27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: July 26 to 28

The last weekend of July is upon us! Make the most of it with these 27 events happening in Vancouver on Friday, July 26, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28. Celebration of Light, Vancouver Vegan Festival, and more!

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

See also

• You can't miss this massive seven-hour Pride party outside the Vancouver Art Gallery
• The 2019 World Naked Bike Ride is happening in Vancouver in July
• Fight for money and fame in Fortnite and Apex Legends this weekend

Friday, July 26

Squamish Constellation Festival

What: The Squamish Constellation Festival will take place on Hendrickson Field, in Squamish, from July 26 to 28. Bahamas, Serena Ryder, Half Moon Run, Jessie Reyez, Shad, and Wintersleep are headlining the inaugural celebration of music, art, food and fun.

When: July 26 to 28, 2019
Where: Hendrickson Field, Squamish
Tickets: General admission full weekend passes available online for $199 and $425 for VIP, plus service charges and fees

Fridays on Front

What: Boasting artisan vendors from New West Craft, live music curated by the New Westminster Arts Council, and of course, a slew of Food Trucks from the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest, this is one weekly event you don’t want to miss.

When: Fridays until August 23, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: 600-block of Front Street, New Westminister
Admission: Free

Ali Wong

What: Ali Wong is a stand-up comedian, writer and actress. Her breakout Netflix special “Baby Cobra” premiered Mother’s Day weekend 2016 to critical acclaim. Since then she has thrown out the first pitch at a Giants game and appeared on Ellen. She voices the co-lead and executive produces the Netflix animation show, “Tuca and Bertie” alongside Tiffany Haddish. Ali also stars in Always Be My Maybe with her longtime friend and creative collaborator, Randall Park. Her debut book for Random House will come out in 2019.

When: Now to July 26, 2019
Time: 7 pm and 10 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 600 Block Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Playland Nights 2019

What: Every Friday in July, Playland is hosts evenings dedicated to adults-only (19+) amusement, complete with food, drinks, games, and of course, the rides. The grounds will be fully licensed, so guests can enjoy their favourite beverage, including “Playland-inspired” cocktails throughout the park while experiencing the entertainment. The events feature multiple bars, several DJs, live performances and VIP experiences.

When: Every Friday until July 26, 2019
Time: 7 pm to midnight
Where: Playland Amusement Park – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: First 100 tickets for each night: $25; Online / in advance (before 5 pm) of each event day: $29 for general admission, $79 – VIP tickets; On-site (after 5 pm): general admission: $34 / VIP tickets: $84

North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market

What: 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 weekly until 10 pm. Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver will be transformed into a vibrant night market with 100+ vendors. Attendees can expect to chow down on grub from 40+ food trucks in “hot food alley” and enjoy live entertainment all summer long. The Friday Night Market will also feature a 19+ beer garden, serving local craft beer and cider as well as Betty’s Vodka Iced Tea.

When: Now to Friday, September 27, 2019,
Time: Starts at 5 pm
Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Petunia and the Vipers

What: Bring your friends and enjoy live music by Petunia and the Vipers outdoors surrounded by the beauty of Deer Lake Park.

When: July 26, 2019
Time: 8 to 10 pm
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: Online

Music at the Cannery

What: The Cannery’s annual summertime evening concert series returns. Every Friday evening will feature a different musical act, catering to a wide range of musical tastes, including blues, folk, and more.

When: Every Friday until August 30, 2019
Time: Doors at 6 pm, show at 6:30 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Tickets: At the door, $7 for adults, $5 for ages 2 to 17-years-old

Saturday, July 27

Honda Celebration of Light fireworks 2019 – India

What: The sky over Vancouver’s English Bay will once again be lit up with fireworks for three nights this summer, as the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns to the city. Now in its 29th year, the Honda Celebration of Light features India on July 27.

Back again for all three days, the Park Stage at Second Beach is a free, family-friendly festival site featuring live music, food trucks, sponsor activations, and a site-wide liquor license. The event also welcomes back the Red Bull Air Show, a spectacular pre-show performance happening over all three festival nights. Returning this year, radio partner Z95.3 will be presenting Z-Fest on The Keg Lounge stage overlooking English Bay for three nights of music programming before the pyrotechnic displays.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2019
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.

The Cardboard Project 2.0: From Dark to Light

What: The Cardboard Project 2.0: From Dark to Light, hosted by Employ to Empower, features a unique dark room interaction with low-income entrepreneurs from the Downtown Eastside, an artistic showcase, as well as a diverse speaking panel around the theme of Attentive Listening. Speakers include artists, entrepreneurs, and mental health advocates. These talented artists will also be showcasing some of their own artwork for sale.

