Summer is now in full swing, which means it’s the best time to put a little extra swing into your step! Whether it’s with live music, local art, or a culture crawl, these upcoming outdoor events are inspiring reasons to go for a stroll and see what area creatives are up to. So if you’re in need of a bit of colour, get ready to experience the full vibrance of Metro Vancouver culture!

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival – July 27-28

Langley

Free and family-friendly, this annual fest always hosts a diverse lineup of talent. The 2024 schedule features local greats performing jazz, blues, and funk in shows that are guaranteed to get you moving. The Fort Langley village is the perfect setting for wandering, taking in pop-up performances, snacking at the local shops and checking out unique artisan vendors. A fantastic idea for a sunny day trip!

Harmony Arts Festival – August 2-11

Vancouver’s North Shore

One of the North Shore’s favourite summer events returns this year with an even bigger waterfront celebration. This free festival attracts top local talent from across the country, whether it’s musicians, artists or chefs. The schedule is full of live performances, creative workshops, and artisan vendors, giving you plenty of reason to return throughout the nine-day schedule. With activities for all ages including a dedicated art studio for kids, this is one to keep in mind for your next trip to the North Shore!

Vancouver Mural Festival – August 7-11

Vancouver

A local art tradition that continues to keep Vancouver beautiful, the Mural Fest is back, and brighter than ever! Spread across five colourful days, this event is an open invite to anyone looking for a fun and social way to see new art around town. Expect tours of the latest murals, a street party in Mount Pleasant, after-dark performances, and plenty of other pop-up events!

Flag Stop Festival 2024 – August 7 – 10

Whistler

Now in its 13th year, the Flag Stop Festival is back to continue its reputation as one of Whistler’s premier arts events. Visitors can take in a wide range of mediums, each passionately performed by a collection of local and international artists. Original theatre, live music, comedy— there’s no shortage of talent at this outdoor fest. From Whistler Village to the floating stage on Alta Lake, each performance will lead you on a creative tour of the mountain landmark!

Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival – August 10

Burnaby

With the gorgeous Deer Lake Park as a backdrop, this Burnaby favourite is always something to behold. An outstanding roster of artists rounds out the schedule this year, and hearing them fill the open air with soulful music is sure to create summer moments you won’t soon forget. Food trucks will be on the scene to snack between sets, and the beer garden will be ready to toast to an evening of excellent performances—the legendary Mavis Staples is headlining this year!

Art on the Lake – August 15-16

Whistler

For two days, the south end of Alta Lake will be decked out with a floating festival complete with an art gallery, dance floor and performance stage. Spotlighting sea-to-sky artists, this returning summer bash is as much a celebration of the local culture scene as it is of the gorgeous view from the water. One of the main attractions you HAVE to check out is the doggy dock jumping competition! It’s exactly what it sounds like— pups launching into the water as the crowd cheers them on. It really is the simple pleasures in life.

Salmon Sessions Music Festival – August 25

Surrey

One of the newer annual events of the Lower Mainland music scene, Salmon Sessions Music Festival returns for its second year of rocking for a good cause. On Aug 21, you can join an impressive lineup of musicians, all performing in support of the Little Campbell Hatchery, a 100% volunteer-run hatchery that helps to protect the wildlife and wellbeing of the Little Campbell River. The 2024 performance schedule provides a solid dance card throughout the day with styles from rock to blues to funk, so be sure to bring movement-friendly footwear!

New West Culture Crawl – October 2-6

New Westminster

For two days every fall, the eclectic artist community of New West opens its doors to the public for an intimate look into its creative spaces. Hopping from one studio to the next, you’ll meet countless artists, see their works, and get the chance to buy any favourite pieces. This is one of the biggest yearly art events in New Westminster, so be sure to mark Oct 4-6 in your calendar if you’re at all curious about the creative process!