Vancouver - June Events
June is the month when we can finally say with confidence that SUMMER HAS ARRIVED! Our city explodes into life during these months, and with so much going on we’ve made this event guide to help you decide what to take part in. We’ll be doing a separate post on our favourite outdoor adventures in and around the City.
June 1st – June 10th
Vancouver International Children’s Festival, May 28th – June 3rd, Granville Island
For those of you with young children to entertain, few festivals will match VICF for easy fun! The festival has many outdoor and indoor activities to keep the kids amused regardless of the weather, and starting at $12.50 it’s great value for money
Vancouver Craft Beer Festival, June 2nd – 3rd, The PNE Fairgrounds
This 2-day beer festival is a must-do for all the beer lovers out there, it features over 100 North American craft breweries and more than 300 craft beers and ciders. The festival is $48 per day and includes a free souvenir mug and two drink tokens.
Bard on the Beach, Starts June 6th- September 22nd, Vanier Park
This seasonal Shakespearian staple begins next Wednesday with a showing of Macbeth. It’s world-class productions are performed within an outdoor tent theatre in Kitsilano’s Vanier Park. Regular tickets start at a very modest $24.
Royal Canadian Family Circus, May 31st – June 3rd Richmond, June 7th – 10th Abbotsford
Another wonderful family event that showcases some of the most ambitious performers in the world. Guaranteed to leave your jaw hanging with acts like the Greatest Showman equestrian acrobatics and the Cirque du Soleil’s Wheel of Destiny. Tickets vary from $12.50 - $50 per person.
Italian Day on the Drive, June 10th, Commercial Drive
Vancouver’s “little Italy”, the stretch of Commercial Drive between Venables and Grandview Hwy, is closed for cars and open for people to freely explore the many market vendors that set up shop. The activities go beyond eating with lots of live demo’s, street performers, and live music. Best of all, it’s free for anyone to swing by!
Main St. Car Free Day
June 11th – June 18th
City of Bhangra 5X Festival, June 13th- 17th, Various Locations in Vancouver and Surrey
This is a stunning performing arts festival that celebrates the dance and music of the Punjab regions of Pakistan and India. The main event is outside Surrey City Hall and performers both local and from across the world. This is another wonderful free event!
Denman Street, Car Free Day, June 16th, Denman St between Robson and Davie
The West End Car Free day is a massive and FREE street party from noon till 7pm. The location makes it easy to combine with a trip to one of the world’s best urban beaches, English Bay. Expect food vendors, plenty of things for sale, and vibrant personalities.
Sasquatch Days, June 16th – 17th, Harrison Hot Springs
This free 2-day festival offers many First Nations’ cultural activities that will entertain and educate young brains and enrich mature minds including war canoe races and drum playing. Be sure to get there early (9am opening) as the festival wraps up at 2pm each day.
Red Truck Concert Series, June 16th, 295 East 1st Avenue
The first of 3 concerts in Red Truck Brewery’s 4th Annual Truck Stop concert series. The headliner is Coleman Hell, with Jesse Roper and Pickwick just a few of the opening acts this year promises to be the best series yet. Considering the amount of music, tickets starting at $45 is very reasonable.
Main Street Car Free Day, June 17th, Main St between Broadway and 30th
The biggest of Vancouver’s Car Free Day festivals it has 15 stages and mini festivals along the entire street. This is worth going to experience the massive amounts of variety and diversity that Vancouver beholds.
June 19th – June 26th
Vancouver Canadians Baseball, 20th June, Nat Bailey Stadium
The first game of the only MLB farm team is set to have a raucous crowd and show off some high-level ball! Suitable for everyone, a night at the ball game is great fun…even if you do think it’s a boring sport!
Music on the Bow, June 20th, Trout Lake
Free live music at the scenic Trout Lake community centre. This edition features The Soda Crackers, Blue Lasso Band, and Rain City Swing.
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 22nd – July 1st, Various locations
The TD Vancouver International Jazz festival will be bringing over 1800 artists to perform 300 concerts at almost 3 dozen venues over 2 weeks. Many of these are free where as some come close to $100. This is a truly spectacular display of some of the very best in their genre.
Aboriginal Day Celebrations, June 21st, Trout Lake
Though there are many locations to celebrate Aboriginal day in the lower mainland, Trout lake offers a delightful mini festival. The celebrations include First Nation dancing, canoeing, art, and cultural learning opportunities.
Point Grey Fiesta, June 22nd-24th, Various in Point Grey
A weekend of carnival rides, parades, and a fiesta feel throughout the Point Grey area. Come by to celebrate veterans, community heroes, and children of the community as well as being able to enjoy the offerings of some of many market vendors.
Scotiabank Half Marathon, June 24th, UBC to Stanley Park
This is arguably the largest and most popular running events in the City’s calendar. The route starts at UBC and follows the water, across Burrard bridge and around Stanley Park. You’ve got a few weeks to train, so get those runners on and sign up!
Greek Day on Broadway, June 24th, Broadway between Macdonald and Blenheim
Another annual food day to put in the calendar, this one is a cracker! Enjoy Greek food, music, and have fun experiencing Greek culture. As a huge Greek food fan, there’s no way I’m missing this one!
June 27th – June 30th
Golden Spike Days, June 29th – July 2nd, Port Moody
One of the oldest and longest running family events in BC, Golden Spikes’ wide variety of activities will keep everyone busy. Fantastic local bands will be playing, as well as Tri-City’s Got Talent, and many activities such as the historic Spike Driving… Admission is by donation.
World Naked Bike Ride, June 30th, Sunset Beach Park
A protest against car culture and oil spills, take part in the cycling events wearing little to nothing or nothing at all. This is an international event, with Vancouver’s edition occurring in Sunset Beach Park
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, June 30th, Whistler
The majestic Vancouver Symphony Orchestra play a free outdoor Canada Day concert in the village in Whistler at 8:30 pm.
Latin American Week, June 27th – July 8th, Various Locations
Latin American week showcases a series of cultural events including a Fiesta Blanca Cruise, Flamenco Tango night and Vancouver’s Carnaval del Sol. Look at the website to determine which event to come an enjoy some flamboyant Latino culture.