All proceeds from the Cardboard Project will go towards Employ To Empower’s programs, to provide local low-income entrepreneurs with the mentorship and support they need to succeed. Attendees can also win a FREE helicopter round trip for two from Vancouver to Nanaimo valued at $1,200 from Helijet by attending the event and entering the event’s Instagram contest.

When: July 27, 2019
Time: 12:30 to 4 pm
Where: 312 Main Street
Tickets: Online, minimum donation of $10

Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest 2019

What: The biggest one-day food truck festival in Canada is going down in New West this summer. Attendees who head to the seventh annual Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest can expect to find over a whopping 100 food trucks at this free event. In addition to all of that food selection, attendees can expect half a dozen beer gardens, stages for live music, and of course, thousands of people.

When: July 27, 2019
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Columbia Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free

Pepper.GG Battle Royale Video Game Tournament

What: The Gaming Stadium in Richmond is hosting Pepper.GG Battle Royale, featuring two of the world’s most popular Battle Royal games: Apex Legends and Fortnite. There will be a $1,000 prize pool for each round, with each prize pool will be split between the top eight players of the 60 player wave. It’s free to attend as a spectator and can also be streamed on Twitch.

When: July 27, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: The Gaming Stadium — 4211 No 3 Road, Richmond
Cost: $35 early bird | $50 regular — Register online | FREE for spectators

Barks + Brews Dog-Friendly Patio Party 2019

What: The pup-friendly patio party is hosted by Talk Shop at Red Truck Brewery. The first 100 people who show up will receive a free beer on Red Truck. This event will also feature a pet portrait photographer, activities for our four-legged friends, drinks, and music. While dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash during the patio party.

When: July 27, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Red Truck Beer Company – 295 E 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free

March on Pride 2019: Remembering Stonewall

What: Hosted by Black Lives Matter Vancouver, this is the third annual March on Pride, to celebrate the radical and revolutionary origins of Pride, 50 years after Stonewall.

When: July 27, 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Where: Meet at Emery Barnes Park, march down Davie Street
Tickets: Free, donations, volunteers, and sharing of songs/chants encouraged

Vancouver Vegan Festival 2019

What: An all-ages celebration of vegan food and culture located at Creekside Park. There will be over 70 vendors at this festival along with live music, free yoga, and inspiring speakers too.

When: July 27, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Creekside Park – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Fetish Weekend 2019

What: Vancouver Fetish Weekend is an annual festival that happens to be the biggest kink party on the West Coast. Vancouver Fetish Weekend gives attendees the chance to explore a hidden, hedonistic side of life by meeting, partying, flirting (and maybe more), with hundreds of local and international fetish enthusiasts. Events includes a daytime get together, a VIP fetish cruise, bondage ball, and even some decompression time with your new fetish friends on Wreck Beach on July 29.

When: Now until July 29, 2019
What: Various times
Where: Select venues throughout Vancouver
Price: Ticket prices vary — Available via Vancouver Fetish Weekend

PUNCHBOWL 2019

What: The inaugural PUNCHBOWL event will be going down on July 27 at the PNE Fairgrounds. Attendees will enjoy over 50 vendors sampling their awesome summer spirits, and all outdoors under the dreamy Vancouver summer skies while The Big Easy Funk Ensemble play the day away.

When: July 27, 2019
Time: Daytime tasting from noon to 3:30 pm, evening tasting from 5 to 8:30 pm
Where: PNE Fairgrounds – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Price: Starting from $26; buy online

Backstreet Boys – DNA World Tour

What: The DNA world tour, BSB’s largest in 18 years, will feature a live band as opposed to dancers and will run for two hours. You’ll get to hear all the classic hits from the band, who formed in 1993, songs from the new record and surely some surprises as well.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster

World Naked Bike Ride Vancouver 2019

What: Each year, the ‘positive’ protest rolls through downtown streets to make a statement against car culture, oil spills, and pipelines. Participants can ride as free or as covered as they please. As far as a method of transportation, anything goes, from bikes to skateboards, to rollerblades. Participants are encouraged to gather at Sunset Beach at 12 pm for socializing, body painting, and bike decorating. The event will begin at 2 pm, following an eight to 10 km route along several major streets in the downtown core.

Event organizers wish to remind participants that helmets are heavily recommended. The World Naked Bike Ride is a body positive event and a “Leave No Trace” event. All activities are rain or shine.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: Sunset Beach Park (near the corner of Beach Avenue and Bute Street)
Cost: Free

Sunday, July 28

Brewery & The Beast Vancouver 2019

What: This one of a kind, ultra-meaty outdoor culinary experience features chefs cooking up locally-sourced products and ingredients, and aims to educate guests about becoming a conscientious consumer and buying local – all while filling their stomachs with a ton of high-quality grub. Local and regional farms provide the highest quality meats which are made into pig roasts, sausages, smoked meats, classic BBQ, and more.

