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What to Do in Metro Vancouver in July 2026: Events, Festivals & Things to Do

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What to do in Vancouver this weekend – weekly articles

Metro Vancouver’s July 2026 events calendar is packed with summer festivals, free outdoor concerts, blockbuster movie premieres, and family-friendly things to do across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond. Whether you’re planning a Canada Day long weekend outing or looking for the best concerts, markets, and outdoor movies this July, here’s your complete guide to what’s happening in Metro Vancouver this month.

Stat Holidays & Long Weekends in July 2026

Canada Day falls on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Because it lands mid-week this year, it doesn’t create an automatic long weekend for most Monday-to-Friday workers, but many people take the Thursday and Friday off (July 2 and 3) to stretch it into a five-day break. There are no other BC statutory holidays in July; the next one is BC Day on Monday, August 3.

Arts & Culture

The Play That Goes Wrong

  • Date: Now playing–August 16, 2026
  • Venue/place: Lindsay Family Stage (Granville Island Stage), Arts Club Theatre Company

This uproarious farce follows the accident-prone Cornley Drama Society as they attempt to stage a 1920s murder mystery, only for everything from missing props to collapsing sets to go hilariously wrong. It’s one of the most successful comedies to come out of London’s West End in the last decade.

  • Who is it for: Theatre lovers and anyone who enjoys physical comedy and slapstick
  • Why worth checking out: A fast-paced, laugh-out-loud show that’s suitable for teens and adults alike
  • Price: Varies by date and seating
  • Link: https://artsclub.com/shows/

Come From Away

  • Date: Now playing–July 26, 2026
  • Venue/place: Stanley BFL CANADA Stage, Arts Club Theatre Company

This beloved musical tells the true story of the small Newfoundland town of Gander, which welcomed thousands of stranded air travellers after 9/11. It’s a heartfelt, Canadian-made hit that has toured the world since its Arts Club premiere.

Bard on the Beach: The Merry Wives of Windsor

  • Date: Now playing through September 2026
  • Venue/place: Vanier Park (Bard on the Beach)

Shakespeare’s comedy of jealousy, disguise, and revenge gets a fresh staging on the waterfront under the big white tents, with the North Shore mountains as a backdrop.

Bard on the Beach: Macbeth

  • Date: Now playing through September 2026
  • Venue/place: Vanier Park (Bard on the Beach)

Shakespeare’s tragedy of ambition and guilt returns to the mainstage tent, running in repertory alongside the festival’s other productions.

Bard on the Beach: Antigone

  • Date: Now playing through September 2026
  • Venue/place: Vanier Park (Bard on the Beach)

Sophocles’ ancient Greek tragedy about duty, defiance, and family loyalty plays on one of Bard’s smaller stages this season.

Bard on the Beach: Goblin:Oedipus

  • Date: Now playing through September 2026
  • Venue/place: Vanier Park (Bard on the Beach)

A bold, inventive reimagining of the Oedipus myth rounds out this year’s Bard on the Beach programming.

Early Music Vancouver: Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo

  • Date: July 31 & August 2, 2026
  • Venue/place: Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Early Music Vancouver opens its 2026 Summer Festival with a bold new production of Monteverdi’s influential early opera, featuring director Guillaume Bernardi, conductor Alexander Weimann, and singer Marc Mauillon.

  • Who is it for: Opera and classical music lovers looking for something outside the mainstream repertoire
  • Why worth checking out: One of the earliest operas ever written, staged by an acclaimed period-performance ensemble
  • Price: Varies by seating
  • Link: https://chancentre.com/events/monteverdis-lorfeo/

Music, Nightlife & Concerts

VSO: Jurassic Park in Concert

  • Date: July 9–10, 2026
  • Venue/place: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

Watch Steven Spielberg’s classic on the big screen while the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.

