Over 20 FREE and cheap events to check out in Vancouver this summer
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Save your money this summer! Check out these 23 free and inexpensive things to do around Metro Vancouver this season.
Honda Celebration of Light, Symphony at Sunset, and more. What are you in the mood for?
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Events and activities in and around Metro Vancouver
Surrey Canada Day 2025
Surrey Canada Day
What: The City of Surrey’s annual Canada Day celebration will take place at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Cloverdale on Tuesday, July 1. The free, all-ages event features a huge concert lineup, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show.
The lineup of entertainment includes headliners The Reklaws, a Canadian sibling duo that has been nominated for eight Juno Awards, won nine CCMA Awards, four #1s at Canadian Radio, and boasts over 300 million Global Streams.
When: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre – 17728 64th Ave., Surrey
Admission: Free
Tour De Concord Vancouver – Free Family Bike Festival
What: Concord Pacific’s Free Family Bike Festival and Tour de Concord Cycling Race return on Sunday, July 13. The event will feature thrilling races, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and more.
Attendees of the expanded Free Family Bike Festival can check out bike vendors and displays, enjoy free popcorn for kids, visit the beer garden for adults, and bring their own ride in for complimentary bike safety checks and tune-ups.
The festival also features enhanced safety, live showcases by Zero Gravity Trials, a family kids zone, food trucks, live music and DJ, and over $10,000 in draw prizes.
When: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 9:55 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Concord Pacific Place (False Creek next to Science World) — 88 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Free; register online
Evo Summer Cinema Series at Stanley Park
What: Hundreds of people will gather in Stanley Park every Tuesday from July 8 to Aug. 26 for Canada’s largest outdoor movie series. You can watch a curated lineup of Hollywood hits and family favourites on the giant 40-foot inflatable movie screen.
Each evening will feature unique activities as well as giveaways from Evo Summer Cinema Series sponsors. There will also be food trucks, fresh popcorn, and surprise pop-ups for guests to enjoy on-site.
When: Every Tuesday from July 8 to Aug. 26, 2025
Time: Screenings begin a little after sunset
Where: Ceperley Meadows beside the Second Beach pool – 8501 Stanley Park Dr., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Boundary Bay Airshow
What: Boundary Bay Airshow, presented by the City of Delta and Alpha Aviation, will feature a variety of world-class aviation attractions, including aerobatic teams, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, and more.
Boundary Bay Airshow was first held over 15 years ago and regularly draws massive crowds of over 15,000 to the waterside airport.
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: Gates open at 11 a.m., Airshow starts at noon
Where: Boundary Bay Airport – 7800 Alpha Way, Delta
Admission: Free
Honda Celebration of Light fireworks 2025
Honda Celebration of Light
What: Look up to the sky over English Bay in Vancouver, and enjoy three different types of shows for each of the three nights of the 2025 Honda Celebration of Light.
This year’s all-Canadian lineup includes Yukon on Saturday, July 19, staged by Midnight Sun Fireworks; Quebec on Wednesday, July 23, staged by Royal Pyrotechnie, and Nova Scotia on Saturday, July 26, staged by Fireworks FX.
This year’s festival will include not only a nightly fireworks show and a supplemental nightly drone show, but also a pre-fireworks Snowbirds Air Show on July 19 and 23.
- Schedule and provinces:
- Saturday, July 19: Yukon – Team Midnight Sun
- With pre-fireworks Snowbirds Air Show and BC Honda Dealers Drone Show
- Wednesday, July 23: Quebec – Team Royal Pyrotechnie
- With pre-fireworks Snowbirds Air Show and BC Honda Dealers Drone Show
- Saturday, July 26: Nova Scotia – Team Fireworks FX
- With BC Honda Dealers Drone Show
- Saturday, July 19: Yukon – Team Midnight Sun
- Nightly schedule:
- CF Snowbirds Air Show: 6:30 p.m.
- BC Honda Dealers Drone Show: 10 p.m.
- Fireworks: 10:15 p.m., rain or shine. Music simulcasts can be heard on radio station CFMI Rock 101.
- Location: English Bay, Vancouver
Canada Day Streetfest on Central in Burnaby
What: Canada Day in Burnaby will be filled with fun events and activities to commemorate the occasion, including Edmonds Plaza and Park and Burnaby Village Museum throughout the day.
To cap off the festivities, there will also be fireworks in Central Park. StreetFest on Central will offer a family zone at Civic Square, all-ages activities along Central Boulevard, food vendors, a beer garden, and free live performances in Central Park.
When: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
Where: Civic Square, Central Boulevard and Central Park
Admission: Free
Khatsahlano Street Party 2025
What: One of the city’s largest free music and arts festivals, Khatsahlano will take place on Saturday, July 5, between Burrard Street and Macdonald Street.
There’s sure to be something for all musical tastes, with over 60 artists to discover throughout the #CampKhats themed summer party. You’ll want to check out the MacDonald Stage, presented by Daily Hive and Third.Space, which will showcase powerhouse performer Missy D, folk alt-rockers Shred Kelly, rising indie-pop group Cherry Pick, and more.
When: Saturday, July 5, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: West 4th Avenue from Burrard Street to MacDonald Street
Cost: Free
Symphony at Sunset 2025
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra/vancouversymphony.ca
What: Who doesn’t love a free summer concert? One of Vancouver’s most beloved summertime traditions, Symphony at Sunset, is back at Sunset Beach Park this July for its sixth year. The annual event brings together the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and hundreds of beach-goers for a magical evening of live orchestral music surrounded by stunning city and ocean views.
