20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: June 9 to 15

The last full week of spring is here. Are you ready to have some fun?

Plan your days with our list of 20 great events to check out in Vancouver from June 9 to 15. 5X Festival, Riverdance, and more.

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

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5X Festival Blockparty

What: Canada’s largest South Asian youth event will kick off this year’s festivities with a free outdoor celebration in June.

5X Festival Blockparty, taking place at Surrey Civic Plaza on June 14, features a concert lineup of some of the finest South Asian musical and artistic talents. The all-ages, outdoor event also includes art installations, a vendor village, and food and drink vendors.

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 4 p.m. start
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free, RSVP online

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Velopalooza

What: The annual Velopalooza Festival of Bike Fun promotes bicycle events and community rides in and around Vancouver. This year’s lineup of activities includes a scenic ride around the seawall while rocking out to Pink Floyd, Critical Mass, and the popular Bike Rave.

When: Various dates until Monday, June 30, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Most of the rides and events are free. See the full calendar of events online

Finn Wolfhard

What:  Stranger Things and Ghostbusters star Finn Wolfhard is back in his hometown of Vancouver this month for two concerts at the Rickshaw Theatre. Catch him during The Objection Tour with special guests The Slaps.

When: Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: Doors 7 p.m.
Where: Rickshaw Theatre — 254 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Vancouver Canadians vs Spokane Indians

What: Baseball is Back #AtTheNat! Join the Vancouver Canadians and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays as they take on the Spokane Indians this week.

You can enjoy the game while enjoying hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and all other ballpark favourites, along with a cold beer. Plus, don’t miss the exciting theme nights.

When: Tuesday, June 10 to Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchased online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Broadway Across Canada – Riverdance

What: The international Irish dance phenomenon is back in Vancouver. Riverdance 30 —The New Generation draws on Irish traditions to present a rejuvenated show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Be wowed by the new choreography, stunning costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics, and more.

When: Tuesday, June 10 to Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver T100 Triathlon

What: The Professional Triathletes Organization and Do North Events are bringing the T100 Vancouver Multisport Festival to Vancouver from Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Up to 12,000 participants will compete at Jericho Beach Park, Locarno Beach Park and surrounding areas during the international sporting event. It would also be the first T100 Multisport Festival to be held in Canada.

When: Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, 2025.
Time: Various times
Where: Locarno Beach and Jericho Sailing Centre, Vancouver
More Info: Online

Vancouver Short Film Festival

What: The 15th annual Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF) is happening from June 13 to 15 at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, as well as nationwide virtual access via Eventide for most films from June 13 to 22.

This year’s VSFF will showcase 47 bold films in several programs, including eight entries in the always-popular After Dark block.

When: Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts — 149 West Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Coquitlam Farmers Market

What: The Coquitlam Farmers Market is celebrating its 29th year by gathering a curated lineup of farmers, bakers, crafters and makers, food trucks and more every Sunday.

When: Every Sunday from June to October 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot – 1655 Winslow Ave., Coquitlam

Vancouver Career Fair and Training Expo Canada

What: The upcoming fair brings together a mix of employers from a range of industries, as well as on-site training exhibitors who can teach applicants how to earn the credentials and diplomas necessary to land their dream jobs.

When: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver – 999 Canada Pl., #300
Cost: Free

Vancouver Rise vs AFC Toronto

What: Vancouver Rise continue their inaugural Northern Super League season this week with a home game at Swangard Stadium against AFC Toronto on Wednesday, June 11.

When: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Swangard Stadium – 6100 Boundary Rd., Burnaby
Cost: Various; purchase online

Summer Tasting with NUTRL

What: Head to BCLIQUOR SFU for a complimentary tasting of NUTRL7 Vodka Soda. NUTRL is made with zero sugar, zero carbs and no preservatives, and features a refreshing blend of vodka, seltzer and real juice.

When: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: BCLIQUOR SFU – 8992 University High St., Burnaby

Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo 2025

What: Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo (VRGE) is taking place on Saturday, June 14, at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, with vendors, panels, and live entertainment happening throughout the day.