  • Who is it for: Film score enthusiasts and families with older kids
  • Why worth checking out: A rare chance to hear one of cinema’s most beloved scores performed live
  • Price: Varies by seating
  • Link: https://www.vancouversymphony.ca/summer-concerts/

Symphony at Sunset

  • Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
  • Venue/place: David Lam Park (temporarily relocated from Sunset Beach)

The VSO’s much-loved free outdoor concert returns for its eighth year, with Music Director Otto Tausk leading a program mixing Beethoven with blockbuster film scores from Harry Potter and Star Wars.

VSO: Star Wars – Return of the Jedi in Concert

  • Date: July 16–17, 2026
  • Venue/place: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

The climactic finale of the original Star Wars trilogy plays on the big screen while the VSO performs John Williams’ legendary score live.

  • Who is it for: Star Wars fans and orchestral music lovers of all ages
  • Why worth checking out: A thunderous, full-orchestra experience of a beloved film
  • Price: Varies by seating
  • Link: https://tickets.vancouversymphony.ca/upcoming/

Symphony in the Park with the VSO

  • Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
  • Venue/place: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby

The VSO’s free outdoor concert at Deer Lake Park features music from Star Wars, Hook, E.T. and more, with a family-friendly Playzone running from 2 to 7 p.m. before the concert begins.

  • Who is it for: Families and anyone who loves an evening of orchestral favourites outdoors
  • Why worth checking out: A free, laid-back alternative to Symphony at Sunset in a beautiful Burnaby park setting
  • Price: Free, seating is first-come, first-served
  • Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/symphony-in-the-park-with-vso/

Chris Stapleton: All-American Road Show

  • Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
  • Venue/place: Rogers Arena

Country and Americana star Chris Stapleton brings his All-American Road Show to Rogers Arena, with support from The Teskey Brothers.

  • Who is it for: Country music fans looking for a big arena show
  • Why worth checking out: One of the most acclaimed voices in modern country and roots music
  • Price: Varies by seating
  • Link: https://www.rogersarena.com/

Hindley Street Country Club

  • Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
  • Venue/place: Chan Shun Concert Hall, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

This high-energy cover band brings a set of crowd-favourite hits to the Chan Centre’s acoustically renowned concert hall.

Clue: A New Comedy

  • Date: July 28–August 2, 2026
  • Venue/place: Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Broadway Across Canada wraps its 27th anniversary season with this whodunit musical comedy based on the 1985 cult-classic film and the timeless board game.

Khatsahlano Street Party

  • Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
  • Venue/place: West 4th Avenue, Kitsilano

One of the city’s largest free music festivals takes over ten blocks of West 4th Avenue with more than 50 musical acts curated by Zulu Records.

Movie Premieres

Moana

  • Date: July 10, 2026
  • Venue/place: Theatres across Metro Vancouver

Disney’s live-action reimagining of its Oscar-nominated animated adventure stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui, with an original score by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina.

  • Who is it for: Families and fans of the original animated film
  • Why worth checking out: A big-screen musical spectacle with new and returning songs
  • Price: Standard theatre pricing
  • Link: https://www.disney.com/movies

The Odyssey

  • Date: July 17, 2026
  • Venue/place: Theatres across Metro Vancouver, including IMAX

Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to Oppenheimer is a sweeping adaptation of Homer’s epic, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. Shot largely on IMAX film, it’s one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

  • Who is it for: Fans of Nolan’s filmmaking and epic, large-format cinema
  • Why worth checking out: A true theatrical event best experienced in IMAX
  • Price: Standard/premium theatre pricing
  • Link: https://www.imax.com/

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

  • Date: July 31, 2026
  • Venue/place: Theatres across Metro Vancouver

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in his fourth solo outing, alongside Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, and Mark Ruffalo, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Four years after the world forgot who he is, Peter fights crime full-time while facing a mysterious new threat.

Sports

Canada Cup International Softball Championship

  • Date: July 3–12, 2026
  • Venue/place: Softball City, Cloverdale Athletic Park & Sunnyside Park, Surrey

Now in its 31st edition, this world-class fastpitch tournament brings together top national teams — including Team Canada — from across North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe.

