Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival performers. | Photo by Daniel Dick Photography, courtesy of Caribbean Fest
Summer is in full swing, and I hope you have got something fun, relaxing or adventurous lined up, whether it is travel, local events or just soaking up the sun. Below is a sampling of festivals and activities to check out if you are looking to add a little something extra to your plans. However you spend the season, make it count: try something new, recharge and create some unforgettable memories. See you in late August!
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Summer Nights in the Township
Now until Aug. 31
www.tol.ca/en/arts-culture/summer-nights-in-the-township.aspx
This summer, the Township of Langley is serving up a packed lineup of free and low-cost outdoor events every week in July and August, including concerts at Willoughby Community Park Amphitheatre, a bustling Thursday evening farmer’s market and family-friendly Outdoor Movies in the Parks. Family Fun Nights promise chaotic joy with foam parties, bouncy castles, games, DJs and food trucks, while the epic Community Water Fight invites all ages to soak each other silly, no water balloons or realistic water guns allowed. The Aldergrove Community Centre brings back its popular waterpark events, featuring floatie-friendly dive-in movies, adults-only Sip ‘n Dip nights with local drinks, teen-only Youth Nights and wholesome Family Nights. Check out the township’s website for a complete schedule.
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48th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 18–20
Indulge in the rich tapestry of cultural diversity at the 48th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Nestled in the picturesque Jericho Beach Park, this event showcases the talents of local and international folk artists, providing a harmonious blend of traditional melodies and contemporary sounds. Listen to diverse styles of music, including the music of Southern Roots inspired country duo Orchard Sky, who will be bringing a bold new sound to country, blending gritty slide guitar, powerhouse vocals and deeply honest songwriting. Be sure to check out the artisan market and folk bazaar, enjoy the many food vendors set up around the beachfront and have fun at the Little Folks Village for children 12 years and younger. Check out the music festival’s website for a complete list of performers.
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Fifth Annual Eastside Arts Festival
July 18–27
The Fifth Annual Eastside Arts Festival celebrates the diversity of performing and visual arts in Vancouver’s Eastside. This innovative festival offers art workshops, live music performances, a beer garden, an art shop and many more opportunities for art lovers of all ages and abilities to experience! Happening from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 27, attendees will discover the diversity of the Eastside Arts District through affordable ticketed art workshops and performances at pop-up locations such as breweries, studios and performance venues. MacLean Park is the place to be on Saturday, July 26; attendees will enjoy a free concert and public art activities, an art shop, food trucks and a beer garden.
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EXNW 2025 Summit
July 18–20
The East by Northwest (EXNW) summit returns this July 18 – 20, 2025, transforming Vancouver into a hub for global storytelling and creative industry dealmaking. EXNW is the only event of its kind in Canada bridging Asian Pacific and Canadian talent in the entertainment industry – empowering creators, producers and executives to collaborate across cultures and markets. EXNW is a platform for racialized Canadian creatives to access Asia-Pacific industry leaders, generate new partnerships and reimagine how content is financed, produced and distributed globally.
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Killjoy Comedy Season 2
Releasing July 25
Killjoy Comedy returns for a second season this summer on OUTtv.com on Friday, July 25. The queerer, fatter, ‘diasporic-ier’ documentary series about the future of comedy is back! Killjoy Comedy Season 2 returns with a spotlight on a new generation of comedians using the stage not just for laughs – but for change. Created, produced and directed by Vancouver’s own Shana Myara, the six episode series reclaims the word “killjoy,” often weaponized against those who speak truth to power, and reframes it as a badge of honour for artists who challenge norms, and hilariously demand space in a historically narrow comedy scene. Six fearless queer and ally comedians take the mic – and the spotlight – as they dismantle the status quo with sharp wit, poignant truths and zero apologies. This is stand-up with something urgent to say.
