15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: June 12 to 14

The last weekend of spring is upon us. Make the most of it by checking out some fun things to do in Vancouver.

Plan your days with our rundown of 15 great events around the city from June 12 to 14. We’ve got Italian Day, FIFA World Cup watch parties, and more.

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

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Italian Day

What: Let your taste buds start tingling! Vancouver’s annual celebration of Italian culture, heritage, and community returns this month.

Thousands of Vancouverites will take over Commercial Drive as it transforms into a huge car-free party. There will be plenty of merchants, food vendors, and entertainment to discover throughout the day-long event.

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free

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Bard on the Beach

What: Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Presented in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, the festival offers Shakespeare’s plays, related dramas, and several special events from June through September each year.

When: June 9 to Sept. 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

Game Days at South Flats

What: Game Days turns 1155 East 6th Avenue into Vancouver’s free, open-air home for the international soccer tournament. Catch matches on a big outdoor screen alongside live entertainment between games, food trucks, a beer garden, covered first-come, first-served seating, and a kids’ zone.

Running June 11 to 13 and 18 to 21, with hours based on the match schedule. Reserve free tickets in advance.

When: June 11 to 13 and 18 to 21, 2026
Time: Various times. Hours based on the match schedule (found on the website).
Where: 1155 East 6th Ave., Vancouver
Tickets: Free, reserve entry tickets online

Brentwood Farmers Market

What: Head to The Amazing Brentwood every Sunday to shop for farm-fresh produce, artisan crafts, baked goods and more. The event happens right on Brentwood Boulevard and also features live music to enjoy while you explore the vendors.

When: Every Sunday until Aug. 30, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Brentwood Boulevard off Halifax Way at The Amazing Brentwood

Granville Island (football) Watch Party

What: Soccer fans in Vancouver will have another place to gather for the FIFA World Cup this summer, with Granville Island hosting a large outdoor viewing zone during the tournament.

The major destination will host a free, family-friendly football viewing zone on match days, happening June 11 to July 19, screening 92 of the 104 matches over the five-week tournament as part of celebrations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver.

The viewing zone will be set against the distinctive structural lines of the Granville Street Bridge and will accommodate up to 1,000 seated spectators watching matches on a giant screen.

When: Select dates from June 11 to July 19, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Granville Island
Cost: Free, more info online

Grouse Gravity Coaster

What: North Vancouver’s newest attraction for adventure seekers is open at Grouse Mountain, and the Gravity Coaster is ready to serve up fresh air thrills.

Grouse Mountain’s permanent coaster spans a track length of 1,434 metres (4,700 ft.) on a downhill descent of 919 metres (3,015 ft.) and a vertical drop of 91 metres (298.5 ft.).

The Grouse Gravity Coaster is located to the skiers’ left of The Cut, weaving through a series of trees and twists before enjoying a view of the city below. Riders will be able to reach speeds up to 45 km/hr (28 m/hr).

When: Operating daily
Time: Various time slots
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me, But Banjos Saved My Life

What: Veteran performer and former CEO Keith Alessi shares his true story of leaving the corporate world behind to follow his dreams of playing the banjo! When faced with a battle with cancer, the certified public accountant discovers the key to saving his life may be his music.

The performances are a fundraiser for the Western Gold Theatre’s Creative Accessibility Program and the West End Seniors Network’s delivery of essential services.

When: June 11 to 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday
Where: PAL Studio Theatre – 8th Floor, 581 Cardero St., Vancouver
Tickets: $40, purchase online

Parallel 49 Viewing Party

What: Parallel 49 is transforming its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this June and July. Invite your friends to join you in checking out the giant 14-foot high-def TV during the no-cover-charge event, complete with access to the full beer list, 40 taps, delicious food, and cocktail menu.

There will be a live DJ on all Fridays and Saturdays from when the last game ends until late to keep the good times and the party going. Get there early to get your spot at a table or on the bleachers.

