Summer Family Fun in Vancouver in July
July is practically here – 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. Kicking it all off with Canada Day fun and fireworks, these are some great events in and around Vancouver in July:
Events & Fun Things to Do in and Around Vancouver in July
Canada Together at Canada Place
When: Wednesday July 1
Where: Canada Place
Website: https://www.canadaplace.ca/canadatogether
Celebrate Canada Day on Vancouver’s waterfront with live music, multicultural performances, family activities, Indigenous programming, interactive exhibits, and a spectacular harbour setting. It’s one of the city’s biggest summer celebrations and a fantastic way to kick off July
Steveston Salmon Festival
When: Wednesday July 1
Where: Richmond – Festival Map
Website: https://stevestonsalmonfest.ca/
One of Metro Vancouver’s longest-running Canada Day traditions, the Steveston Salmon Festival features a community parade, live entertainment, carnival rides, children’s activities, a massive salmon barbecue, and fireworks to cap off the day. It’s well worth the short drive from Vancouver.
FIFA Fan Festival
When: Through Sunday July 19
Where: PNE Grounds at Hastings Park
Website: https://vancouverfwc26.ca/fifa-fan-festival
With Vancouver hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the official FIFA Fan Festival continues through mid-July with giant viewing screens, soccer skills challenges, live entertainment, food vendors, family programming, and interactive exhibits. Even if you don’t have match tickets, it’s one of the city’s biggest attractions this summer.
Carnaval del Sol
When: Friday July 10 to Sunday July 12
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.
Khatsahlano Street Party
When: Saturday July 11
Where: West 4th Avenue
Website: https://www.khatsahlano.ca/
Vancouver’s favourite free music and arts festival transforms Kitsilano into one giant street party with multiple live music stages, food trucks, family entertainment, local shopping, and interactive activities. It’s an ideal event for families with school-aged kids and teens.
Bard on the Beach
When: Until September 30
Where: Vanier Park, Vancouver
Website: https://bardonthebeach.org/
Returning for their 36th 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 The Merry Wives of Windsor and Macbeth. The program also runs year-round opportunities for youth and emerging artists.
Aldergrove Fair Days
When: July 17 to 19
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.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
When: Friday July 17 – Sunday July 19
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Website: https://thefestival.bc.ca/
Held at scenic Jericho Beach Park, this beloved festival features musicians from around the world, family-friendly workshops, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks, and a dedicated children’s area with crafts and activities. Pack a blanket and settle in for a relaxing summer day by the water.
Honeybee Festivities
When: Throughout July
Where: Surrey
Website:Â 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 18 and 19
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.
