It’s hard to believe that July is already coming to a close soon. Fortunately, some of the largest food and drink festivals, summer concerts, and unique attractions are still to come, and we couldn’t be more excited to keep the good times rolling. From embracing the heat to taking a break from it, here are 43 of the very best things to do in and around Vancouver this August.
Live events & concerts
Early Music Vancouver Summer Festival
Every year, Early Music Vancouver’s concerts bring some of the most renowned artists in the early music genre to the stage, from all around the globe. This year’s focus will shift to female artists who made and continue to make waves in the industry and beyond. So get ready to brush up on your early music history and learn about some of the most fascinating, revolutionary artists of their time.
When: July 27th to August 5th
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: $19 to $68 for Early Bird tickets
Queer as Funk – 10th anniversary special
Vancouver’s legendary LGBTQ band is celebrating its 10th anniversary and Pride with a special concert at the Commodore on Friday, August 4th, so get ready to dance to a tempting mix of soul, Motown, and funk.
When: Friday, August 4th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $53.25
Sponsored: Check out this French-inspired party happening at Concord Pacific, presented by GREY GOOSE Vodka
If you’ve been dreaming of a sunny afternoon spent in the South of France, we’ve found just the event for you. Get ready for a magnifique experience at The Lawn Club presented by GREY GOOSE vodka! You’ll have the chance to spend the afternoon enjoying a leisurely game of Pétanque, sipping on GREY GOOSE vodka cocktails, and indulging in delish chef-made crêpes.
When: Tuesday, August 1st to Monday, August 7th
Where: 811 Carrall Street, Parking Lot 039
Cost: $35
Young the Giant with Milky Chance
Known for their high-energy shows and alt-rock hits like “Cough Syrup” and “My Body,” Young the Giant has achieved global fame. And they’ll be accompanied by Milky Chance – a German folk-pop duo who met during high school, and have since garnered tons of international attention themselves, as early as their hit debut single “Stolen Dance.”
When: Thursday, August 10th
Where: 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard
Cost: $52.45+
Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival
Fans of blues likely need no reminding, but the Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival always brings the best local talent to the stage every summer. Great music, a couple of brews, and a sunny day on the lake? That’s a no-brainer. And the 2023 festival will take place on Saturday, August 12th – so mark your calendars, because this year, you get to enjoy a full day of free music.
When: Saturday, August 12th
Where: Deer Lake Park
Dominic Fike
American singer-songwriter and musician Dominic Fike rose to fame in 2017 when he released his debut single “3 Nights,” which quickly turned into his acclaimed debut EP “Don’t Forget About Me, demos.” Now, he’s added acting to his resume, and released his new 2023 album “Sunburn.” Definitely a star on the rise worth seeing live!
When: Sunday, August 13th
Where: 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard
Cost: $47.60+
Music on Main
From August 14th to 16th and 21st to 23rd, Music on Main is slated to make its return to Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant Park. So why not bring your picnic blankets and spend some quality summer evenings surrounded by friends and live music?
When: August 14th to 16th and 21st to 23rd
Where: West 16th Avenue at Ontario Street
Ambleside Music Festival
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If you’re into alternative rock and looking for an exciting festival to add to your summer itinerary, the Ambleside Music Festival is it! The massive two-day festival is bringing alt-rock legends Weezer and Third Eye Blind to Ambleside Park, as well as Vancouver-born Said The Whale, Bahamas, and alt-rock/hip-hop collective Bran Van 3000. Needless to say, tickets are certainly going fast!
When: August 19th and 20th
Where: Ambleside Park, West Vancouver
Cost: $215 for a two-day pass
Yung Gravy & bbno$
To date, “Lalala” by bbno$ has racked up over 800 million streams worldwide – which is just a snippet of the Vancouver-born artist’s total of 2 billion streams globally. The rapper and artist is joined by fellow artist and peer Yung Gravy, known for his deep, soulful voice, and chart-topping albums, including his most recent Marvelous album and top single “Betty (Get Money).”
When: Thursday, August 24th
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $48 to $52 + Fair Gate admission
Monstercat Compound
Ready for another iconic block party, Vancouver? The independent record label Monstercat is back with its sixth annual instalment of Monstercat Compound, a free, all-ages block party celebrating the best artists on the label and beyond.
When: August 26th
Where: Railway Street
Billy Idol
The man, the myth, and the legend himself. Now 46 years into his recording career, Billy Idol is an ever-evolving talent, and the definition of a “rock star” if there ever was one. You can catch him onstage at the PNE Forum on August 27th – and while the concert is currently sold out, more tickets are expected to be release in mid-August.
