We’ve compiled this go-to list guide to the best July events and festivals in Vancouver to help you get Summer into full swing. Check it out.

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July brings back longtime favourite, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, for thrill seekers, the highly anticipated arrival of a new coaster, the “ThunderVolt” at the PNE, and Flyover attractions’ newest sensory flight journey, Awaken Canada, launches for the Canada Day long weekend.

So, check out these incredible immersive experiences, live performances, fun-filled family events and culinary adventures. More events will be added as they are announced.

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Don’t miss out on the great harvest of delights during peak berry season, which runs until the middle of September. Find out where to find the freshest berries.

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Best July Events in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley

The ThunderVolt at the PNE opens July 6, 2024

The wait is over; Canada’s fastest electric launch coaster, ThunderVolt, opens on July 6 at Playland. The 12-passenger three-car train speeds through a supernatural environment with extraordinary animals, graphics, and pulsing lights. The ride accelerates with 1.3 Gs through an illuminated tunnel, up a steep incline, and then drops 18 metres. The ride, built by Zamperla of Italy, will occupy the previous location of the retired Corkscrew coaster.

New sensory adventure – Awaken Canada – June 29 – ongoing

Celebrating what ‘Home’ means to Canadians, Flyover’s newest immersive flying journey, Awaken Canada, launches on Canada Day long weekend.  After over a decade, following cutting-edge upgrades to sound and projection systems, Awaken Canada replaces the original Flyover Canada experience.

Awaken Canada will become the attraction’s new anchor experience, showcasing Canada’s beauty, diversity, and welcoming spirit through a different, heightened perspective soaring across spectacular landscapes and challenging terrain. Be sure to look for BC Resident rates.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival – until September 21, 2024

Celebrating its 35th year, the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival returns to Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park in Vancouver. Four performances will take place on the Main Stage: Twelfth Night, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, and Measure for Measure.

Be sure to check out special packages for Bard Fireworks Nights, where patrons enjoy a performance of Comedy of Errors followed by a dessert buffet and guaranteed spectacular views of the Celebration of Light. Fireworks evenings are July 20, 24 & 27. New this year: Bring your own picnic supper, pre-order (for an extra charge), or snack the night away —the choice is yours.

Indian Summer Festival – July 4 – 14, 2024

The 14th annual Indian Summer Festival is a cultural celebration of South Asian spirit with a variety of inclusive, diverse events at venues throughout Vancouver. The 10-day festival kicks off with a symphony of sounds, flavours, and art at the PARADOX opening party. Chef Tushar Tondvalkar presents a tasting menu reflecting the bustling streets of Mumbai to the regal banquet halls of Rajasthan.

Theatre Under the Stars – July 5 – August 24, 2024

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents CATS and School of Rock, at Stanley Park’s iconic Malkin Bowl. These two iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpieces feature show-stopping song and dance numbers in CATS and high-voltage, fist-pumping rock score in School of Rock. Performances on the TUTS stage have been a Vancouver tradition since 1940. 

Craft Beer and Music Festival – July 6, 2024

This year’s Craft Beer and Music Festival on the PNE Fairgrounds features 150+ craft beers, chef pop-ups and live music.

Khatsahlano Street Party – July 6, 2024

Billed as Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival, this 10-block fair runs along 4th Avenue from McDonald to Broadway. Enjoy over 50 of Vancouver’s top musical performers, artisans and street performers, licensed beer gardens and plenty of food options.

Royal Opera of Madrid Authentic Flamenco Vancouver – July 11 – 14, 2024

The Royal Opera of Madrid is Spain’s most important performing arts institution. A Spanish art form that expresses raw passion and emotion, the Royal Opera of Madrid is a world-renowned institution. These talented, award-winning artists will give Vancouver an unforgettable performance of vocals, instruments, and vibrantly visual dances. Location: York Theatre, Commercial Drive.

