Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services has a full lineup of free events planned this summer including festivals, concerts and movie nights

VANCOUVER – Discover the art, culture and natural beauty of Vancouver without breaking the bank. Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services has a full lineup of free events planned this summer including festivals, concerts and movie nights. 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 afternoons or evenings away at one of Vancouver’s two summer concert series. Each concert is free, family friendly and a perfect opportunity to hear some of the Pacific Northwest’s most talented artists. Enjoy food from local vendors or bring your own picnic to the park (no alcohol permitted). 

The north shore of the Columbia River is the place to be on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the Vancouver Waterfront Concerts presented by Waterfront Taphouse. Weekly performances run from July 6 to Aug. 10 at Vancouver Waterfront Park (695 Waterfront Way). This year’s stellar lineup features Curtis Salgado, Aaron Meyer, the Bobby Torres Ensemble, the Juleps, Norman Sylvester and Sabroso. 

The Columbia Tech Center Sunday Sounds Concerts presented by Riverview Bank hits the stage in east Vancouver on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Columbia Tech Center Park (17701 S.E. Mill Plain Boulevard). Enjoy exciting performances July 9 to Aug. 13 with Prom Date Mixtape, Petty Fever, Kalimba, Roll On, Dancehall Days and Stayin’ Alive. 

Free movies

Start your weekend off right with the Free Friday Night Movies presented by HAPO Community Credit Union. Movies are shown at parks throughout Vancouver every Friday between July 7 and Aug. 18. Arrive at 7 p.m. to enjoy fun activities before the movie begins. The big screen comes to life at dusk with blockbusters like “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” “Wakanda Forever,” “Strange World” and “Super Mario Bros.” All movies are closed captioned. For the full movie schedule visit www.cityofvancouver.us/Movies.

Festivals and celebrations

Summer is the season for festivals and cultural events in Vancouver! New this year, the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival is coming to Esther Short Park (W. 8^th and Columbia Streets) and the downtown Arts District August 4-6. Stages, pop-up galleries, family activities and food vendors will be set up to celebrate summer with a diverse lineup of local artists and internationally recognized musicians. Free and open to all ages, the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival invites everyone to enjoy three days of world-class music, art, dance, food and fun! 

The city will also be partnering on a number of returning celebrations that are free and open to the public. Esther Short Park will host the Lemonade Day Junior Market on June 3; the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration on June 17; and Vancouver USA PRIDE on July 8. The Columbia Play Project Family Play Day is on June 24 at Vancouver Waterfront Park and Summerfest will be held at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (612 E Reserve Street) on July 1. 

All summer long, Esther Short Park will host a variety of other events and festivals put on by local businesses and community partners. While some offer free admission, they all provide fantastic opportunities to connect with neighbors and celebrate the wide variety of interests that make Vancouver such a fantastic place to live. 

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 and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.cityofvancouver.us/events to plan your perfect summer in the Couve!

Information provided by city of Vancouver.