16 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this weekend: June 16 to 18

Jun 15 2023, 2:00 pm

The last weekend of spring is upon us. Don’t let it go to waste!

Plan your days with our rundown of 16 great events happening in Metro Vancouver from June 16 to 18. Father’s Day, Beer by the Pier, and more.

And for more fun things happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

BC Lions: LL Cool J concert and Backyard Parties

bc place bc lions

BC Lions

What: BC Lions kick off the new CFL season at BC Place this weekend against the Edmonton Elks with a special pre-game concert by two-time Grammy winner and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame LL Cool J.

In addition to LL Cool J, the Lions will have musical performances outside the stadium on both June 16 and June 17. The “two-day extravaganza” includes a BC Lions Backyard Party performance by Famous Players Band on Friday starting at 6 pm at Terry Fox Plaza. The Trews will perform on Saturday on Robson Street during the BC Lions Backyard Party starting at 11 am. Expect both drink specials and family activities during the free outdoor celebrations.

When: June 16 and 17, 2023
Time: Friday: BC Lions Backyard Party presented by PlayNow Sports begins at 4 pm; Saturday: Backyard Party begins at 11 am. LL Cool J concert at 3 pm, kickoff at 4 pm
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Cost: Various, purchase online

South Asian Family Festival 2023

What: The inaugural South Asian Family Festival (SAF Festival) is happening at the PNE Fairgrounds with live entertainment, exciting rides, and more.

The festival will include a marketplace with vendors from both Canada and India, a fashion show featuring top Indian and Bollywood designers, a car and truck show and shine, plus many other features and attractions.

When: June 18, 2023
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online

Foodstock: A GVFB Fundraiser

What: Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s Foodstock 2023 is taking place at Swangard Stadium with Juno Award-winning headliners Said The Whale as well as Fake Shark, Generous Thieves, Savannah Read, and Dani Camacho.

The 19+ fundraiser will be serving refreshing beverages from a variety of local faves, including Luppolo Brewing Company, Dageraad Brewing, and Pacific Breeze Winery. Food trucks on-site to sate your appetite include mouth-watering Mexican dishes by Ay! Mamacita, sizzling eats by Burgerholic and Mr. Tube Steak, and cool treats by Crema Ice Cream.

When: June 18, 2023
Time: Noon to 5 pm
Where: Swangard Stadium – 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
Tickets: $30 plus fees, purchase online

5X Festival Blockparty

5X Festival

@5xfest/Instagram

What: Canada’s largest South Asian youth event is kicking off this year’s festivities with a massive outdoor celebration in June. And due to popular demand, it will be free to all attendees.

5X Festival Blockparty, taking place at Surrey Civic Plaza on June 11, features a concert lineup of some of Metro Vancouver’s finest music talents. The all-ages, outdoor event will also include art installations, a vendor village, and mouthwatering food and drinks.

When: June 17, 2023
Time: 2 pm start
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free, RSVP online

The Monster

What: The world’s largest inflatable obstacle course called “The Monster” is coming to Abbotsford. Tackle 42 thrilling obstacles including an 18-metre Mega Slide, a Tunnel of Love and The Bouncy Cage of Doom. After you complete the obstacle course, you can enjoy street food, refreshing drinks or craft beers on the site. 

When: June 15 to 18, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Tradex 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
Cost: $26.64 to $36.89, purchase online

Vancouver Canadians

What: Baseball is Back #AtTheNat! 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.

The Vancouver Canadians are taking on the Hillsboro Hops until June 18, with themed games this week including PlayNow Throwback Thursday with Scratch and Wins for the first 1,000 fans aged 19+, Fortis BC ‘Nooner at the Nat Friday, Challenger Baseball Night with Toyota Pacific Dealers Superstar Series – Ricky Romero, and A&W Family Fun Sunday with a Father’s Day Hat Giveaway for the first 500 dads.

When: Now until June 18, 2023
Time: Thursday: Gates open at 6 pm, first pitch at 7:05 pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Gates open at noon, first pitch at 1:05 pm
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Start at $20 and can be purchased online here, over the phone at 604-872-5232, or in person at the Nat Bailey Box Office

Beer by the Pier 2023

Beer by the Pier

Beer by the Pier (Family Services of the North Shore/Submitted)

What: The annual Beer by the Pier presented by Darwin Properties Ltd. features over a dozen breweries and distilleries. The event is an important fundraiser for Family Services of the North Shore (FSNS) and will treat guests to tasty bites, a silent auction, and live entertainment.

