Summer is in full swing, and Metro Vancouver is bursting with vibrant arts, culture, and community festivals this July.
From sun-drenched beaches to lively city streets, the month is packed with ways to get out and enjoy everything from live music, family-friendly block parties, multicultural celebrations, to much more.
Whether you're tapping your toes to the beat, being dazzled by the fireworks, or exploring another culture, these 15 standout festivals highlight the rich diversity and creative spirit that define our summer scene.
Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival (TCCF)
Two stages will host three days of cultural performances, music, exhibitions and workshops from Vancouver's Taiwanese community.
"The program spans a wide spectrum of musical styles: from the elegance of classical music to the dynamic energy of pop, from the raw passion of country rock to the heartfelt melodies of folk," say organizers.
The TCCF is actually expanding this year, with two days of events at Surrey's city hall July 12 and 13 as well.
When: Friday, July 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl'e7énḵ Square (the northern plaza at the Vancouver Art Gallery) - 800 W Georgia St
Cost: Free
Whey-ah-Wichen Canoe Festival
The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) are hosting canoe races throughout the weekend in Burrard Inlet, and crowds can cheer on racers representing Indigenous communities from across the region.
Hundreds are expected to attend, including racers of all ages.
“[The festival] connects us to our culture more and it helps everyone heal in their own way,” organizing committee member Kevin O’Neill tells the North Shore News.
“It’s just like when you speak the language, that’s when your ancestors can join you. Same thing when you’re on the water in these canoes, that connects you with your ancestors.”
When: Races start at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, and at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 6.
Where: Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park - 4141 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Indian Summer Festival
For more than a decade, the Indian Summer Festival has brought a vibrant collection of musicians, dancers, performers and other cultural activities to Vancouver.
This year's theme is "Borderless Solidarities," urging unity as division becomes a more common theme.
"With the closures of thought all around us in an era of hardened borders, resurgent strains of authoritarianism and violent expulsions, the urgency to think and live otherwise intensifies," reads the festival's curatorial theme.
Events include talks by journalists and filmmakers to textile art shows to a night of comedy with an Emmy-nominated comedian.
When: Various times from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 13.
Where: Various sites in Vancouver and the Surrey Arts Centre
Cost: Varies, including free events
Khatsalano
The annual street festival will fill 10 blocks of Kitsilano's West 4th Avenue with artisan shops, activities, and a huge musical contingent.
The festival will feature more than 60 acts across seven stages (and one kids' stage).
This year's theme is "Camp Khats," and headlining are Vancouver psychedelic band Meltt and Missy D, a local bilingual rapper and singer.
Other bands taking the stage include Fernie folk-rockers Shred Kelly, longtime Vancouver-based roots rockers The Matinee, and sister act Vox Rea.
When: Saturday, July 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where: West 4th Ave between MacDonald and Burrard streets
Cost: Free
Symphony at Sunset
Bringing some class to Sunset Beach this summer, the annual performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is returning with 90 minutes of music.
Pieces will range from Star Wars and Harry Potter themes to famed classics like the overture from The Barber of Seville (you might think of Bugs Bunny when you hear that one).
The show is expected to take around 90 minutes.
When: Saturday, July 5, with the program starting at 8 p.m.
Where: Sunset Beach - 1204 Beach Ave
Cost: Free
Carnaval del Sol
Celebrating 17 years, the Carnaval Del Sol has grown a lot over the years.
This year features local artists along with entertainers from Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil, and more.
And, with the World Cup less than a year away, a street-style soccer tournament has been organized.
"With a dynamic 360° inmersive experience, visitors will feel the energy of a stadium, complete with fans cheering, “¡GOLLLLLL!”, games in true Latin American fashion," reads the festival's site.
There will also be areas set up for kids and seniors.
When: Opening concert Friday, July 11 at 6 p.m. Festival runs Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Jonathan Rogers Park - 110 W 7th Ave
Cost: $15-$25 (kids under 12 and seniors over 65 free)
PawsFest 2025
Have a furry friend? PawsFest will have something for them.
"We’ll be utilizing every inch of Sunset Beach Park for this incredible event," says PawsFest's Harman Shaughnessy in an email to V.I.A.
In all the huge festival will cover 400,000 square feet next to English Bay in Vancouver's West End.
