Whether it’s a beachside symphony or Shakespearean play, a new night market, or a free street festival, there’s plenty to do this upcoming month, so we’ll get right to it. Here are 40 of the very best things to do in and around Vancouver this July.

Concerts & Live events

Missy Elliott – OUT OF THIS WORLD – THE EXPERIENCE 

Iconic rapper and artist Missy Elliott (AKA Misdemeanor) is performing in Vancouver at the start of the month at Rogers Arena, and it’s not too late to snag tickets!

When: Thursday, July 4th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $164.95

FVDED In The Park

Who’s ready for an epic two days of electronic music? Metro Vancouver’s popular summer music festival FVDED in the Park is officially back this year with a star-studded lineup of performing artists, including Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, and Diplo – for starters.

When: July 5th and 6th
Where: 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey
Cost: $315.87 for GA two-day admission 

Sponsored pick: Whistler Summer Concert Series

Looking for a midweek getaway or want to extend your weekend? Whistler offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to lakeside relaxation. Enjoy the Whistler Summer Concert Series every Thursday and Friday night in July and August. Take advantage of the Summer Concert Offer and save more when you stay longer, or stay 3+ nights and save up to 20% on lodging after June 30th.

When: Every Thursday and Friday from July to August (except for Crankworx July 19th to July 28th)
Where: Whistler Olympic Plaza
Cost: Free admission

Rolling Stones: Hackney Diamonds ’24 

If you love The Rolling Stones and have always wanted to see them perform live, tune in. The iconic rock band is going back on the road next year with a new North American tour celebrating the release of their newest album, Hackney Diamonds.

On the tour, The Rolling Stones will also perform all of their most popular hits, from “Start Me Up” and “Gimme Shelter” to “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”

When: Friday, July 5th
Where: BC Place
Cost: $209.44+

PARTYNEXTDOOR: SORRY I’M OUTSIDE TOUR 

Ready for a throwback vibe? PartyNextDoor is bringing music old and new to the stage at the PNE Forum this July.

When: Friday, July 5th
Where: PNE Forum
Cost: $74.50+

Orville Peck – Stampede Tour 

Country artist Orville Peck is on his Stampede Tour, which is pulling up to UBC’s Doug Mitchell Stadium on Monday, July 8th.

When: Monday, July 8th
Where: UBC Doug Mitchell
Cost: $52.85+

Rock the Lake 

Rock the Lake’s 2024 festival will be returning to Prospera Place in Kelowna, this time in July. Here you can catch Theory of a Deadman, Our Lady Peace, Tom Cochrane, and more.

When: July 12th to 14th
Where: Prospera Place Festival, Kelowna
Cost: $79+

Still Woozy – Loveseat Tour 

Alternative/indie artist Still Woozy (AKA Sven Eric Gamsky) is bringing his Loveseat Tour to Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on July 17th and 18th.

When: Wednesday, July 17th and Thursday, July 18th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $129.30

The Fest with No Name

Inspired by the Man with No Name and the Fistful of Dollars trilogy, ‘The Fest With No Name’ will not only bring an exciting lineup of country music to the city, but transform the PNE into an immersive Western cultural experience.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to step inside an old Western film, now’s your chance!

When: July 20th and 21st
Where: PNE Centre Grounds
Cost: $128.41+

Vancouver Folk Music Festival 

Returning to Jericho Beach this summer is the 47th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which will feature performances by The Milk Carton Kids and 47 Soul – among a full lineup of artists.

When: July 19th to 21st
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Cost: $230 for the weekend

Neil Young Crazy Horse: Love Earth Tour 

Neil Young needs no introduction, but we’ll give one anyway. The legendary Canadian-American singer is known for popularizing folk-rock in iconic ’60s band Buffalo Springfield and beyond.

When: July 22nd and July 23rd
Where: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
Cost: Check back soon

Shambhala Music Festival

Highly anticipated from coast to coast, Shambhala will return this year with an incredible lineup including Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Disclosure, James Blake, San Holo, and Subtronics – to name a few! While tickets are currently sold out, those hoping to snag a spot can join the official waitlist.

When: July 26th-29th
Where: Salmo River Ranch
Cost: $549+

Chris Brown – The 11:11 Tour 

Chris Brown is bringing the 11:11 Tour to Rogers Arena on Saturday, July 27th.

When: Saturday, July 27th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $293.53

The Decemberists 

Indie-rock band The Decemberists hail from Portland and will be performing at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Monday, July 29th.

When: Monday, July 29th
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $51.25

Billy Idol – Rebel Yell

British-American singer, songwriter, and actor Billy Idol is another artist who needs no introduction – and he’ll be performing at Rogers Arena at the end of the month.

