While it’s not hard to enjoy all that Vancouver has to offer every spring and summer, it’s not the easiest once you’re left with the bill. So if you’re looking for ways to indulge with as minimal spending as possible, check out these free and affordable live events, street parties, markets, and things to do in Vancouver this June.
Planted Expo Vancouver
North America’s largest plant-based event is coming to Vancouver and bringing over 200 plant-based, vegan, and sustainable exhibitors with it. Here, guests can learn more about the plant-based movement, enjoy delicious food, and discover new sustainable products that benefit you and the planet.
According to the organizers, the Vancouver event will take place from 10 am to 5 pm on June 1st and 2nd.
When: June 1st and 2nd
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West Building
Cost: $20
Vegan Night Market
With plenty of summer and fall markets under its belt (including the city’s first beachside night market), the Vegan Night Market by Peaces.ca is back this June, and you won’t want to miss it. The next market takes place on June 6th at Locarno Beach, followed by bi-weekly summer events until August 29th.
When: Thursday, June 6th And bi-weekly until August 29th
Where: Locarno Beach
Cost: $2 minimum donation
Free nights at Vancouver Art Gallery
Thanks to a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery is set to launch free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The first free Friday night will be on May 3rd – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!
When: Friday, June 7th
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Public Disco Granville Island Block Party
Public Disco kicks off its summer series this month with a free block party on Granville Island, which will include live music all day long, including performances by Chi & Ro Lee, Delacru, La Zonida, Maxey b2b J Squeezy, and Table Tutors.
So get ready to don your best disco attire & dance like nobody’s watching!
When: Saturday, June 8th
Where: Lot 55 (Behind Granville Island Brewing), Granville Island
Cost: Free admission
Japan Market Summer Festival
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With over 70 Japanese food and arts vendors to peruse, guests will have plenty to uncover at this year’s Japan Market Summer Festival. This includes live entertainment by TATE Sumarai, who will also be available for free photo opportunities.
When: June 8th and 9th
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza)
Cost: $4 to $5 for one adult, $7 to $9 for two adults
Italian Day on the Drive
This next festival takes ‘la dolce vita’ very seriously, Italian Day on the Drive is Vancouver’s largest cultural street festival, transforming all 14 blocks of Commercial Drive into a lively celebration with fresh gelato and cannolis, patio sips, and plenty of pizza and pasta to go around.
When: Sunday, June 9th
Where: Commercial Drive
Cost: Free admission
Greek Day on Broadway
Hosted by the Hellenic Canadian Congress of BC (HCCBC), the 50th anniversary of Greek Day on Broadway promises to be bigger and better than ever, spanning multiple blocks throughout Kitsilano in the heart of Vancouver’s Greektown.
When: Sunday, June 23rd
Where: West Broadway, Kitsilano
Cost: Free admission
Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival
The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival is a celebrated tradition in Vancouver dedicated to the Chinese sport of dragon boat racing. Best of all? The series of races are free to attend!
This year, there will be over 200 teams from around the world competing in the festival, according to its website. Visitors can also enjoy live music on the main stage and check out a variety of local vendors and food trucks.
When: Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd
Where: Olympic Village
Cost: Free
Check out a free outdoor jazz show
Every year, Coastal Jazz hosts a slew of local and international talent at venues across the city for Vancouver’s annual International Jazz Festival. This includes a plethora of free shows on Granville Island and in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery!
When: Shows throughout June
Where: Multiple venues in Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Shipyards Night Market
The beloved Shipyards Night Market is on every Friday from May 10th to September 13th, so get ready to enjoy the iconic beer garden and outdoor market, and peruse many mouthwatering food trucks.
When: Every Friday from May 10th to September 13th
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Vancouver Canadians
It’s officially baseball season! This month, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Tri-City Dust Devils, Spokane Indians, and Hillsboro Hops.
When: Games throughout June
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $20+
Saturday Skate Nights at the Rolla Skate Club
On Saturdays this May, the Rolla Skate Club is hosting Saturday Skate Nights from 5 to 7 pm, with hosted DJs to set the mood. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s the perfect opportunity to lace up your skates and hit the roller rink.
When: Saturdays in June
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $20
Work out at one of these parks
Wwe’re hoping for some serious sunshine this June, which would be an opportune time for outdoor workouts! Thankfully, there are plenty of parks in Vancouver with exercise equipment you can use.
Where: See our picks above
Check out a free museum
For the art enthusiast and casual museum lover, consider checking out one of these fantastic local museums and galleries that are completely free to enter!
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on some great budget-friendly things to do around the city this month. Cheers!
