Summer Like a Local on Vancouver’s North Shore
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.
Shipyards Night Market
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 13th.
Canada Day
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 The Shipyards, live music goes all day by the water starting at noon and features local artists, Mostly Marley, Melaine Dekker, and more. Both events are free and family-friendly, and there will be plenty of picnic-pickins from vendors and food trucks on-site. Just follow the music and get ready for a day of great vibes!
Deckchair Cinema
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 July 3 to August 28, enjoy a sci-fi studded lineup featuring Gravity, Spaceballs, David Lynch’s Dune, Flash Gordon and more movies from out there.
Photo courtesy of @shipyardsdistrict
Festivibe
On Sunday July 13, from 12-10 pm party at The Shipyards in celebration of community, culture, and creativity at Festivibe. It’s a full family-friendly day of cultural music and performance, international food and a dedicated Kid Zone. Learn Like a Local how the cultures and traditions from all over the world have shaped the electric rhythm of Vancouver’s North Shore.
Outdoor Movie Nights
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. Friday July 12 & 26 at the Civic Plaza for Wonka and Trolls. Wednesdays in August on The Shipyards Commons for Hollywood hits like Barbie and Top Gun: Maverick. And finally, on August 9 it’s The Incredibles at Ray Perrault Park. All you need is a lawn chair and some popcorn!
Harmony Arts Festival
The North Shore’s signature summer celebration returns with nine days of art, food and live music from August 1-11. 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
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.
West Van COHO Festival
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. Another wonderful all-ages tradition returning to the North Shore calendar!
Photo courtesy of @tofsfooddrink
Shipyards Festival
Come September the North Shore likes to send summer off with one more family-friendly, community hurrah! Live music, kid-friendly games and crafts, plus all manner of food and drink take over The Shipyards one more night before thoughts turn to cardigans.
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!