Get out and about this summer by exploring one of these bustling waterfront festivals in Metro Vancouver.
There’s something for everyone, whether you want to listen to live music, indulge in tasty eats or shop some of the best local vendors.
And the best part of these festivals is they’re on (or close to) the waterfront, and free (or super cheap).
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Waterfront Festivals + Night Markets in Metro Vancouver
Fridays On Front, New Westminster
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This legendary block party is a beloved summertime tradition that brings people together to enjoy food, live music and a variety of activities for all ages. Located on the peaceful yet cinematic Front Street, the event takes place every Friday this summer.
Spectators can grab a bite from local vendors, and spend the evening browsing the vendors and listening to live music while walking along the waterfront.
When and Where: Every Friday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. for three consecutive weeks from July 7 to July 21 and then for another three consecutive weeks between Aug. 11 to Aug. 25 on the 600-block of Front Street
Cost: Admission is free
Summer Sundays at Port Moody
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Rocky Point Park will be hosting a series of free concerts this Summer right by the waterfront. Local artists will be performing on stage at 2 pm from July 9- Sept 3rd. Guest are encourage to bring chairs and blankets and enjoy a beautiful day out by the water.
They will also be hosting the Port Moody Rotary Ribfest from July 21-23. This beloved annual event usually draws upwards of 50,000 from all over Metro Vancouver. This is a 3 day event in July that takes place right by the water at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody. Entry is by donation, and the event will be full of family-friendly activities, live music and more.
Cost: Admission is free
Shipyards Live, North Vancouver
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This multi-week series will feature live entertainment, food trucks, artisan vendors, an all-ages splash park, and a beer garden every Friday until September.
Live music will be played throughout the day and will bound to get your feet moving. There will be a variety of styles and genres, including R&B, Soul, Funk, Country, Pop, Jazz, as well as Brazilian Samba.
Many food trucks will also be on-site throughout the day. Expect favourites like Rosie’s BBQ and Smokehouse, Mom’s Grilled Cheese, Cannoli King, Cazba Express and Reel Mac & Cheese.
When: Every Friday through September 15 in the Shipyards District
Cost: Admission is free
Concerts At The Pier, White Rock
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This epic summer series hosts musical evenings through Aug. 24 at both East Beach and West Beach, as well as Five Corners in White Rock.
The iconic free outdoor concert series will feature national touring acts, beloved local artists, and great tribute bands. Guests are encouraged to arrive an hour early to secure seating. Personal lawn chairs are also welcome.
Here’s the headliners:
- July 6 (West beach): Headliner – Lee Aaron | Opening Act – Caroline Christie
- July 13 (West Beach): Headliner – The Matinee | Opening Act -Tom & Kalissa Landa
- July 20 (East Beach): Headliner – Men Without Hats | Opening Act: Ben Dunnill Band
- August 17 (Memorial Park): Headliner – Jake and Elwood’s Blues Brothers Revue | Opening Act – Speakeasy Trio
- August 24 (East Beach): Headliner – Colin James | Opening Act – Brandon Isaak
When: July 6, 13, 20 and August 17, 24 at Five Corners, West Beach and East Beach
Cost: Admission is free
Concerts & Festivals at Lafarge Lake, Town Centre Park
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Coquitlam’s Lafarge Lake is a beautiful spot for events year round. This summer, they will be hosting a series of invites including
- Coquitlam Concert Series: July 14, Aug 4, Sept 1, from 7-9pm. There will be amazing music and food trucks
- Caribbean Day Celebration: July 30 from 1 am – 7pm. For the 2nd year in a row, Coquitlam will be hosting BC’s biggest Caribbean Day Celebration.
- Dumpling Festival: August 12, from 11 am – 8 pm. After a successful first run in 2022, dumpling enthusiasts can once again indulge in this beloved culinary event that celebrates the artistry and diversity of dumplings.
Cost: Admission is free to all the events
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Performances
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The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performers a series of free performances all around Vancouver in the summer for all the music lovers to enjoy. Most notably are there 2 open air concerts that takes place by the water. Symphony at Sunset is a beautiful annual event Sunset Beach Park. This year, the event will be taking place on July 8th.
Then there is the free concert at Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park, located at an equally beautiful location. This is a free family event with activities and food trucks. Guests can bring a blanket or chair and a picnic and settle in for a wonderful evening of music. This year’s event will be taking place on July 15 from 7:30-9:30 pm at Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
Cost: Admission is free
Free Outdoor Movies by the Water
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As summer approaches, outdoor film screenings are returning all over Metro Vancouver for everyone to enjoy, and entry is completely free of charge!
Here are the ones that are located right by the water, so not only can you enjoy a great evening watching a show, but you can also enjoy the views nearby.
- Evo Summer Cinema at Stanley Park – Tuesdays, July 4, 11, 18, 25 at dusk at the Grand Lawn at Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach
- Deckchair Cinema on Cates Deck at the Shipyards – Thursday, July 6, 13, 20, 27 with activities at 7 pm, and screening around 9 pm at Cates Deck (The Shipyards) in front of The Polygon Gallery
- Sunset Cinema at The Shipyards – Every Wednesday at 9 pm from August 2-23 at the Shipyards
Cost: Admission is free
Night Market, Richmond
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The Richmond Night Market is open on weekends through until Oct. 10. Although not quite free, the entry fee is fairly low, especially if you get the Zoom pass ($5 per entry). This market is a Summer favourite and is full of things to do and see.
The theme for 2023 is ‘a little slice of magic’, and there are so many new foods to try this year, including Butter Beer and deep fried ice cream sundaes.
When: Every weekend until October 9, from 7 pm – midnight at 8351 River Road
Cost: $8 for Entry
Celebration of Lights
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Last but not least, how can we leave out the Celebration of Lights. This is one of the most popular events of the years, drawing huge crowds at various great viewing spots around the city.
The organizers of this renowned fireworks competition have announced that the three-night extravaganza will make its comeback in 2023 . Kicking off the competition will be the team representing Australia on Saturday, July 22, followed by Mexico on Wednesday, July 26, and The Philippines on Saturday, July 29.
The Red Bull Airshow with Pete McLeod will also be returning to English Bay. The show starts prior to the fireworks at 7:40 pm each night with an exhilarating aerobatics performance.
When & Where: July 22, 26, 29 starting around 10pm at English Bay in Vancouver
Cost: Free
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