Theatre Under the Stars is a beloved Vancouver summer tradition that transforms Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl into a magical open-air stage. In 2025, audiences are treated to two iconic musicals: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde. With dazzling sets, toe-tapping tunes, and a community-driven cast, this event blends Broadway charm with the beauty of nature. Whether you're a theatre buff or just looking for a whimsical night under the stars, it’s a must-see experience. 📅 Date & Time Season Run: June 27 – August 16, 2025 Showtime: 8:00 PM nightly (except Fireworks Nights: July 19, 23, and 26 at 7:00 PM) 📍 Address Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC 🌐 Website: https://www.tuts.ca/

Evo Summer Cinema Series is Canada’s largest outdoor movie event, transforming Vancouver’s Stanley Park into a magical open-air theater every Tuesday night in summer. Hosted by Evo Car Share and Fresh Air Cinema, the series features a lineup of Hollywood hits and family favorites projected on a massive 40-foot screen under the stars. Guests can enjoy free lawn seating, food trucks, popcorn, and themed activities, making it a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike2. 📅 Date & Time: Every Tuesday from July 9 to August 27, 2024, with screenings starting just after sunset, typically around 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM3 📍 Address: Ceperley Meadow, beside the Second Beach Pool, 8501 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2 🌐 Website: https://summercinema.ca/

The Honda Celebration of Light is Vancouver’s iconic summer fireworks festival — a dazzling three-night spectacle where top Canadian pyrotechnic teams light up the skies above English Bay. More than just fireworks, it’s a celebration of community, music, and food, drawing thousands of locals and visitors to the waterfront for an unforgettable experience of color, sound, and shared joy. Date & Time Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Team Midnight Sun (Yukon) Wednesday, July 23, 2025 – Team Royal Pyrotechnie (Quebec) Saturday, July 26, 2025 – Team Fireworks FX (Nova Scotia) Time: Fireworks typically begin around 10:00 PM each night 📍 Address 1750 Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6G 0A8, Canada Official Website: https://hondacelebrationoflight.com

Carnaval del Sol is the largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, transforming Vancouver into a vibrant celebration of music, dance, food, and community. This three-day cultural extravaganza features over 280 live performances, themed plazas like the Sports Plaza and She Latina Plaza, and a rich array of Latin American cuisine. From salsa beats and street soccer to artisan markets and family-friendly activities, it’s a joyful fusion of tradition and modern flair that brings people together to “Celebrate Together!” 📅 Date & Time: Friday, July 11, 2025: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Saturday, July 12, 2025: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday, July 13, 2025: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM 📍 Address: Jonathan Rogers Park 110 W 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1L7, Canada 🔗 Official Website:https://www.carnavaldelsol.ca/

FVDED in the Park is Western Canada’s largest urban music festival, transforming Surrey’s Holland Park into a two-day celebration of electronic, hip-hop, and pop music. With over 60 artists across four stages, the 2025 edition features global headliners like Tiësto, Zedd, Kaytranada, and Disclosure. The event draws more than 50,000 fans and blends high-energy performances with immersive art, food trucks, and a vibrant community vibe—making it a cultural cornerstone of Metro Vancouver’s summer scene2. 📅 Date & Time: July 4–5, 2025 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM each day3 📍 Address: Holland Park 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey, BC V3T 3C7, Canada 🌐 Official Website: https://vancouver.page/event/fvded-in-the-park/

Amigo the Devil brought his haunting blend of neo-folk, dark Americana, and raw storytelling to Vancouver on July 2, 2025, captivating fans at the Rickshaw Theatre. Known for his emotionally charged lyrics and gritty stage presence, Amigo (aka Danny Kiranos) delivered a night of chilling ballads and cathartic singalongs, joined by special guest David Talley. The performance was a visceral journey through themes of love, death, and redemption—equal parts unsettling and beautiful. 📅 Event Details Date & Time: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 — Doors at 7:00 PM (PDT) Venue: Rickshaw Theatre Address: 254 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P1, Canada Website: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/amigo-the-devil-with-david-talley-tickets-1294937225099

🎷 Vancouver International Jazz Festival 2025 Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival is one of Canada’s premier music events, showcasing over 150 performances across the city. From June 20 to July 1, the festival transforms Vancouver into a vibrant hub of jazz, blues, world, and experimental music. Expect a mix of free outdoor concerts, ticketed headline shows, intimate club gigs, and pop-up performances in public spaces. With artists from around the globe and a strong local lineup, it’s a dynamic celebration of musical creativity and community spirit. 📅 Date & Time June 20 – July 1, 2025 Most events run between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM, though times vary by venue and performance. 📍 Address Multiple venues across Vancouver, including: Downtown Vancouver (e.g., šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, Robson Street) Granville Island East Vancouver North Shore (e.g., Civic Plaza, The Shipyards, Capilano University)3 🌐 Website: https://www.coastaljazz.ca/

