Summer Events You Don’t Want To Miss Out On
There’s no better time than the summer to get out of the house and fill your days with adventure! If you’re on the lookout for things to do throughout the sunny season, then we’d say a visit to Vancouver’s North Shore is in order. Here are just a handful of the happenings you should put in your calendar to make the most of your summer while exploring the North Shore!
Canada Day
In West Vancouver, you can expect kid’s activities and live music at John Lawson Park, followed by fireworks in the evening! At The Shipyards, a pipe band will kick off the festivities at 11:30 a.m., followed by a day full of music, art, and dancing. Both events are free and family-friendly, and there will be lots of opportunities to try local food from vendors on-site. Just follow the music and the crowd and get ready for a day of great vibes! Lastly, at MONOVA, there will be two showings of the Mountain Pals Pop-Up Theatre that you aren’t going to want to miss at 1:00pm & 3:00pm.
Shipyards Night Market
Kick off your summer weekends with a bit of magic on the water! The weekly night market and music event returns to the Shipyards with even more ways to dance, be inspired, and 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.
Deckchair Cinema
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a favourite movie under the stars! Pack a blanket, a lawn chair, and some snacks and get ready for another fantastic evening by the water. For area cinephiles, this is a wonderful way to meet fellow movie buffs while taking in a unique selection of films in an unrivalled setting. Every Thursday evening from June 27th until August 29th, you can expect films like Scott Pilgrim Versus the World, Death Becomes Her, Supercop and more! There’s a lot of genre variety on the roster, so you’re sure to find something up your alley!
Photo courtesy of @shipyardsdistrict
Lululemon Summer Yoga Series
Find a moment of zen at sunset with this outdoor yoga series! Hosted by Lululemon, this is a fantastic way to stay active and be social through the summer. Every Tuesday evening from July 9th until August 27th, you can expect different instructors from local studios leading stretches under the twilight sky. Just remember to bring a mat, a water bottle, and movement-friendly clothing!
Photo courtesy of @livebeautifullyyoga
MONOVA’s newest exhibit opens on July 19th, which celebrates the beauty, spirit, and significance of North Vancouver’s peaks. These iconic mountains are not just stunning landscapes; they’re hubs of adventure and cultural symbols for our community. They shape our lives, play, and connections. Immerse yourself in the forest, reflect, and uncover the wonders that lie within at MONOVA.
Sunset Cinema
Sunset Cinema is another great way to watch movies in the summer air every Wednesday evening from July 31st until August 28th. This series has a great selection of family-friendly flicks scheduled. The screen is located under the cover of the Shipyard Commons, so there’s no need to worry about the forecast and food trucks will be on the scene for all your snacking needs. This year, audiences can watch new favourites like Barbie and Top Gun: Maverick in addition to a few classics like Finding Nemo and The Princess Bride. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good seat!
Harmony Arts Festival
The annual community celebration returns with nine days of art, food and live music from Friday, August 2nd until Sunday, August 11th! Set against the beautiful backdrop of the West Vancouver shoreline, this is one of West Vancouver’s brightest summer traditions. There are different events, workshops and artist talks happening across the schedule so be sure to check out the website! It all makes for another reason to get outside and be inspired!
Pride at the Pier
Pride at the Pier is a free, all-ages 2SLGBTQIA+ family event at the picturesque Shipbuilder’s Square on Friday, August 2nd! Everyone is welcome to enjoy live DJs, food trucks, and drag performances from 3:00 pm -10:00 pm and celebrate what pride means to them. This is one of our most colourful and boisterous events of the year, so get your brightest outfit ready and join the party.
West Vancouver 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!
Shipyards Festival
The perfect way to close out the summer, there’s no better way to give the season one last hurrah before fall arrives. There’s plenty of things to do, from live music to kid-friendly games and crafts, plus all manner of food and drink. One of our favourite community events, it’s always sad to see the summer go, but all the more reason to honour it with one more celebration on Saturday, September 21st!
Photo courtesy of: @vancityvickie
Before you head out… However you decide to explore Vancouver’s North Shore this summer, it’s always a good idea to be mindful while you do it! That’s the sentiment behind North Shore Like a Local, our new visitor’s guide for sustainable travel. To get started, take the pledge today, and embark on your journey to embrace this beautiful place we call home.