The forecast might not look super optimistic for sunny-weather hopefuls, but at least the city is getting a much-needed refresh—and that doesn’t mean that the summer vibes are slowing down. With Canada Day celebrations, big-name concerts, and the next round of FIFA World Cup matches coming up, you’ll want to lean into the celebrations regardless of a little rain! Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (June 29-July 3).

The iconic Steveston Salmon Festival is known as “Canada’s biggest little birthday party,” and it’s returning to Steveston Village for its 79th year this Wednesday. The massive Canada Day celebration is all about community fun, the area’s maritime history, and of course, a delicious salmon bake that has become the festival’s signature event.

When: July 1, 2026
Time: Pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., parades start at 9:30 a.m., and Salmon Bake starts at 11:30 a.m.
Where: 12011 7th Ave., Richmond, and locations across Steveston Village
Cost: Free admission

The iconic Shakespeare comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, is kicking off this year’s Bard on the Beach program, and you won’t want to miss it. The music-filled adaptation is set in the community athletic centre of a (fictional) Vancouver suburb that happens to be obsessed with soccer. In it, the main character, John Falstaff, attempts to woo two married women so he can steal their husbands’ fortunes, but the two women instead come together to turn the tables on him.

When: Shows throughout the weekend
Time: Showtimes at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: 1695 Whyte St.
Cost: $30 to $103 per person, depending on seating

MGK is bringing his latest tour, Lost Americana, to Vancouver this coming Tuesday, which will showcase music from his 2025 album.

When: Tuesday, June 29, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way 
Cost: $67.15

The prestigious Vancouver International Jazz Fest is now in full swing, and there are dozens of free and pay-what-you-can shows coming to venues across the city and the North Shore. If you’re on Granville Island perusing the public market or catching a FIFA match this week, you’ll find a whole host of talented performers on the Ocean Artworks stage.

When: Friday, June 19 to July 5, 2026
Time: Varies per concert
Where: 1531 and 1601 Johnston St., and venues across Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed concerts

The Polygon has officially brought back its popular outdoor movie nights this summer, and its second event of the year is coming up this week on Thursday, July 2. So if catching a movie under the stars sounds like your ideal way to spend a Thursday night, head to Cates Deck in front of the art gallery; screenings commence at sunset, and admission is by donation and includes popcorn as well as access to the gallery’s exhibitions.

This upcoming Thursday, the film Shaolin Soccer will be screened.

When: Every Thursday until Aug. 27, 2026Time: 7 to 11 p.m.Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North VancouverCost: Admission by donation

Just in time for Canada Day, hip-hop icon A$AP Rocky is in town for a high-energy night of music on his Don’t Be Dumb Tour.

When: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Where: 800 Griffiths Way 
Cost: $114.13

All week long, the Vancouver Canadians will be playing against the Eugene Emeralds at the Nat, with plenty of tasty stadium bites to indulge in.

When: Games from June 30 to July 3, 2026
Time: 1:05 and 7:05 p.m.
Where: 4601 Ontario St. 
Cost: $20+

This summer, two beloved musicals known for their feel-good music and inspiring storylines take the stage at Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl. Theatre Under the Stars is officially back for its 86th year of live theatre, showcasing Sister Act and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

When: July 3 to Aug. 22, 2026
Time: Various showtimes
Where: 610 Pipeline Rd.
Cost: $35 to $69 for GA

SUM Gallery and locations across the city have transformed for the Queer Arts Fest, which started June 5, and holds space for the queer and trans communities at a time when rights are being stripped away, and futures are uncertain. This year’s festival, On the Edge, embraces both danger and possibility, with immersive exhibits, art workshops, a clothing swap, and the opening ArtParty on June 5.

When: Friday, June 5 to June 30, 2026
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: 268 Keefer St. 
Cost: Free admission

The zipline is back, the less-than-$10 happy hour items are back, and tons of exciting new attractions await at this year’s Richmond Night Market.

When: Opens Friday, April 24, 2026, operates Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. on Sundays
Where: 8351 River Rd., Richmond
Cost: $7 for GA

Recent posts:
No gas, no problem: All the provincial parks you can visit from Vancouver without a car this summer
A new one-of-a-kind cruise will set sail from Vancouver to Bowen Island this summer

Share.
Exit mobile version