Big Splash Water Park in Tsawwassen is Metro Vancouver’s ultimate summer escape, offering a full day of thrills, chills, and family fun. With 13 body and tube slides—including the six-story Boomerango—plus a kids’ zone, hot tubs, and cabanas, it’s a splashy paradise for all ages. Whether you're racing down slides or lounging poolside with a cold drink, Big Splash delivers a resort-style experience just outside the city. 📅 Dates & Time: Open daily from Saturday, June 28 to Monday, September 1, 2025, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last slide at 5:30 PM) 📍 Address: 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen, BC 🌐 Website: https://www.bigsplashwaterpark.ca/

The Queer Arts Festival (QAF) in Vancouver is a vibrant, three-week celebration of queer and trans creativity, transformation, and community. The 2025 edition, themed Portals, explores the idea of crossing thresholds—whether personal, cultural, or political—through visual art, music, performance, and workshops. From drag king screenings to jazz concerts and community art shows, QAF invites everyone to step into new identities and imagine liberated futures through the power of art. Date & Time: June 6–28, 2025. Events vary daily; many run between 12 PM and 8 PM depending on the venue. Address: Centre A / Sun Wah Centre, 268 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC (with additional venues citywide) Website: https://queerartsfestival.com/

Provoker, the LA-based synth-pop trio known for their eerie, cinematic soundscapes and post-punk edge, are bringing their hauntingly atmospheric live show to Vancouver. Touring in support of their latest album Mausoleum, the band—fronted by Christian Crow Petty—dives into themes of memory, isolation, and spectral introspection, all wrapped in pulsing beats and smoky vocals. Expect a night of immersive sound and moody visuals, supported by RIP Swirl and Faerybabyy. Date & Time: Monday, June 23, 2025. Doors open at 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM Venue: Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver, BC V5T 0B5, Canada https://www.timbreconcerts.com/event/provoker

Playland at the PNE is Vancouver’s iconic summer amusement park, offering a thrilling mix of rides, games, food, and family-friendly attractions. From the adrenaline-pumping Wooden Roller Coaster to the whimsical Teacups, it’s a seasonal favorite for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're chasing thrills or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, Playland promises a full day of fun. Date & Time: Season runs from May 17 to August 15, 2025 Saturdays & Sundays (May 17 – June 26): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday to Sunday (June 27 – August 15): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Select Fridays & Saturdays: Extended hours until 7:00 PM2 Address: Playland at the PNE 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC Website: https://www.pne.ca/playland/

The Pharcyde, the legendary alternative hip-hop group known for their playful lyricism and jazzy beats, is bringing their iconic sound to Vancouver for a two-night run at the Hollywood Theatre. Fans can expect a high-energy show featuring classic tracks and fresh vibes, with support from Kapok, RellyRels, and DJ Marvel. This event is part of their 2025 tour and promises a nostalgic yet electric atmosphere for longtime fans and new listeners alike. Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 9:00 PM Friday, June 20, 2025 at 9:00 PM (Sold Out) Address: Hollywood Theatre 3123 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H2, Canada Website for tickets and info: https://www.timbreconcerts.com/event/the-pharcyde-2025

Trousdale’s Growing Pains Tour lands in Vancouver for one night only, bringing their signature blend of folk-pop harmonies and heartfelt storytelling to The Pearl. Joined by Beane and Nia Ashleigh, the trio promises an intimate yet electric performance. A portion of ticket sales supports The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, adding a meaningful cause to the night’s music. Date & Time: June 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM) Address: The Pearl, 881 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7 Website: https://thepearlvancouver.com/tm-event/trousdale-growing-pains-tour/

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), one of the most influential synth-pop acts in history, is bringing their North American tour to Vancouver. Known for their pioneering electronic sound, OMD blends experimental minimalism with pop sensibilities, creating a unique musical experience. The band, formed in 1978, continues to captivate audiences with their timeless hits and innovative performances. Date & Time: June 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)(2) Address: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, BC(2) Website:

The Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo is a celebration of classic video games, bringing together enthusiasts, vendors, and performers for a day of nostalgia and fun. Attendees can explore a massive vendor hall, participate in gaming tournaments, enjoy live entertainment, and meet special guests from the gaming community. Whether you're a longtime collector or just discovering retro gaming, this event offers something for everyone. Date & Time: June 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Address: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., New Westminster, BC Website: https://www.vancouvergamingexpo.com/