When: June 17, 2023
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: The Pipe Shop – 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Tickets: Purchase online

BattleZone Vancouver Competition: 10-year Anniversary

What: The 10th anniversary of the BattleZone Vancouver Competition on June 17 is presented by Heavy Hittaz Crew and is described as the “ultimate clash [of] local dance professionals.” Over 100 competitors will face off in youth and adult categories, and the event will also feature performances from seven dance groups.

Attendees of the evening portion of Battlezone starting at 6 pm will see the winners and runner-ups of both categories competing for the chance to be crowned the final winner in the remarkable dance showdown.

When: June 17, 2023
Time: 6 pm
Where: Playland — 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: $26 for the Fun Pass (Battlezone and limited rides included), $38 for the Thrill Pass (Battlezone and all rides included). Purchase online

Dirty Laundry

What: The Cultch and Zee Zee Theatre present Dirty Laundry by Australia’s Briefs Factory International. Get ready for a thrilling cabaret of acrobatics, dance, and more led by Fez Faanana, aka Shivanana. Dirty Laundry will also showcase a line-up of classic Briefs performers as well as new acts too.

When: Now until June 25, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre — 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: $20 to $79, purchase online

Family Fishing Day at Lafarge Lake

What: Lafarge Lake hosts a Family Fishing Day during BC’s free fishing weekend. Experts will be available to teach participants new techniques for catching rainbow trout, plus there will be fly tying lessons, casting lessons, and a salmon raffle.

No license is needed during Family Fishing Day, and prizes will be given out at the end of the event.

When: June 18, 2023
Time: Noon to 5 pm
Where: Lafarge Lake – Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Cost: Free

HMCS Yellowknife free tours

navy ship tours

HMCS Yellowknife/canada.ca

What: Anchors away! You’ll want to set sail after visiting this massive ship that’s docking in North Vancouver for the weekend.

HMCS Yellowknife, a Kingston-class coastal defence vessel in the Royal Canadian Navy, will be berthed at Burrard Dry Dock in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18. And best of all, you can tour it for free.

When: June 17 and 18, 2023
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Burrard Dry Dock Pier – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Cost: FREE

Cypress Mountain Eagle Coaster

What: Cypress Mountain’s massive Eagle Coaster is opening for its 2023 season on Friday, June 16, and it’s the perfect activity for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Riders can expect speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph) on the gravity-fed coaster. The low-to-the-ground design offers stunning views of the riders’ surroundings and a hand break so that they can control their own speed.

When: Opens June 16, 2023
Time: Various time slots
Where: Cypress Mountain – 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: Various ticket prices with some restrictions, purchase online

Studio Brewing’s Second Annual Daisy Days

What: Studio Brewing invites guests to its annual Daisy Days event, featuring dozens of vendors, new beers, food trucks, live music, and giveaways. Daisy Street, right beside the Burnaby brewery, will be blocked off to host dozens of local vendors so you can shop, sip and dine in a fun and safe environment.

When: June 16 to 18, 2023
Time: Noon to 11 pm (Brewery hours), 2 to 7 pm (market hours)
Where: Studio Brewing — 5792 Beresford Street, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Red Truck Beer Company’s Truck Stop Concert Series

Magic!

Magic!/Facebook

What: The brewery will be celebrating its seventh year of the concert series with a diverse lineup of local and international performers.

Toronto reggae fusion stars Magic! headline the first show on Saturday, June 17. The two-time Juno Award winners topped the charts with their worldwide hit “Rude,” and have performed at the Latin Grammy Awards and the American Music Awards. Also on the bill are The Boom Booms, Bridal Party, Blonde Diamond, and Cawama.

When: June 17, 2023
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Red Truck Beer Company — 295 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting from $60 plus fees, purchase online

Classica Auto Italiana – Vancouver Auto Show

What: Calling all car buffs! Il Centro’s Classica Auto Italiana is a stunning display of classic Italian automobiles and motorcycles. There will also be food and drinks for sale during the auto show, but make sure to not spill anything.

When: June 18, 2023
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Italian Cultural Centre – 3075 Slocan Street Vancouver
Cost: Free, register online

Great Grandview Garage Sale 2023

What: The seventh annual Great Grandview Garage Sale is happening rain or shine on Saturday, June 17 throughout Grandview-Woodland in East Vancouver.

From records to retro furniture, books to housewares, and toys for the little ones, there’s something for everyone at this massive Vancouver garage sale. Make sure you bring cash and bags to hold everything you find.

When: June 17, 2023
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Grandview Woodland, from Broadway to the Burrard Inlet and Clark Drive to Nanaimo. See the map online (to be updated closer to the event)

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