There will be appearances by popular content creators and collectors, including “The Immortal” John Hancock, Happy Console Gamer Johnny Millennium, J.J. McCullough, and Victor Lucas, creator and host of The Electric Playground.

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St., New Westminster
Admission: $25, purchase online. Children under 10 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Echoes Of Home: Tracing Girmitiya History

What: A community event honouring the histories and legacies of Girmitiya ancestors. The evening includes a partial screening of the BBC documentary Coolies: How Britain Reinvented Slavery, live classical music, bidesia poetry, and a panel discussion.

There will also be a cultural exhibition of community-submitted photographs and immigration documents, and traditional appetizers and refreshments to enjoy.

When: Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
Cost: $10, purchase online

Cheer by the Pier 2025

What: The annual Cheer by the Pier, presented by Darwin Properties Ltd., is happening on Saturday, June 14, at The Pipe Shop in North Vancouver.

The signature summer event will treat guests to five drink tastings, a live DJ, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and delicious food by Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver.

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Pipe Shop — 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Tickets: $120 per person, purchase online

Back from the Dead

What: Vancouver’s Renegade Theatre Company presents the world premiere of the apocalyptic rock musical, Back from the Dead. Travel to the future wasteland of Nowhere and meet the group known as The No One as they go on a dangerous journey to find the mysterious Greenspace.

When: Various days from Wednesday, June 11 to Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: The Shop Theatre – 8877 Selkirk, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

Strathcona Blocks Party

What: The fourth annual Strathcona Blocks Party features music, food trucks, and more throughout the neighbourhood.

Bring the whole family down to enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks and more from noon to 5 p.m. There will be free face painting, chalk and games, and balloon art. Plus check out the new Learning & Exploring Zone on Campbell Avenue with musical instruments, the pop-up market at 828 E. Hastings St., and the Strathcona Beer Garden with beverages and mini golf open unto the evening.

And the Canucks might not be in the playoffs, but they’re still number one in our hearts. Fans will want to stick around for a special appearance by Fin the Orca, the team mascot. He can’t wait to hang out with fans and pose for photographs!

When: June 14, 2025
Time: Noon to 5 p.m. (Beer garden open until 8 p.m.)
Where: 800 Blocks of East Hastings plus 840 East Hastings Parking Lot
Cost: Free

Vancouver Francophone Summer Festival 2025

What: Vancouver Francophone Summer Festival is hosting a huge lineup of concerts, and you don’t have to be a Francophone enthusiast to attend, either.

Some of the acclaimed performers in this year’s lineup include Missy D, Vallée Des Loups and Soleil Launière, and free outdoor concerts with Waahli and guests

When: June 11 to 21, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Ticketed and free events, 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 10 to Sept. 20, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Stardust: A Diamond Heist Dance Cabaret and East Van Variety Show: A Fundraiser for WISH

What: The Cultch is hosting two great events on Thursday, June 12. In the Historic Theatre is Stardust, a bedazzling cabaret dance revue that tells the story of three rival teams of spies battling over the Stardust Diamond. Packed with gorgeous costumes, thrilling choreography, and more.

In the Vancity Culture Lab is the East Van Variety Show, a night of great live performances to raise funds for WISH Vancouver. The lineup includes magicians, comedians, storytellers and musicians, and helps to support a great cause.

When: June 12, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. (East Van Variety Show), 8 p.m. (Stardust)
Where: The Cultch — 1895 Venables St., Vancouver
Tickets: $35, purchase online (East Van Variety Show), various prices, purchase online (Stardust)

Japan Market Summer Festival

What: The two-day market will highlight over 80 Japanese makers, artisans, and local businesses, with the aim of supporting Japanese culture in Vancouver. Bring your appetite and some friends to try Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), crepe, ice cream, Taiyaki, matcha drinks, and more.

Stick around to enjoy the live entertainment throughout the weekend. You can even get your photo taken with a samurai.

When: Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza – 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $4 in advance or $5 at the gate, purchase online

Vancouver FC vs Forge FC

What: Vancouver FC continue their Canadian Premier League season at Willoughby Community Park with a matinee match against Forge FC on Sunday, June 15.

When: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre – 7782 200 St., Langley Township
Tickets: Various prices, 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