As usual, July is packed with not-to-be-missed events, including outdoor theatre, concerts, festivals, and the famous fireworks competition, the Celebration of Light.
Ongoing Summer Events
Vancouver Summer Farmers’ Markets
Summer Night Markets – Vancouver Chinatown & Richmond Night Market
Bard on the Beach
Ongoing though July 5
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
What: Called the “best jazz festival in the world” by The Seattle Times, this year’s festival includes 1800 musicians, 400 concerts, and 40 Venues across Vancouver, and features such star performers as Sonny Rollins, Pink Martini and Orchestra, and The David Sanborn Group.
Where: Various locations, see site for details.
Cost: Various, see site for details.
Wednesday, July 1
Canada Day! Guide to Canada Day Events & Celebrations
Saturday, July 4
Canada Cup of Beer 2009
What: Vancouver's largest outdoor Beer Festival features a beer tasting of Canadian beers, beer producers, samples and more. Must be 19+.
Where: Thunderbird Stadium, UBC, Vancouver
Cost: $20 in advance; group discounts available
Fridays, July 10 – September 4
Enchanted Evenings Concert Series at Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden
What: Enjoy Friday night concerts in the gorgeous, tranquil Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden in Chinatown. This summer’s repertoire includes classical, world, Asian, Gypsy jazz, African and fusion music.
Where: Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall St., Vancouver
Cost: $18; $15 for Garden Society members; $125 season pass
Tuesday, July 14 – Saturday, August 22
Theatre Under the Stars: Annie and Thoroughly Modern Millie
What: TUTS is a summer tradition, performing acclaimed musicals under the stars at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl.
Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $34 - $39; kids (5 – 15) $32 - $37; free for kids under 5
Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
What: Vancouver’s legendary Folk Music Festival covers three music-filled days at Jericho Beach, with eight stages, 70 hours of music (folk and world music) a festival market, food vendors and more. Grab your face paint, bring a blanket to sit on, and join the party.
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Cost: $54 Friday only; $80 Saturday or Sunday; $165 Weekend Pass; student, youth and senior discounts available.
Saturday, July 18
Citytv's Taste of the City
What: This one-day tasting extravaganza provides a chance for food lovers to discover the diversity of Vancouver’s culinary culture and to sample—in 50-cent increments—bites from over 20 Lower Mainland restaurants.
Where: Pacific National Exhibition Grounds, Vancouver
Cost: Free admission; tasting tickets sold in 50 cent increments
Saturday, July 18
Gay Day @ Playland
What: Show your Pride by wearing a bright red shirt and joining the fun at Playland. Part of the greater Vancouver Pride Festival, this event includes a gay beer garden, plus the carnival games, rides and roller coasters of Playland.
Where: Playland Amusement Park, 2901 Hastings Street East, Vancouver
Cost: $27; VIPs available
Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19
Surrey Fusion Festival
What: Surrey’s biggest two-day multicultural celebration has 40 international pavilions celebrating music, food and culture, a World Music Stage and a Celebrations dance stage, and much more!
Where: Holland Park, Surrey
Cost: Free!
Wednesday & Saturday, July 22 & 25; Wednesday & Saturday, July 29 & August 1
HSBC Celebration of Light
What: The Vancouver summer favourite is back! For four nights on consecutive Wednesdays and Saturdays, the skies over English Bay light up in a musical pyrotechnic extravaganza. As an international fireworks competition, each country has one night to wow the judges and audience before the final night's all-inclusive grand finale.
Where: Best viewing points include English Bay, Kitsilano, Vanier Park, Jericho Beach, West Vancouver.
Cost: Free
Saturday, July 25 – Monday, August 3
Vancouver Pride Festival
What: July is packed with Pride events—including picnics, art shows, and movie nights--leading up to the climactic Vancouver Pride Parade on August 2. Check out the Pride Society site for event listings and details.
Where: Various locations around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details
Ongoing through September 13
Vermeer, Rembrandt and the Golden Age of Dutch Art--Masterpieces from The Rijksmuseum at the Vancouver Art Gallery
What: In collaboration with the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the Vancouver Art Gallery exhibits paintings from the Dutch masters of the 17th century, as well as an array of decorative arts, including furniture, silver, porcelain, and textiles.
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: $20.50; $7 - $16 for kids, students and seniors
