Family Events and Things to Do in Vancouver in June
June is here and summer break from school is just around the corner. But before we get into full summer mode, there’s still a few more weeks of the usual schedules – along with a great variety of upcoming local events for children of all ages. From stage productions for little ones up to Shakespearean dramas for the teens and older, along with food trucks, classic cars, and more, there’s heaps to see, do, and enjoy over the coming weeks in Vancouver in June.
Events & Fun Things to Do in and Around Vancouver in June
Vancouver Children’s Festival
When: Until Sunday June 2
Where: Granville Island
Website: https://www.childrensfestival.ca/
The longest-running professional performing arts festival for young audiences (and the first of its kind in North America and Europe) the Vancouver International Children’s Festival presents the world’s finest music, theatre, dance, puppetry, acrobatics, and storytelling, as well as creative arts activities for the entire family. Families come from near and far to experience this extraordinary annual arts festival created specifically for children and families. This year’s highlights include Missy D and the 360 Allstars.
Spring Family Art Party
When: Sunday June 2; 12-4pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery
Website: Surrey.ca
Make art with friends and find inspiration in abstract and landscape prints in Takao Tanabe: Printmaker. Reflect on the spring exhibition theme “Imagining the Land” and contemplate the beauty of landscape and ecology through watercolour painting. Experiment with geometric abstraction, inspired by Tanabe’s prints. Use elements of shape, line, and colour to create a drawing that plays with abstraction and realism while reimagining natural forms and landscapes.
River Basin Day
When: Saturday June 8
Where: Brae Island Regional Park, Langley
Website: https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/rbd/
Come sail away with the Fraser River Discovery Centre! This June they’re headed to Brae Island Regional Park in Langley to build nature boats. Explore what kinds of objects float, scavenge for building materials, and learn a few simple boat-making techniques. Then watch your boats set sail on their inaugural voyage! Registration cost includes admission to the Fraser River Discovery Centre. Pay when you register for this workshop, and the next time you visit the Centre in-person, you will be admitted for free. This event will take place rain or shine, so please come prepared for the weather. Click here to register.
Fraser Valley Classic Car Show
When: Sunday June 9
Where: Chilliwack
Website: https://fvccs.ca/
Take in a day of classic cars and motorcycles and help raise funds for the Chilliwack General Hospital. Event entrance is by donation and goes to the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation. Participants pay $10 per car in advance to pre-register their vehicles, or $15 on the day of the event. All cars with collector car status are eligible. Door prizes and food food trucks on site.
Fraser Valley Children’s Festival
When: Sunday June 9
Where: Mission
Website: https://missionartscouncil.ca/22546/fraser-valley-childrens-festival/
Check out the annual Fraser Valley Children’s Festival at Fraser River Heritage Park, starting at 10 am. and running until 4 pm. The day will feature hands-on activities, including music and local vendors. The event is free and parking is by $5 donation.
Teddy Bear Picnic
When: Saturday June 8 & Sunday June 9
Where: Coquitlam
Website: https://www.festivalcoquitlam.ca/
Don’t miss the annual Teddy Bear Picnic at Towne Centre Park with booths, roving artists, face painters, demos and more! Bring your teddies for this epic picnic in the park after the parade! Headliners for 2024 include The Mom Bop Band, Music with Marnie, Mr I and the Rainbow Singers, and The Great Gordini!
Bard on the Beach
When: from Tuesday June 11 to September 21
Where: Vanier Park, Vancouver
Website: https://bardonthebeach.org/
Bard on the Beach is a great event for older kids and teens because this is a unique theatre experience unlike any other. The festival is Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit professional Shakespeare series and is held in Senakw/Vanier Park. This year’s lineup includes Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, Measure for Measure, and the pretty kid-friendly Twelfth Night.
The Rainbow Fish Musical
When: Thursday June 13; 5pm & 7pm
Where: New Westminster
Website: https://anvilcentre.com/
The Motion & Music youth Production Program invites audiences of all ages to the ocean’s coral reef for a bubbly, energetic stage adaptation of the award-winning book The Rainbow Fish. Come explore friendship, belonging, and the universal message of kindness that lies at the heart of this delightful musical.
Capilano Mall Foodie Fest
When: Saturday June 15 & Sunday June 16
Where: Capilano Mall
Website: CapilanoMall
The Capilano Foodie Fest returns for its fourth and most delicious year yet. This free-to-attend, kid-friendly outdoor event runs from 11 am to 4 pm, both days, rain or shine. in the west parking lot. Indulge in the must-try food truck fare and enjoy live music, face painting, balloon twisters and glitter tattoos, a food meets science activity, plus an artisanal food market featuring local BC merchants.
Spring and Summer Farmers’ Markets
When: Various dates and times
Where: Throughout the region
Website: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/
Use the search feature on the BC Farmers Market website to search for the local winter markets in your neck of the woods, or check out the upcoming spring and summer versions. From fresh veggies to locally crafted artisan goods, BC farm markets are known for their diverse offerings, all year ’round.
