The summer has yet to slow down, and as we head into August, Metro Vancouver continues to buzz with overflowing energy for local arts, culture and community.
Live music, artisan markets, international cuisines and multicultural festivities–there’s a festival for every kind of fun-seeker this month.
Here are over 15 can’t-miss festivals that celebrate creativity and connection and make the most of this summer season.
Vancouver Pride Weekend
Vancouver goes all out for Pride–and this year, it’s bigger and brighter than ever.
Highlights from the weekend include the annual Vancouver Pride Parade with an expected over 100,000 attendees on Aug. 3, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. This year, the parade will follow a new route starting near Rogers Arena and ending near the Burrard Bridge.
The celebration doesn’t stop after the parade. The iconic Davie Village Pride Festival (2 to 10 p.m.) and Nelson Park Pride Festival (2 to 9 p.m.) promises a full-blown party featuring live music, DJs, drag shows, local vendors and hands-on activities like ribbon making and button pressing.
Other festivals happening during Pride Weekend include Queers & Beers Block Party at the Birdhouse and Untoxicated, an alcohol-free event, at David Lam Park.
- Check out our guide to Pride events in and around Vancouver.
When: Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 3.
Where: Various sites in Vancouver
Cost: Varies, includes free events
Harmony Arts Festival
West Vancouver’s beloved celebration of the arts returns with free outdoor concerts, arts shows, hands-on workshops, kids programming and a culinary feast. Soak in over 50 live performances across two stages at Millennium Park, browse juried artwork and handmade items at the art markets, or explore the waterfront galleries and tents showcasing the creations of local artists.
Foodies can pick from a selection of food vendors–think crispy sushi tacos, juicy hamburgers and fruity handmade popsicles. The annual ticketed tasting event Best of the West is taking place on Aug. 6, featuring local chefs and B.C. wineries.
When: Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 10.
Where: Millennium Park - 1564 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver
Cost: Free
Powell Street Festival
One year shy of 50, the Powell Street Festival is back in 2025 with two days of Japanese food, culture, and community.
From taiko drumming and sumo wrestling tournaments to calligraphy demos and poetry readings, the annual Japanese-Canadian celebration will feature over 60 events, 40 performances, and 50 food and craft vendors and community booths.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Oppenheimer Park and Powell Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
White Rock Sea Festival & Semiahmoo Days
Now in its 74th year, this annual summer tradition returns to the White Rock waterfront for a weekend of culture, community and coastal charm, stretching across West Beach to Semiahmoo Park.
Presented by the City of White Rock and Semiahmoo First Nation, the festival features food, live music, entertainment, an artisan market, activities and games for all ages.
Highlights include the torchlight parade taking place on Aug. 2 at 8:30 p.m. (starting from Oxford Street toward Semiahmoo Park) and a fireworks finale on Aug. 3 at 10:15 p.m.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3.
Where: Semiahmoo Park, East Beach and Memorial Park, White Rock
Cost: Free
Vines Art Festival
Rooted in art-led land justice, the 11th annual Vines Art Festival invites artists and community members to join together in public parks across Vancouver for art and storytelling.
“This year, we create a vision for a world that disrupts not through extraction but through interconnectedness, through nourishment, and reminds us who we are,” the festival site reads.
Kicking off with the opening ceremony on Aug. 6 at Stanley Park and ending with Elemental Nourishment on Aug. 16 at Trout Lake Park, attendees can look forward to music, poetry, dance, installations and more.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 6, to Sunday, Aug. 16
Where: Various Vancouver parks
Cost: Free
KitsFest 2025
Catch high-energy basketball and volleyball tournaments, sunset yoga, dance workshops, outdoor chess, movie nights and more at this annual sports and arts festival.
Taking over Kitsilano Beach for three days, KitsFest 2025 is a family-friendly event featuring a Family Fun Zone, local DJs and special appearance by Olympic gold medalist breakdancer Phil ‘Wizard’ Kim.
When: Thursday, Aug. 7, to Sunday, Aug. 10.
Where: Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts
The annual Monsoon Festival of the Performing Arts returns for its milestone 10th year, also marking the South Asian Arts Society’s 20th anniversary. Celebrating South Asian arts and culture, the programming ranges from plays and comedy shows to photography exhibitions and dance workshops.
Spread across venues in Vancouver and Surrey, this year’s edition includes a theatrical reading with award-winning actress Nimet Kanji, a stand-up comedy night with internationally acclaimed comedian Manpreet Singh and two plays: Andy Kalirai’s Gemini and Bir Btaalvi’s Sikligar.
When Thursday, Aug. 7, to Sunday, Aug. 17.
Where: Various locations in Vancouver and Surrey
Cost: Varies, includes free events
Astro Arts Festival
Carrying on the tradition of the recently shuttered Vancouver Mural Festival, the new Astro Arts Festival is hosting a free block party at the Astro Club on 165 West 4th Avenue.
In addition to more than 30 experimental murals, a graffiti jam, and live street art painting, there will be an array of food trucks, a beer garden, an artisan market and more to explore throughout the weekend.
