June has arrived so quickly, and it's hard to believe we're already halfway through the year! Another summer is about to start, and despite some rain, the sun's warmth promises better days ahead.
Vancouver will be filled with events and activities for everyone this month. Therefore, if you haven't made plans, let's take a look at some of the best free and paid things to do in June 2024 around Vancouver and enjoy the warm weather while attending your favourite activities.
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The Best Free and Paid Things to Do in June 2024 Around Vancouver, BC
Free Things to Do in June 2024 Near Vancouver, BC
Date and Time: Friday, May 31st from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Address: West Vancouver at Ambleside Park at the foot of 13th Street.
Admission: Free
About: The West Vancouver Community Cultural Fest is a two-day event celebrating the city's cultural diversity. The festival offers a variety of attractions, including cultural pavilions, a children's area, live music, dance performances and food trucks.
Don't forget: Everyone is welcome.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 1, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address: Various Venues
Admission: Free
About: You can't miss this opportunity to see multiple performances and enjoy 12 free hours of music on nine different stages (most of which will be around downtown), plus online workshops focusing on learning music.
There will also be performances happening on YVR.
If that wasn't enough, the evening culminates with a free community concert conducted by VSO Music Director Otto Tausk at the Orpheum, not to be missed.
Don't forget: Consider taking public transit to these venues to avoid traffic delays.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 1, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Address: 11431 Bonson Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2S3
Admission: Free
About: Pitt Meadows Day is an annual community event that celebrates the city's history and culture. The event features a variety of activities, including a pancake breakfast, a parade, an artisan market, live entertainment, food trucks, children's activities, and a salmon and chicken barbecue. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display.
Don't forget: Road closures will be in effect from 10:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m for the parade.
Hats Off Day Burnaby
Date and Time: Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: Hastings Street, Burnaby, from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue
Admission: Free
About: Hats Off Day is a longstanding Burnaby tradition celebrating the Heights Merchants Association's appreciation for the community. This free, day-long festival has grown from a small sidewalk event to a major street party. Highlights include the Family Fun Dash, a fun run for all ages that kicks off the festivities; a vibrant parade featuring community members and local businesses; live music performances throughout the day; a lively street festival with vendors, booths, and entertainment; and a vintage car display where classic cars can be admired.
Don't forget: The festival takes place rain or shine.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Address: Memorial Park - 5010 47 Ave, Delta, BC
Admission: Free
About: The Ladner Bandfest is a two-day free music festival featuring a variety of community bands. This year's special guest is the Band of the 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. In addition to the diverse music performances, attendees can enjoy food and a children's play area. Parking is free and there are washrooms nearby. Highlights include music from various community bands, a performance by the Band of the 15th Field Regiment, food options, a children's play area, free parking, and nearby washrooms.
Don't forget: Be sure to bring your own chair as seating is limited.
Date and Time: Sunday, June 9, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Address: 1726 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3, Canada
Admission: Free
About: Celebrate Italian heritage and community on the Drive. There will be family activities, including contests and a kids zone; authentic Italian food, music, and entertainment; merchants, food trucks, and al fresco patios; a raffle valued over $14,000; and more! All these will be happening along seven intersections, including Grandview Park.
Don't forget: If you want to enter the raffle, there are only 4,000 tickets available.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Address: 920 Ewen Avenue, New Westminster, BC, Canada
Admission: Free
About: The Queensborough Children's Festival is a free, family-friendly event featuring entertainment, activities, and food vendors. Entertainment includes live music, magic shows, and a dance party. Activities include arts and crafts, gardening, face painting, and educational booths. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from QB Cafe and Knights of Columbus.
Don't forget: The event will be held rain or shine.
Date and Time: Saturday, June 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Address: 1044 St. George's Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, Canada, British Columbia V7L 3H6
Admission: Free
About: Among the featured activities are the teddy bear adoption tent, Doctor Bear for repairing teddies in need, face painting by Looking Glass, cookie decorating, entertainment by the Click & Clown duo, music with Marnie.
Don't forget: Bring your Teddy Bear!
Date and Time: Sunday, June 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Address: 1001 E 7th Avenue (@ Glen Drive), Vancouver, BC
Admission: Free
About: This unconventional event is the first one of its kind in Vancouver and isn't just about moving in reverse, but a way to protect your knees. It also aims to introduce you to the numerous physical and mental benefits of walking in reverse. If you are curious about what this is all about, why not give it a shot?
Don't forget: The winner takes home a free acupuncture session with Gavin.
North Vancouver Shipyards Night Market
Date and Time: Every Friday night, from May to September
Address: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
Admission: Free
About: This is a weekly night market at the Shipyards District in North Vancouver. It features a variety of food trucks, live music, and handmade crafts.
