Vancouver on a Budget

There are lots of free events in Vancouver in July including free festivals, Outdoor Movies , Summer Concerts , street parties and markets. This is in addition to the regular free stuff in the region including all the beaches , parks and great free attractions like Stanley Park . For suggestions about other inexpensive things to do, see our article about Vancouver on a Budget . To learn about other activities happening on different days of the month, including events that aren’t free, see Vancouver’s July Calendar of Events . For a list of free and almost free things to do in the Lower Mainland in July, continue reading. Best FREE Activities in July Below is a list of some of the top free events and things to do in the Lower Mainland in July 2025. Most are completely free, although a few are by donation or just very cheap. (Note: Schedules and exact details are subject to change.) Tuesday, July 1st (2025) Canada Day Celebrations – festivities take place throughout the Lower Mainland including in the following communities: North Vancouver – live music, art displays and family-friendly activities happen at the Shipyards. Richmond  – Canada’s birthday is celebrated with a parade, salmon barbecue and family-friendly activities at the Steveston Salmon Festival. Surrey – carnival rides, fireworks, food trucks and more at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Fort Langley – there are family-friendly Canada Day activities in town. Admission to the national historic site is also free today. Other places to celebrate Canada Day include Abbotsford , Aldergrove , Chilliwack , Coquitlam , Harrison Hot Springs , Maple Ridge , Mission , New Westminster , Port Moody , Port Coquitlam ,  Vancouver , White Rock , Whistler and other communities. Golden Spike Days – the family-friendly event happens at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. (Admission is by donation.) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer. Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage. Fleet Week – there are free tours of Canadian Navy ships today in North Vancouver. Cheap Movie Night – at various Metro Vancouver cinemas (so it’s not free, but it is extra cheap). Brahm’s Tam Drum Circle – if it’s sunny, informal drumming happens at Third Beach in the evening. Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture. Junction Public Market – a market at Granville Square with live music, vendors, food trucks and a bar. Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, and it’s not too hot, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be. Other great areas to enjoy include Best Places to Walk, Jog and Cycle and Vancouver’s Best Beaches . Wednesday, July 2nd (2025) Downtown Farmers Market – in the plaza outside the Vancouver Art Gallery from 2:00 until 6:00 pm. Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer. Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer. Burnaby Village – the outdoor museum is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Sounds of Summer Music Concert – free live music at Glades Garden in Surrey. Mission Twilight Concerts – live music happens in Mission at Fraser River Heritage Park starting at 7:00 pm. Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture. Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage. Junction Public Market – a market at Granville Square with live music, vendors, food trucks and a bar. Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, many of the region’s top parks are the best places to be. Vancouver Beaches – especially if the weather is good, Lower Mainland beaches are great places to visit. Thursday, July 3rd (2025) Live & Local Concert Series – free live music in North Vancouver. North Van’s Deckchair Cinema – a movie plays outside the Polygon Gallery near Lonsdale Quay. Admission is by donation. Summer Movie Nights – a movie shows outdoors on a giant screen in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery at night. New Westminster Farmers Market – a market with vendors selling fresh produce at New Westminster’s Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm. Port Coquitlam Farmers Market – a small market at Leigh Square from 3:00 until 7:00 pm. Harrison Sasquatch Museum – a free attraction with exhibits about local folklore and culture. Kitsilano Showboat – free live music and entertainment happens at Kitsilano Beach on the Showboat stage. Junction Public Market – a market at Granville Square with live music, vendors, food trucks and a bar. Gulf of Georgia Cannery – admission to the historic site in Steveston Village is free this summer. Fort Langley – admission to the national historic site is free for Canadians this summer. Shipyard Pals – free walking tours happen today in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District. They are hosted by MONOVA (a.k.a. the Museum of North Vancouver). Lower Mainland Parks – on days with good weather, and it’s not too hot, many of the region’s top parks are best places to be. Other great areas to enjoy include Best