44 FREE things to do in Vancouver this summer

Enjoy all that Vancouver has to offer this summer without breaking the bank! Here are 44 free things to do in the city this season, from Symphony in the Park to Outdoor Cinema to Canada Day and more!

For more things happening around town check out our events section.

Enjoy the great outdoors

For your own safety, please make sure you are prepared before heading out on your next adventure. Information on how to prepare for your trip and stay safe while on your hike is available from North Shore Rescue and AdventureSmart.

Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival

• What: Community, culture, and competition, all in one boat. That’s the name of the game during the Concord Pacific Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival. The event features three days of music, activities, and world-class racing. This year, the festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary and everyone is invited to come check out the festivities.
• When: Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24, 2018
• Where: Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park, and the waters of False Creek
• Admission: Free

Coquitlam in Bloom Day

• What: Join the City of Coquitlam’s Parks team for a drop-in, fun-filled experience that includes activities and displays for the whole family. You also won’t want to miss out on the very popular Tractor Dance.
• When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: Mundy Park – 641 Hillcrest St, Coquitlam
• Admission: Free

29th Annual Bullhead Derby

• What: Spend the morning at the Bullhead Derby at beautiful Garry Point Park. Pack your fishing gear, including barbless hooks and a picnic basket. It’s a perfect occasion to bring your family for a fun day of fishing. There are two categories: kids 12 and under and seniors 65+.
  
• When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 12 pm
• Where: Garry Point Park – 12011 Seventh Ave, Richmond
• Admission: Free

World Naked Bike Ride Vancouver 2018

• What: Each year, World Naked Bike Ride protests car culture, the pollution cars create, and use of non-renewable sources of energy like oil. Participants can be as free or as covered as they please and ride whatever they like from bikes and skateboards to rollerblades. Participants are encouraged to gather at Sunset Beach at noon for socializing, body painting and bike decorating, with the ride kicking off at 2 pm, following a route along several major streets in the downtown core. The ride and all activities are free and are on rain or shine.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: Ride begins at 2 pm
• Where: Sunset Beach (near the corner of Beach Avenue and Bute Street)
• Admission: Free

Symphony in the Park 2018

• What: A free, annual outdoor concert held every summer at the Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park. The concert is a fantastic opportunity to hear an evening of live music performed by some of Vancouver’s most talented musicians.
• When: Sunday, July 8, 2018
• Time:  7 to 9 pm
• Where: Deer Lake Park – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
• Admission: Free

Mat Collective Free Yoga

• What: Mat Collective is the largest outdoor yoga program in Western Canada. Aside from offering free outdoor yoga classes all summer long, Mat Collective will also be hosting several special events, including an Acro Jam in partnership with MEC, and a class at BC Place in collaboration with the BC Lions.
• When: Now to Friday, August 31, 2018
• Time: Various times, check schedule for details
• Where: Classes take place at Kitsilano Beach (1015 Maple Street), Downtown (800 Robson Street), Granville Island (Chain and Forge), and Main Street (95 E 32nd Ave.)
• Admission: Free

Vancouver’s Largest Water Fight 2018

• What: Pull out those Super Soakers and stock up on water balloons as the Vancouver Waterfight is coming back for another year. The annual event is returning for its eleventh consecutive year. Hosted by Flash Mob Vancouver, the water fight sees hundreds of Vancouverites take to the Lumberman’s Arch at Stanley Park.
• When: Saturday, August 11, 2018
• Time: 1 pm
• Where: Lumberman’s Arch – Stanley Park, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Hike Rave Vancouver

• What: Whether you like to dance or just need a reason to get out, step outside of your comfort zone and experience a hike to remember with Party4Life. Invite others to join you, and do not bring drugs or alcohol to the hike.
• When: Friday, August 17, 2018
• Time: 7 to 11 pm
• Where: TBA
• Admission: Free

Full Moon Morning Beach Party

• What: Hosted by Party4Health, the Full Moon Morning Beach Party is all about partying for wellness and community. Get high on each other, not alcohol or drugs.
• When: Sunday, August 26, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 12 pm
• Where: TBA
• Admission: Free

Explore the city

TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival

• What: The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is British Columbia’s biggest music and arts event with hundreds upon hundreds of musicians participating in over 300 concerts at 35 indoor and outdoor venues. Among this accessibility options are the 150 free concerts, which feature local, national and international artists, and take place throughout the city in locations like at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church, Ironworks Afternoon Sessions, Granville Island in the afternoons (and all day on Canada Day), and at several venues on the North Shore.
• When: Friday, June 22 to Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Various venues throughout the city
• Tickets: Available online

Port Moody Community Fair

• What: Featuring rides, entertainment, and information booths for people to visit. There will also be Science World demos, the Fun GymBus (a kids’ gym on wheels), a firefighter booth complete with a fire truck, a police booth with a patrol car, and the chance to win a summer gift basket from the City of Port Moody.
  
