3 Fun Events in Metro Vancouver that You Shouldn’t Miss this July
The month of July brings so much fun! If you are a new immigrant, here are 3 fun events in Metro Vancouver that you shouldn’t miss when July rolls in.
Canada Day
Canada Day is the most important celebration in the entire country. On this day, special events are organized in various locations to offer enjoyment, knowledge, and connections for attendees of all ages.
There surely is a celebration in almost every community throughout Metro Vancouver. After all, Canada Day is one of the most awaited and fun events in the metro.
Canada Day 2023 at the Shipyards (North Vancouver)
When: Saturday, July 1, 11:30 am–4:30 pm
Where: Waterfront at The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Beer Garden, food trucks, and entertainment for the entire family
North Vancouver’s Canada Day celebrations will be held in not just one but three main areas: St. Roch Dock, Burrard Dry Dock Pier, and Shipbuilders’ Square.
Aside from the usual live music, dance party, and live paintings, there are interactive and educational activities to elevate the attendees’ experience. The North Vancouver City and District Firefighters will hold an activity booth and the Canadian Naval Ship will host public tours. Of course, the celebrations will not be complete without the food and trucks available from food trucks and the beer garden.
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Canada Day & Steveston Salmon Festival (Richmond)
When: Saturday, July 1, 10:00 a.m.–10:15 p.m.
Where: Multiple city blocks, stretching from Steveston Village to Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site in Richmond
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Unique celebrations such as the Salmon Festival parade, Salmon Bake, live performances, and many more
The Canada Day and Steveston Salmon Festival offers endless fun. Festival attendees will be mesmerized by colorful floats and classic vehicles during the Steveston Salmon Festival parade at 10:00 am.
The signature Salmon Bake event will be back in-person. Limited tickets were sold in June for those who want to skip the long lines. But don’t despair, salmon will also be sold on-site from 11:00 am until supplies last. So, line up early!
Simultaneous performances will take place in multiple zones starting at noon. Various shows such as an art show, horticulture show, and Japanese cultural show will also be organized to the delight of culture aficionados and curious festival-goers.
Fireworks will dazzle the sky starting at 10:15 pm to wrap up this amazing celebration.
Canada Day 2023 (Surrey)
When: Saturday, July 1, 10:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Where: Bill Reid Millenium Amphitheatre, Surrey
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Live entertainment, food, rides, Indigenous cultural sharing, and fireworks
Once again, the City of Surrey will hold a fantastic event for the entire family on this special day. Family-friendly activities include Indigenous cultural sharing, family entertainment, amusement rides, food trucks, and exhibitors. An exciting firework show is expected to end the celebration with a bang.
Canada Together at Canada Place (Vancouver)
When: Saturday, July 1, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: Canada Place and Jack Poole Plaza outdoor spaces and surrounding city streets in Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Great food, festivities, performances, and family fun
Vancouver’s Canada Day celebration will feature various performers who will showcase their incredible talents at the Main, North Point, and Kids’ Stages. Family-friendly entertainment and activities such as a dance party, mascot dance-off, and performances will be held at the Kids’ Stage.
Canada Together also offers an opportunity to admire and support traditional weaving and carving displays by local indigenous artists from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. In addition, food trucks will be present to cater to the multicultural tastes of Canada.
One of the unique highlights of the festivities in Vancouver is the Citizenship Ceremony hosted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. At 9:30 am, 30 people will have the joy of finally receiving their Canadian citizenship at the North Point of Canada Place.
The theme of the event “Weaving together the fabric of a nation” gives a vivid picture of Canada’s diversity.
Surrey Fusion Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23, 2023, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Where: Holland Park, Surrey
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Ultimate celebration of food, music, and culture as promised on its website
The 16th annual Surrey Fusion Festival will be celebrated this 2023 with the theme “Dance Around the World”. This free event features a Parade of Culture, 50 pavilions representing cultures all over the world, and live entertainment across multiple stages. Fusion Fest will also host an Indigenous Village and Indigenous marketplace. It also includes a Cultural Cooking Arena where a youth cooking competition and cooking demonstrations will be held.
During the two-day event, festivalgoers can also enjoy the amusement rides, a kid’s zone, dance battles, and dance workshops.
This annual event is an amazing opportunity for the 90, 000+ attendees to learn and engage in different cultural activities.
The Surrey Fusion Festival has garnered multiple national and international awards. The festival truly deserves these recognitions since it is one of the best events in Metro Vancouver and beyond.
Caribbean Days Festival
When: Saturday, July 29, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm and Sunday, July 30, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Where: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
What to Expect: Carnival-style exuberance
Every July, the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents one of the most flamboyant and high-energy events in Lower Mainland, British Columbia. It draws a crowd of around 60, 000 people who enjoy a fun-filled weekend starting with a parade and featuring tropical rhythm, dancing, cuisine, carnival, and cuisine highlighting Caribbean culture. It also attracts people who are in search of unique clothing, jewelry, arts, and crafts.
A major factor that differentiates this festival from the rest is the fun crowd. You can feel the palpable energy as festivalgoers sing and dance to the music of live bands playing international sounds, Latin, African, Calypso, and Reggae.
Tips When Attending Fun Events in Metro Vancouver
As a festival aficionado, here are some tips from me to enhance your enjoyment:
- Bring a bottle of water. There are numerous food stands to buy from, but the line-ups may be long. Also, water refilling stations may be available so you may not need to buy water.
- Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and SPF. Bring a fan.
- If possible, use public transit. Parking may be a major challenge.
- Be open to learning about other cultures and embrace Canada’s diverse society.
- Take advantage of the free fun events in Metro Vancouver. Enjoy!