When: June 11 to July 19, 2026
Time: Open daily from 11 a.m. until late. Also open early for all of the 9 a.m. games.
Where: Parallel 49 Brewing Company – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Guided Nature Walks with Surrey Nature Centre

What: ​Celebrate spring with the Surrey Nature Centre on their guided nature walks in Green Timbers Park. Led by an experienced guide, the event is a perfect way to discover the park, with themes changing regularly.

When: June 13 and June 24, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Nature Centre – 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey
Admission: Free

Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings

What: A candlelight Bridgerton concert is coming to Vancouver in June.

The highly anticipated show will be put on by Fever, with the live, multi-sensory musical experience taking place on Friday, June 12. A string quartet will perform songs from the hit Netflix series at Christ Church Cathedral.

When: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 9 p.m.
Where: Christ Church Cathedral – 690 Burrard St., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Burnaby Central Railway

What: Burnaby Central Railway is welcoming passengers to climb aboard its 3-km track near Confederation Park every weekend until this fall. Your ride will take you across tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. And while you’re there, stop by the ever-growing Garden Railway.

British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) built and operates the mini railway, with three different types of locomotives pulling the rideable trains.

When: Weekends and stat holidays through Thanksgiving weekend
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 120 N Willingdon Ave., Burnaby
Cost: $4.50 for a single ride for all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass

Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival

What: The Brewhalla Beer and Music Festival series returns to Fort Langley Park on Saturday, June 13

There will be plenty of makers to discover, including local favourites like Strathcona Beer Company, Fraser Valley Cider Co., and R&B Brewing Co. The events will also bring food trucks and other refreshments.

Festival-goers can also expect some fun activities and live entertainment by artists like Coco Project and DJ Flipout

When: June 13, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Fort Langley Park — 9089 Nash St., Fort Langley

South Granville Summer – Silent Book Club

What: Settle in for a dedicated hour of silent reading with optional socializing afterward. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the event wraps up at 4:30 p.m.

Admission is completely free, and no advanced ticketing or website links are required to attend this community gathering.

When: June 13 and Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: South Granville Plaza West – Granville Street and West 13th Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free  

Dancing on the Edge Festival

What: The 37th annual Dancing on the Edge Festival features over 30 live stage performances by top artists. This year’s festival features stunning world premieres, artist talks, works-in-progress, and more from dance companies across Canada and throughout B.C.

When: Now until June 13, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Free and ticketed events, purchase online

GRETA YVR World Cup Parties

What: GRETA Vancouver invites you to join in the action with World Cup match-day viewing, pre-game celebrations, and post-game after parties. From June 11 to July 19, GRETA YVR will stream the majority of matches with sound on, opening its doors 30 minutes before kickoff so fans can settle in before the action begins.

With multiple big screens, private and semi-private viewing areas, over 50 arcade games, and a match day-inspired food and drink menu, GRETA is the ultimate fan headquarters during the tournament.

Getting to and from the action is easy with Last Stop GRETA, a complimentary round-trip shuttle service between BC Place and GRETA aboard a HeyYa golf cart. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, fans can look for Last Stop Greta before and after matches to catch a free ride.

GRETA has also partnered with Red Bull Gaming Ground to bring even more competition to match days with a multi-week EA FC 25 tournament series with $500 on the line for the last player standing. Free to enter, PS5 only, and open to anyone 19+.

When: June 11 to July 19, 2026
Time: 30 mins before kickoff on select match days.
Where: 50 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C8
Tickets/Admissions: Free to enter.

Plus, here’s an event happening next week that you need to get on your radar!

Bubble Fest at Capilano Mall

What: Get ready to POP into summer at Capilano Mall’s Bubble Fest on Saturday, June 20 from noon to 4 p.m.

Enjoy a full day of bubbly fun featuring four live bubble science shows by Science World, interactive bubble performers, face painting, balloon twisting, and more.

This free, family-friendly event will take place in the Grand Court and throughout the mall. Don’t forget to pick up a complimentary mini cotton candy while supplies last.

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Capilano Mall Grand Court — 935 Marine Dr., North Vancouver
Admission: Free