Summer Family Fun in Vancouver in July

July has already arrived – and it seems the summer weather has come with it. Vancouverites are accustomed to a grey, wet spring but this year brought more than the average, leaving plenty of folks ready to get out and about and have some fun. With the sunshine here at last, and school out for the summer break, it’s an ideal time to check out some of the fun happening around the region, from festivals to fairs, shows to markets. These are some great events in and around Vancouver in July:

Events & Fun Things to Do in and Around Vancouver in July

Golden Spike Days

When: Friday June 29 – Monday July 1
Where: Port Moody
Website: https://www.goldenspike.ca/

One of the longest running events in BC returns on Canada Day weekend at Rocky Point Park with live entertainment, events, and activities for all ages. The event commemorates the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway line and its original western terminus point in Port Moody, which was the site of the last spike in the line. There’s plenty for both kids and adults alike (bands 54-40 and Platinum Blonde will be taking the stage.)

Carnaval del Sol

When: Friday July 5 to Sunday July 7
Where: Jonathan Rogers Park, Vancouver
Website: https://www.carnavaldelsol.ca/

The Pacific Northwest’s largest Latin American festival returns to Vancouver this month with Latin artists, food, music, a beer garden, a kids’ plaza area and fun for everyone. Celebrate the richness of Latin American culture, and its presence in British Columbia.

Bard on the Beach

When: Until September 21
Where: Vanier Park, Vancouver
Website: https://bardonthebeach.org/

Returning for their 34th season, Bard on the Beach may not be a great choice for the littlest ones, but for older kids and teens, this is a unique theatre experience unlike any other. The festival is Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit professional Shakespeare series. This year’s lineup includes Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, Measure for Measure, and the fairly family-friendly Twelfth Night. The program also runs year-round opportunities for youth and emerging artists.

Aldergrove Fair Days

When: July 19 to 21
Where: Aldergrove
Website: www.aldergrovefair.ca

Classic summer fair with a show-and-shine, tractor pull, fair food and much more. For the kids there will be midway games and live entertainment. Don’t miss out on the popcorn and cotton candy.

Honeybee Festivities

When: Throughout July
Where: Surrey
Website: www.honeybeecentre.com

Check out all things buzzy and sweet throughout July at the Honey Bee Centre at the corner of Fraser Highway and Highway 15. This unique site offers education about the importance of bees and a shop with plenty of sweet treats for fans of honey. Festivities all month include Teas & Bees, Junior Beekeeper classes, and Private Hive Tours.

Surrey Fusion Festival

When: July 20 and 21
Where: Holland Park, Surrey
Website: https://www.surreyfusionfestival.ca/

Surrey welcomes the world at their annual Fusion Festival. Celebrating food, music and culture from around the glob, this festival showcases more than 40 cultures in pavilions offering international foods, textiles, crafts and art, along with a variety of stages with musical and dance performances.

Spring and Summer Farmers’ Markets

When: Varied 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.