Summertime is here and we’ve pulled out the best events in July around Metro Vancouver! The opportunities are endless as the summer months roll around and the days get longer. From outdoor concerts to fireworks, festivals to spray parks, there are plenty of options for family-friendly fun. If you’re looking to build a summer of memories, check out our Summer Fun Bucket List. Need a week or two of structured camps for the kids? Take a look at our Summer Camp Guide for offerings.
âď¸ Britannia Mine Museum: Giants at Work | June 27 – September 7, 2026
Featured: This summer, Britannia Mine Museum is throwing fun into high gear by inviting kids and families to get up close with giant machines such as towering mining trucks and massive loaders. Learn how these giants help with the workload behind the scenes and learn about the skilled workers who operate, maintain, and design these big rigs to function flawlessly in the bigger picture of BCâs mining industry.
Bard on the Beach | June – September, 2026
Expose your kids to Shakespeare early, and theyâll be hooked for life. Three Family Days (2pm performances) are designated for the 2026 season to see The Merry Wives of Windsor: July 11, August 16, and September 6.
âď¸Â Soccer in the Square | until July 19, 2026
Featured: Thanks to UBC Properties Trust, Metro Vancouver families can catch the excitement of the games and cheer on their favourite teams without spending a fortune on gameday tickets. Soccer in the Square is a FREE all-ages community event that runs from June 11 to July 19 in Norman MacKenzie Square.
âď¸ Canada Day | July 1, 2026
Featured: Itâs time to come together as a community and celebrate Canada Day! All across Metro Vancouver, celebrations are underway to highlight the diversity across Canada and the values that unite us all. Whether you’re looking for the best place to watch fireworks or where to find the best parties, our Canada Day Guide has it all!
âď¸ Railway Museum of BC | July 1 – September 7, 2026
Featured: All aboard for a summer of FUN! Situated just off the picturesque Sea-to-Sky highway, the Railway Museum of BC is an ideal stop for families traveling between Vancouver and Whistler, and for those looking for a local getaway to Squamish this summer. Enjoy a visit complete with model trains, outdoor train rides on the Mini Rail, exploring old mail cars, interactive exhibits, and checking out the vast collection of trains.
âď¸ Theatre Under the Stars | July 3 – August 22, 2026
Featured: Get ready to bop along to two incredible family-friendly productions this summer! Don’t miss Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Sister Act this summer. Bring your blanket, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and get ready for an evening of superb theatre under the stars!
Carnaval del Sol | July 10 – 12, 2026
Free: Get ready for an exciting party! This year will be a connection between the generations and among the many different countries that make up Latin America. Enjoy music, dance, heritage, and food that represent various countries.
Symphony at Sunset | July 11, 2026
Free: The popular, FREE open-air concert with the VSO returns this year, but to a NEW venue: David Lam Park! This year, VSO has arranged a program to delight and inspire with selections ranging from movie themes to new compositions.
Khatsalano Street Party | July 11, 2026
Free: Local merchants turn Kitsilanoâs legendary West 4th Avenue into a gigantic, 10-block street fair with a wide variety of food options, bustling patios, giveaways and special activities.
VSO in Deer Lake Park | July 18, 2026
Free: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs a FREE evening concert surrounded by the beauty of Burnabyâs Deer Lake Park. Â The VSO offers a crowd-pleasing program of light classics and popular favourites. This is a wildly popular event, so be sure to come early (as in 1 to 2 hours early).
Aldergrove Fair Days | July 17 – 19, 2026
Free: From the tractor pull and fast draw competition to midway rides and great food, thereâs something for everyone at Aldergrove Fair Days. Don’t miss this beloved community event with tons of family-friendly stations and shows.
Port Moody RIBFEST | July 17 – 19, 2026
At the Port Moody Rotary RIBFEST, you will find live entertainment, hours of FREE music, plus more BBQ than you could eat. Since it started in 2015, RIBFEST has been the largest annual community event in Port Moody. Entrance is by donation (cash or card).
Country Fest | July 24 – 26, 2026
Free: Country Fest has been celebrated in Maple Ridge for more than 100 years!  The tradition at the Albion Fairgrounds continues with FREE admission (parking is $2); loads of family-friendly entertainment; crazy lawnmower races; and animal exhibitions of all sortsâŚthe list of activities and entertainment goes on!
âď¸Â Summerween at Central City | July 25, 2026
Featured: Gather your ghosts and goblins for a frightfully fun (and FREE!) mid-summer Halloween Party on July 25th. Grab your best costumes and get ready for an afternoon of trick-or-treating around the mall, some fabulous lawn games, and live music to set the mood. Canât find your costume for the day? Thatâs no problem because there will also be face painting available on-site to transform your look into something spooky, sweet, or silly.
