5 Reasons to Explore Vancouver Neighbourhoods this Summer
Vancouver is *the* place to be in the summer. From the Vancouver Mural Festival to Car Free Day on the Drive, there’s plenty to do and see.
There’s no doubt that summer in Vancouver is pure magic. If in doubt, simply bask in the sun at Kits Beach, picnic at Crab Park, or experience the sights (and tastes) at Granville Island Public Market. There’s no better time to explore the city and all that the local ‘hoods have to offer.
The season features neighbourhood festivities that showcase the culture and creativity across Vancouver, including Grandview-Woodland, the West End, and Mount Pleasant. We’re talking art, beer, music, and lots of peeps. Don’t miss out on this year’s line-up.
Here’s a list of our favourite festivals:
Indian Summer Festival, July 5-18, 2018
Across Vancouver
The Indian Summer Festival celebrates visual art, music, and writing featuring both emerging and award-winning story-tellers. This year’s theme is Mythmaking and the exploration of human imagination: Where do we come from? How did the world come to be? Why are things the way they are?
Car Free Day on the Drive, July 8, 2018
Grandview-Woodland
Car Free Day on the Drive closes down a 15-block stretch of Commercial Drive for a giant party in the street (or “Drive,” rather). It’s one big grassroots effort to re-imagine the road as community space. The gathering offers entertainment and activities for all ages: artisans, musicians, and a mix of specialty food stalls (nomnom).
Vancouver Folk Music Festival, July 13-15, 2018
West Point Grey
Considered a “Canadian cultural institution,” the annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival draws 30,000 music-lovers down to the picturesque Jericho Beach Park over three days. For its 41st year, the festival will boast 50 artists: Indie-rock songstress Neko Case (New Pornographers), Grammy-award-winner Ry Cooder, “Ambassador of the Blues” Guy Davis, and legendary country crooner Rodney Crowell, among them.
Vancouver Pride Parade, August 5, 2018
West End
This year, the Pride Parade celebrates 40 years strong. The annual celebration is one of the Vancouver’s liveliest events. Don your rainbow duds, sunscreen, and a pair of shades, then head on down to the parade route that runs along Robson, Denman, and Beach Avenue. It’s a party!
Vancouver Mural Festival, August 7-12, 2018
Mount Pleasant
Thirty brand new works of art are highlighted in the third annual Vancouver Mural Festival. Mount Pleasant alleyways come to life with live art sessions, markets, music stages, dance battles, and one “huge” craft beer garden. The Festival highlights the dynamic works of celebrated Musqueam designer and weaver Debra Sparrow, local muralists, and international guest artists from New York, L.A., and South Africa.
North Vancouver Bonus:
Caribbean Days, July 28-29, 2018
North Vancouver
Caribbean Days return to North Vancouver’s Waterfront Park on July 28 and 29. The Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents Calypso, Latin, and Reggae rhythms, spicy cuisine (save room for that roti, jerk chicken, and Jamaican patties), and colourful costumes that have you feeling as if you’ve been transported straight to the Caribbean.