• When: Saturday, June 23, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: Civic Centre – 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
• Admission: Free

Greek Day

• What: This event is the largest one day Greek festival in Vancouver and it attracts more than 100,000 people every year. This year it’s taking place on June 24 in a five-block stretch from McDonald to Blenheim Street. Featuring food, beverages, shopping, and music, this shindig is the final event in a month-long Greek Heritage Festival going down in the city.
• When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 9 pm
• Where: MacDonald to Blenheim Street
• Admission: Free

Teen Quiz Night

• What: Relax with friends and answer general interest questions to win prizes at Coquitlam Public Library’s annual Teen Quiz Night. For teams of 2 to 6 teens in grades 9, 10, 11 or 12.
• When: Saturday, June 28, 2018
• Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Where: City Centre Branch, Rooms 136 and 137 -1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
• Register: Free. Contact librarian Chris Miller at [email protected] or 604-554-7339

Dominion Day

• What: Celebrate Canada Day the old-fashioned way with heritage demonstrations, live music and performers, and old-fashioned games with prizes.
• When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: Historic Stewart Farm – 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Free Outdoor Movies in Stanley Park

• What: One of the most popular summertime events in the city is back as free outdoor movies return to Stanley Park this summer for its 10th anniversary! The Evo Summer Cinema Series features a four-story inflatable movie screen showing film classics and modern blockbusters. Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs and, since it’s a family-friendly event, smoking or alcohol is not permitted. Moviegoers are encouraged to walk, take transit, or bike to Stanley Park for the shows  – there will be a bike valet service offered on site each night too.
• When: Every Tuesday from July 3 to August 21, 2018
• Time: Dusk
• Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach, Stanley Park
• Admission: Free

Starlight Theatre at Lansdowne Centre

• What: Take a trip back to the days of poodle-skirts, greased hair, and doo-wop music. The Drive-In Movie Series returns to Lansdowne Centre for its third year, presented by Fresh Air Cinema. Enjoy classic, family-friendly, and even some of the latest hits on an outdoor screen. Take a drive and cuddle up, or bring a blanket and lawn chair and settle in. Parking is on a first-come first-served basis (there’s space for 200 vehicles), with movie audio will be broadcast over FM radio. Keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event, so smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
• When: Every Wednesday from July 5 to August 30
• Time: Sunset (gates open at 6 pm)
• Where: Lansdowne Centre, west parking lot – 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond
• Admission: Free

Khatsahlano Street Party 2018

• What: The free annual festival will take over 10 blocks along Kitsilano’s 4th Avenue between Burrard Street and Macdonald Street. Featuring headliners Bif Naked, Frazey Ford, and Slow. As usual, local restaurants and stores along 4th Avenue will be holding sales and giveaways, as well as providing samples and games on the street for everyone to enjoy. For the first time in the festival’s history, this year’s lineup will feature gender parity.
• When: Saturday, July 7, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 9 pm
• Where: Along 4th Avenue between Burrard Street and MacDonald Street
• Admission: Free

Krause Berry Farms 5th Annual Butterfly Release 

• What: The 5th Annual Butterfly Release & Fundraiser is returning to the Krause Berry Farms and Estate Winery in Langley this summer. The annual fundraiser brings in hundreds of guests every year who join the celebration at the beautiful gardens onsite. On the day of the event, 400 Painted Lady Butterflies will take flight for the very first time, in an eclectic display of colour. The butterflies are released symbolically, in memory and honour of loved ones, by participants of all ages.
• When: Saturday, July 7, 2018
• Time: 12:30 to 3 pm
• Where: Krause Berry Farms & Estate Winery – 6179 – 248th St., Langley
• Tickets: No admission required, butterflies can be purchased online

Carnaval del Sol 2018

• What: The biggest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest returns to Vancouver this July. The 10th annual Carnaval Del Sol is a two-day celebration of Latin American Culture. The event features live music, art, dance, sports, and poetry. Over 400 artists from different Latin American countries will attend the festival as well this year.
• When: Saturday, July 7 to Sunday, July 8, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: Concord Pacific Place, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Honda Celebration of Light fireworks 2018

• What: English Bay in downtown Vancouver will once again be showered with fireworks for three nights this summer, as the 2018 Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns to the city. Organizers announced this morning that the participating countries for the festival’s 28th year will be South Africa on July 28, Sweden on August 1, and South Korea on August 4. New this year, all three of the participating countries will be required to incorporate the same theme into their fireworks display and musical accompaniment. The theme, as voted by the public, will be “Love.”
• When: Saturday, July 28, Wednesday, August 1 and Saturday, August 4, 2018
• Time: 10 pm to 10:25 pm (25-minute duration each night). Rain or shine. Music simulcast on radio station LG 104.3 FM.
• Where: English Bay, Vancouver
• Admission: Free. Reserved seating on sale through the festival’s website.

