Welcome to the last weekend of spring, Vancouver! It’ll likely be a drizzly one, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out there and enjoy the long days and late sunsets. Plus, there are lots of ways to celebrate Father’s Day around the city this year! From hitting up a covered patio to checking out a massive food truck fest, to heading to the Strathcona Blocks Party, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (June 16-18).
Foodstock
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Vancouver-based band Said The Whale will take the stage at this year’s Foodstock – the food bank fundraising fest put on by the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) every year to combat food insecurity in the region. The massive food truck fest will feature a ton of local vendors, including Dageraad, Luppolo Brewing, and Pacific Breeze Winery. And for just over $30, you get to enjoy it all.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 6100 Boundary Road, Burnaby
Cost: $30 per ticket
South-Asian Family Festival at Playland
The first-ever South-Asian family fest is coming to the PNE on Father’s Day, bringing a full day of concerts, cultural performances, arts, and parades to Playland’s already spectacular lineup of over 25 rides and games. As well, visitors can take a peek at a fashion show, shop at the festival’s own bazaar, and enjoy delicious street food from around the globe.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Cost: $35 to $78.75+
Sponsored: Strathcona Blocks Party: Live music, food trucks, beer garden, pop-up market & fun family-friendly activities
The Strathcona Blocks Party is here, bringing the ultimate summer vibe! Hosted by Low Tide Properties in collaboration with over 30 local businesses, this free event promises to showcase the heart and soul of one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods. With live music, delicious food trucks, a buzzing beer garden, and a vibrant pop-up market, the Strathcona Blocks Party on June 17th has something for everyone.
When: Saturday, June 17th, 2023 | 12 pm to 5 pm
Where: 840 East Hastings
Cost: Free
91st BC Highland Games & World Music Festival
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Whether your family has Scottish or Irish heritage or not, the BC Highland Games & World Music Fest are always a blast, complete with a full weekend of Scottish, Irish, and World Music, including SFU Pipe Band and Ireland’s Sharon Shannon. Best of all? Sunday’s festival is completely free to attend!
On Saturday, there will be pipe bands, caber tossing, traditional highland dancing, food vendors, and activities for the kids. On Sunday, the festival will feature free music and dance performances by artists around the globe – from Iran, Punjab, China, Pakistan, and First Nations, to name a few.
When: Sunday, June 18th
Where: 3099 Trevor Wingrove Way, Coquitlam
Cost: $37.53 for GA weekend passes, free admission on Sunday only
Friday Night Lobby Lounge
You can head to the Vancouver Art Gallery this Friday from 5 to 8 pm for an evening of art, puzzles, games, and delicious sips. General admission is $29 per person and includes one drink with each ticket purchase.
When: Friday, June 16th
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $29 GA
Hop on a bus to Joffre Lakes
Starting Saturday, June 17th, you can take the Parkbus to Joffre Lakes, AKA one of BC’s most stunning lakes, surrounded by stretches of rugged hiking trails. If you’re ready for a pre-summer adventure, you know where to find it.
When: Available on weekends starting Saturday, June 17th
Where: Pick up in Vancouver at 1025 Dunsmuir Street
Cost: $108 for a roundtrip
Hit up a covered patio
Come rain or shine, these cozy patios offer visitors some of the best food and drink in the scene, as well as all the summer vibes we need to get us through this latch stretch of drizzly spring weather.
Where: See our picks above
Play Disc Golf at Queen Elizabeth Park
If the sun’s out, why not rally your friends together and head to Vancouver’s scenic Queen Elizabeth Park for an afternoon of free disc golf? The course is located near the pitch and putt golf course.
Where: 4600 Cambie Street, Queen Elizabeth Park
Cost: Free
Check out a Farmer’s Market
You may have noticed that a bunch of farmers’ markets have started popping up, so why not stop by a couple? The Sunday market at the Kitsilano Community Centre is always as hit, as is the Mount Pleasant market. Load up on some fresh produce and get to know the vendors!
If Saturday markets are more your thing, the markets at Trout Lake and Riley Park are both already up and running.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Vancouver Canadians
It’s officially baseball season, and the Vancouver Canadians have returned to Nat Bailey Stadium. This weekend, they’re up against the Hillsboro Hops, so why not go cheer them on?
When: Games throughout the weekend
Where: 4601 Ontario Street
Cost: $10+
So there you have it, Vancouver. Have a great last weekend of spring- and happy Father’s Day!