Caribbean Days | July 25 – 26, 2026
Free: Find that beat and get your groove on! The Caribbean Days Festival is a weekend packed full of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival, and culture. Enjoy spicy Caribbean food as well as other international fare, then relax with an ice-cold drink in the hot sun
Canada Day Guide
Itâs time to come together as a community and celebrate Canada Day! Now more than ever, Canadians are united in acknowledging the difficult past that we have come from and are still trying to improve going forward. Join your community in celebration and acknowledgement at these free family events. For more information, click here.
Summer Fun Bucket List
If youâre looking to build a summer full of memories, youâve come to the right place! Banish the boredom blues with our Summer Fun Bucket List. Some days you might be up for a big adventure, some days you might want to stay closer to home. Weâve compiled a list of the best events and activities around Metro Vancouver for any type of day. For more information, click here.
Summer Camp Guide
If you’re already hearing “I’m bored,” then it might be time to register for summer camps for the next few weeks! Sure, they can be pricey, but kids love learning new skills and connecting with others their own age. Save your sanity and book a camp or two that your child will LOVE this summer! For more information, click here.
25 FREE Summer ActivitiesÂ
Thereâs no denying that family adventures can be EXPENSIVE. But, believe it or not, there are a number of FREE family events & activities happening all over Metro Vancouver this summer. For more information, click here.
Beaches & Swimming Holes
Vancouver has truly beautiful beaches â English Bay, Kits Beach, Jericho â the list goes on! But there are also great beaches and swimming holes in other parts of Metro Vancouver. Weâve rounded up a list of popular beaches and hidden gem swimming holes that the whole family will love for a quick dip or a full day of swimming. For more information, click here.
Best Summer Festivals
Summertime is the perfect season for community gatherings and outdoor festivals, and there are plenty in Metro Vancouver between June and August! Whether they’re single-day or spread out over a week or weekend, they all have something in common: good food, great entertainment, and fun for the whole family! For more information, click here.
Community Soccer Events & Watch Parties
Vancouver has hosted some spectacular sporting events in the past, and in 2026, we are a proud host city of the FIFA World Cup 26â˘! Whether you have tickets to a match, to one of the live concerts, or you just want to be a part of the excitement, there are plenty of ways to connect with your community and be a part of FIFA action. For more information, click here.
Drop-in Park Pop-Ups
Going to a local park or one thatâs new to you is great, but what makes it even better is when there is FREE drop-in programming available to enhance the experience! Each city is different, but most have volunteers who set up interactive equipment, bring fun toys to play with, and lead games. For more information, click here.
FREE Outdoor Movies
Pack your chairs, blankets, and oodles of snacks to enjoy a movie out under the stars! There are always new locations popping up, so check back often to see what’s been added. For more information, click here.
FREE Outdoor Concerts
Summertime, outdoors, and live musicâŚthe combo is like a peanut butter and jam sandwich; they are meant to be together! In cities all across Metro Vancouver, outdoor summer concert series are offering up free (or nearly free) live performances throughout the summer. Mark your calendar, plan a picnic, and soak up the evening sun while listening to beautiful music. For more information, click here.
Ice Cream Shops
Summer is the best time to try a variety of new flavours and new ice cream shops. When the weather is hot, there’s nothing better than an air-conditioned drive to a new location. For more information, click here.
Must-Visit Playgrounds
Pack a bag for the day and visit one of these popular playgrounds that are full of the ‘Wow’ factor. Swings, slides, and climbing walls abound at these great spots! For more information, click here.
Mini Golf
Who doesnât love a round of mini-golf? The kids love the whimsical courses and the parents get to feel like a giant-for-the-day. Weâve compiled a comprehensive list of mini golf facilities in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland. For more information, click here.
Spray Parks
Donât let the hot weather keep you indoors- head to one of the incredible splash pads and spray parks around Metro Vancouver! Donât forget the sunscreen, a towel and a change of clothes! For more information, click here.
U-Pick Berry Picking
You know summer has arrived when the berry fields around Metro Vancouver open. You can take your kids out to the berry patches, teach them about how fruit ends up on our table, get them to help pick the berries (inevitably they will add both over and under-ripe berries into your bucket) and have a blast out in the fresh air getting a bit dirty! Or you can pack a picnic, visit the farm market, and grab a basket of freshly picked berries. Some places offer both options and some only pre-picked berries. For more information, click here.
Summer Farmers Markets
Whether you’re looking to buy food for your next meal or just want to peruse the vendors, you are guaranteed to find something delightful at a Summer Farmers Market! Metro Vancouver has multiple in each city and they carry everything from locally grow food to handmade wares from local artisans. For more information, click here
But Wait⌠Thereâs More!
Love seeing the Family Fun Events in Vancouver in July, but want MORE? Keep tabs on everything happening in #YVR with our calendar, and stay tuned to all the best local family events through our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
Did you know you can submit your family-friendly event to us? Fill out the form with your event details, and weâll do our best to get your event added to our busy events calendar.
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