Oh Canada!
It isn’t summer officially until we’ve reached Canada Day and this weekend is all about celebrating our beautiful country.
RELATED: 101 Things To Do & See In Vancouver This Summer
From fireworks to family entertainment, here are 34 Metro Vancouver events you have to check out this Canada Day Long Weekend.
Metro Vancouver Events
Friday, June 29
Kayaking | Deep Cove Friday Night Lights
Close your eyes for a second, and imagine the rippling surface of water paired with the illuminated sky. There’s arguably nothing more tranquil or picturesque.
And you can experience this firsthand! Deep Cove Friday Night Lights offers visitors the real thing. It’s a kayaking experience led by a guided tour, starting at dusk and lasting 2.5 hours.
Night market | Shipyards Night Market
Visitors will find fresh food, locally made products, musicians, art and entertainment every Friday night. The festivities in the Square kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Friday nights. In addition, there is live music until 10:00 p.m. on the Shipbuilders’ Stage, showcasing talent from all over BC.
There’ll be over 100 food stalls, and 200 retail vendors. Sink your tastebuds into the classic tornado potatoes, and try your hand at mango desserts, squid, bubble waffles, dragon’s beard candy, and so many more! Here’s a guide to the must-try food this summer.
Photography | Mattie Gunterman
Presenting the paintings of Emily Carr with forty-eight photographs by US-born photographer Mattie Gunterman, this exhibition draws on the Gallery’s deep holdings of Carr’s work to reflect her engagement and affection for BC’s landscape.
Outdoor festival | Golden Spike Days Festival
The Golden Spike Days Festival commemorates the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway line and its arrival at the original western terminus in Port Moody.
Over 40,000 people from all walks of life are expected to come out and enjoy live entertainment, special events, food trucks, a beverage garden, and activities for all ages.
Amusement park | Playland
Playland is here! Get prepared for a summer of fun by purchasing a One-Day admission or Season Pass online or at retailers. If you buy online, you’ll save up to $5 compared to purchasing at the gate. Please note that some of the top attractions are currently not in service.
Admission to Playland gives you unlimited access to over 35 rides and attractions, including three of the newest rides!
Art | Definitely Dali Exhibition
Opened in 2005, Chali Rosso Art Gallery focuses mainly on works from Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Degas, and more.
The Gallery is holding a free Salvador Dali exhibition starting this May up until September. As part of the Definitely Dali Project, two iconic Dali sculptures will be arriving at the Chali-Rosso Art Gallery this summer: Woman Aflame and Surrealist Piano.
Exhibit | Haida Now
Guest curated by Haida Curator Kwiaahwah Jones in collaboration with Viviane Gosselin, Co-curator and Director of Collections & Exhibitions at MOV, this exhibition features an unparalleled collection of Haida art boasting more than 450 works created as early as 1890.
Outdoor Shopping | Richmond Night Market
The wildly popular market always features incredible, mouthwatering cuisine, as well as live performances on their 50 foot stage.
People visit from all over the country for this unique market, similar to the nightlife and delicacies found in Asia.
Culture | Culture at the Centre
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC presents a groundbreaking collaboration between six First Nations Communities with the illuminating new exhibition Culture at the Centre, on display from Sunday, March 18th – Monday, October 8th, 2018.
Co-curated by Jill Baird and Pam Brown, the collective effort offers insight into the important work Indigenous-run cultural centres and museums in BC are doing to support their language, culture, and history.
Yoga | Free Outdoor Yoga At Kits Beach + Riley Park
The classes will be held on the North side of the beach, at the corner of Maple Street and Ogden Ave. The location is different than past years, and offers a better view of the ocean and downtown Vancouver.
The daily free yoga classes are organized by Mat Collective. Not to mention, they will feature 1-3 classes each day with a variety of different levels.
Art | Shigeru Ban
Offsite: Shigeru Ban is a new exhibition at Vancouver Art Gallery’s Offsite location (1100 West Georgia Street) featuring the full-scale version of renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban’s Kobe Paper Log House, on view May 11 to October 8th.
19+ | Playland Adult-Only Nights
This summer, Playland is bringing back their popular adults-only nights.
Every Friday from June 22nd to July 27th, Playland is going to be hosting six evenings that will be 19+ amusement, complete with food, drinks, midway games, and of course, the thrilling rides. More than 30 rides will be open, including The Beast and the Hellevator.
Public exhibit | Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
The exhibition has been shown in places such as Paris and Stockholm, and has been seen by over 25 million visitors worldwide.
The event explores the Titanic’s human stories, which are told through more 120 authentic artifacts and and extensive room re-creations. Additionally, the exhibition commemorates the centennial of the maiden voyage and of life’s fragility.
Guests get to travel back in time and experience one of the world’s largest ship in all its glory.
Political figure | Bill Clinton
Former American president and husband to Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton will be making an appearance in Vancouver.
He’ll be here June 29th, as part of his The President Is Missing book tour. The event, A Conversation With President Clinton, goes in depth about the research and insight that went into the writing process, as well as the issues it raises about society today.
Dancing | SummerFest 2018: Salsa Fridays with Salsa Studio
Every Friday night this year during SummerFest, Roger from Salsa Studio will be hosting a fun, easy and social dance experience. You will learn the foundations of this dance in a two hour lesson.
Concert | Haux
Photographer turned musician Woodson Black performs at the Fox Cabaret. Tickets are $10.
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Saturday, June 30
Live music | Tapaito Latino Night
The Zgoda Polish Community Centre will have Spanish music and lots of Rumbas for you to dance plus some impromptu Flamenco dance with Tapaito – Spanish and Latin music with a Flamenco flair.