When: August 27th
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: Check back in mid-August for more tickets
Russell & Roots Country Concert
On August 12th, Russell & Roots is bringing their country concert to Softball City in Surrey, so get ready to don your cowboy hats and boots for this one. The star-studded line-up includes Nashville’s LOCASH, four-time Canadian country single chart toppers James Barker Band, and back-to-back CCMA Female Artist of the Year Meghan Patrick.
When: August 12th
Where: 2201 148 Street, Surrey
Cost: $78.24
PNE Fair
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Yup, the PNE Fair is back this summer! And there’s a bunch of incredible artists slated to perform, as well as the return of local faves like SuperDogs and the pyro-musical finale. The end-of-summer tradition will also feature an immersive Monet art exhibit, The Flying Fools High Dive Show, Dueling Pianos, drag shows, and cooking demos – and that’s just for starters!
Oh, and there’s an all-new Taste of Fair menu with eats and drinks for $10 and under!
When: August 19th to September 4th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $20 for GA in advance, $25 the day of
Arts & Culture
Check out Vancouver Mural Festival
Fans of the beloved Vancouver Mural Festival are in for a treat this year! Not only will visitors get to check out an open-air gallery of new murals across the city, but they’ll get to enjoy a 10-day festival that goes beyond the iconic City Centre Artist Lodge.
From guided walking tours to food trucks to block parties – there will be a little something for everyone. At the top of the list is the free Mount Pleasant Street Party from August 10th to 13th!
When: August 4th to August 13th
Where: Mount Pleasant
Cost: Free and ticketed events
Vancouver Pride Festival & Parade
Get ready for this year’s exciting Pride festivities, which include ticketed events as well as the free Vancouver Pride Festival and Parade, which occur on August 5th and 6th. This year, Concord Pacific Place will be transformed into a two-day outdoor festival with DJs, drag and more – including performances by Haus Bukuru, RiceCake, and Normie Corp!
Also new this year is the adjusted route for the Pride Parade – which will begin at the intersection of Davie and Denman Streets, and will move down Beach Avenue and Pacific Street, reaching its end at the festival site at Concord Community Park.
When: Saturday, August 5th and Sunday, August 6th
Where: Concord Pacific Place and False Creek, and locations around Vancouver
Theatre Under the Stars
Theatre Under the Stars has been transforming Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl into a special summer stage for decades now, and it looks like this year will be no different! So get ready to enjoy a summer full of music, laughs, and artistry under the night sky.
Starting this July, the company will be presenting two iconic shows almost daily: Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical” and Broadway’s musical comedy “The Prom.”
When: July 6th to August 26th
Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
Cost: $45 for GA
Sunset Cinema
Starting Wednesday, August 2nd, Sunset Cinema will be back with weekly family-friendly screenings of nostalgic classics like E.T. and newer faves like Encanto. So no matter what you’re into, there’s something on the list for your inner child to enjoy.
Here are all the movies you can watch from 9 to 11 pm at The Shipyards:
- August 2nd: Jumanji (1995)
- August 9th: Mama Mia 2 – Here We Go Again
- August 16th: Encanto
- August 23rd: E.T.
When: Wednesday, August 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Deckchair Cinema
Ready for even more outdoor movies? Deckchair Cinema is in full swing on Cates Deck in North Van, and there are several August dates if you haven’t gotten the chance to check it out yet!
Here are the Thursday night movies still to come:
August 3rd – Xanadu, 9 pm – Celebrating North Shore Pride Week
August 10th – Lovers Rock, 8:45 pm
August 17th – Moonstruck, 8:45 pm
August 24th – No Bears, 8:30 pm
August 31st – Bullitt, 8:30 pm
When: August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st
Where: Cates Deck, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Bard on the Beach
Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It is back onstage with plenty of Beatles hits to go around, accompanied by Shakespeare’s thrilling political drama, Julius Caesar. On the Howard Family Stage, there are two productions you can check out: Henry V, set in a mythical realm, and the interactive ‘Goblin’ comedy, Macbeth, created by an acclaimed team of Canadian theatre-makers.
When: Until the end of September
Where: 1695 Whyte Avenue
Cost: Varies by production
Free nights at Vancouver Art Gallery
Thanks to a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery has launched free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The next free Friday night will be on July 7th – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!
When: Friday, August 4th and every first Friday of the month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Food & Drink
Powell Street Festival
And to round out the street fests, we’ve got Powell Street Festival! It’s similar to Sakura Days, in that it’s Japanese-focused, but expect some incredible food vendors alongside the events and activities going down.
