27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: July 5 to 7

Fill the first weekend of July with our picks of 27 events happening in Vancouver on Friday, July 5, Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7. Fridays on Front, Car Free Day, and more!

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

See also

• Squamish Constellation Festival is BC’s first zero-waste music festival
• Here are all the FREE movies you can watch at Vancouver Civic Theatre's Sunset Cinema
• Check out what's new at the Khatsahlano Street Party 2019

Friday, July 5

BC Superweek 2019 – Tour de Delta

What: The Tour de Delta consists of three days of racing, including the North Delta Criterium in the Social Heart of North Delta, the Ladner Criterium in the historic Ladner Village, and the White Spot | Delta UCI 1.2 Men’s & Women’s Road Race in Tsawwassen.

When: July 5 to 7, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: North Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen
Admission: Free

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

FVDED in the Park 2019

What: FVDED in the Park is returning to Holland Park this summer for the festival’s fifth straight year. More than 40,000 festival-goers attended last year’s event. Headliners include Zedd, Khalid, Tory Lanez, and more.

When: Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Kanan Gill

What: Kanan Gill is coming to Canada for the very first time with his solo show, Teetar. Kanan juggles thoughts and ideas about everything from Julius Caesar’s death, bands, and building societies. Kanan has over 660,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel with more than 65 million views.

When: July 5, 2019
Time: 5 and 7 pm
Where: BMO Theatre Centre – 162 West 1st Avenue Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Cinema Under the Stars – Mary Poppins Returns

What: Enjoy Mary Poppins Returns on a 26-foot-tall enormous silver screen at Sun Valley and Gates Parks. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and round up some friends. In the event of rain, the movie will be moved to the next available Friday.

When: July 5, 2019
Time: 9 pm
Where: Gates Parks, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

2019 Canada Cup International Softball Championship

What: The premier women’s softball event of the season, the 2019 Canada Cup International Softball Championship, will showcase some of the best female athletes. The tournament will host national and elite club teams from across Canada and the world.

When: July 5 to 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Softball City – 2201 148 St, Surrey
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 from July 5 to 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

Saturday, July 6

Khatsahlano Street Party 2019

What: The free annual festival will take over 10 blocks along Kitsilano’s 4th Avenue between Burrard Street and Macdonald Street. This year features headliners Hey Ocean!, The Boom Booms, Harlequin Gold, and many more performers. 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.

When: Saturday, July 6, 2019
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Along 4th Avenue between Burrard Street and MacDonald Street
Admission: Free

Ethiopian Summer Festival

What: Celebrate Ethiopian culture and heritage at the 10th Anniversary of the Ethiopian Summer Festival. Explore the cultural artifacts exhibition, enjoy live entertainment and soccer tournaments, eat Ethiopian cuisine, and more.

When: July 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Swangard Stadium – 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Geektopia

What: Whether it’s anime, fantasy, horror, superhero, or science fiction, fans are invited to celebrate their passions at Geektopia. Attendees can look forward to seminars, celebrities, panels, and open gaming events backed up with plenty of prizes. A cosplay competition, complete with two cash prizes, will also be held over the course of the weekend. Organizers have also partnered up with the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, in an effort to stand up against bullying and cyberbullying. Proceeds from each ticket sold will go towards the society.

When: Saturday, July 6, 2019
Time: 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Harbour Convention Centre – 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Available via Eventbrite starting at $35

Paul McCartney

What: The man, the myth, the legend — Sir Paul McCartney is coming to Vancouver this July for what will be the only Canadian stop on his 2019 Freshen Up tour. The former Beatle and all-around rockstar is still known to put on one of the best live performances in the world, even at the age of 76.

When: Saturday, July 6, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Summer Arts Festival

What: Burnaby Art Council and Opus Arts Supplies presents the Summer Arts Festival at Deer Lake Gallery. Enjoy a Friday Night Market with live entertainment and a beer garden. Then on Saturday enjoy a painting competition, inspiration station and face painting, Coast Salish welcome and intro, and more.

When: July 5 and July 6, 2019
Time: 6 to 9:30 pm (Friday), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday)
Where: Deer Lake Gallery – 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

A Nude Hope: A Sci-Fi Burlesque Adventure Farewell Run

What: A Star Wars burlesque parody by the Geekenders. Explore a galaxy far, far away at a Vegas-style spectacular that combines striptease, comedy, dance, showgirls, vaudeville, nostalgia, glitter, droids, body positivity, and more.

When: Every Friday and Saturday from July 5 to August 31, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Red Gate Revue Stage – 1601 Johnston St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Carnaval del Sol 2019

What: Vancouver’s biggest two-day Latin American festival Carnaval del Sol is returning this summer. The event features live music, art, dance, sports, poetry, and food. Over 450 artists from different Latin American countries will attend the festival as well this year. There are six stages to see performances, and tons of exciting things coming up for the 11th year of this celebration, but you’re definitely going to want to come hungry.

