Discover the art, culture and natural beauty of Vancouver without breaking the bank. City of Vancouver special events are back this summer, including festivals, concerts, movie nights and more. Check out local craft vendors and breweries one day and enjoy a movie under the stars the next! Make the most of your summer and explore these exciting community events in Vancouver.
Free concerts
Dance your summer nights away at Vancouver’s two summer concert series. Concerts are free, family-friendly and offer the opportunity to hear some of the Pacific Northwest’s most talented artists. Enjoy food from local businesses or pack your own picnic. Smoking, alcohol and BBQs are not allowed in parks. For the full concert schedule visit www.cityofvancouver.us/Concerts.
New in 2022 is the Waterfront Park Concert Series presented by Riverview Community Bank. Building on the success of the previous Six to Sunset Concert Series, the Waterfront Park Concert Series is poised to become downtown Vancouver’s signature music event. Vancouver Waterfront Park (695 Waterfront Way) is the place to be on Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. with performances running from July 8 to Aug. 12. This year’s stellar lineup features the Bobby Torres Ensemble, Pride of the Northbank, Conjunto Alegre, Curtis Salgado, Mbrascatu and LaRhonda Steele.
“We care about community and look for ways to bring people together. This new concert series is a perfect opportunity to showcase all that Vancouver’s beautiful waterfront development has to offer. We look forward to warm Friday nights, listening to music with families and friends along the Columbia River. We also hope people will take this unique opportunity to enjoy the concerts from their boats on the water,” said Denise Barr, Vice President, Marketing Strategist at Riverview Community Bank.
The Sunday Sounds Concert Series presented by Columbia Tech Center and iQ Credit Union hits the stage on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. Don’t miss exciting performances from Hit Machine, Promdate Mixtape, Dancehall Days, Jessie Leigh, Kalimba and 5 Guys Named Moe. Sunday Sounds concerts run weekly from July 10 to Aug. 14, in the beautiful new amphitheater at Columbia Tech Center Park (Southeast Sequoia Circle at Southeast Tech Center Drive) in east Vancouver.
Free movies
Start your weekend off right with the Free Friday Night Movies presented by HAPO Community Credit Union and Country Financial. Movies are shown at parks throughout Vancouver every Friday between July 8 and Aug. 12. Arrive at 7 p.m. to enjoy musical entertainment before the movie begins. The big screen comes to life at dusk with blockbusters like “Encanto,” “Spider Man: No Way Home” and “Sing 2.” All movies are closed captioned. For the full movie schedule visit www.cityofvancouver.us/Movies.
Festivals
Summer is the season for festivals, fun runs, and cultural events in Vancouver. While some offer free admission, they all provide fantastic opportunities to connect with neighbors and celebrate a wide variety of interests. Festivals and events slated for Esther Short Park (W. 8th and Columbia streets) include the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on June 17; Vancouver USA Pride Festival on July 9; 4 Days of Aloha from July 21 to 24; and the Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival running August 26 to 28.
Plan your summer
Seize the summer and save with City of Vancouver special events! Since there is no cost to attend City concerts and movies, consider setting aside some funds to purchase food, gifts and other treats to support local vendors and businesses this summer.
Connect with Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services on Facebook or visit www.VanParksRecCulture.org to plan your perfect summer in the Couve!
