A wonderful way to explore different parts of the city while embracing different cultures is attending festivals. They not only offer entertainment but are also a great way to meet people who share the same interests as you!
Check out these 10 festivals happening this summer in Vancouver, and get ready to have a blast!
1.- Anime Revolution
See your favourite characters come to life at Anime Revolution, Vancouver’s biggest anime celebration. Featuring a series of events, you’ll be immersed in Japan’s pop and animation culture while meeting special guests and participating in fun activities. Get your tickets here before they run out!
WHEN: August 4 to 6, 2017
WHERE: Vancouver Convention Centre
2.- Honda Celebration of Light
Blue, red, green…a colorful festival that matches the fireworks! On top of being British Columbia’s largest live event, it’s recognized as the longest running offshore fireworks festival in the world. The astonishing lights and colours will definitely amaze you. Book your spot here to gaze at the fireworks.
WHEN: July 29 / August 2 / August 5, 2017
WHERE: At different locations! Check here to choose your spot
3.- International Jazz Festival
Heads up Jazz lovers, it’s your time to shine! This musical genre emerged at the beginning of the 20th century, and now we get to celebrate it. Get your music fix and let yourself into another world with artists such as Rumba Calzada, Joe Williamson, and Raincity Blue.
By the way, the coastal jazz iPhone App is now available. Ready, set, download!
WHEN: From June 22 to July 2, 2017
WHERE: All around the city. Check here to know which artists to see
4.- FVDED in the Park
Outdoor concerts are a must-do in the summer. This year, you’ll have the chance to dance to the songs of The Chainsmokers, the well-known Wiz Khalifa, DJ Dillon Francis and many other wonderful artists all at FVDED In The Park. Feel good, feel free, and feel alive! See you there!
WHEN: July 7 and 8, 2017
WHERE: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey
5.- The 4th Thai Festival
Travel to Southeast Asia without leaving Vancouver! Embrace the culture of Thailand at the 4th Thai Festival in the city, with traditional foods, music, dances, arts, performances and more. This festival promises to teach you something new while keeping you entertained all day long!
WHEN: July 22 and 23, 2017
WHERE: North Plaza – Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St.
6.- Watch & Learn
Don’t miss out on this showcase of Vancouver’s artists! It is a unique occasion to improve your knowledge on Canadian culture and arts. Interact with amazing local artists, makers, performers, designers, and creatives. A lot of activities are on the program such as live mural paintings, musical performances, and curated art shows. We are pretty sure you will love it!
You can buy a Day Pass for $7 or a Weekend Pass for $10 here.
WHEN: August 19 to 20, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
WHERE: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza, 650 Hamilton St, Vancouver
7.- A Foodie Bike Tour
Eating and burning calories at the same time, what a crazy wonderful idea! Vancouver’s annual Food Bike Tours are a superb way to discover the city; rich with festivals, amazing markets, local restaurants, chocolatiers, historical buildings, and breweries.
We already imagine you biking from one delicious destination to another. Purchase your new tasting experience here.
WHEN: August 19, 2017, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WHERE: All around the city
8.- Summer Arts Festival
This year the Summer Arts Festival brings outdoor painting competitions, over 20 artisans, children’s art workshops, musical performances, entertainment, exhibitions and demos of Vancouver’s Sketch Club, and more! Feed your artistic side and take a unique art piece home from the Artisan Market. Why not a glass blower, a natural soap bar, first nation’s jewelry or a handcrafted pair of socks? The finest artist and designer items are waiting for you. Admission is free!
WHEN: July 8, 2017, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: 6584 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
9.- Carnaval del Sol
Vamos! The biggest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest is almost here. Embrace the heat of Latin American culture for 2 days. How? With live music, art, dance, sports, and poetry in celebration of this rich culture will make you believe you are on the other side of the continent!
WHEN: July 8 and 9, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
WHERE: 88 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
10.- Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
Top dramatic performances are happening at Bard on the Beach, the Canadian West Coast’s leading non-profit Shakespeare Festival. The BMO Centre will become the stage for Shakespeare plays, associated dramas and a number of special events.
This year’s festival features plays such as “Much Ado About Nothing”, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, “Shylock”, and more.
For information on tickets and performances, click here.
WHEN: June 1 to September 23, 2017
WHERE: The BMO Centre, 1695 Whyte Ave, Vancouver
Written By Gabriela Garcia and Marine Gas.