Port Moody Car-Free Day

• What: The festival is filled with local businesses and artisans, delicious food, live music, and activities for all ages.
• When: Sunday, August 19, 2018
• Time: 12 to 7 pm
• Where: St John’s Street (between Douglas and Moody) – Port Moody
• Admission: Free

Happy Canada Day

Canada Day at Canada Place

• What: This year’s Port of Vancouver Canada Day celebration is gearing up to be the largest event outside the nation’s capital. Highlights include the Canadian Forces Zone, Citizenship Ceremony, Coast Capital Savings Youth Zone, Main stage headliner performance by JoJo Mason, the Innovation Zone, food trucks, and fireworks.
• Where: Canada Place and surrounding city streets
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Admission: Free

O Canada Day on Granville Island

• What: Head to Granville Island for their annual Canada Day Parade, as well as jazz concerts, live shows, festival food, and more.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Where: Granville Island

Canada Day at Swangard Stadium

• What: Celebrate the spirit of Canada Day in Burnaby with a free concert, activities and exhibitors for the whole family, and a grand fireworks finale.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 5 to 10:30 pm
• Where: Swangard Stadium – 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
• Admission: Free

Canada Day at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre

• What: The Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre will have a plethora of Canada Day activities, including Strawberry Tea, food trucks, live performances by Serena Ryder and Brett Kissel, and more. The event wraps up with a massive fireworks display at dusk.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 11 pm
• Where: Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre – 17728 64 Ave, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Canada Day by the Bay

• What: The Annual Canada Day by the Bay at White Rock Beach and features a variety of family-friendly activities from morning to night. The celebration attracts thousands of people and is not to be missed.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 10 pm
• Where: White Rock Beach
• Admission: Free

Canada Day at Rocky Point Park

• What: Enjoy great music, family fun, and fireworks, as Port Moody celebrates Canada Day.
• When: Sunday, July 1, 2018
• Time: 11 am to 5 pm
• Where: 2800 Block Murray Street, Port Moody
• Admission: Free

Get fresh at farmers’ markets

Downtown Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Thursday until Thursday, October 4, 2018
• Time: 3 to 7 pm
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Kitsilano Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Sunday until Sunday, October 21, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: Parking lot of Kits Community Centre – 2690 Larch Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Trout Lake Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 20, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 2 pm
• Where: Lakewood Drive and 13th Avenue, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

West End Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 20, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 2 pm
• Where: West End Farmers Market – 1100 Comox Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Wednesday until Wednesday, October 3, 2018
• Time: 2 to 6 pm
• Where: Main Street Station – 1100 Station Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Sunday until Sunday, October 7, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: Dude Chilling Park – 2390 Brunswick Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Riley Park Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 27, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: Riley Park – 50 East 30th Avenue, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

River District Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday until Saturday, October 14, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 3 pm
• Where: Kerr Street Plaza – 8683 Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Ambleside Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Sunday until Sunday, October 28, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 3 pm
• Where: Ambleside Park – 1000 Argyle AveWest Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Lonsdale Quay Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday until Saturday October 27, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 3 pm
• Where: East Plaza of the Lonsdale Quay Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Clayton Community Farmers’ Market

• When: Select Sundays until September 30, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 3 pm
• Where: Clayton Heights Secondary School, 7003 188 St, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Kwantlen Street Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Tuesday until Tuesday, October 2, 2018
• Time: 12 to 4 pm
• Where: Plaza in between the Richmond Public Library and the Minoru Place Seniors’ Centre – 7660 Minoru Gate, Richmond
• Admission: Free

Steveston Farmers & Artisans’ Market

• When: Alternate Sundays until September 16, 2018
• Time: 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Where: Easthope Parking Lot (across the street from the Steveston Community Centre) – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
• Admission: Free

Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market

• When: Every Saturday from now to October 27, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 2 pm
• Where: North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall (4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Pkwy)
• Admission: Free

Poirier Street Market

• What: Launched in 1996, the Poirier Street Farmers Market is the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland.  The Poirier Street Market hosts a diversity of vendors and products from May through October. Each week a wide variety of vendors gather to showcase their products – made, baked, grown, or raised in BC.
• When: Every Sunday to Sunday, October 28, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 1 pm
• Where: Dogwood Pavilion Parking Lot – 624 Poirier Street, Coquitlam
• Admission: Free

Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market

• What: A vibrant, multi-cultural Farmers’ Market, promoting small-scale farmers, food producers and artisans. Meet farmers, bakers, distillers, artisan and crafters, food trucks, community groups, and more.
• When: Every Wednesday to October 3, 2018
  
• Time: 2 to 6 pm
• Where: North Surrey Rec Centre – 10275 City Parkway, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Enjoy the night markets

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

• What: Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver will be transformed into a vibrant night market with 100+ vendors every Friday night. Gathering some of Vancouver’s best food vendors, this free event will feature a full farmers’ and artisan marketplace along with local food trucks and live entertainment.
• When: Every Friday night from now to September 28, 2018
• When: 5 to 10 pm
• Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
• Admission: Free