Start the summer on a budget! Here are some fun things to do in Vancouver this season at no cost.
There are so many ways to spend the long summer days in Vancouver, including festivals, outdoor movies, fireworks and concerts. Here are the top five events you should check out that are family-friendly and free.
Experience a local festival
Surrey’s annual Fusion Festival is a popular free community event with live music, food and family-friendly activities. Held in Holland Park in Surrey on July 20-21, there are over three-dozen cultural pavilions showcasing different countries from around the world. Enjoy the numerous free concerts and performances, watch culinary demonstrations and learn some new dance moves.
Watch breathtaking fireworks at English Bay
One of Vancouver’s iconic annual events, the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition in English Bay is a must-see. Taking place on July 27, July 31 and August 3, this year’s participating countries include India, Canada and Croatia. The fireworks show happens at 10 pm each night, but there is also live music and other fun activities in the early afternoon on all three days.
Watch an outdoor movie at Canada Place
Catch a series of free summer outdoor movies at Vancouver’s Canada Place this summer. Held on Thursday evenings starting July 11, Waterfront Cinema will feature free movies shown around 8 pm or 9 pm till the end of August. The selected movies are usually family-friendly and this year’s selections include Captain Marvel, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Catch a concert at White Rock
Listen to some live music with the family for free at TD Concerts For the Pier at White Rock. Hosted on select Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August, the free concerts usually run from 7 pm to 9 pm and typically feature a headliner band as well as one or two opening groups. Check out the lineup at the White Rock BIA website.
Enjoy an action-packed day at the PNE
Vancouver’s PNE Fair is a summer staple. Taking place in the last few weeks of summer, in addition to the Playland rides, you can enjoy concerts, live entertainment, delicious food stalls and experience interesting exhibits. If you visit on August 20 and August 27, you can enjoy free gate admission for all guests between 11 am-1 pm.
Photos: Courtesy of events/organizations featured - Facebook, Port of Vancouver, Tom Paillé