15 fun things to do in Vancouver this long weekend: July 31 to Aug. 3

The B.C. Day long weekend is upon us, and there are so many things to see and do in Vancouver.

Make the most of your time with our roundup of 15 great events happening around the city from July 31 to Aug. 3: Pride Parade, fireworks over English Bay, and more.

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

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Summer Lights in English Bay

What: The City of Vancouver is hosting a free, one-night fireworks show at the usual location of English Bay on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the start of the B.C. Day long weekend.

The Vancouver fireworks will have the usual runtime of 25 minutes and begin at the traditional start time of precisely 10 p.m., launched from a barge positioned in the middle of English Bay.

There will also be a live music lineup on the English Bay Bathhouse rooftop. DJ Remsta will start the evening at 6:30 p.m. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the rooftop stage will feature performances by Carlotta Gurl, Eva Lasting, and Celestial Seasonings.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 6 to 10 p.m. – Fireworks start time to be announced
Where: English Bay, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Harmony Arts Festival

What: West Vancouver’s annual Harmony Arts Festival runs from July 31 to Aug. 9 with an array of cultural events and food programming.

With dozens of live music performances, art markets and demonstrations, food events and more, this summery event is one you won’t want to miss.

When: July 31 to Aug. 9, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations in West Vancouver
Cost: Various, including free concerts and programming. Learn more online

BBQ for a Cause: Marine Way Market Partners with Save-On-Foods and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank to Support Local Families

What: BBQ for a Cause is a fun-filled community fundraiser supporting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Enjoy a delicious burger, chips, and pop while making a meaningful impact, with 100% of proceeds helping local families facing food insecurity.

Guests can also sample products from Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Old Dutch, and other Save-On-Foods partners, plus take part in family-friendly activities and learn more about the Food Bank’s work and FoodMesh’s zero-waste program.

Donations to support the cause can also be made online through the event fundraising link.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Marine Way Market – 7501 Market Crossing, Burnaby outside Save on Foods
Cost: $10 for a burger, chips and pop. All proceeds supporting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

Le Picnic by Veuve Clicquot in the JW Garden

What: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver invites guests and locals alike to enjoy a one-of-a-kind rooftop experience this summer: Le Picnic by Veuve Clicquot in the JW Garden.

The champagne Maison’s only Le Picnic pop-up in North America, the hotel’s 17th-floor Aqua Lounge has transformed into a garden-inspired oasis, featuring live music and sweeping views of Vancouver’s iconic skyline.

Sip on perfectly chilled Veuve Clicquot or champagne-infused cocktails, alongside a curated menu of elegant picnic-inspired fare crafted by the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver culinary team.

When: Now until Aug. 31, 2026
Time: 12 to 8 p.m. daily, with live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver – 39 Smithe St., Vancouver
Admission: Open to hotel guests and members of the public; reservations required for non-hotel guests. More info online.

4FTERWERK Pride Kickoff

What: The fourth annual 4FTERWERK is being celebrated on the Friday of Pride Weekend in Vancouver. Everyone is invited to join Vancouver Queer Irish at Parallel 49 for a night of drag, music, community, and fundraising in support of Qmunity and VQI.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Parallel 49 Brewing Company – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver
Cost: $21, purchase online

Cinema Sul Corso

What: Commercial Drive Business Society hosts Cinema Sul Corso every Sunday in August. Arrive early for free all-ages activities and a variety of food vendors starting at 5:30 p.m., with films beginning at dusk.

When: Every Sunday in August. Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Screenings begin at dusk
Where: Little Italy Kitchener Piazza next to LIVA Forno e Vino – 1399 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver Pride Parade

What: The largest Pride parade in Western Canada begins at Pacific Boulevard near BC Place, and will travel along Pacific until it ends at Howe Street.

The parade will start at 1 p.m. with over 100 vibrant parade entries, entertaining performers, community floats, and more.