When: August 5th and 6th
Where: Powell Street
Fridays on Front
Now we come to Fridays on Front in New West, which just kicked off its first community-wide block party last week. Best of all? Each festival will have its own theme, from ‘Bollywood Bash’ to celebrating Pride! Each date will feature a different lineup of food and drink vendors, as well as libations from the fully-licensed Steel & Oak beer + Pacific Breeze Wine.
Each night market will take place from 5 to 9 pm.
When: July 14th and 21st; August 11th, 18th, and 25th
Where: Front Street Mews, New Westminster
Sponsored: Visit Naramata During Vineyard Season
Did you know that fall is one of the best times to visit a vineyard? Sandy Beach Lodge is a picturesque getaway right beside Okanagan Lake and smack in the heart of wine country. The resort is steps away from fantastic restaurants, artisan distilleries, craft breweries, and – of course – wineries. Leave room in the trunk, you’ll need it for the boxes of vintage you’ll be bringing home.
Summer Like An Italian
Few summertime experiences can compare to an Italian summer, which is why Kitchen Table Restaurants is bringing back its popular passport program, allowing diners at 10 local restaurants to experience la dolce vita right here in Vancouver.
The Summer Like An Italian Passport invites locals to indulge in regionally curated menus at Ask for Luigi, Bacaro, Carlino, Di Beppe, Farina a Legna, Giovane Caffè (West Cordova or West Georgia Street locations), Mercato di Luigi, Motoretta, Super Veloce and Pizzeria Farina – and passports can be obtained at any of the participating restaurants.
When: July 3rd to September 21st
Where: Kitchen Table restaurants around Vancouver
Cost: Free to reserve a passport
Richmond Night Market
Get your forks ready, Vancouver. The Richmond Night Market is coming back even bigger and better than ever, and the wait is finally over! Filled with hundreds of incredible vendors (and now including cuisine from Turkey and Mexico), it’s considered one of the world’s leading food markets for good reason. From candy sticks to boba, to customizable noodles and hot pot — it’s easy to see why the market attracts over one million visitors each year.
When: Friday, April 28th to October 9th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Shipyards Live
Shipyards Live is an ongoing concert and market series taking place at the Lonsdale Quay. Do some shopping, try a food truck, and hit the beer garden as you enjoy the sounds of some fantastic local artists. And, best of all, it’s free to attend!
When: July 30th to September 18th
Where: Lonsdale Quay Area
Head to a Farmers’ Market
Something about a trip to the farmers’ market before a backyard BBQ or patio hangout just screams the quintessential Vancouver option. Skip the trips to your local grocery store this summer, and instead, go straight to the source for your fruits and veggies. You won’t regret it!
Where: See our picks above
Summer attractions
Cultus Lake Waterpark
Cultus Lake Waterpark is filled with waterslides, themed tunnels and pools, lazy rivers, and even hot tubs for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to lounge at one of the 150+ picnic areas and let the kids splash around “Pirates’ Cove” or “Tots Castle,” or do some splashing yourself on the waterpark’s “Tubular Terror,” there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy here.
When: Saturday, June 10th to Monday, September 4th
Where: 4150 Columbia Valley Highway, Cultus Lake
Cost: $21-$34
Check out the Malahat SkyWalk
If you love soaking up summer views and are good with heights, you’ve no doubt heard of BC’s stunning Malahat SkyWalk. And if you haven’t, there’s never been a better time to take to the skies. Best of all? The attraction just launched a new Tower Plaza at the base of the iconic Spiral Tower where visitors can gather to enjoy the best of Vancouver Island’s food, drink, and live music scenes.
When: Now open seven days a week
Where: Malahat Highway, 30 mins north of Victoria
Have some fun at Playland
A trip to the amusement park is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Especially when the alternative is screaming in fear as you enjoy some downright thrilling rides. Playland has hinted that it’s bringing back the PNE Fair this year, but even a regular visit is a great idea.
When: Now open
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Tickets: $39.50 for GA
Skate at Rollerland
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Whether you’re a newbie to rollerskating or a seasoned pro, a visit to Rollerland at the PNE is always a fun time, especially in the summer. Visitors can choose from the all-ages sessions from 4 to 6 pm on Saturdays, or the adult-only sessions from 8 to 11 pm, the latter of which includes tunes by DJs and a selfie station.