Pride | Glitter Ball
Get ready for a show unlike anything that you have seen and be prepared to be blown away. Caravan of Glam shows are very interactive and audience driven, they will be down in the crowd, bring people up on stage, showing a lot of skin and will have something for everyone.
This will be a fantastic show filled with oohs, aahs, and things that will blow your mind!
Movies | Cineplex Family Favourites
Movies will be screened every Wednesday and Saturday in July, August, and September at 11AM.
The best part? Films will be the mere price of $2.99, and a portion of the proceeds go towards supporting WE Charity.
Outdoor concert | Coco Jafro
Coco Jafro, a 2016 Western Canada Music Award Nominee for Urban Artist of the Year, performs at Civic Plaza. Admission is free.
Naked riding | World Naked Bike Ride
The World Naked Bike Ride returns to Vancouver this June and aims to be a “positive” protest against car culture, oil spills, and pipelines.
The ride meets at Sunset Beach (near the corner of Beach Avenue and Bute Street) at 12:00 p.m., with the ride itself starting at 2:00 p.m. Furthermore, the ride and all ride activities are free and will take place rain or shine!
Market | UBC Farm Farmers’ Market
Discover the UBC Farm through your tastebuds! Get your local, certified organic, farm-fresh seasonal veggies, fruits, herbs, flowers and free-range eggs straight from the UBC Farm.
Manga | Sailor Moon Day
If you grew up in the 90s, be prepared to feel a rush of nostalgia when Vancouver hosts International Sailor Moon Day on Saturday, June 30th, 2018.
The event will be moving from its recent location at the Vancouver Convention Centre to the Holiday Inn & Suites in downtown.
Over the course of four hours, Sailor Moon fans will have the opportunity to unite and celebrate the show’s legacy. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character, someone magical, or casual if they prefer.
Outdoor concert | Vance Joy
He’ll will be heading out on a national tour this June, including outdoor performances in Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, BC and Budweiser Stage in Toronto, ON. He’ll be in Burnaby on Saturday, June 30th, 2018.
Opening each show will be Juno Award nominee Scott Helman and American singer-songwriter Mondo Cozmo.
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Sunday, July 1
Canada Day Events
Two locations, two great parties, thousands of guests, a ton of activities, and dozens of entertainers will all combine to celebrate one great country – and everyone is invited!
Fort Langley’s Canada Day celebration will kick off with the traditional Fort Langley Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on King Street.
The fun gets underway at the Langley Centennial Museum, 9135 King Street, and the adjacent BC Farm Museum at 10:00 a.m. with a flag raising, and entertainment starts at 10:35 a.m. when the Genuine Jug Band takes the stage.
Taking place on the same day, a variety of free Canada Day activities, entertainment, and live musical performances for the whole family will be offered from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Willoughby Community Park, adjacent to the Langley Events Centre.
Coquitlam’s Canada Day festivities take place on Sunday, July 1st at Town Centre Park. From 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., this FREE event will have a diverse lineup of live entertainment, delicious ethnic and regional food, multicultural activities, and fireworks.
Vancouver’s waterfront is going to be the spot to be this Canada Day, with an exciting entertainment and activities lineup being announced.
The 31st annual Canada Day at Canada Place celebrates our beautiful country on Sunday, July 1st, 2018.
With Vancouver’s majestic North Shore Mountains as its backdrop, the stunning waterfront venue will include the indoor and outdoor spaces at Canada Place, Jack Poole Plaza and surrounding city streets.
Following the success of the Canada 150 Atlantic to Pacific Celebration, the Legacy 150 Celebrations Society is excited to showcase the 2nd annual Canada Day Drumming Celebration!
This FREE, Family-friendly event welcomes both local residents and world visitors to celebrate Canada’s birthday and the cultural diversity in this country we call home!
A free, full-day street party throughout Steveston Village alongside the Steveston Salmon Festival is in store.
Hosted by the City of Richmond, a headline performance by Juno Award-winners Big Sugar and fireworks over the Fraser River will cap off the Canada Day celebrations.
The highlight of the day is indeed the Steveston Salmon Festival. the festival is famous for its salmon barbecue where over 1,200 pounds of wild salmon filets are grilled over open fire pits. An annual tradition since 1945, the Salmon Festival also features a huge Canada Day Parade through historic Steveston Village.
The Surrey Canada Day celebration is being co-headlined by Serena Ryder and Brett Kissel and will take place at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre.
Hosted by Coast Capital, there will be an amusement park, food trucks, children’s activities, fun booths, live music, giveaways and much more happening throughout the day.
Organizers are expecting over 100,000 people to attend this year’s Canada Day celebration.
The Canada Day celebrations at Swangard Stadium include performances by Said The Whale, The Boom Booms and DJ Khanvict. Furthermore, the day will be capped off with a fireworks show.
Bollywood star | Salman Khan
Indian film actor, producer, singer and television personality Salman Khan announced on his Instagram page that he’s coming to the PNE Coliseum on Sunday, July 1st, 2018.
He’ll be joined on stage by Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi Sinha, Prabhudeva, Jacqueline Fernandez, Manish Paul, and Daisy Shah.
Monday, July 2
Yoga | YinYoga with Live Cello
Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues -the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim to help increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility.
The drop in fee is $20.
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Upcoming Events
July 5 | Harry Potter Concert
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert, the fifth film in the Harry Potter series.
Nicholas Buc will be conducting all three shows that will take place from Thursday, July 5th – Saturday, July 7th, 2018.
July 5 | Indian Summer Festival
The Indian Summer Festival returns for its 8th year, bringing global arts and culture to venues across the city from July 5th to 15th.
This ‘festival for a curious mind’ presents a continent-spanning range of artists, from the inheritors of ancient oral storytelling traditions to genre-defying musicians, award-winning novelists, and provocative visual, performance and culinary artists.