Great news, Vancouver! The sun is shining and there are tons of street festivals and block parties happening this weekend – and a lot of them are free to attend! So with that in mind, here are 11 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (June 7-9).
Music Waste
Music Waste is an independent, non-profit music and art festival originating as a protest against the corporate Music West Festival in 1994. Now, the beloved local event is in its 30th year, hosting a lineup of around 70 to 80 local bands throughout this weekend!
When: Thursday, June 6th to Sunday, June 9th
Where: Multiple venues, map here
Cost: $40 for festival passes
Free nights at Vancouver Art Gallery
On the first Friday of every month, admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery is completely free, so get ready to enjoy some after-work art free of charge!
When: Friday, June 7th and the first Friday of every month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Sponsored pick: Booster Juice
Check out Booster Juice to try their tasty, , refreshing Booster Mix’rs – and they’re perfect for summer! These iced beverages come in lots of flavours, with tea-based drinks like the Berry Teazer and Mango Teazer as well as oat-based drinks like the Oranges n Cream, Game, Set, Matcha, and Almighty Acai. Now imagine sipping those on a warm and sunny day…
When: This summer
Where: All Booster Juice locations
Public Disco Granville Island Block Party
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Public Disco kicks off its summer series this month with a free block party on Granville Island, which will include live music all day long, including performances by Chi & Ro Lee, Delacru, La Zonida, Maxey b2b J Squeezy, and Table Tutors.
So get ready to don your best disco attire & dance like nobody’s watching!
When: Saturday, June 8th
Where: Lot 55 (Behind Granville Island Brewing), Granville Island
Cost: Free admission
Japan Market Summer Festival
With over 70 Japanese food and arts vendors to peruse, guests will have plenty to uncover at this year’s Japan Market Summer Festival. This includes live entertainment by TATE Sumarai, who will also be available for free photo opportunities.
When: Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza)
Cost: $4 to $5 for one adult, $7 to $9 for two adults
Doors Open Richmond
Granting visitors free access to dozens of museums, artist studios, faith-based institutions, civic centres, and more – this annual event is all about showcasing and celebrating Richmond’s diversity.
When: June 8th and 9th
Where: Locations around Richmond
Cost: Free admission
Italian Day on the Drive
This next festival takes ‘la dolce vita’ very seriously, Italian Day on the Drive is Vancouver’s largest cultural street festival, transforming all 14 blocks of Commercial Drive into a lively celebration with fresh gelato and cannolis, patio sips, and plenty of pizza and pasta to go around.
When: Sunday, June 9th
Where: Commercial Drive
Cost: Free admission
Fair in the Square
Hosted by the Vancouver Community College, the 16th annual Fair in the Square brings the city together every year to celebrate the community’s work via live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, an artisan market, and free food!
This year, there will be free BBQ, cupcakes, and watermelon available.
When: Sunday, June 9th
Where: 206 – 304 West Cordova Street
Cost: Free admission
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Madison Beer – Spinnin Tour
Known for her debut EP “As She Pleases” among many other pop bops, American singer-songwriter Madison Beer is headed to Vancouver on her Spinnin Tour on Sunday, June 9th.
When: Sunday, June 9th
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: $46
The Teskey Brothers – The Winding Way Tour
Australian blues rock band The Teskey Brothers is bringing ‘The Winding Way’ Tour to Vancouver on Sunday, June 9th. So mark your calendars!
When: Sunday, June 9th
Where: UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Cost: $39.27
Visit Playland at the PNE
Between the food and the thrilling rides, visitors to Playland are always in for a fun time! Don’t forget to check out the historic Wooden Roller Coaster (rated #1 in Canada), and The Beast, which earned the title of Canada’s most extreme pendulum ride.
When: Open Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th
Where: 2901 East Hastings Street
And that’s a wrap, Vancouver! Have a great weekend!
