More than 20 FREE and cheap things to do in Metro Vancouver this July

Have lots of fun without spending lots of money!

Check out these 25 fun events in Vancouver in July that won’t break the bank, like the Honda Celebration of Light, Surrey Fusion Festival, and more.

And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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One-Time Only Events and Activities

Honda Celebration of Light and Red Bull Air Show

Honda Celebration of Light (Gabriel Lam/submitted)

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 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
• Time: 10 to 10:25 pm (25-minute duration each night). Rain or shine.
• Location: English Bay, Vancouver

Evo Summer Cinema Series at Stanley Park

Free outdoor movies in Stanley Park (Fresh Air Cinema)

What: Get your blankets and favourite snacks ready because Evo Summer Cinema Series in Stanley Park is returning this year. And you can even help pick one of the films to watch under the stars.

Hundreds of people will gather every Tuesday from July 4 to 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 from July 4 to August 22
Time: 8 to 11 pm; screenings begin at dusk
Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach – 8502 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Pups and Pints at Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers’ Market

What: Southlands Grange is hosting its highly anticipated second annual Pups & Pints event, on Saturday, July 8 alongside its popular bi-weekly Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market.

Guests are encouraged to bring their furry companions to enjoy puppy-themed activities and treats. You can adopt a dog from a local rescue organization on-site, chow down on gourmet hotdogs from J’s Disco Dogs and stay cool with delicious drinks from Barnside Brewing at the beer garden.

Plus, you can support local vendors by shopping for fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced products at Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market. Treat yourself to fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and handcrafted apothecary items.

When: Pups & Pints on July 8, 2023. Farmers Market is held every other Saturday until November 11, 2023
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Market Square, Southlands – 6313 Market Avenue, Delta
Admission: Free

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 from July 6 to 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 from July 6 to 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

Carnaval del Sol

Carnaval del Sol/Submitted

What: Carnaval del Sol is the perfect opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of the unique cultures, with live music, dance performances, and delicious food to enjoy. This year’s event spotlights Colombian culture with unique workshops, live performances and culinary experiences from more than 11 countries.

The iconic outdoor festival will feature over 400 performers and 11 plazas with activities for all ages. You can also shop for artisan-crafted goods, try your hand at traditional Latin games like rana, chezz and parques, and even take Zumba and Capoeira dance classes.

When: July 7 to 9, 2023
Time: 6 to 11 pm (Friday), noon to 10 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: David Lam Park, Vancouver
Cost: Various prices. Free admission for children 12 years of age and under and for seniors 65 or older. Purchase online

Deckchair Cinema at The Polygon Gallery

What: The Polygon Gallery has announced the return of Deckchair Cinema starting on June 29 on Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront deck. Hosted in partnership with the City of North Vancouver, the open-air film series will feature music and entertainment, an artisan market, and drinks from local wineries and breweries.

Admission to Deckchair Cinema is by donation, courtesy of BMO Financial Group, and includes entrance to access Polygon Gallery’s summer exhibition Jeremy Shaw: Phase Shifting Index.

When: Every Thursday until August 31, 2023
Time: Music and concession open at 7 pm; screenings begin at sundown
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation (suggested $10)

Khatsahlano Street Party 2023

Khatsahlano Street Party/Submitted

What: Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival is presented by the Merchants of West 4th Avenue and takes place between Burrard Street and Macdonald Street.

This year’s Khatsahlano Street Party theme is #EarnYourStripes, with all festivalgoers invited to experience a series of must-see and do highlights. And the huge roster of musical acts curated by Zulu Records is sure to have something for everyone.

When: July 8, 2023
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: West 4th Avenue from Burrard Street to MacDonald Street
Cost: Free

Boundary Bay Airshow

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

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

Surrey Fusion Festival 2023

Surrey Fusion Festival/Submitted

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

Giants, Dragons, & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures

What: Giants, Dragons, & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures is an exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History filled with unique cultural artifacts. The Museum of Surrey exhibit spotlights the similar and different ways that people around the globe depict mythic creatures.

When: Now until September 16, 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

BC Halal Food Fest

What: BC Halal Food Fest is serving up tasty eats and cultural experiences on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, at Holland Park in Surrey.

The second annual festival features free admission and over 60 food, drink, and bazaar vendors. It will also shine a spotlight on the diversity of Halal Food and cuisines from all over the globe.

When: July 8 and 9, 2023
Time: Noon to 9 pm
Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Admission: Free

VIFF – Back to the ’80s

Ghostbusters/IMDB

What: Buckle up, film lovers, because Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is firing up the DeLorean and transporting audiences Back to the ’80s this summer.

The celebration at VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre includes dozens of all-time classics from the decade, including comedies, indie darlings, and action blockbusters.

When: June 29 to August 31, 2023
Time: Various times. See the full schedule online.
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices with a series pass are also available. Purchase online

Sticky: A Post-It Note Art Show

What: Sticky: A Post-It Note Art Show is happening at Burnout Cafe in Vancouver’s East Village, with over 100 local and international artists taking part.

Each featured work of art will be created on a 3×3 inch Post-it Note, and there will be almost 1,000 artworks available for purchase for $20 each.

When: July 7 and 8, 2023
Time: 6 to 11 pm (Friday), noon to 4 pm (Saturday)
Where: Burnout Café – 2032 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Symphony at Sunset 2023

What: The outdoor concert is organized by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the City’s Park Board. Program lineup ranges from scores from celebrated movies, including Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Ben-Hur, including classics such as the “William Tell Overture” and Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” recomposed by Max Richter.

When: July 8, 2023
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Sunset Beach Park on Beach Avenue between Bute Street and Thurlow
Cost: 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

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

Shipyards Night Market/Facebook

What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2023. The popular free event takes place every Friday and features a beer garden, live music, market vendors and food trucks.

This year, the Shipyards Night Market will also be honouring Ingrid Doerr, the founder of the beloved event.

When: Every Friday until September 15, 2023
Time: 3 to 10 pm
Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day

What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast in the country. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.

Guests can visit Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 pm on the first Friday of each month.

When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: By donation

Fort Langley Night Markets

What: Fort Langley Project presents the weekly family-friendly event, which is expected to feature dozens of local vendors, food and drinks, live entertainment, and more. And admission to the night market is free.

When: Every Friday from July 7 to August 25, 2023
Time: 5 pm to 10 pm
Where: Corner of Glover Road and Mary Avenue, Fort Langley
Admission: Free

Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights

Vancouver Art Gallery/Facebook

What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. There are a variety of exhibitions currently on display at the largest public art museum in western Canada, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.

When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Community Jam at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games and scenes, and more during the fun, interactive jam.

When: The last Saturday of every month.
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Richmond Night Market 2023

Courtesy Richmond Night Market

What: Richmond Night Market is gearing up for another season filled with epic eats and live entertainment. This market draws crowds from across the province who travel to check out the rows on rows of vibrant cuisine and 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 midnight; Saturday from 6 pm to midnight; Sunday from 7 pm to 11 pm (Holiday hours may vary)
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond (near Bridgeport Station)