The 5X Festival Blockparty is a vibrant celebration of Punjabi music, art, and culture, bringing together an electrifying lineup of artists, DJs, and performers. As part of the larger 5X Festival, this outdoor event features live music, food trucks, a vendor village, and a lively beer garden, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The festival, now in its 8th year, continues to amplify South Asian creativity and community spirit, making it a must-attend event in Metro Vancouver. Date & Time: June 14, 2025, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT Address: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, BC

Italian Day on The Drive is Vancouver’s largest cultural street festival, celebrating Italian heritage and community spirit. This year marks its 15th anniversary, with the theme "Mille Baci"—meaning "a thousand kisses." The festival transforms 14 blocks of Commercial Drive into a lively piazza, featuring food vendors, beverage gardens, live entertainment, fashion shows, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, street performances, and even pasta-eating contests, all in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Little Italy. Date & Time: Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 12 PM to 8 PM. Address: Commercial Drive, from Venables Street to Grandview Highway, Vancouver, BC. https://italianday.ca/

The Spot Prawn Festival is an annual celebration in Vancouver that marks the start of the BC spot prawn season. Hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC, the festival highlights the sustainability and culinary excellence of this local delicacy. Attendees can enjoy live cooking demonstrations from top chefs, family-friendly activities, and the chance to purchase fresh spot prawns directly from local fishers. The event also features ticketed food experiences, including a Spot Prawn Bisque and a Spot Prawn Brunch, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers2. Date & Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Address: Fisherman’s Wharf near Granville Island, Vancouver, BC. Website: https://spotprawnfestival.com/

The ExplorASIAN Festival is an annual celebration of Asian heritage and culture in Vancouver, hosted by the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society. This vibrant festival features a diverse range of events, including art exhibitions, live performances, speaker series, interactive workshops, and cultural showcases. It aims to highlight the contributions of Asian-Canadian communities while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Date: Typically runs throughout May, with events spanning from late April to early June. The 2025 dates are yet to be confirmed. Time: Varies by event, but many activities take place during daytime and evening hours. Address: 612 Main St., Vancouver, BC V6A 2V3a

The Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair is one of Western Canada's most beloved annual events, offering a thrilling mix of pro rodeo performances, live music, carnival rides, food trucks, and family-friendly attractions. This four-day celebration brings together over 65,000 attendees to experience the excitement of bull riding, barrel racing, and more, alongside a vibrant fairground atmosphere. Date: May 16-19, 2025 Time: The event schedule varies daily, but rodeo finals take place on May 19th at 3:00 PM Address: 6050 176 St, Surrey, BC

The Bachelor-ish is a lively, unscripted comedy show inspired by the hit reality series The Bachelor. Hosted at The Improv Centre on Granville Island, this interactive performance lets the audience shape the romantic journey of a charming singleton as they navigate dramatic limo entrances, heartfelt one-on-one dates, family meetings, and the all-important final rose ceremony. Expect passion, surprises, and plenty of laughs in this unique, improv-driven experience. Date & Time: Fridays & Saturdays, April 18 – May 31, 2025, at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Address: The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3S4, Canada. Website: https://www.vancouverpresents.com/events/the-bachelor-ish/

The Art of Banksy exhibition in Vancouver showcases the world’s largest collection of privately owned Banksy artworks. Featuring 161 original and authenticated pieces, including prints, canvases, sculptures, and hand-drawn sketches, this exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the elusive artist’s provocative and politically charged creations. Visitors can explore iconic works such as Girl with Balloon, Flower Thrower, and Rude Copper, alongside lesser-known masterpieces. Date: Spring 2025 Time: Exhibition hours are not explicitly stated, but similar events typically run from 10 AM – 6 PM. Address: The venue is currently secret and will be announced before the exhibit opens. Website: https://artofbanksyca.com/vancouver/

The Broken Promises exhibition at the Courtenay & District Museum explores the dispossession of Japanese Canadians in the 1940s, shedding light on the loss of home and the struggle for justice faced by this marginalized community. The exhibit follows seven narrators, including Eikichi Kagetsu of Fanny Bay and Hiroshi Okuda from Cumberland, to illustrate life before, during, and after the war, and how the legacies of dispossession continue today. Date: February 21 – August 16, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Address: 207 4th Street, Courtenay, BC V9N 1G7, Canada Website: https://www.courtenaymuseum.ca/

Royal City Musical Theatre Presents Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 Step into the world of workplace rebellion with 9 to 5 The Musical! Presented by Royal City Musical Theatre, this production brings Dolly Parton's iconic songs and the beloved 1980 film to life on stage. Follow three determined women as they take on their sexist, egotistical boss in a hilarious and empowering story of friendship, revenge, and transformation. With toe-tapping musical numbers and a fast-paced feminist adventure, this show promises an unforgettable theatrical experience. Date & Time: May 8, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM Address: Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave, New Westminster, BC, V3M 2R2, Canada Website: https://royalcitymusicaltheatre.com/