Ready for a burst of summer fun? There are lots of returning and new events going on in Vancouver this upcoming month, and we’re here to share them all with you. So whether you want to take to the streets for the largest free arts & music festival in the city, or enjoy Vancouver’s first-ever Carnaval, we’ve got you covered with the largest summer events coming to Vancouver this July.
“Vancouver is a great city to be in regardless of the season, but summer brings something extra special as we get to participate in and enjoy so many fantastic and long-standing events,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “Whether it’s a big event or a small neighbourhood celebration, these events all play an important part in fostering vibrant, thriving communities across the city.”
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Canada Together at Canada Place
Starting off with a classic Canada Day celebration – and historically the largest to take place outside of Ottawa. The second annual Canada Together event is planned in collaboration with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and will feature everything from activity zones for the kids, to a diverse lineup of performances, including headliners Tegan and Sara.
When: Saturday, July 1st
Where: 999 Canada Place
Carnaval del Sol
Vancouver non-profit Latincouver is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a ton of exciting events this July, including its own version of the popular Carnaval del Sol festival. Get ready to dance to over 300 live artists, ranging from traditional salsa and merengue to beats by a surprise guest DJ.
The all-ages festival will transform David Lam Park into “a hub of Latin American culture,” paying special tribute to Colombian culture with themed workshops, performances, and culinary experiences.
When: Friday, July 7th to Sunday, July 9th
Where: 1300 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $30 to $45 for opening night, $15 for Saturday and Sunday admission
Khatsahlano Street Party
The Khatsahlano Street Party is a long-standing Vancouver tradition, bringing together the city’s best local artists, live entertainment, and food for a massive summer celebration. This year? The festival is returning to West 4th Avenue with a bang – and over 50 food vendors, pop-up shops, art displays, and beer gardens.
As the largest free music & arts festival in the city, this event is a must-visit.
When: July 8th
Where: West 4th Avenue
Gastown Grand Prix
The Gastown Grand Prix is an annual road cycling race held in – you guessed it – Gastown, featuring some of the tightest maneuvers for professional cyclists from around the globe. Spectators line the route and cheer for the riders as they navigate an exciting, fast-paced course through the historic, cobblestone-clad neighbourhood. There will be male, female, and youth races at separate times.
When: Wednesday, July 12th
Where: Gastown
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Each year, the Vancouver Folk Music Fest draws more than 40,000 people to the beautiful Jericho Beach for a weekend of dancing, eating and vibing. There are also children’s activities available, which makes the event a huge draw for families as well. On this year’s roster? Songs of the Grateful Dead reimagined, The Sojourners, Jill Barber, Blick Bassy, and much more.
When: Friday, July 14th to Sunday, July 16th
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Cost: $200 for adult weekend passes
21st Vancouver Chinatown Festival
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The 21st annual Vancouver Chinatown Fest brings two days of free family-friendly fun to the historic Chinatown neighbourhood, where visitors can shop for unique specialty items, enjoy live music onstage, peruse local food trucks, and safely interact with animals at a petting zoo.
When: Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, 16th
Where: Chinatown
Honda Celebration of Light
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And last but certainly not least, we come to the Honda Celebration of Light, which draws thousands of local and international visitors every year as the longest-running offshore fireworks festival in the world.
This year’s competition will kick off with representation from Australia (Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics) on Saturday, July 22nd, followed by Mexico (Grupo Avacon) on Wednesday, July 26th and The Philippines (Blue Peacock Fireworks) on Saturday, July 29th.
When: July 22nd, July 26th, and July 29th
Where: English Bay
So there you have it, Vancouver. If you’re looking for some bigger summer events to add to your July calendar, look no further.