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Harmony Arts Festival
Aug. 1–10
www.westvancouver.ca/harmonyarts
Presented by Odlum Brown Limited, the Harmony Arts Festival will return on Aug. 1 to 10. The festival takes place in West Vancouver along the waterfront on Argyle Avenue, from 14th to 16th Street. Join them for live music and celebrate visual and culinary art in the community. For schedule information and a complete list of musical events, dining events and visual art exhibits, please visit the festival’s website.
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Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival and Tropical Vibes Music Fest
Aug. 2–3
For 25 years, the Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival has drawn musicians from around the world to the tranquil and beautiful nature in Maple Ridge, B.C. Full of music, mingling, good tunes and great times, this year’s concert lineup promises to make the festival another stellar event. Check out the festival’s website for more information.
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49th Annual Powell Street Festival
Aug. 2–3
Celebrate Japanese Canadian culture this B.C. Day long weekend with live music, Japanese festival food, martial arts demonstrations and more! The Powell Street Festival is one of the largest and the longest-running community arts festivals in Canada, located in Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian area, Paueru Gai – today known as the Downtown Eastside. The Powell Street Festival Society also offers year-round programs and collaborates with local organizations, artists and communities. Check out the festival’s website for more information.
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Fourth Annual B.C. Dumpling Festival
Aug. 9, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
The Asian Arts and Culture Society will present the Fourth Annual B.C. Dumpling Festival in the Tri-Cities. This festival is a celebration of the diverse community we live in and brings together families, friends, neighbours, community organizations and businesses from different cultures to share food, entertainment and laughter. What better way to do this than at a festival over a plateful of dumplings from all over the world? It is a multicultural, family-friendly event that will showcase dumplings from different cultures!
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11th Annual African Descent Festival
Aug. 9–10
www.africandescentfestival.com
The African Descent Festival celebrates African and African Descent culture through music, art, crafts and food, and they will be returning to English Bay on Aug. 9 and 10. Established in 2015 by Yasin Kiraga Misago, it has grown to be Western Canada’s largest festival for people of African descent. The event features live performances, cultural displays and a marketplace for African goods. The festival aims to foster community, promote local talents and highlight the historical and cultural contributions of the African Descent community. Check out their website for an event schedule.
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Summer Pop-Up Concertswith Music on Main 2025
Aug. 18–20, 6:30 p.m.
www.musiconmain.ca/event/summer-pop-up-concerts-with-music-on-main-2025
Join Music on Main at Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant Park from Aug. 18–20 for the always-anticipated Summer Pop-Up Concerts! Gather your friends, family or come solo and dive into evenings of live, joyous music in the park. Music on Main’s Summer Pop-Up Concerts always deliver a captivating mix of musical styles that reflect the rich local tapestry of Vancouver. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time attendee, prepare to be delighted by the easy-going, relaxed atmosphere filled with heartwarming tunes. Soak up the sun and enjoy a moment of musical escape at Mount Pleasant Park. This is the perfect chance to unwind, relax and relish the warm weather while listening to incredible music.
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EMV’s 2025 Summer Festival: In Endless Ascent
July 26–Aug. 8
www.earlymusic.bc.ca/emvs-2025-summer-festival-in-endless-ascent
EMV’s Summer Festival, Bach & Mozart: In Endless Ascent, celebrates nature’s elements and journeys ever upward. From the earthly forces of Rebel’s Les Élémens and Geminiani’s The Enchanted Forest, to Bach’s celestial works, the poetic beauty of Schubert lieder, and the soul’s final ascent in Mozart’s Requiem, the festival’s sense of infinity is perfectly aligned with EMV’s triumphant anniversary year and their ongoing exploration of both old and new works. These also include meditative sounds of the 11th-century and a cross-cultural encounter between Chinese instruments and baroque strings with Vancouver’s Sound of Dragon. EMV is proud to present an exceptional number of new works featuring Canadian composers Edward Top, Dorothy Chang, Lan Tung, Grégoire Jeay, Sandeep Bhagwati and Métis artist Gregory Borton. These bold new works reflect EMV’s commitment to expanding early music into today’s world.