Don't forget: Bring cash, as some vendors do not accept credit cards.
Paid Things to Do in June 2024 Near Vancouver, BC
Date and Time: Monday, May 27 to Sunday, June 2,
Address: Granville Island
Admission: From $7
About: The Vancouver International Children's Festival is an annual celebration of the performing arts for children and families. The festival presents a wide range of performances from around the world, including theatre, dance, music, puppetry, and storytelling. The festival also offers a variety of workshops and activities for children.
Don't forget: All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Date and Time: Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 9
Address: VIFF Centre - VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3M7
Admission: From $20
About: The Vancouver Short Film Festival (VSFF) is a celebration of Canada's vibrant community of short film, documentary, and animation artists. The festival showcases innovative and original short films from across Canada, with a focus on emerging talent. The VSFF also offers a variety of industry events, networking opportunities, and awards for filmmakers.
Don't forget: This is a hybrid event with both in-person and online options!
Date and Time: Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2
Address: British Columbia Railway Museum, Vancouver, BC
Admission: Tickets are $32.00 plus GST and fee
About: Enjoy a 20-25 minute train ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and explore activities like the Bubble Zone, bouncy castle, Play Pod with Thomas Train tables and MegaBloks, live entertainment, inflatable "bubble" ball races, lawn games, a tattoo station, face painting, a scavenger hunt, and mini-golf. Food vendors and picnic areas are available. The mini train will offer $5 rides around the 3 km track. This is a family-friendly event you won't want to miss!
Don't forget: meet Thomas in person!
Date and Time: June 1, and Sunday, June 2
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1Saturday
Admission: From $23.07
About: Planted Expo Vancouver is North America's largest plant-based event, featuring over 250 plant-based food and lifestyle businesses, inspiring speakers, and live cooking demos. Attendees can discover new products, learn about the benefits of a plant-based diet, and connect with like-minded individuals. Expect to explore a wide range of plant-based products, hear from leading experts on health and sustainability, watch chefs prepare delicious meals, enjoy free samples, and participate in workshops and panel discussions. This event is ideal for anyone interested in a plant-based diet, vegans, vegetarians, and businesses in the plant-based community.
Don't forget: to bring your enthusiasm and curiosity for an immersive experience into the plant-based world!
Date and Time: Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver British Columbia V6Z 2H7 at ŠXʷƛ̓ƏNƏQ XWTL’E7ÉNḴ (FORMERLY THE VANCOUVER ART GALLERY NORTH PLAZA)
Admission: 1 Adult $5.00
About: The Japan Market is a unique outdoor summer festival celebrating Japanese culture in Vancouver. The event features over 70 Japanese makers, artisans, and local businesses showcasing a variety of Japanese-inspired products and food.
Don't forget: This is one of Vancouver's largest markets for locally made, imported, and Japanese inspired products and food. A must-visit!
Date and Time: Saturday, June 15,
Address: Register and learn about the route
Admission: full and half ride $85
About: GearUp4CF is an annual charity bike ride held in Vancouver, British Columbia, to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research. The event offers participants the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery while supporting an important cause.
Don't forget: Mark your calendars for GearUp4CF and join for a ride for a cause!
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address: Will Chambers, Kitsilano Dvsn, Vancouver, BC V6K, Canada
Admission: From $43.74
About: During the event, participants will have the opportunity to visit different types of food establishments, sampling a diverse array of desserts and learning about each participating place. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or simply looking for a unique culinary experience, the Ultimate Vancouver Dessert Crawl promises to satisfy your sweet tooth and introduce you to some of the city's most delectable offerings.
Don't forget: Book earlier for a cheaper ticket price.
Date and Time: Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30, 2024
Address: Various locations throughout Vancouver
Admission: Many concerts are free.
Ticketed concerts range from $35 to $250
About: The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Vancouver and a highlight for summer visitors. It features big-name headliners alongside the world's best jazz, funk, Latin, fusion, and world music artists. Over 11 days, the festival offers 300 concerts by 1,800 artists at 35 venues across the city, including both indoor and outdoor locations. Many free concerts are available, making the festival accessible to everyone.
Don't forget: Check the festival website for the complete schedule and to purchase tickets.
To Wrap Up
June promises to have a plethora of interesting, fun, and exciting events around Vancouver. Whether you enjoy music, parades, markets, sports with a cause, expos, indulge in delicious desserts, explore diverse cultures at community festivals, or immerse yourself in entertainment at film and arts festivals, there's something for every interest and age group.
So, mark your calendars, and gather your friends and family. There will surely be something amazing to discover for everyone.
Have an exciting June!
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