PawsFest will include a doggy fashion show, puppy yoga, and agility demonstrations, along with a pet-friendly beer garden and a marketplace.
At the same time, Day of the Dog is holding a special snowy event at the other end of the city.
When: Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Sunset Beach Park - 1204 Beach Ave.
Cost: Free
Day Of the Dog Après Ski Social
In Vancouver's River District, Day of the Dog is bringing a new event with literally tons of snow.
Along with the huge pile of snow for canines to play in, there's going to be bone broth shots, races, and dog snow cones. A pool party, canine cabanas, and a photo booth are also being set up.
The July 12 event is a precursor to the full Day of the Dog event planned in Yaletown for Aug. 24.
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: River District - 8683 Kerr St
Cost: Free
Vancouver Chinatown Festival
A beloved summer tradition, the 23rd annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival will once again be held on Keefer and Columbia, in the heart of historic Chinatown.
This year, festival-goers can look forward to a variety of entertainment, culinary options, cultural experiences, and community activities. Highlights include: the Main Stage with multicultural performances; an expanded Children’s Theatre; a Cultural Zone, and the popular Artisans Market featuring a curated selection of local makers and food vendors.
When: Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: The intersection of Keefer and Columbia streets.
Cost: Free
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival returns to Jericho Beach July 18–20 for its 48th edition.
Over three days, the festival brings together a mix of international acts and local talent in a relaxed waterfront setting.
This year’s lineup includes Bab L’ Bluz, Elisapie, The Heavy Heavy, The Milk Carton Kids, Ocie Elliott, Ruthie Foster, and Watchhouse. It’s a chance to hear familiar favourites and explore new voices in contemporary folk and roots music.
When: Friday, July 18, from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Jericho Beach Park - 3941 Point Grey Rd
Cost: Single adult tickets range from $75 (one evening only) to $250 (full weekend pass).
Aldergrove Fair
One of the oldest annual fairs in the Lower Mainland, the Aldergrove fair started in 1912.
The family-friendly three-event brings together families, friends, and neighbours to honour Aldergrove's deep agricultural roots and vibrant community.
Expect live entertainment, activities, a "fast draw" competition, kids' zone, food vendors, rides and games, and a Friday night car show.
When: July 18-20
Where: 26770 29 Ave., Aldergrove
Cost: Free
Eastside Arts Festival
The Eastside Arts Festival will offer people a chance to explore the creative aspects of East Vancouver.
While much of the festival are work shops or visual arts, two days of free music will be held in Strathcona's Maclean Park.
When: Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 27.
Where: Event locations throughout the Eastside Arts District
Cost: Varies, with some free events. Workshops are $40.54. Tours are $23.76.
Boundary Bay Airshow
Head to Delta to be dazzled by thrilling pilots and all sorts of aircraft and family-friendly fun at the annual Airshow.
This year’s Airshow feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as the headlining act.
Airshow fans can look forward to exhilarating aerobatic performances from talented pilots such as Kyle Fowler, Vicky Benzing, Brad Wursten and Yuichi Takagi.
When: Saturday, July 19. Gates open at 11 a.m.
Where: Boundary Bay Airport - 7800 Alpha Way, Delta
Cost: Free
Celebration of Light
The Honda Celebration of Light returns to English Bay this July with three spectacular fireworks nights scheduled for July 19, 23, and 26, featuring all‑Canadian teams from Yukon, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
Each event day begins in the early afternoon, when English Bay sees food trucks and more exciting activations, before the fireworks show begins after sunset at 10:15 p.m.
When: Saturday, July 19, Wednesday, July 23, and Saturday, July 26 from 2 p.m. (initial activations and food trucks) to 11 p.m. with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
Where: English Bay with ticketed seating in the West End. Viewable from many, many places.
Cost: Free (tickets start at $68)
Surrey Fusion Festival
The Surrey Fusion Festival brings Lower Mainlanders together to celebrate global culture, music, and food - glorious food.
Learn about cultures from around the globe at 50 pavilions. Enjoy live entertainment showcasing a staggering range of genres and high-wattage talent.
Better yet, admission to the event grounds at Holland Park in Surrey is absolutely free.
When: Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Holland Park - 13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey
Cost: Free
With files from Abby Luciano
