15 fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend: July 17 to 19

Another summer weekend has arrived, and it’s filled to the brim with fun things to do around Vancouver Plan your days with our checklist of 15 fantastic events happening around town from July 17 to 19, including the Surrey Fusion Festival, Opera in the Park, and more. Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town. To stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, B.C., and beyond, sign up for our newsletters! SURREY FUSION FESTIVAL What: Surrey Fusion Festival, presented by Coast Capital, will celebrate its 18th anniversary on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, at Holland Park. The massive two-day event is a showcase of music, heritage, and live entertainment. Festival goers will also discover dozens of unique cultural pavilions and food from around the world. When: Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey Admission: Free You might also like: - Free weekly food and street festival returns to New West this month - Hollywood superstar shows off vacation at iconic 'wild' B.C. resort - Where to watch free outdoor movies in Metro Vancouver this summer CINEMA UNDER THE STARS IN PORT COQUITLAM What: Port Coquitlam is transforming Evergreen Park and Gates Park into outdoor theatres in July, August and September. Bring the family to enjoy all-ages faves like Mamma Mia! and Night at the Museum on a giant silver screen. When: July 18 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22, Sept. 5, 2026 Time: 9:15 p.m. (July screenings), 8:45 p.m. (August screenings), 8 p.m. (September screening) Where: Evergreen Park and Gates Park, Port Coquitlam Cost: Free VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026 What: The 49th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival is this weekend, and fans won’t want to miss these absolute trailblazers. Every year, the iconic beachside music fest brings together dozens of artists representing the best of contemporary roots and blues, indie folk, and world music. It’s a classic summertime tradition for a reason! According to organizers, this year’s festival is set to include droves of talented singer-songwriters, indie acts, international talent, and Vancouver faves, including Hazlett, Billy Bragg, Valerie June, Ruby Waters, Aysanabee, and Tami Neilson, to name just a few artists. When: July 17 to 19, 2026 Where: 3941 Point Grey Rd. Cost: Various ticket prices, purchase online PARALLEL 49 VIEWING PARTY What: Parallel 49 is transforming its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this July. Invite your friends to join you in checking out the giant 14-foot high-def TV during the no-cover-charge event, complete with access to the full beer list, 40 taps, delicious food, and cocktail menu. There will be a live DJ on all Fridays and Saturdays from when the last game ends until late to keep the good times and the party going. Get there early to get your spot at a table or on the bleachers. When: Now until July 19, 2026 Time: Open daily from 11 a.m. until late. Also open early for all of the 9 a.m. games Where: Parallel 49 Brewing Company – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver Cost: Free admission PORT MOODY RIBFEST What: The Port Moody Ribfest is a three-day celebration of all things ribs, and it’s happening from July 17 to 19. Be prepared for plenty of food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. When: July 17 to 19, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday) Where: Rocky Point Park — 2800 Murray St., Port Moody Admission: By donation VANCOUVER METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA CONCERT What: Experience classical instruments playing modern Girlypop hits. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a warm-up DJ set, the main concert starts at 7 p.m., and the entire event ends at 8 p.m. Admission is free. When: Friday, July 17, 2026 Time: 6 to 8 p.m Where: South Granville Plaza East – Granville Street and W. 14th Avenue, Vancouver Admission: Free SURREY’S HERITAGE RAIL What: Take a trip back through time by riding Surrey’s Heritage Interurban rail car. Heritage Rail Adventure trips take place on Saturdays and feature a tour of the Cloverdale railway station, a trip on the B.C. Electric Intraurban Railcar, and more. Sullivan Excursions happen on Sundays and feature a 55-minute sightseeing ride to Sullivan Park and back. There will also be live musical performances every week. When: Every Saturday and Sunday from June 27 until Sept. 26, 2026 Time: First train at 10 a.m., last train at 3 p.m. Where: Cloverdale Station – Hwy 10 & 176A Street, Surrey Cost: $15.90 to $29.68, free for children 2 and under. Purchase online WHITE ROCK NIGHT MARKET What: The White Rock Night Market returns for another year with an incredible lineup of food tents, local artisans, live entertainment, lawn games, face painting, and the best sunset views in town. When: July 17, Aug. 7, and Sept. 4, 2026 Time: Starting at 3 p.m. Where: 14970 Marine Dr., White Rock KOOLFEST What: Vancouver’s Koolfest Summer Hot Chocolate Festival has returned with 48 different drinks to try. The festival takes place until Aug. 4 and has participating vendors across Metro Vancouver creating some delicious cold drinks and frozen treats. Think chocolate milk, iced coffees, milkshakes, floats, fruit slushies, iced teas, bubble teas, and more. When: Now until Aug. 4 Where: Participating vendors across Metro Vancouver SUNDAY SUMMER SERIES AT LITTLE MOUNTAIN GALLERY What: Little Mountain Gallery’s Sunday Summer Series brings live stand-up comedy to Gastown every Sunday night this summer. Each week, Little Mountain Gallery hosts a rotating lineup of professional and up-and-coming comedians as part of the 2026 Gastown Summer Set. When: Every Sunday until Aug. 30, 2026 Time: Doors 7:30 p.m., show 8 p.m. Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 110 Water St., Vancouver Tickets: $13-$20, purchase online RETURN-IT TO WIN-IT! What: Recycling is an important part of Canada’s sustainable future — but B.C. recyclers now have even more reasons to keep returning their beverage containers, with the “Return-It to Win-It” contest. Powered by Return-It — a federally incorporated, not-for-profit product stewardship organization — the program makes it easy and convenient for people to recycle their beverage containers. In addition to their usual deposit refunds, participants now have the chance to earn redemption points that can be redeemed for limited-edition plush characters or sweepstakes tickets. Each ticket gives recyclers a chance to win one of the $1,000 monthly cash draws or the $10,000 grand prize. When: On now More details: Online OPERA IN THE PARK What: Vancouver Opera and the City of Burnaby present the annual Opera in the Park on Sunday, July 19, at Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park. The fun begins with pre-show activities for the whole family, including kids’ activities and roving performers. Opera in the Park begins at 7:30 p.m. with Music Director Jacques Lacombe leading the Vancouver Opera Orchestra in the stirring evening performances. When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 Time: 5 p.m. (pre-concert activities), 7:30 p.m. (concert begins) Where: Deer Lake Park — 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby Admission: Free; seating is first-come, first-served PUBLIC DISCO BLOCK PARTY What: Public Disco is hosting a Block Party on Saturday, July 18, in the city’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. The 19+ event features international DJs and local performers, food trucks, pop-up bars, and more. When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 Time: 4 to 10 p.m. Where: City Centre Artist Lodge – 2111 Main St., Vancouver Admission: $23.10 to $44.10, which includes GST. Purchase online STRATHCONA BLOCK PARTY What: The Strathcona Block Party is back for its fifth year and will be taking over the 600 to 900 blocks of East Hastings on July 18. Fun for all ages, this much-anticipated event is the perfect way to celebrate summer in style by supporting the community through live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and more. When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 Time: Noon to 5 p.m. Where: 600 to 900 Blocks of East Hastings, Vancouver Cost: Free! JIMMY EAT WORLD What: Jimmy Eat World is a two-time Billboard Music Award nominee that is touring to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their smash-hit album, Bleed American. Bleed American is certified platinum in the U.S. and gold in the U.K., with the catchy single “The Middle” recently becoming a member of the Spotify Billion Streams Club. Other memorable tracks include the title song as well as “Sweetness.” When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 Time: 7 p.m. Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Blvd., Vancouver Tickets: Tickets for sale online

