near Confederation Park every weekend until this fall. Your ride will take you across tunnels, bridges and viaducts. And while you’re there, stop by the ever-growing Garden Railway.

British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) built and operates the mini railway, with three different types of locomotives pulling the rideable trains.

When: Weekends and stat holidays through Thanksgiving weekend
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 120 N Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
Cost: $4.50 for a single ride for all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass

South Granville Summer – Silent Book Club

What: Settle in for a dedicated hour of silent reading with optional socializing afterward. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the event wraps up at 4:30 p.m.

Admission is completely free, and no advanced ticketing or website links are required to attend this community gathering.

When: June 13 and Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza West – Granville Street and West 13th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free  

Gastown United

What: Gastown United is a neighbourhood-wide campaign that’s taking football fanaticism into the streets, patios, and venues of the neighbourhood.

From June through early July, visitors and locals alike can explore the neighbourhood through business activations, watch parties, and other exclusive experiences.

When: June 13 to July 7, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Gastown
Cost: Free, more info online

Dancing on the Edge Festival

What: The 37th annual Dancing on the Edge Festival features over 30 live stage performances by top artists. This year’s festival features stunning world premieres, artist talks, works-in-progress, and more from dance companies across Canada and throughout B.C.

When: Now until June 13, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Free and ticketed events, purchase online