When: Tuesday, July 30th
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $116.85+

Arts & Culture

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

things to do vancouver july 2024
Photo via Tim Matheson

This one’s for outdoor theatre lovers! Bard on the Beach is officially back for its 35th season at Vanier Park, with two Shakespearean productions playing this month: “Twelfth Night” and “Hamlet.”

When: Starting Tuesday, June 11th and Thursday, June 13th, June 11th to September 21st
Where: Vanier Park
Cost: $30 to $44 per person

Free night at Vancouver Art Gallery 

Thanks to a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery is set to launch free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The first free Friday night will be on Friday, July 5th – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!

When: Friday, July 5th
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: Free admission

Carnaval del Sol 

Carnaval del Sol is the largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s taking place at Jonathon Rogers Park this year. So get ready to be immersed in the vibrant music, dance, food, and traditions of Latin America at this three-day celebration!

One-day passes are priced at $20 a pop if you secure them in advance, with children and seniors able to enter for free.

When: Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 7th
Where: Jonathon Rogers Park
Cost: $20

Khatsahlano Street Party

Vancouver’s largest free music festival is back this month with an incredible lineup of local talent, which has been put together by Zulu Records this year. The all-day celebration lines West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano with over 50 food vendors, pop-up shops, art displays, and beer gardens – and it’s a summer staple!

When: Saturday, July 6th
Where: West Broadway, Kitsilano
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Chinatown Festival

The beloved Vancouver Chinatown Festival returns to downtown Vancouver for two days this month, and you won’t want to miss it. With live entertainment, an artisans’ market, tasty food truck eats, and an all-new Cultural Zone and Children’s Theatre, there will be plenty to enjoy here!

When: Saturday, July 13th and Sunday, July 14th
Where: Keefer and Columbia Street
Cost: Free admission

Brock House Society Summer Fair 

This free-to-enter summer fair will have an array of food and beverage vendors, hand-made jewelry, art, vintage clothing, woodwork, books, games, and houseplants to check out. So if you’re looking to support local this month, consider heading to the Brock House Society Summer Fair!

When: July 13th
Where: 3875 Point Grey Road
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Pride 2024 

Every year, Vancouver hosts a variety of ticketed, free, and low-cost events to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the incredible art and talent to come out of it – as well as those working towards creating greater inclusivity in our city.

According to the Vancouver Pride Society, this year will see over 40 events across the city, including the two-day VanPrideFest and the annual Vancouver Pride Parade.

This year’s Pride festivities will kick off on July 26th with an Opening Ceremony at Davie Street Lounge.

When: July 26th to August 4th, East Side Pride on July 22nd
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed events, on sale June 6th

Food & drink

Vegan Night Market

With plenty of summer and fall markets under its belt (including the city’s first beachside night market), the Vegan Night Market by Peaces.ca is back this July and you won’t want to miss it. The next market takes place on July 4th at Locarno Beach, followed by bi-weekly summer events until August 29th.

When: Thursday, July 4th And bi-weekly until August 29th
Where: Locarno Beach
Cost: $2 minimum donation

Patio Paella Series 

There are two July dates for the Paella Guys x ¿CóMO? Taperia’s summertime ‘Patio Paella Series,’ and you won’t want to miss them. Guests get to watch as their paella is being prepared on a large steel pan, with each plate piled high with chicken, shrimp, jumbo prawns, red peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomato, olive oil, garlic and saffron, topped with housemade garlic aioli.

When: July 14th and July 21st
Where: 201 East 7th Avenue
Cost: $28 per person, plus tax and gratuity

Canada Bubble Tea Festival – Burnaby

There’s nothing like bubble tea to cool you down in the summer, and we can’t help but get excited for the return of Canada’s largest bubble tea festival. The popular Burnaby festival brings the best of the scene to the Swangard Stadium, where you’ll be able to catch an outdoor movie as well – all with free admission!

When: July 19th to 21st
Where: 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
Cost: Free admission

Junction Public Market 

Vancouver’s newest public marketplace is almost here, which will feature a mix of rotating food trucks, artisan vendors, and live entertainment. Oh, and refreshing sips from the market’s ‘Sipping Container!

Taking place at Granville Square from June 28th to September 29th, Junction Public Market will operate from Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm, including holiday Mondays.

When: June 28th to September 29th
Where: 200 Granville Street
Cost: Free admission

Shipyards Night Market

The beloved Shipyards Night Market is on every Friday until September 13th, so get ready to enjoy the iconic beer garden and outdoor market, and peruse many mouthwatering food trucks.

When: Every Friday from May 10th to September 13th
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Richmond Night Market

Home to literally hundreds of vendors, the Richmond Night Market has become a must for food and drink lovers, and it looks like we’re getting some great weather this week!