CREATE! Eastside Arts Festival – July 22-28, 2024

Come celebrate the performing and visual arts diversity in Vancouver’s Eastside Arts District. CREATE! Eastside Arts Festival is a week filled with interactive arts workshops, a series of live music, dance, and comedy performances in partnership with Eastside Arts District venues and arts organizations. as well as a live mural painting,
 
A vital part of Vancouver’s cultural identity, Vancouver’s Eastside Arts District is a neighbourhood that has the highest concentration of artists, musicians, performers, and cultural producers in Vancouver and is known nationally and internationally.
On July 27, there are all-day outdoor festivities at Strathcona Park. The event includes a series of arts workshops, a beer garden, public art activations, an art shop and a concert stage featuring homegrown artists Haleluya Hailu, Fur Trade, and Sarah Jane Scouten.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival – July 19 – 21, 2024

Discover a weekend full of music, dance, food and children’s activities at Jericho Beach Park for the 47th Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Enjoy over 40 musical performances from 15 countries, nine American states and six provinces and territories. Tickets are on sale now.

2024 Honda Celebration of Light – July 20, 24, 27, 2024

The 32nd annual fireworks festival is a three-night, family-friendly event that takes place along the beaches of English Bay. It attracts up to 400,000 people nightly.
The 2024  festival will feature pyrotechnics teams from Portugal, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.

Vancouver Pride Festival and Parade – July 26 – August 4, 2024

The Pride Parade takes place on August 4. The schedule of events is continually updated here.

Trout Lake Farmers Market – Saturdays, April – October 26, 2024

Trout Lake Farmers Market brings farm-fresh goodness to the city with fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and dairy products. There is a good selection of artisan foods and crafts, food trucks, and buskers. The market is located in the north parking lot.

Best July Events in Burnaby

Summer Stages Confederation Park – July 9 – August 29, 2024

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., celebrate summer with a free live performance series. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy. The stage is located near the spray park.

Best July Events in Richmond and Delta

Richmond Salmon Festival – July 1, 2024

This year’s Richmond Salmon Festival features a Canada Day Parade, Pancake Breakfast ($5), Japanese cultural and martial arts show, Spirit of Steveston live entertainment, kids’ bike parade, Art Show, marketplace, food trucks, and more. Younger kids will enjoy Sammy’s Fun Zone, complete with button making, face painting, and inflatable carnival games. The Youth Zone has games, snacks, and a special chill-out zone for older kids.

Voyage of the MV Gikumi – Various weekend times from June 30-August 26, 2024

Depart from the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site for a two-hour tour to explore the rich history and heritage of the Fraser River on board the MV Gikumi, an authentic restored 1954 west coast work boat. The scenic river tour offers wildlife viewing while listening to interesting river tales about rum running, whale rescues and more from experienced heritage interpreters.

Richmond Night Market – April 28 – October 9, 2024

The Richmond  Night Market is the largest market of its kind in North America. The market features Asian street food, entertainment and a wide variety of merchandise vendors. It’s easy to get to from the Canada Line and River Rock Casino.

Country Wines Winery – Weekends, May Long Weekend until the end of October 2024

Take a tour of Country Vines Winery, a six-acre vineyard located behind Richmond Country Farms, to learn about that city’s rich agricultural heritage and how its fertile land contributes to making award-winning wines.

After the tour, enjoy the lounge and picnic area. Make a reservation to be guaranteed a spot to sip wine, savour a charcuterie selection and listen to live music. Please limit your stay to 90 minutes.

July Events in Surrey

Canada Cup International Softball Championships – June 28 – July 7, 2024

Since 1993, this event has brought the highest-ranked women’s teams to play softball and international women’s fast pitch. Teams include Canada, USA, Taiwan, Great Britain, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Ukraine. The competition is held at Softball City, Cloverdale Athletic Park, and Sunnyside Park in Surrey, BC.

FVDED in the Park Summer Music Festival – July 5 – 6, 2024

This electric dance festival in Holland Park is a 16 years and older event.

