Free open-air concert series to bring six weeks of live music from across the globe to Vancouver

Great news, concert lovers. Vancouver Civic Theatre’s Summer Sounds is back this summer with six weeks of open-air concerts featuring artists from across the globe, and all are completely free to check out.

Taking place at downtown’s šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (Queen Elizabeth Theatre plaza), the lively series is in partnership with some of Vancouver’s most beloved cultural organizations, including the Indian Summer Festival, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Caravan World Rhythms, and Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

For the first time, the festival is welcoming international artists to its stage, all ranging in music style and influence. For one, Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter and activist Emily Wurramara will perform as part of the Vancouver Folk Fest spotlight during the festival. Last year, she made history as the first Indigenous woman to win Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIA Awards.

Another featured performer includes Canadian Brazilian roots duo Tio Chorinho & Flávia Nascimento, among many other global and local talents.

Designed to take place after typical work hours from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, the open-air concerts are a great opportunity to enjoy the extended daylight and summer vibes downtown, and discover your new favourite artists in the process.

Here are all the performing artists coming to the Summer Sounds stage this year:

• Thursday, July 10, 2025 – Indian Summer: Sejal Lal, Jody Okabe, KraKIN (featuring Ruby Singh), and Surya Brass Band
• Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Vancouver Folk Music: Derek Gripper & Guy Buttery and Emily Wurramara
• Thursday, July 24, 2025 – Caravan World Rhythms 25th Anniversary Celebration: Al Qahwa, Flávia Nascimento, and Tio Chorinho
• Thursday, July 31 – Pride Celebration: Thursday, July 31 – Pride Celebration: houseguest and Hot Dyke Party
• Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 – Sarah McLachlan School of Music
• Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 – Summer Sounds Closing Party: DJ Softieshan and DJ O Show

Ready to get a taste of all the global music in the lineup? You can listen to this curated playlist ahead of the festival to become more familiar with the performing artists.

The festival will take place over six weeks this summer from Thursday, July 10 to Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025.

Summer Sounds: Free Open-Air Concerts

When: Thursday, July 10 to Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Time: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 650 Hamilton St.
Cost: Free admission

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