
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. 8th 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.
Also read:
- Rep. John Ley visits empty Brockmann mental health facility, calls for state to fund its operationRep. John Ley criticized the state for failing to fund the $42 million Brockmann mental health facility in Vancouver, which remains empty and fenced despite being ready for operation.
- Washougal MX Park welcomes National and salutes military veterans as wellWashougal MX Park is once again hosting the FLY Racing Washougal National, also serving as the Pro Motocross Championship’s military appreciation event, with over 20,000 fans expected.
- Two GOP state lawmakers consider running against Gluesenkamp PerezTwo Republican state leaders, John Braun and Jim Walsh, are weighing campaigns to unseat U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, a nationally watched swing seat.
- Opinion: Vancouver’s new $30 rental fee will increase rents in the cityMark Harmsworth argues Vancouver’s new $30 rental unit fee will raise rents, discourage investment, and worsen affordability, urging the city to repeal the policy and pursue market-driven housing solutions.
- Clark College launches Advanced Manufacturing Program Fall 2025Clark College will debut a new Advanced Manufacturing degree program in Fall 2025 at its Ridgefield facility, offering stackable credentials and hands-on training to support regional workforce needs.
- Opinion: The right speed to exitDoug Dahl of Target Zero explains that while exit-only freeway lanes follow the posted speed limit, drivers are legally required to reduce speed based on safety conditions as they approach offramps.
- Clark County seeks volunteers for four positions on the Clean Water CommissionClark County is seeking four new volunteers to serve on its Clean Water Commission, which advises on surface water quality and watershed health. Applications are due by Aug. 25.