Another summer weekend has arrived, and it’s filled to the brim with fun things to do around Vancouver Plan your days with our checklist of 15 fantastic events happening around town from July 17 to 19, including the Surrey Fusion Festival, Opera in the Park, and more. Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town. To stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, B.C., and beyond, sign up for our newsletters!

What: Surrey Fusion Festival, presented by Coast Capital, will celebrate its 18th anniversary on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, at Holland Park. The massive two-day event is a showcase of music, heritage, and live entertainment. Festival goers will also discover dozens of unique cultural pavilions and food from around the world.

When: Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Where: Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey Admission: Free - You might also like: - Free weekly food and street festival returns to New West this month - Hollywood superstar shows off vacation at iconic 'wild' B.C. resort - Where to watch free outdoor movies in Metro Vancouver this summer What: Port Coquitlam is transforming Evergreen Park and Gates Park into outdoor theatres in July, August and September.

Bring the family to enjoy all-ages faves like Mamma Mia! and Night at the Museum on a giant silver screen. When: July 18 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22, Sept. 5, 2026 Time: 9:15 p.m. (July screenings), 8:45 p.m. (August screenings), 8 p.m. (September screening)

Where: Evergreen Park and Gates Park, Port Coquitlam Cost: Free What: The 49th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival is this weekend, and fans won’t want to miss these absolute trailblazers. Every year, the iconic beachside music fest brings together dozens of artists representing the best of contemporary roots and blues, indie folk, and world music.

It’s a classic summertime tradition for a reason! According to organizers, this year’s festival is set to include droves of talented singer-songwriters, indie acts, international talent, and Vancouver faves, including Hazlett, Billy Bragg, Valerie June, Ruby Waters, Aysanabee, and Tami Neilson, to name just a few artists. When: July 17 to 19, 2026 Where: 3941 Point Grey Rd.

Cost: Various ticket prices, purchase online What: Parallel 49 is transforming its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this July. Invite your friends to join you in checking out the giant 14-foot high-def TV during the no-cover-charge event, complete with access to the full beer list, 40 taps, delicious food, and cocktail menu.