When: Friday, June 14th and every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until October
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond

Outdoors & Sports

Steveston Salmon Festival

One of the country’s largest Canada Day celebrations is returning to Steveston Village on the first of the month this year, and it’s bringing together a full day of live music, family fun, and over 20 food trucks. Yes, we’re talking about this year’s Steveston Salmon Festival!

Now in its 77th year, the beloved annual celebration will once again feature the classic Pancake Breakfast, Salmon Bake, and Chow Mein near the Steveston Community Centre, in addition to tasty on-site food trucks.

When: Monday, July 1st
Where: Steveston Village, BC
Cost: Free admission, $20 for Salmon Bake

Surrey Canada Day

Western Canada’s largest Canada Day celebration will take place at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre in Surrey, and offer visitors a full afternoon of live music, including from headliners Sass Jordan and The Sheepdogs.

There will also be amusement rides, a pop-up ‘tavern’ with brews and wines, food trucks, a kid’s zone, and an Indigenous Village, where guests can learn more about Indigenous cultures through storytelling, music, art, and dance.

When: Monday, July 1st
Where: 17728 64th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free to attend

Tour de Concord & Free Family Bike Festival 

You don’t have to be an expert biker to enjoy this exciting summer event. So grab your bikes and helmets, and get ready to enjoy a free festival with activities for the whole family to enjoy – the Tour de Concord is back in downtown Vancouver!

When: Sunday, July 7th
Where: 88 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: Free

Theatre Under the Stars

Who’s ready for the return of a beloved Vancouver tradition? Stanley Park’s outdoor theatre experience, Theatre Under the Stars, has officially set the stage for summer 2024 – and two iconic shows are on the roster: CATS and School of Rock.

When: July 5th to August 24th
Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
Cost: $20 to $65 per adult (single show)

Symphony at Sunset

Nothing screams ‘summer’ like an outdoor concert, and what better way to kick off the season than with a free evening of classical music by the beach? Symphony at Sunset is officially back with recognizable orchestral tunes by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) from films like Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and E.T.

When: Saturday, July 6th
Where: 1204 Beach Avenue
Cost: Free

Honda Celebration of Light

Drawing thousands of local and international visitors every year, the Celebration of Light is a huge deal for lovers of fireworks, as it’s not often that Vancouver’s skies light up with dazzling displays.

This year, Team Macedos Pirotecnia of Portugal will kick things off on July 20th, followed by Team Pyro Tact from Malaysia on July 24th, and a grand finale on July 27th by the UK’s Pyrtotex Fireworx.

When: July 20th, 24th, and 27th
Where: English Bay
Cost: Free

Hasting Raceway Market

Yes, another free market to add to your list! The Community Market at the Hastings Racecourse and Casino is on every Friday and Saturday until August 10th. Visitors can peruse local artisans and makers while surrounded by the excitement of horse racing.

When: Fridays and Saturdays this July
Where: 188 North Renfrew Street
Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Canadians 

Baseball season is now in full swing, no pun intended. This month, the Vancouver Canadians are up against the Everett AquaSox, Spokane Indians, and the Tri-City Dust Devils.

When: Games throughout July
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: $20+

Downtown Vancouver Summer Movie Nights 

Now, we get into the season of free outdoor movies, starting with Downtown Vancouver’s Summer Movie Nights. With a giant projector screen and plenty of space to lay out your picnic blankets and chairs, the square transforms into the ultimate open-air theatre.

Note that movies begin at sundown, with performances and activities starting at 5 pm every Thursday from July 4th to August 15th.

When: Every Thursday from July 4th to August 15
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square
Cost: Free admission

Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park 

Evo Car Share and Fresh Air Cinema are back with their free Summer Cinema series, which screens a different movie every Tuesday this summer on a 40-foot screen under the stars.

Movies are screened on the Grand Lawn at Ceperley Meadow with space for thousands of visitors! So grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and get ready to rally your pals.

When: Every Tuesday night from July 9th to August 27th
Where: Ceperley Meadow
Cost: Free admission

Deckchair Cinema

Now in its third year, Deckchair Cinema brings movie-goers together on Cates Deck in front of the Polygon Gallery for weekly al fresco classic film screenings on Thursdays starting June 27th.

Screenings will begin at sunset, and will be accompanied by music and live entertainment leading up to the movie start time. So don’t forget your blankets and chairs!

When: Every Thursday from June 27th to August 29th
Where: Cates Deck, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

Sunset Cinema at The Shipyards

Sunset Cinema is back at the Shipyards Commons this summer, which is a covered outdoor space. There will be public washrooms on-site as well as rotating food trucks.

When: Wednesdays from July 31st to August 28th
Where: The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission

And that’s a wrap on July, Vancouver! Happy summer.