BC Lions vs. Toronto Argonauts

  • Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
  • Venue/place: BC Place Stadium

The BC Lions play their first home game back at BC Place this season, following the FIFA World Cup’s use of the stadium, taking on the Toronto Argonauts.

  • Who is it for: CFL fans and anyone looking for a fun stadium atmosphere
  • Why worth checking out: The Lions’ long-awaited return to their home turf after playing early-season games in Kelowna
  • Price: Varies by seating
  • Link: https://www.bclions.com/

Vancouver Canadians: Pride Night & Fireworks

  • Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
  • Venue/place: Nat Bailey Stadium

The Vancouver Canadians, High-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, celebrate Pride Night with a post-game fireworks show at “the Prettiest Little Ballpark in North America.”

Family & Kids

Theatre Under the Stars: Disney’s The Little Mermaid

  • Date: July 3–August 22, 2026 (alternating evenings)
  • Venue/place: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park

Theatre Under the Stars’ 86th season at Malkin Bowl includes Disney’s beloved musical about a mermaid princess who longs to live on land.

Theatre Under the Stars: Sister Act

  • Date: July 3–August 22, 2026 (alternating evenings)
  • Venue/place: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park

TUTS’ second production this season is the disco-fuelled musical comedy about a lounge singer hiding out in a convent.

  • Who is it for: Families and musical theatre fans looking for something upbeat and funny
  • Why worth checking out: A longtime Vancouver summer tradition with big, joyful production numbers
  • Price: Varies by seating
  • Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/sister-act-musical/

Carnaval del Sol: Chiquitzín Kids’ Fiesta

  • Date: July 10–12, 2026
  • Venue/place: Jonathan Rogers Park

The Chiquitzín Kids’ Plaza at Carnaval del Sol features art workshops, puppet shows, storytelling, and dance lessons for children throughout the festival weekend.

Little Folks Village at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival

  • Date: July 17–19, 2026
  • Venue/place: Jericho Beach Park

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival’s dedicated children’s area features hands-on activities, crafts, and family-friendly performances alongside the festival’s 40+ artist lineup.

Playland at the PNE

  • Date: Wednesdays–Sundays through the summer
  • Venue/place: Hastings Park

Vancouver’s amusement park is in full summer swing in July, with over 20 rides, midway games, and select Friday/Saturday late-night openings until 9 p.m.

Richmond Night Market

  • Date: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & holiday Mondays through September 20, 2026
  • Venue/place: 8351 River Road, Richmond

North America’s largest night market is in full swing this July, featuring over 500 food vendors, more than 100 retail stalls, live entertainment, and the returning 600-foot Skyrush Zipline.

  • Who is it for: Families, foodies, and anyone who loves a lively night market atmosphere
  • Why worth checking out: An unmatched variety of street food and only-in-Richmond entertainment
  • Price: $7 general admission (free for children under 7 and seniors 60+)
  • Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/richmond-night-market-market/

Food & Drinks

Greek Summerfest on Boundary

  • Date: July 9–12 & July 16–19, 2026
  • Venue/place: St. Nicholas and Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church, 4541 Boundary Road, Vancouver

Now in its 40th year, this free-admission festival serves up full Greek dinner platters — from BBQ lamb to souvlaki — alongside live music and traditional dancing.

  • Who is it for: Food lovers and anyone wanting a taste of Greek culture
  • Why worth checking out: A long-running community favourite with generous portions and lively entertainment
  • Price: Free entry; food priced individually
  • Link: https://www.vancouvergreeksummerfest.com/

Port Moody Ribfest

  • Date: July 17–19, 2026
  • Venue/place: Rocky Point Park, Port Moody

A three-day celebration of all things ribs, featuring competing rib vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities on Port Moody’s waterfront.

Carnaval del Sol Food Plaza

  • Date: July 10–12, 2026
  • Venue/place: Jonathan Rogers Park

The largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest features a diverse Food Plaza with dishes from across Latin America, alongside more than 350 performing artists.

