Let the sun shine in: Super summer festivals in Vancouver

With much of the year in Vancouver marked by grey skies and wet weather, summer is the city’s time to shine. Perfectly warm days and consistent sunshine make for excellent festival-going conditions. It’s no wonder so many have taken root over the decades, covering all manner of interests. Herewith, some of the best.

Let the sun shine in: Super summer festivals in Vancouver
Alison Cairns By

Coastal Jazz & Blues Society

1
295 7th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1L9

In June, Vancouver gets a dose of cool. That’s when jazz musicians, both local and international, descend on the city for 10 days of cool sounds, hot licks and loads of free jazz. Occupying venues all over the city, from Pat’s Pub to the Orpheum, emerging artists and acclaimed stars alike play for our listening pleasure. Check out the pedestrian-only Robson Square stage for daily free shows or drop a little cash for performers like John Scofield, Medeski, Martin and Wood, and local fave, Jill Barber.

Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society

2
1500-1055 Georgia St W, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E8

Considered one of the city’s favourite free festivals, the Celebration of Lights is a truly magical occasion. For three nights over two weeks, countries compete to show off their fireworks artistry, launching explosion after explosion from the dedicated barge in English Bay. The beach is set up with stadium seating but it can’t contain the thousands who flock to this popular city beach to take in the show. Pack a picnic and stake your claim on the grass. Better yet, befriend someone with a balcony view or even a sailboat.

Harmony Arts Festival

3
1564 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1A1

This West Van festival has been celebrating the arts — visual, performance, musical and culinary — for over two decades on the picturesque waterfront just west of Ambleside. In early August, with over 80 tents showcasing the best of the North Shore’s artistic talents, festival-goers are treated to all manner of creative stimulation and inspiration. With loads of activities for kids and adults alike, it’s a great option for families day after day.

Vancouver International Children's Festival

4
1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9

In operation since 1978, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival is a favourite among young families in the city. Running for a few days at the end of May, the event is all about the performing arts geared to kids. In 2011 the site moved from its long-standing home at Vanier Park to new digs on Granville Island — a location that certainly suits its artistic philosophies and the children who eagerly attend. Puppet shows, concerts, circus acts, plays and more, even parents will be entertained at this beloved festival.

Vancouver Pride Society

5
304-1080 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2T1

Vancouver may be known as a rainy city, but it is almost guaranteed that when Pride hits in the final week of July, the sun will be shining and the temperatures soaring. With this weather and the joyous atmosphere that celebrates equality, self-expression, sexual identity and love of all stripes, it’s hard not to feel pure happiness, especially in the thick of it in Davie Village. The week culminates with the parade, an event that draws over 650,000 people — a beautiful showcase of the diversity alive in Vancouver.

More from Alison Cairns Alison Cairns
Alison Cairns has been working in writing and publishing for over a decade. A devoted Vancouverite, she loves exploring the hidden gems and new happenings — both cultural and culinary — in the city. She is also a lover of coffee, wine, craft beer and pretty much all food except sea urchin. She staves off the results of these loves by running the seawall, cycling the city and hiking the mountains.
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