Want to get in on the best of local culture, art and outdoor activities this summer? Take to the streets! Summer in Vancouver is packed with fun, totally free street festivals that showcase the best of each neighborhood from street view. Here are our top picks.
Vancouver Pride (July 13 – 4th)
From the Davie Street party to a Mama Mia movie screening on Second Beach, this festival has something for everyone. Pick from a selection of events and join members and allies of the LGBTQ community in their efforts to party with a purpose! (Theatre fans, don't miss Eleanor Rigby: The Untold Story with a soundtrack of Ani Difranco, on June 30th).
Vancouver Folk Music Festival (July 19 – 21)
Jericho Beach Park will host over 60 artists and bands including Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines, DeVoKtcha, Hayden, and Sam Baker. Festival goers will have 8 beach front stages of total folk awesomeness to choose from.
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival (June 12 – September 14)
ATTN: Shakespeare fans! This right here is Canada's largest non profit Shakespearean festivals. Head to Vanier Park for an open air performance of Twelfth Night, Elizabeth Rex, or Hamlet (and others). Mountains, sea, sky and the classic, made-up words … what more could you want in a drama?
Stanley Park Anniversary Party (August 24- 25)
Come celebrate 125 years of the city's favourite park! Stroll around in the sunshine and brush up on your local First Nations history, watch some local arts performances, and scope out the local wildlife. Stanley Park showcases the Vancouver landscape at its best. Come give Stanley some love.
Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival (July 13)
Vancouver music and art lovers, don't miss this Saturday of live outdoor entertainment on 12 stages throughout Kitsilano's West 4th Ave. Khatsahlano! will showcase over 50 of the city's performers, from indie acts to buskers. It'll an eclectic mix. Bring an open mind.