When: Friday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 9, to Sunday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Astro Arts Club - 165 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Cost: Free
BC Dumpling Festival
The 4th annual BC Dumpling Festival returns to the Tri-Cities for a full day of food, culture and community.
Presented by the Asian Arts and Culture Society, the free family-friendly event will host over 25 food trucks and vendors, serving dumplings from all over the world–from momos and pierogies to gyozas and mandu.
In addition to a dumpling eating contest, live music and dance performances, a Kids Zone, an Art Zone and local vendors are in store.
- Check out our guide to food events in and around Vancouver.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Town Centre Park - 1299 Pinetree Wy, Coquitlam
Cost: Free admission
Pleasant Day Festival
Mount Pleasant is getting a new summer street festival, and it’s shaping up to be a local music lover’s dream.
The free one-day celebration will have two dozen musical acts across four stages along Vancouver’s Main Street, including local post-punk band Actors, Canadian singer-songwriter Haley Blais and sister duo Fionn.
Expect market vendors, food trucks and beer gardens at the community event showcasing the neighbourhood’s spirit and creativity.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Main Street from 16th Ave to King Edward
Cost: Free
Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival
This free outdoor festival is transforming Deer Lake Park into a full day celebration of music, community and summer soul–complete with food trucks and a beer garden.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco headlines the main stage, which boasts a standout lineup of performers including Juno Award-winning, Oji-Cree artist Aysanabee and this year’s RBCxMusic First Up Artist Antonio Larosa.
Over at Burnaby Village Museum, three satellite stages will feature folk-rock group Cat Murphy Band, soulful singer Tiffany River, Juno Award-nominated performer Adam Robert Thomas and more.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, from 3:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn - 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Cost: Free
African Descent Festival
The African Descent Festival is back, and this year’s theme is celebrating the legacy of Joe Fortes–Trinidadian-born Canadian lifeguard and local hero of English Bay Beach.
The free, two-day event spotlights Vancouver’s African Descent community, sharing their cultural heritage with live performances ranging from dance and music to painting and poetry, African food vendors, an artisan market, a children’s play area and more.
Headlining performers are Congolese singer and drummer Awilo Longomba and Rwandan R&B musician Safi Madiba.
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 10.
Where: English Bay Beach, Vancouver
Cost: Free (Donations encouraged)
Light Up Chinatown! 2025
Now in its 5th year, Light Up Chinatown! is turning Vancouver’s historic neighbourhood into a vibrant pedestrian-only festival this August with food, live entertainment and cultural festivities spanning two full days.
Hawkers Lane will feature an expanded lineup of local eats–savoury street snacks and special food collaborations, like a spicy fried chicken hoagie from Juke Fried Chicken and Say Hey Café.
Performers range from R&B artists and DJs to traditional musicians and dance troupes. Families with children can enjoy hands-on fun in the Kids Zone, while the Chinatown Storytelling Centre offers various crafts, demos and workshops.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 500-block Columbia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Water Lantern Festival
This enchanting festival invites guests to personalize their own lanterns and release them onto the water at sunset. The evening includes live music, food trucks, a scavenger hunt and a chance to reflect and connect with friends and family.
The festival’s site recommends bringing warm clothes or a blanket, camping chairs, bug spray and a camera.
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Town Centre Park - 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: General admission tickets range from $42.99 to $67.99. Family/Friends 4-pack group package tickets are $24.99 per person (Children under 8 with paid adult ticket free).
Richmond Maritime Festival
Richmond’s annual maritime celebration at the Britannia Shipyards site promises another year of seafaring festivities.
The Richmond Maritime Festival invites visitors to wander through the historic site, featuring 12 heritage buildings and 10 restored antique wooden boats. Food trucks, live entertainment and all kinds of family-friendly activities are in store for the weekend-long event.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site - 5180 Westwater Dr, Richmond
Cost: Free
Granville Block Party
Returning for its third year, Granville Block Party will take over the heart of the Granville Entertainment District this August with music, dancing, vintage markets, food and drinks and family-friendly activities.
New this year are curated stage takeovers by Van Vogue Jam and Locals Lounge, and a dance stage featuring Harbour Dance Centre artists and swing dancing courtesy of Vancouver Civic Theatres.
Festival-goers can expect lively performances by local artists including award-winning singer-songwriter Krystle Dos Santos, folk and roots artist Jack Garton, Persian pop band Bakara Band and Afro-soul, funk and R&B fusion trio Serengeti.
When: Saturday, Aug. 23, and Sunday, Aug. 24, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: On Granville at Robson Street
Cost: Free
Nikkei Matsuri
This family-friendly Japanese festival returns to Burnaby with two days of cultural appreciation.
Expect live music, local performers, food vendors, arts and crafts workshops, a flea market, kids games, and yutaka (summer kimono) rentals. This year will also feature a Japanese pop culture market and a Pokémon Room hosted by the Pokémon League.
Presented by the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, proceeds from the event will go towards funding the heritage museum, which seeks to share and honour Japanese culture and Japanese-Canadian history.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Nikkei Centre - 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: $12-15 (Youth under 18 and seniors 65+ free)
With files from Brendan Kergin and Lindsay William-Ross
