Your ultimate guide for a sensational summer in Vancouver

Vancouver, a city that truly lives outdoors, blossoms into its most scenic and sizzling self in the summer months, with an array of outdoor events and festivals to suit everyone’s fancy.

Grab some shades (and sunscreen!) and step outside to discover all the delights a sunny VanCity has to offer!

Shipyards Night Market l Currently to Sept 13: Spring into the season with the return of Vancouver’s popular Shipyards Night Market, which kicks off this May with an exciting new lineup of delicious food truck vendors, live performances and DJ sets, and a market full of unique artisans – all with one of the best skyline views in town. Finish off your Friday and ferry over to North Vancouver, where festivities kick off at 3 p.m. every week!

Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival l June 22-23: Kick off summer at False Creek with North America’s original dragon boat festival! Take in the excitement as dragon boat teams from around the world race in front of thousands of fans at Concord Pacific Place, and Creekside Park. Apart from the world-class racing, there’s much more to enjoy, including fantastic food, and drinks, cultural programs to learn about the community’s heritage, and the myths behind the dragon boat festival’s foundation, live music, visual arts, the city’s biggest outdoor patio and roaming performances for all ages.

Khatsahlano Street Party l July 6: The West 4th Avenue Khatsahlano Street Party, a long-standing Vancouver tradition, is the city’s largest free music and arts festival. This immensely popular 10-block street fair in Kitsilano features multiple stages showcasing more than 50 of Vancouver’s top musical acts, along with booths full of works from local artisans, dozens of entertaining street performers, a feast of food options, a plethora of packed patios, and so much more.

32nd Annual Honda Celebration of Light l July 20, 24 & 27: Billed as ‘Vancouver’s most beloved summer event,’ the Celebration of Light is the world’s longest running offshore fireworks competition, with three nights of spectacular fireworks by the world’s best pyrotechnic teams lighting up the city’s shorelines. Start your afternoon at Sunset Beach to catch some great bands at the accompanying music festival, then grab a picnic blanket, and snag a spot at English Bay or Burrard Inlet to take in the show.

The Pacific National Exhibition l August 17-September 2: This annual fair is an end-of-summer must for many in BC, with amusement rides, live music, exhibits, and the annual feast of new and outrageous foods. This year’s Summer Nights concert series is packed with performances from a huge variety of artists of all genres, including Ludacris, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Serena Ryder, Blondie, the Commodores, Barenaked Ladies, Brad Paisley, and many more!