This weekend is a genuinely tough one to plan around, in the best way.
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival wraps up its three-day run at Jericho Beach, the VSO’s free Symphony in the Park lands at Deer Lake in Burnaby on Saturday, and Surrey Fusion Festival takes over Holland Park with two full days of food and cultural performances.
Theatre fans have plenty of options too, from Come From Away and The Play That Goes Wrong at the Arts Club to Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park, while Port Moody Ribfest and the Greek Summerfest on Boundary keep things tasty on the food front.
If live music indoors is more your speed, Hindley Street Country Club plays the Chan Centre on Sunday. Here’s the full rundown.
Arts & Culture
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.
Who is it for: Musical theatre fans and anyone who appreciates a moving true story
Why worth checking out: A genuinely uplifting, Canadian story told with warmth and humour
Price: Varies by date and seating
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/come-from-away-arts-club-theatre-musical/
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/
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.
Who is it for: Shakespeare fans and anyone looking for a summer evening of comedy by the water
Why worth checking out: One of Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare festivals, in a stunning outdoor setting
Price: Varies by date and seating
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/bard-on-the-beach-the-merry-wives-of-windsor-theatre/
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.
Who is it for: Fans of classic tragedy and dramatic staging Why worth checking out: A powerful, atmospheric production in one of Vancouver’s most scenic festival settings
Price: Varies by date and seating
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/bard-on-the-beach-macbeth-theatre/
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.
Who is it for: Lovers of classical drama and contemporary reinterpretations of ancient texts
Why worth checking out: A rare chance to see Greek tragedy staged alongside Shakespeare in the same festival
Price: Varies by date and seating
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/bard-on-the-beach-antigone-theatre/
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.
Who is it for: Theatregoers who enjoy experimental, contemporary takes on classic myths
Why worth checking out: An adventurous companion piece to the festival’s more traditional offerings
Price: Varies by date and seating
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/bard-on-the-beach-goblinoedipus-theatre/
Music, Nightlife & Concerts
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/
Opera in the Park with Vancouver Opera
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
Venue/place: Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
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.
Who is it for: Fans of live cover bands and classic hits
Why worth checking out: A fun, feel-good night out in one of Vancouver’s best-sounding venues
Price: Varies by seating
Link: https://chancentre.com/events/hindley-street-country-club/
Family & Kids
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.
Who is it for: Families attending the Folk Music Festival
Why worth checking out: A relaxed, creative space designed specifically for younger festival-goers
Price: Included with festival admission
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/little-folks-village-at-the-vancouver-folk-music-festival/
The 2026 Vancouver Folk Music Festival is officially here. Bring your blankets, grab some food truck eats, and let’s make some memories at Jericho Beach Park.
— Active Vancouver (@ActiveYVR) July 18, 2026
Who are you most excited to see this weekend?@VanFolkFest #VFMF2026 #VanFolkFest #VancouverMusic #LiveMusicVan pic.twitter.com/FM49punOk2
Playland at the PNE
Date: Wednesdays–Sundays through the summer Venue/place: Hastings Park
Vancouver’s amusement park is in full summer swing, with over 20 rides, midway games, and select Friday/Saturday late-night openings until 9 p.m.
Who is it for: Families and thrill-seekers of all ages
Why worth checking out: Classic summer amusement park fun, from the ThunderVolt coaster to kid-friendly rides
Price: Varies; day passes and season passes available
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/playland-at-the-pne-spring-season-opens-amusement-park/
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 weekend, 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 16–19, 2026 (final weekend) 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.
Who is it for: BBQ lovers and families looking for a laid-back waterfront festival
Why worth checking out: A tasty, low-key summer event with a great view of Burrard Inlet
Price: By donation
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/events/port-moody-ribfest-festival/
Surrey Fusion Festival
Date: July 18–19, 2026 Venue/place: Holland Park, Surrey
Surrey’s biggest multicultural celebration returns to Holland Park with international food vendors, live music, and dance performances representing dozens of cultures across the city.
Who is it for: Families and anyone who loves a big, walkable food-and-culture festival
Why worth checking out: One of the Lower Mainland’s largest free cultural festivals, all in one park
Price: Free
Link: https://activevancouver.ca/provider/?category=food-drinks
Markets & Shopping
Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market
Date: Sunday, July 12 & Sunday, July 26, 2026
Note: this bi-weekly market does not fall on July 18–19; the next dates are July 26 and again in August. Check back closer to the date.
Movies (What’s On)
The big theatrical event of the weekend is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which opened Friday, July 17, in theatres across Metro Vancouver, including IMAX. 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.
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
Disney’s live-action Moana, starring Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson, is also still playing across the city after opening July 10, for anyone who missed opening weekend.
TV Show of the Week
Little House on the Prairie
Netflix’s reimagining of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic novels premiered July 9, 2026, more than 50 years after the original series. It’s described as part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, starring Alice Halsey as Laura Ingalls and Luke Bracey as her father Charles.
Why worth checking out: A fresh, more expansive take on a beloved American story, already renewed for a second season
Book of the Week
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. Released July 7, 2026, it’s a warm, character-driven read that’s perfect for a summer weekend.
Why worth checking out: A witty, big-hearted novel from one of today’s most acclaimed literary voices
Video Game of the Week
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.
Platforms: PS5, Xbox, PC Why worth checking out: A beloved classic reborn with next-gen graphics and refined mechanics
And here it is! The Horizon Launch Trailer, remade for 2026.
— Assassin's Creed (@assassinscreed) July 9, 2026
The horizon belongs to those bold enough to chase it. Set your course in the Caribbean, defy the tide, and claim the freedom waiting beyond the waves. pic.twitter.com/S4aSBCTlKS
Event dates may change. Please confirm all dates and details directly with the official organizers before attending.