Best July Events in Langley

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival – July 26-28, 2024

Lots of fun and excitement in the historic village of Fort Langley as it comes alive with the sounds of jazz. Recognized as one of the Vancouver Sun’s “Top Ten BC Music Festivals” for the summer of 2024, the event features a vibrant mix of jazz performances, workshops, and cultural demonstrations. Visitors can also explore local artisan markets, savor delicious cuisine from food trucks, and enjoy scenic views along the Fraser River. With a focus on community and creativity, the festival highlights unique offerings like rooftop beekeeping in Vancouver, showcasing innovative sustainability practices. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a weekend of entertainment, Fort Langley’s festival promises something for everyone.

Friday, July 26, 4 – 11 pm: Don’t miss the Cool Blues Show at Fort Langley Community Park, featuring renowned acts such as Tom Lavin & The Legendary Powder Blues Band, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Miss Emily, Silent Partners (a tribute to B.B. King), and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne. Tickets are available here.

Saturday, July 27, 9:30 am The free festival will kick off with the traditional Mardi Gras Strolling Parade on Saturday at 9:30 am from the Fort Langley Farmers Market to the Fort Langley Community Hall. All are welcome to join the strolling parade!

Saturday & Sunday, July 27 and 28, 10 am – 4 pm, Free Festival: Enjoy a diverse lineup of free performances on two outdoor stages in front of the Fort Langley Community Hall, including artists like Hilario Duran, Hutcheson Andrew Trio, Wild Blue Herons with Horns, and more. The popular Kidz Zone and various art, music and Indigenous culture workshops will be available on both days.

Saturday, July 27, 7 – 11 pm: Ticket holders will experience Jake and Elwood’s Blues Brother Revue, a high-energy tribute to the Blues Brothers at Fort Langley Community Hall Ballroom. Sold out.

Sunday, July 28, 4 pm: Wrap up the festival with Jazz AWE, an Alternative Worship Experience at United Churches of Langley featuring the Maureen Washington Quartet, blending live jazz music with spiritual reflection, by donation.

The Festival’s two Rising Jazz Star Winners – Jaiden Christie and Steven Rutherford, will showcase their exceptional talent during the festival weekend on the Rising Spirit Stage in front of the Fort Langley Community Hall.

Youth Concert Showcase Series – on until July 14, 2024

Enjoy eight weeks of free jazz performances every Sunday afternoon between 1-3 p.m. in the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station.

Enjoy art exhibits by local artists and guided tours of the restored CNR 1915 train station.

Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery Music and Mead Festival – July 20

Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery brings music and mead magic to this lively festival.

Get ready to tap your feet to the music, sip on delicious honey-based mead or award-winning Pilsner, and have a blast with fellow music enthusiasts.

The festival brings together amazing live performances, including talented local artists with a throwback to Woodstock. Whether you’re a fan of rock, folk, or something new, they’ve got you covered! The property is a five-acre hobby farm situated in Langley, BC’s wine region, on which the owners explore the lost tradition of mead (honey wine) making.

Aldergrove Fair – July 19 – 21, 2024

The 112th annual Aldergrove Fair celebrates ‘Country Roots and Cowboy Boots,’ with a fairground full of family fun. Friday night starts with a car show before a weekend full of old-fashioned games in the Kidzone, main stage entertainment, unique vendors, food trucks, a ‘beverage garden,’ and many agricultural displays and demonstrations, including an antique tractor pull, air pistol demos, World Fast Draw Contest, rides, games and much more.

Best Abbotsford July Events and Festivals

Berry Festival – July 6, 2024

Known as the berry capital of Canada, Abbotsford holds its annual Berryfest in the historic downtown area every July.  Entertainers, food trucks, craft beer and wine gardens, and children’s activities will be there.

It's berry season in the Fraser Valley. Here is a guide to where to buy fresh berries in Metro Vancouver

Delicious freshly picked summer berries can be found throughout July in Vancouver and nearby.

Lakeland Lavender Fields – June – August, 2024

Blooming starts in June on five acres of fragrant lavender fields. Enjoy the aromatic scent and check out the 13 varieties of blooms and scents.

Summer of Sunflowers – July – September, 2024

Experience 40 acres of giant sunflowers with several different varieties. Admission includes five stems from the Sunflower U-Pick. Additional sunflowers are available to buy. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.

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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.

Wendy is the editor & writer for template3.chewiemedia.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.

She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.