Parade accessibility viewing zones are available for free, on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Roundhouse Community Centre. There will also be a “Pride Pitstop” at BC Place by donation from noon to 4 p.m.

Two other marches are happening in the city during the festival period, including the Trans March on Friday, July 31, and the Vancouver Dyke March on Saturday, Aug. 1.

When: Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026
Time: 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Along Pacific Boulevard and Pacific Street between BC Place Stadium and Howe Street
Admission: Free

Return-It to Win-It!

What: Recycling is an important part of Canada’s sustainable future — but B.C. recyclers now have even more reasons to keep returning their beverage containers, with the “Return-It to Win-It” contest.

Powered by Return-It — a federally incorporated, not-for-profit product stewardship organization — the program makes it easy and convenient for people to recycle their beverage containers.

In addition to their usual deposit refunds, participants now have the chance to earn redemption points that can be redeemed for limited-edition plush characters or sweepstakes tickets.

Each ticket gives recyclers a chance to win one of the $1,000 monthly cash draws or the $10,000 grand prize.

When: On now
More details: Online

Pride at the Pier

What: The popular annual event at The Shipyards in North Vancouver will see a family-friendly dance party break out at Shipbuilder’s Square. Groove along to local DJs, enjoy drag and live entertainment, and more.

When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Shipbuilder’s Square, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC

What: Vancouver Whitecaps FC are back in action at BC Place this weekend, and they’re expecting a massive turnout as they welcome a West Coast rival for a momentous game.

Whitecaps FC welcome Los Angeles FC on Saturday, Aug. 1 in a rematch of last year’s MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinal.

Saturday’s match is the team’s 13th annual Pride Match, presented by TELUS, and will also include the possible appearance of some World Cup stars.

When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2o26
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

White Rock Sea Festival & Semiahmoo Days

What: White Rock’s signature summer events are back for their 73rd year with a ton of free family-friendly fun down by the water.

The annual White Rock Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days are happening from July 31 to Aug. 2 at Memorial Park and Bayview Park.

Guests of the seaside shindigs will discover live concerts across multiple stages, interactive activities, fireworks, and more. And the fun kicks off on Friday with an outdoor movie.

When: July 31 to Aug. 2, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Memorial Park and Bayview Park, White Rock
Cost: Free

Aperol Spritz with Us

What: BCLIQUOR Park Royal invites you to taste the Aperol Spritz for yourself.

Learn all about the perfect serve and receive the iconic spritz glass with your purchase of Aperol to make at home.

When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Where: BCLIQUOR Park Royal — 785 Park Royal N., West Vancouver
Cost: Free

Powell Street Festival

What: The 50th annual Powell Street Festival is happening on Aug. 1 and 2 at Oppenheimer Park and the Paueru Gai (the Powell Street area and Vancouver’s historical Japanese neighbourhood).

There will be dozens of events and performances to check out at this year’s Japanese street festival, including live music, dance performances, film screenings and more.

Expect to find traditional Japanese food, festival food, comforting community cuisine, sweets, refreshing treats, and more during your visit. There will be plenty of food and craft vendors to discover this year as well.

When: Aug. 1 and 2, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oppenheimer Park and Paueru Gai (Powell Street area), Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vancouver Canadians vs. Spokane Indians

What: Baseball is back at Nat Bailey Stadium! Join the Vancouver Canadians all season long and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays. 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.

Cheer them on this week as they take on the Spokane Indians from now until Aug. 2.

When: Now until Aug. 2, 2026
Time: Various start times
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online at CanadiansBaseball.com

Broadway Across Canada – Clue!

What: The 27th anniversary season of Broadway Across Canada wraps up with murder and blackmail in Clue from July 28 to Aug. 2.

Witness the six mysterious guests at Boddy Manor come together for a whodunit musical that you won’t forget. Can you figure out who committed the crime in the production based on the 1985 cult-classic film and timeless board game?

When: July 28 to Aug. 2, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday), 2 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online