When: July 6 and 7, 2019
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: Concord Pacific –88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Price: $2; buy online or pay at the entrance

Public Disco Laneway Series 2019

What: Vancouver’s Public Disco pop-up events will make its return this summer, transforming outdoor spaces into daytime dance parties. The 2019 Laneway Series is an all-ages summer concert series in partnership with Creative BC, Downtown Vancouver, FACTOR, and Granville Island Brewing. The Disco will be most similar to past events held by the group, showcasing feel-good music from up-and-coming artists and curated dance performances. The Laneway Cabaret will feature live music acts ranging from folk to hip hop, with DJs throughout the day.

When: July 6, August 10, August 31, and September 29, 2019
Time: Hours vary based on the date
Where: Alley Oop (July 6 and August 31), Mt. Pleasant (August 10), and the Flats (September 29)
Admission: Free

Well Travelled Walking Tour: Gastown by Herschel Supply Company

What: In partnership with the Vancouver Tour Guys, Herschel Supply is hosting a free walking tour made for explorers, design-lovers, visitors and locals alike. Head to Herschel Supply Gastown store every Saturday at 2 pm this summer to discover the art, architecture and stories that define the historic Gastown neighbourhood.

When: Every Saturday to September 7, 2019
Time: 2 pm
Where: Herschel Supply Gastown – 347 Water St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

Theatre Under the Stars: Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Newsies

What: Audiences will be transported to the warmth of a Greek island and witness a fight for what’s right this summer, when Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Newsies this summer season at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. Enjoy a carefree evening of theatre surrounded by the scenic beauty of Stanley Park as young talent from across the Lower Mainland share the stage with some of Vancouver’s finest professional theatre artists. 

When: July 5 to August 17, 2019 (performances alternate evenings)
Time: Various times
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
Tickets: At Theatre Under the Stars

Sunday, July 7

Car-Free Day: Commercial Drive

What: Vancouver’s ever-popular Car Free Day is returning for another summer in several of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods. Enjoy community booths, food trucks, live entertainment and more. As per usual, attendance is free and visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or transit to get to the festivities.

When: Sunday, July 7, 2019
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Commercial Drive between Grandview and Venables (Commercial Drive)
Admission: Free

Silk Road Festival

What: The two-day outdoor multicultural festival features cultures and exchanges between East and West on the world’s famed historic trade routes through arts, food, travel, and technology.

When: July 6 and 7, 2019
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza Šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk – 850 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre Open Houses: Daytime Celestial Observing

What: ​Check out displays and presentations while touring indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including the Bell-Irving Hatchery, ‘Roof to Creek’ stormwater management system and wetlands. Then examine outer space during the day using solar telescopes. Presented with Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. All ages.

When: July 7, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park – Meet at 11450 256th St, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free

Tanabata & Flea Market

What: The annual Tanabata Matsuri is the Japanese Star Festival that takes place at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre. Stop by and write a wish on a tanzaku. There will be Japanese movies, a Japanese Book Sale, festival food, and also fun-filled kids activities.

When: July 6 and 7, 2019
Time: 12 to 6 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Summer Sundays: Russell Marsland, Lovestruck and The Legendary R&B All-Stars

What: Enjoy free concerts every Sunday at Rocky Point Park. Performers on July 7 includes Russell Marsland, Lovestruck, and The Legendary R&B All-Stars.

When: July 7, 2019
Time: 2 pm and 4:30 pm
Where: Rocky Point Park – 2800 block Murray Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free, donations accepted

2019 Greek Summerfest on Boundary

What: Come enjoy authentic Greek food and live a day the Greek way. Experience local music and dance groups on the outdoor stage while eating your favourite Greek dishes.

When: Now until July 14, 2019
Time: Open at 12 pm (Thursday to Sunday), open at 4 pm (Monday to Wednesday)
Where: 4541 Boundary Road, Vancouver
Admission: Free

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

Vancouver Canadians vs Everett Aquasox

What: Vancouver Canadians take on the Everett Aquasox at Nat Bailey Stadium.

When: July 7 to 9, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Really Gay History Tour

What: Venture into Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ history this Pride season on the Really Gay History Tour from Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours. You’ll visit the sites of bookstore bombings, police raids, Imperial Court coronations, the “Kiss-Ins” of Granville Street, and the gayest beer parlour in town.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 2 pm
Where: Starts outside of Vancouver City Centre Skytrain Station, finishes in the Davie Street Village.
Tickets: Online

Symphony at Sunset 2019

What: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Park Board are hosting the second annual Symphony at Sunset on Sunday, July 7, 2019. Conducted by VSO Music Director Otto Tausk, Symphony at Sunset includes something for everyone, from classical favourites to film score hits like West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet.

There will be food trucks on site for the event, and the public is encouraged to bring a picnic, a blanket and to make an evening of it at Sunset Beach Park. More than 14,000 people are estimated to attend the outdoor festivities. Concertgoers are also asked to bring low chairs so as not to obstruct the view of other audience members.

When: Sunday, July 7, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Sunset Beach Park, Vancouver
Admission: Free