When: Every Saturday until December 30th
Where: 100 North Renfrew Street
Cost: $15-$25
Summer Night Concerts at the PNE
Speaking of, the PNE is absolutely buzzing with live music options this year. When the sun goes down at the PNE Fair, the lights come on at the Chevrolet Stage, and this year? You can check out everyone from Billy Idol to Jason Derulo, to Yung Gravy & bbno$.
When: August 19th to September 4th
Where: 2601 East Hastings Street
Cost: Tickets on sale on Friday, May 26th
Ride the largest Mountain Coaster in Canada
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Back in May, the 3,375-foot Railrider Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke’s Mountain Resort officially opened to the public, and August is a great time to get in some rides on Canada’s largest mountain coaster ride!
When: Open throughout August
Where: 2950 Camozzi Road, Revelstoke
Cost: $35 per ride
Do the Grouse Grind
Of course, we couldn’t forget the Grouse Grind in this roundup. Not so easy that you’ll cruise through it, but not so hard that you’ll be wondering if heading there was a good idea in the first place. Plus, the need to purchase a download ticket assures some rest and relaxation once your climb is complete.
When: Open throughout summer
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $20 (for the download ticket)
Get back on the Sea to Sky Gondola
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a classic summertime destination for many reasons – the main being the mountain and ocean views. There are also some great options by way of eats & drinks to check out – and even Mountain Music performances by the fiery Whiskeydicks. Talk about a headliner!
When: Now open
Where: 36800 BC-99, Squamish
Tickets: $55.95 for GA, $14.29 for Ride-Down Only
Explore the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
While it’s a bucket list option for any tourist, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is also a must-visit for Vancouverites. Yes, Canyon Lights are amazing, but there’s something so fun about a summer visit to this woodland wonderland. Not to mention that a photo on the bridge is practically an ID in the city.
When: Open daily
Where: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $54.95 (same price as an annual pass)
Check out a lazy river
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BC has a ton of fun to be had by way of lazy rivers. And by lazy rivers – we mean action-packed water activities, as well as lazy rivers in the literal sense. So, whether you want to slowly drift downstream with a drink in hand, or want to have a more adventurous tubing experience, we’ve got plenty of options at the link above.
Where: Check out our picks above
Outdoors
Check out a Sunflower Fest
With the warm summer air by your side, picturesque garden displays, and plenty of u-pick opportunities, it’s no wonder that sunflower season in BC comes highly anticipated. And if you’re ready to stroll through a sea of golden yellow, you won’t have long to wait to attend the region’s largest sunflower festivals.
When: Mid-August to early September
Where: See locations above
Go skydiving
If you’re up for an adventure and aren’t afraid of heights, you can’t do much better than jumping out of a plane and freefalling 10,000+ feet back to Earth. With a parachute & skydiving equipment attached, of course!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Check out a public pool or splash park
Vancouver’s public pools are some of the prettiest in Canada. After all, where else can you take a dip mere feet away from the ocean? Plus, the new booking system in place means you won’t have to deal with massive crowds once you actually do visit. While all the pools are open, the Kits location is our must-visit pick.
When: Open throughout August
Where: Click the link above for more info
Cost: $4.22 and up
Go on a waterfall hike
It goes without saying that BC is home to some of the most scenic hikes in the country – but there happen to be some particularly striking waterfalls you can check out on many of them!
Where: Click the link above for more info
Discover a hidden beach
Whether you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Kits Beach or Ambleside – or just want to check out a lesser-known spot in BC, there are lots of beautiful hidden beaches scattered across Metro Vancouver to discover.
Where: See our picks above
Play Disc Golf at Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re looking for a way to hang with your friends outdoors in a socially distanced manner then disc golf might just be for you. And what’s even better is that the course at Queen Elizabeth Park is completely free! So grab a frisbee and your friends and try it out.
Where: 33rd Avenue and Cambie Street
Picnic at a park
We all love a good beach BBQ (before wildfire season, that is), but if you’re trying to avoid the possibility of sand mixed in with your food, you’ll probably want to opt for one of Vancouver’s many parks instead. Thankfully, there are plenty of prime picnic spots in and around Vancouver that boast stunning views, and large, grassy areas to sprawl out on.
Want to make it a boozy picnic? Check out these alcohol-friendly spots around Vancouver – including these year-round public plazas.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Go on a day trip
They don’t call it ‘beautiful British Columbia’ for nothing, folks. From Nanaimo to Bowen Island, here are some great day trip destinations to consider before summer’s end.
Where: Check out our picks above
So there you have it, Vancouver! Enjoy the last full month of summer!