Attendees get a personal wooden board complete with a cup holder for their beer along with a hand/face cloth to use in between chowing down on dozens of local purveyors, restaurants, and cafe’s creations. With events in Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary, Brewery & The Beast provides funding to a variety of different community organizations like SAIT, the Island Chefs Collaborative, and the Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship Program.

When: July 28, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Concord Pacific Lot – 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Price: $110; buy online

SOULCycle Charity Pride Ride

What: SOULCycle is already known for taking indoor cycling to the next level with their high energy, party-like atmosphere. When you add a real DJ into the mix, you’d be mistaking the studio for a nightclub. Check out the SOULCycle Charity Pride Ride on July 28th, hosted by the fabulous Venus at their Yaletown studio. Instructor Fraser Barke’s 45-minute workout will light a fire in your legs as you cycle to beats dropped by DJ Carolina Campos. They are also raising money and awareness for Positive Living BC, a non-profit that supports people living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition, SOULCycle Yaletown has 4 Pride themed rides during Pride week. Check the schedule here for more information.

When: July 28, 2019
Time: 2:30 PM
Where: SOULCycle Yaletown, 1128 Mainland St, Vancouver
Admission: $45 + fees

Norah Jones

What: Nine-time Grammy winner Norah Jones performs live at the Orpheum with special guests.

When: July 28, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Windsinger

What: Head to Town Centre Park for a whimsical outdoor performance of The Windsinger, a family-friendly adaptation of Shakespeare’s adventurous play, The Tempest.

When: Now to July 28, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Snack ‘N Snap 2019 at Metropolis at Metrotown

What: Snack ‘N Snap is an exhibit featuring tons of food and huge displays of sweets and snacks at Metropolis at Metrotown Grand Court from July 11 to 28 this summer. Take a break from shopping to admire, Snapchat, Instagram, and drool over the ginormous food displays that will be there like a giant pink donut, ten-foot lollipop tree, cupcake house, eight-foot pretzel, and huge melting popsicles.

There will be free samples from sweet and savoury food retailers, pop-up treat carts, and ‘Workshop Wednesdays’ to make DIY your own treats. Then try your hand at the Guess The Jellybeans contest. Put in your estimate of how many jellybeans are in their display case and you could win a $1,000 shopping spree.

When: Now until July 28, 2019
Time: Mall Hours
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown Grand Court – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Admission: Free

#PourandPose presented by Chelsea Keenan Yoga + The Settlement Building

What: Pour and Pose is a fun session of yoga and craft beer and BC VQA wine to raise funds for WISH, a community organization whose mission is to improve the health, safety and well-being of women who are involved in Vancouver’s street-based sex trade. The one hour yoga class is led by Chelsea Keenan, and includes choice of Postmark beer or BC VQA wine.

When: July 28, 2019
Time: 11 am, 1 pm
Where: Settlement Building – 397 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $22

Robson Square Salsa 2019

What: Whether you’re a beginner or Salsa pro, these afternoons will definitely spice up your summer. Enjoy a free dance lesson taught by some of Vancouver’s best salsa instructors. Following the lessons, there is a dance show that features some of Vancouver’s most talented dancers. Plus there is social dancing throughout the afternoon.

When: Every Sunday from July 7 to August 25, 2019
Time: Lesson starts at 3 pm. Dance show starts at 5 pm
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free, donations accepted

Celebrities Pride Summer of Love

What: Celebrities is hosting a variety of events throughout Pride season, including a Drag Carnival starring Amanda Lepore, a late night party featuring Naomi Smalls, Rocky Horror, Grease, and a Motown party, just to name a few.

When: July 28 to August 4, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Celebrities Nightclub
Tickets: Online

Caribbean Days

What: During the last weekend of July each year, the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents the Caribbean Days Festival. The north side of Waterfront Park has a food concession area and a large beverage garden. Enjoy spicy Caribbean food as well as other international fare, then relax with an ice-cold drink in the hot sun. On the south side, there is an outdoor music festival. Dancers and other performers entertain while bands play Reggae, Calypso, Latin and other international sounds to a large crowd. There is a Family Zone with face painting, a children’s playground and other activities.

When: July 27 and 28, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm. Parade in the Park on Saturday starts at 10:30 am
Where: Waterfront Park, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Richmond Maritime Festival

What: Celebrate all things waterfront at this popular two-day event at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. From wooden boats to model boats, water safety to sea creatures, local lore to fishing history, the festival invites visitors to explore a spectacular heritage site and enjoy music, games, interactive exhibits, roving performers, food, and much more.

When: July 27 and 28, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Britannia Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Dr, Richmond
Admission: Free