10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (July 14-16)

Get ready for an exciting weekend chock full of highly-anticipated music festivals, food events, and more, Vancouver! We’re already at the mid-month mark, and now is the time to enjoy all the things we yearn for during the winter months. From the Vancouver Folk Music Fest to the 21st annual Chinatown Festival, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (July 14-16).

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

Each year, the folk fest draws more than 40,000 people to the beautiful Jericho Beach for a weekend of dancing, eating and vibing – and this year is no exception. There are also children’s activities available, which makes the event a huge draw for families as well.

When: July 14th to 16th
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Cost: $200 for adult weekend passes

21st Vancouver Chinatown Festival 

Organized by the Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society, the annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival turns the city’s historic neighbourhood into two full days of family-friendly fun. Here, you’ll be able to peruse an artisan marketplace, take part in a historical walking tour, peruse food trucks, and enjoy live music – oh, and play MahJong!

When: Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th
Where: Between Keefer and Columbia Street

Symphony in the Park 

Picture this. You’re laying on a picnic blanket in the middle of summer. The sun is shining, the air is breezy and full of fragrant flowers – and the sounds of violin strings in a beautiful symphony. Yes, we’re talking about Symphony in the Park! On July 15th, the 34th-anniversary performance will take over Deer Lake Park in Burnaby.

When: Saturday, July 15th
Where: 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby

Sponsored: Head to the first-ever False Creek Crab Fest 

Get ready for the ultimate seafood extravaganza at the inaugural False Creek Crab Fest! Chef Vish Mayekar is teaming up with culinary powerhouses Chef Robert Clark and Chef Dez Lo to bring you a crab boil like no other. You can indulge in BC Dungeness Crab, artisanal bread, and flavoured butters that will leave you craving for more. Then quench your thirst with their unreal selection of craft beer, wine, or refreshing non-alcoholic options. This is an event you definitely don’t wanna miss!

When: Saturday, July 15th – 12pm to 4pm
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf – 1505 West 1st Avenue (no parking on site)
Cost: FREE

Playland Singles Night

This Saturday, Playland at the PNE is hosting a special Singles Night from 6 to 11 pm, so get ready for a fun night of coasters and bumper cars – and hey, maybe you’ll mingle with some fellow singles in the process! Playland’s official “matchmakers” and comedians will be there to help.

When: Saturday, July 15th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
Cost: $31.50 to $44.50

Chow Down Chinatown 

The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver presents “Chow Down Chinatown,” a chance for Vancouver residents to order takeout from any Chinatown eatery they desire, and bring it to a free show and evening of Kung Fu Movies, Sax with Eric and Chynatruckerfunk.

When: Friday, July 14th
Where: 50 East Pender Street

Vancouver Canadians

This weekend, hit up the Nat Bailey Stadium to cheer on the Vancouver Canadians as they face off against the Eugene Emeralds.

When: Friday, July 14th, Saturday, July 15th, and Sunday, July 16th
Where: 4601 Ontario Street
Cost: $10+

Check out your local Farmers’ Market

A farmer’s market is always a good idea if you’re looking for something more low-key but still delicious to do over the weekend. And now that the sun is most definitely out, there’s really no excuse not to go.

Where: Locations around Vancouver

Visit some waterfalls

From Nairn Falls and Brandywine Falls in Whistler to Myra Falls on the Island – BC is home to some stunning waterfalls that definitely warrant multiple visits if you’re looking to book some fun day trips.

Where: See our picks above

And there you have it, Vancouver! Have a spectacular weekend.