A long-standing summer-ful way to North Shore Like a Local is to get together with friends, family and neighbours and celebrate all that makes life so wonderful on the West Coast – and do it all outside. Even if you don’t live here the rest of the year, we cordially welcome you to summer on Vancouver’s North Shore at these festivals, markets and special events under sunny (or starry) skies.
Love it Like a Local at the North Shore’s favourite annual outdoor party! This dynamic weekly night market and music showcase returns to the Shipyards with family-friendly dancing, splash park splashing, and a myriad of ways to treat yourself. Food trucks will be on the scene as you enjoy live performances and mingle with local artists, all with a panoramic view of the twinkling horizon every Friday from now until September 11th.
In West Vancouver, you can expect kid’s activities and live music at John Lawson Park from 4-9 pm, with fireworks in the evening. At Civic Plaza, from 10 am to 2 pm, the North Shore Canada Parade returns after five years, but this time, as a “stationary” alternative! Basically, it’s a small music and community festival featuring a wide variety of local performers.
Stars on the screen, stars in the sky — Movies are best enjoyed outside! Every Thursday in front of The Polygon Gallery, enjoy a film al fresco at the giant pop-up cinema by the water. From June 25 to August 27, enjoy a sci-fi studded lineup featuring Jafar Panahi’s Offside, Shaolin Soccer, Sign O’ The Times and more movies from out there.
On Saturday, September 19th, from 12-10 pm, get ready to party at The Shipyards in celebration of community, culture, and creativity! Featuring 20+ cultural performances and international food vendors from across Metro Vancouver, this is a free, family-friendly day of music, dance, and play (there’s even a dedicated Kid Zone for the little ones!) Learn Like a Local how the cultures and traditions from all over the world have shaped the electric rhythm of Vancouver’s North Shore.
Vancouver’s North Shore just loves its movies outdoors! Throughout the summer, starting around sunset, you can find fresh air cinemas popping up all over the North Shore:
All you need is a lawn chair and some popcorn!
The North Shore’s signature summer celebration returns with ten days of art, food and live music from July 31 – August 9. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the West Vancouver shoreline, it’s a stellar lineup of local, provincial and international talent. There are different events, workshops and artist talks happening across the schedule so be sure to check out the website and plan for an inspirational day outside.
Pride at the Pier is a free, all-ages 2SLGBTQIA+ family event at the picturesque Shipbuilder’s Square as part of pride celebrations throughout greater Vancouver. Everyone is welcome to enjoy live DJs, food trucks, and drag performances and celebrate what pride means to them. This is one of our most colourful and jubilant events of the year, so don your brightest outfit and join the party.
Held every year on the second Sunday of September, the Coho Festival honours the Coho salmon as they return from the ocean to spawn in the Capilano River. It’s a fun-filled day that starts with breakfast and the Coho Run Race and continues with a salmon BBQ and live music on the shores of Ambleside. As of this post dates are not announced yet, but it’s one to watch for!
Photo courtesy of @tofsfooddrink
On Saturday, June 27th come on down and experience this free, one-day community celebration in Lower Lonsdale. Featuring live music, local food and breweries, family-friendly activities, street games, and interactive experiences from local businesses, you’re sure to enjoy your time. Taking place on East 1st Street from 12PM to 7PM, the festival brings together entertainment, culture, and community spirit for all ages.
So, mark your calendars for Summer on Vancouver’s North Shore, the most beautiful time in one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you’re like us and you want to do all you can to keep it that way, please take the pledge to North Shore Like a Local today!
