June's don't-miss festivals--including Car-Free Festivals, the Dragon Boat Festival, and, of course, the International Jazz Festival--are just a few of the great events happening in and around Vancouver this month.
Ongoing Summer Events
Vancouver Summer Farmers’ Markets
Summer Night Markets – Vancouver Chinatown & Richmond Night Market
Bard on the Beach
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
Ongoing through June 21
Greek Heritage Month
What: Celebrate all things Greek with this month-long festival, which includes Greek film, Greek plays, and the famous Greek Day on Broadway Street Festival.
Where: Various locations; see site for details
Cost: Various; see site for details; street events are free
Monday, June 1 – Sunday, June 28
Bike Month
What: June is Bike Month, and BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) has organized over 60 events throughout the Lower Mainland to celebrate. Events include Stanley Park Bike Festival, Car-free Festivals across the city, Giant Critical Mass, parades and much, much more.
Where: Various city-wide locations; see site for details
Cost: Free
Sunday, June 7
Vancouver Heritage Foundation 6th Annual Heritage House Tour
What: The 7th Annual Heritage House Tour is a one-day self-guided tour of 10 unique heritage homes in Vancouver. Proceeds go to the VHF.
Where: Various locations; see site, for details
Cost: $35
Sunday, June 14
Car-Free Community Festivals
What: Since 2005’s first Car-Free Festival and street party (on Commercial Drive) was such a success, Vancouver now hosts four community Car-Free Festivals: street parties with fun for the whole family.
Where: Various locations on Commercial Drive, Kitsilano, Main Street, and West End; go here for details.
Cost: Free
Thursday, June 18 – Wednesday, June 24
Francophone Summer Festival
What: The 20th annual Francophone Summer Festival includes music performances, Children’s Fest, outdoor concerts and more.
Where: Various city locations; see site for details.
Cost: Various; see site for details.
Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21
World Rose Festival
What: A rose show to end all rose shows, this exhibition includes display gardens, expert advice from local and international rose breeders, floral design, workshops and lectures, art and photo exhibits, and more--even tips on cooking with roses!
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: $18; $49 for a three-day pass
Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21
2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
What: The 21st annual Dragon Boat Festival is a multicultural event designed to bring Vancouverites together for fun, food, boat racing, music and more. Over 90,000 attendees are expected, as well as over 180 dragon boat teams from around the world.
Where: Concord Pacific Place, 900-1095 West Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, June 21
National Aboriginal Day Festival
What: Celebrate National Aboriginal Day with First Nations music, dance performances, food, crafts, and more.
Where: Outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Sunday, June 21
Father's Day - Top 10 Things to Do for Father's Day in Vancouver
Friday, June 26 – Sunday, 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.
Saturday June 27
East Side Pride
What: One of Vancouver Pride Society’s summer events, this neighbourhood event will have live entertainment, food vendors, and lots of community fun. Starts at 11am.
Where: Grandview Park, Vancouver
Cost: Free
