The Perfect Summer to Explore BC

Could this be the summer that allows us to travel, engage, and congregate more freely? Even unencumbered by pandemic restrictions, there is nowhere more appealing to spend the warm summer months than right here in B.C. So why not check out some of your favourite festivals and events in your own backyard – and discover a few hidden gems while you’re at it!

Vancouver

Bard on the Beach
June to September
Vanier Park, Vancouver

When was the last time you saw Shakespeare in the park? Bard continues to be one of the city’s
favourite events – and summer is perhaps the best time to enjoy this outdoor theatre festival.

Vancouver Jazz Festival
June 24 to July 3
Various locations, Vancouver

See live jazz performances at a variety of venues around town.

Khatsahlano Street Party
July 9
W. 4th Ave, Vancouver (Burrard St. to Macdonald St.)

The biggest annual arts and music festival in the City of Vancouver! Enjoy local bands, street performances, market stalls, food vendors, beer garden, and family-friendly activities.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 15 to 17
Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver

Your favourite folk festival returns this year with live entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Shipyards Friday Night Market
May 27 to September 2
The Shipyards, North Vancouver

With food trucks lined up along the pier and indoor/outdoor artisan markets, beer garden, and live local music by the water, this has fast become a summer favourite!

Surrey

Surrey Latin Festival
July 16
Surrey Civic Plaza

Celebrate Latin culture with food, dance, folklore, music, and performers at this vibrant family friendly event.

Surrey Fusion Festival
July 23 to 24
Holland Park, Surrey

The ultimate celebration of food, music, and culture with pavilions, live bands, and dance performances.

Jurassic Fest
August 12-14
Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds

See animatronic creatures from the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Triassic eras, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brachiosaurus and more. Includes exhibition, activities, and amusement rides.

Richmond

Richmond Night Market
Weekends May to October
Next to the River Rock Casino

The largest Night Market in North America has become an international attraction with over 1 million visitors each year. From trinkets to treats, there is so much to see and do.

Steveston Salmon Festival
June 19 to July 1
Steveston Village, Richmond

Celebrating its 75th anniversary and culminating with Canada Day celebrations, the Salmon Festival includes a parade, Japanese cultural fair, music, car show, and world-famous salmon barbecue.

Burnaby

Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival
August 6
Dear Lake Park, Burnaby

An all-ages day of music, food, and family with a highly anticipated lineup of award-winning performers.

Summer Cinema
Fridays August 12 to September 2
Civic Square, Burnaby

Bring your blankets or chairs and pull out the popcorn for kid-friendly movie night in the warm outdoors!

Coquitlam

ScotFestBC
June 17 to 18
Town Centre Park, Coquitlam

The British Columbia Highland Games with pipe bands, caber tossing, lots of piping, dancing, singing, a whisky school, and live Celtic music.

Caribbean Days
July 23 to 24
Town Centre Park, Coquitlam

Tropical rhythms, cuisine, carnival and culture with great food and plenty of dancing, for one of the largest cultural events in B.C.

Victoria

Colwood Beach Food Days
May 6 to August 28
Ocean Boulevard, Colwood

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday head to Lagoon Beach for live local music and food trucks in the fresh ocean air.

Laketown Shakedown
June 30 to July 2
Laketown Ranch, Cowichan

One of the Island’s biggest and best music festivals is back! Music, food, and camping – what better way to celebrate summer?

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
August 12 to 14
Victoria Inner Harbour

A celebration of sport, culture, and community, in the city that boasts Canada’s oldest Chinatown.