There will be a live DJ on all Fridays and Saturdays from when the last game ends until late to keep the good times and the party going. Get there early to get your spot at a table or on the bleachers. When: Now until July 19, 2026 Time: Open daily from 11 a.m. until late.

Also open early for all of the 9 a.m. games Where: Parallel 49 Brewing Company – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver Cost: Free admission What: The Port Moody Ribfest is a three-day celebration of all things ribs, and it’s happening from July 17 to 19. Be prepared for plenty of food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.

When: July 17 to 19, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sunday) Where: Rocky Point Park — 2800 Murray St., Port Moody Admission: By donation What: Experience classical instruments playing modern Girlypop hits. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a warm-up DJ set, the main concert starts at 7 p.m., and the entire event ends at 8 p.m.

Admission is free. When: Friday, July 17, 2026 Time: 6 to 8 p.m Where: South Granville Plaza East – Granville Street and W. 14th Avenue, Vancouver Admission: Free What: Take a trip back through time by riding Surrey’s Heritage Interurban rail car.

Heritage Rail Adventure trips take place on Saturdays and feature a tour of the Cloverdale railway station, a trip on the B.C. Electric Intraurban Railcar, and more. Sullivan Excursions happen on Sundays and feature a 55-minute sightseeing ride to Sullivan Park and back. There will also be live musical performances every week.

When: Every Saturday and Sunday from June 27 until Sept. 26, 2026 Time: First train at 10 a.m., last train at 3 p.m. Where: Cloverdale Station – Hwy 10 & 176A Street, Surrey Cost: $15.90 to $29.68, free for children 2 and under. Purchase online What: The White Rock Night Market returns for another year with an incredible lineup of food tents, local artisans, live entertainment, lawn games, face painting, and the best sunset views in town.

When: July 17, Aug. 7, and Sept. 4, 2026 Time: Starting at 3 p.m. Where: 14970 Marine Dr., White Rock What: Vancouver’s Koolfest Summer Hot Chocolate Festival has returned with 48 different drinks to try. The festival takes place until Aug. 4 and has participating vendors across Metro Vancouver creating some delicious cold drinks and frozen treats.

Think chocolate milk, iced coffees, milkshakes, floats, fruit slushies, iced teas, bubble teas, and more. When: Now until Aug. 4 Where: Participating vendors across Metro Vancouver What: Little Mountain Gallery’s Sunday Summer Series brings live stand-up comedy to Gastown every Sunday night this summer.

Each week, Little Mountain Gallery hosts a rotating lineup of professional and up-and-coming comedians as part of the 2026 Gastown Summer Set. When: Every Sunday until Aug. 30, 2026 Time: Doors 7:30 p.m., show 8 p.m. Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 110 Water St., Vancouver Tickets: $13-$20, purchase online

What: Recycling is an important part of Canada’s sustainable future — but B.C. recyclers now have even more reasons to keep returning their beverage containers, with the “Return-It to Win-It” contest. Powered by Return-It — a federally incorporated, not-for-profit product stewardship organization — the program makes it easy and convenient for people to recycle their beverage containers. In addition to their usual deposit refunds, participants now have the chance to earn redemption points that can be redeemed for limited-edition plush characters or sweepstakes tickets.

Each ticket gives recyclers a chance to win one of the $1,000 monthly cash draws or the $10,000 grand prize. When: On now More details: Online What: Vancouver Opera and the City of Burnaby present the annual Opera in the Park on Sunday, July 19, at Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park. The fun begins with pre-show activities for the whole family, including kids’ activities and roving performers.

Opera in the Park begins at 7:30 p.m. with Music Director Jacques Lacombe leading the Vancouver Opera Orchestra in the stirring evening performances. When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 Time: 5 p.m. (pre-concert activities), 7:30 p.m. (concert begins) Where: Deer Lake Park — 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby Admission: Free; seating is first-come, first-served What: Public Disco is hosting a Block Party on Saturday, July 18, in the city’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.

The 19+ event features international DJs and local performers, food trucks, pop-up bars, and more. When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 Time: 4 to 10 p.m. Where: City Centre Artist Lodge – 2111 Main St., Vancouver Admission: $23.10 to $44.10, which includes GST.

Purchase online What: The Strathcona Block Party is back for its fifth year and will be taking over the 600 to 900 blocks of East Hastings on July 18. Fun for all ages, this much-anticipated event is the perfect way to celebrate summer in style by supporting the community through live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and more.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 Time: Noon to 5 p.m. Where: 600 to 900 Blocks of East Hastings, Vancouver Cost: Free! What: Jimmy Eat World is a two-time Billboard Music Award nominee that is touring to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their smash-hit album, Bleed American.

Bleed American is certified platinum in the U.S. and gold in the U.K., with the catchy single “The Middle” recently becoming a member of the Spotify Billion Streams Club. Other memorable tracks include the title song as well as “Sweetness.” When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 Time: 7 p.m.

Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Blvd., Vancouver Tickets: Tickets for sale online