  • Who is it for: Foodies and fans of Latin American music and culture
  • Why worth checking out: An immersive, multi-sensory celebration of Latin culture in the heart of Vancouver
  • Price: One-day general admission from $15; free for children under 12 and seniors 65+
  • Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/carnaval-del-sol-festival/

Markets & Shopping

Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market

  • Date: Sunday, July 12 & Sunday, July 26, 2026
  • Venue/place: Garry Point Park, Steveston Village, Richmond

This bi-weekly market brings together roughly 60 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade artisan crafts, right by the Steveston waterfront.

Carnaval del Sol Artisans Plaza

  • Date: July 10–12, 2026
  • Venue/place: Jonathan Rogers Park

Beyond music and food, Carnaval del Sol’s Artisans Plaza features handcrafted goods, jewellery, and artwork from vendors celebrating Latin American culture and craftsmanship.

Workshops & Learning

VPL Summer Reading Club

  • Date: Now through late August 2026
  • Venue/place: Vancouver Public Library branches citywide

Free for kids entering grades K through 7, the Summer Reading Club includes drop-in workshops throughout July — from graphic novel creation with author Ian Boothby to cartooning sessions with Mei Yu and an Indigenous jingle dance workshop.

  • Who is it for: Kids and families looking for free, enriching summer activities
  • Why worth checking out: A well-loved, completely free literacy program with hands-on creative workshops at branches across the city
  • Price: Free; registration required for some sessions
  • Link: https://www.vpl.ca/programs/summer-reading-club

CTORA Summer TYA Production

  • Date: July 2026
  • Venue/place: PAL Theatre

CTORA Productions, a Lower Mainland non-profit theatre company, stages its annual Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) summer production, giving young and emerging performers the stage while entertaining families.

  • Who is it for: Families and young theatre fans
  • Why worth checking out: An affordable, family-friendly show that supports local emerging performers
  • Price: Varies by seating
  • Link: https://ctora.ca/

Book of the Month

Country People by Daniel Mason

The Pulitzer Prize finalist behind North Woods returns with this contemporary, whimsical, and wickedly funny follow-up exploring marriage, family dynamics, and small-town storytelling. It’s a warm, character-driven read that’s perfect for a summer afternoon.

  • Release date: July 7, 2026
  • Why worth checking out: A witty, big-hearted novel from one of today’s most acclaimed literary voices

Out tomorrow!

We have #SIGNED copies of Country People, the stunning new novel from Daniel Mason, author of the brilliant North Woods.

Described by Mick Herron as ‘the book of the summer’ Country People is a warm, uplifting novel about family, friendship, storytelling and the… pic.twitter.com/QwjKoeUAbB— Fox Lane Books 🦊 (@foxlanebooks) July 6, 2026

Video Game of the Month

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake

Ubisoft brings back the fan-favourite pirate adventure with fully rebuilt visuals and modern gameplay systems, letting players sail the Caribbean once again as Edward Kenway.

  • Release date: July 2026
  • Platforms: PS5, Xbox, PC
  • Why worth checking out: A beloved classic reborn with next-gen graphics and refined mechanics

TV Show of the Month

Little House on the Prairie

Netflix’s reimagining of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic novels arrives more than 50 years after the original series, described as “part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West.” The series stars Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls and Luke Bracey as her father Charles.

  • Premiere date: July 9, 2026 (Netflix)
  • Why worth checking out: A fresh, more expansive take on a beloved American story, already renewed for a second season

Music Album of the Month

Confessions II by Madonna

Madonna’s 15th studio album, and her first in seven years, arrives as a direct sequel to her Grammy-winning 2005 record Confessions on a Dance Floor. Reuniting with producer Stuart Price, the album marks her return to Warner Records and features the single “I Feel So Free,” along with a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter.

  • Release date: July 3, 2026
  • Why worth checking out: A full-circle dance-floor comeback from the Queen of Pop, already earning some of her best reviews in two decades

Event dates may change. Please confirm all dates and details directly with the official organizers before attending.