When: Saturday, July 5, 2025
Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1204 Beach Ave.
Cost: Free
Canada Together at Canada Place
What: The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Canada Together at Canada Place is a massive event happening at the outdoor spaces of the landmark and venue, Jack Poole Plaza, and surrounding city streets. As well as offering a huge lineup of activities and entertainment, the 39th annual event features a new Indigenous marketplace.
When: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Outdoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza, and surrounding city streets
Admission: Free
Deckchair Cinema at The Polygon Gallery
What: The Polygon Gallery has announced the return of Deckchair Cinema starting on Thursday, July 3, on Lower Lonsdale’s waterfront deck.
Hosted in partnership with presenting sponsor Rogers Communications, the open-air film series will feature music and entertainment, drinks from Strathcona Beer Company, and more.
When: Every Thursday from July 3 to Aug. 28, 2025
Time: Music and concession open at 7 p.m., screenings begin at sundown
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Crt., North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Car Free Days Vancouver
Translink/Website
What: Vancouver’s ever-popular Car Free Day is returning this summer for two epic celebrations across the city.
The massive street festivals are presented by Car Free Vancouver Society as well as Translink, local municipalities, and BIAs to promote the growth of car-free culture and spaces.
Each year, thousands of attendees enjoy entertainment, food vendors and artisan booths, kids’ activities, and more. Best of all, the events are free to check out.
When: Saturday, Sept. 6 (Commercial Drive) and Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 (Main Street)
Time: Various times
Where: Commercial Drive and Main Street
Cost: Free
Pet-A-Palooza 2025
What: North America’s largest dog festival is returning to Vancouver this summer, and it’s shaping up to be a paw-some time!
Pet-A-Palooza’s The Day of the Dog takes over Yaletown on Sunday, Aug. 24. The free event features new attractions, playful photo opportunities, and tasty treats for our four-legged friends. The outdoor celebration is pet-friendly, so bring your furry family members along to join the party.
When: Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 1100 Mainland St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Pleasant Day Festival
What: Pleasant Day Festival is taking over a huge stretch of Main Street for a vibrant community celebration full of dining, shopping, interactive activities and live music.
The family-friendly event on Saturday, Aug. 9, is presented by the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area (MPBIA). Pleasant Day will feature several stages showcasing local artists and musicians, market vendors, and games and activities for all ages.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
Time: 12 to 8 p.m.
Where: Main Street from 16th Avenue to King Edward
Cost: Free
Summer Movie Nights on the Square
What: Every Thursday evening from July 3 to Aug. 14, Downtown Van will inflate a large 33-foot screen in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square at the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery for the family-friendly Summer Movie Nights.
This summertime tradition will see a massive crowd of moviegoers watch their favourite flicks under the stars. Activities start at 5 p.m., so there will be plenty of fun before the screening starts.
When: Every week from Thursday, July 3 to Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Time: Activations start at 5 p.m.; movies start at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – 850 W Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
40th Annual Vancouver Jazz Festival
Coastal Jazz
What: The Vancouver International Jazz Festival‘s extensive lineup for its 40th anniversary event runs from Friday, June 20, to Tuesday, July 1. Over 12 days, there will be more than 150 performances and events, including dozens of free shows with diverse programming on stages throughout the city.
New this year is the Bentall Centre Happy Hour Series on the Dunsmuir Patio at Bentall Centre. Every afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. from June 23 to 27, the festival is hosting free concerts from musical acts like Parlour Panther, Colin Sankey Band, and Kristin Fung.
The 2025 Vancouver International Jazz Festival wraps up on July 1 with a free concert series at Ocean Artworks on Granville Island.
When: Friday, June 20, to Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues across Vancouver
Tickets: Free and ticketed events
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day
Bill Reid Gallery
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast in the country. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.
Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre
What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.
When: The third Saturday of each month.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: 168 East Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under, guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $10-$12, purchase online
Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is they are free to check out. Expect to see the latest Hollywood Blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights
Vancouver Art Gallery/Facebook
What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Community Jam at The Improv Centre
What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Eat fresh at farmers markets
Trout Lake Farmers Market
Trout Lake Farmers Market/eatlocal.org
This farmers market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers Market collective of markets. One of the most popular markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on-site and a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, locally made goods, and all things food.
When: Every Saturday until Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver
Haney Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday from April 26 to Oct. 25, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Memorial Peace Park – 11930 224 St., Maple Ridge
Clayton Community Farmers Market
What: Meet local farmers and handmade vendors at this weekly Farmers Market in Surrey. Each week also features food trucks as well as special events throughout the season at Clayton Community Centre.
When: Alternate Saturdays: July 13 and 27, Aug. 10 and 24, Sept. 7 and 21, Oct. 5 and 19, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Clayton Community Centre – 7155 187A St., Surrey
Fort Langley Village Farmers Market
What: Shop for fresh groceries (fresh foods picked from local farmers fields in the Fraser and Okanagan Valleys), along with plants, flowers, and other artisan goods, at this weekly market in Fort Langley.
When: Every Saturday from April 26 until Dec. 6, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: St. Andrews Historic Church — 9025 Glover Rd., Fort Langley
