Photo via @deckchair_cinema / Instagram
Another week, another roundup of outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and fun happenings around the city. From an Ethel Cain concert to catching Inception or Top Gun on the big screen, to a paint and sip sesh, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (Aug. 11-15).
Country-rock artist Sam Barber is on his North America Tour right now, and he’s stopping at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: $149.50
Summer Movie Nights is a free outdoor movie series presented by Downtown Van (Downtown Vancouver BIA). Each night, movies are shown on a 33-foot inflatable screen beginning at sundown (around 9 p.m.). Before each night’s feature film, there are several activations and activities starting at 5 p.m., including face painting, dancers, circus performers, live music, and mini golf.
This week marks the last screening of the year, which is Inception.
When: Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. (movie starts around 9 p.m.)
Where: 850 West Georgia St.
Cost: Free admission
Howe Sound Taphouse & Kitchen is hosting a paint and sip session where guests are guided to create their own masterpieces, no experience necessary. Tickets are currently two for one and include all art materials required. Drinks and snacks are also available for purchase at the brewery.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: 1489 East Hastings St.
Cost: $17.83, two for one
It’s the 10th anniversary of Canada’s largest outdoor movie series, AKA Evo Summer Cinema. This week, it’s screening Mamma Mia on Tuesday, Aug. 5, with free, first-come, first-served seating available at Second Beach.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025
Time: 8:45 to 10:45 p.m.
Where: Second Beach
Cost: Free, or $28.77 for VIP seating
The 2025 Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is in full swing, and you can check out one of four iconic productions: Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], and The Dark Lady.
When: Until Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1695 Whyte Ave.
Cost: $35 to $88 per person
The Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park has transformed into a magical summertime destination for this year’s Theatre Under the Stars program. The program weaves Stanley Park’s beautiful surroundings with the stories of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde from June 27 to Aug. 16, with performances alternating every evening in between.
When: Friday, June 27 to Aug. 16, 2025
Time: Varies per show
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $35 to $69
Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan is the next sci-fi movie screening at Deckchair Cinema at Cates Deck this week. The free outdoor movie series takes place on nine Thursdays this July and August, so now is a great time to catch a movie if you haven’t already.
When: Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025
Time: Movies start at sunset
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Admission by donation
Known for her Southern Gothic vibe and indie rock sound, Ethel Cain is bringing The Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour to Vancouver on Friday, Aug. 15.
When: Friday, Aug. 15, 2025
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 630 Hamilton St.
Cost: Check back soon
Cap off your week with a couple of free outdoor concerts in North Van! The Live and Local Summer Concert Series brings free community experiences to outdoor sites across North Vancouver, including a concert by Kickdrive on Thursday, Aug. 14 and one by Big Easy Funk Ensemble on Friday, Aug. 15.
When: Thursday, Aug. 14 and Friday, Aug. 15, 2025
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Outdoor locations across North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Playland is still open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, if you want to get in a couple of rounds of rides, carnival games, and mini donuts before summer ends.
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday until Aug. 15, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on select days this August
Where: 2901 East Hastings St.
Cost: $36.70 to $42 per person
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