Summer Arts Guide 2024: Vancouver festivals to mark on your cultural calendar

Modern dance, live music, outdoor films, and more: summertime signals festival season in the city

SUMMER IS THE season of barbecues, flip flops, and beaches, and in Vancouver, it’s also prime time for festivals. From Shakespeare to Stop Making Sense, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at upcoming events worth marking on your cultural calendar.

JUNE

Dancing on the Edge

June 13 to 22 at various venues

Happening a month earlier than in previous years, this fest brings the best of contemporary dance to local stages. The 36th-annual event launches with the world premiere of Company 605’s latest work, lossy, co-presented with SFU Woodward’s Cultural Programs, and features OURO Collective’s 7y98D; the world premiere of EDAM’s Dead Weighting; the Western Canadian premiere of Gorgeous Tongue by Montreal’s Lara Kramer Danse; the B.C. premiere of Wéi (成为) by Toronto’s tiger princess dance projects; the world premiere of Helen Walkley’s blocking; the Canadian premiere of Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY’s SALT; and much more. Summer vibe: The beauty and power of the human body.

Bard on the Beach

To September 21 at Vanier Park

On the BMO Mainstage are the tragic saga Hamlet, running from June 13 to September 20, and Twelfth Night, from June 11 to September 21, the latter with original music by Veda Hille. On the Howard Family Stage, there’s the fantastical farce The Comedy of Errors from July 2 to September 21, and Measure for Measure, adapted and directed by Jivesh Parasram, from July 4 to September 20. Summer vibe: Tragedy, comedy, and everything in between.

Queer Arts Festival

To June 30 at various venues

This year’s QAF theme is “The Ties That Bind”, with a deep dive into the meaning of family, whether it be blood or chosen. The annual event celebrates its 17th edition with a gala launch event called ArtParty! on June 14, which is also the opening date of the visual-art exhibition CRAWL SPACE by the Flavourcel Animation Collective. There’s also Queer Eyes, Queer Lives, a photo exhibition of 2SLGBTQIA+ youths’ substance use, homelessness, and mental health. Music, film, poetry, drag, performance art, and more round out the offerings. Summer vibe: Pride and partying.

5X Festival

June 13 to 16 at various venues

Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society is back with its flagship event, the 5X Festival, which showcases South Asian music and art. Now in its seventh year, the fest features signature events like the free 5X Blockparty on June 15 at the Surrey Civic Plaza from 2 pm to 9 pm and the 5X Art Party on June 14 from 6 pm to 11 pm at the Beaumont Studios. Performing at the Blockparty is Punjabi-Canadian hip-hop artist Prabh, Toronto rapper-singer-songwriter Jassa Dhillon, and Mississauga–based rapper AR Paisley, among others. New this year is Self-Care Sunday with 5X, a half-day explorative event full of pure wellness vibes, including mindful practices such as breathwork, meditation, journalling, and movement on June 16 from 12 pm to 4:30 pm at the And-Co Offices. Summer vibe: South Asian grooving.

Kitsilano Showboat

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from June 21 to July 28 at Kitsilano Beach Park

Now in its 89th year, the Kitsilano Showboat is a Vancouver icon. This season, it has special events happening on June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day, on June 27 for Canadian Multiculturalism Day, and on July 1 for Canada Day. Summer vibe: Genuine community spirit.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

June 21 to 30 at various venues

Sumac with Moor Mother, Lezlie Harrison, Big Easy Funk Ensemble, Jesse Cahill Trio, Feven Kidane Sextet, Veronica Swift, Laraaji, Killer Mike, and Miles Black with Dave Say are just some of the acts coming to town for the annual Jazz Fest. There are also free concerts at West Vancouver Memorial Library, Lynn Valley Village, Ocean Artworks, downtown on the Robson Street Stage and Georgia Street Stage, Tom Lee Music Hall, Western Front, Revue Stage, the Shipyards, and Performance Works. Summer vibe: Free-flowing energy.

North Shore Jazz Festival

June 21 to July 1 at various venues

Presented in partnership with Vancouver International Jazz Festival, this fest features three concerts at BlueShore at CapU and five free performances at multiple venues across the North Shore. At the theatre, catch the Luca Benedetti Trio and Marois Vocal Project: An Homage to Dave Brubeck. Summer vibe: Chillaxed.

Strathcona Blocks Party

June 22

Strathcona celebrates along the 600 to 900 blocks of E Hastings with a kids’ zone, live music by local artists, food trucks, a beer garden, a skateboard ramp, and more. MakerLabs will be offering tours and activities, too. Summer vibe: Neighbourly.

Deckchair Cinema

Thursdays from June 27 to August 29 at The Polygon Gallery

Take in classic films under the stars on Cates Deck, right in front of the waterfront gallery. Enjoy live music and entertainment leading up to curtain time, with screenings starting at sunset. Bring your own blanket or low chairs, and grab a drink from local breweries at the concession stand. Admission is by donation courtesy of BMO Financial Group, with $10 per guest recommended, and includes access to the exhibitions. This year’s titles include Stop Making Sense, Night Raiders, and Supercop. Summer vibe: Dreamy.

Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival

June 29 to July 6 at various venues

The Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society presents this annual event, featuring 20 performing groups from across Taiwan and Canada. Highlights this year include the Taichung Hoping Elementary School Dance Troupe from Taichung City, which will perform the dances of Aboriginal Atayal people. Three Taiwanese films will be screened: Ohong Village, Home Sick, and Missing Johnny. There will be Taiwanese-food booths, and bringing the festivities to a close is a concert by the Vancouver Formosan Singers. Summer vibe: Multiculturalism at its most vibrant.

JULY

Steveston Salmon Festival

July 1 in Steveston Village

One of the country’s largest Canada Day celebrations takes place in Steveston Village, complete with live performances including music by Dr. Strangelove and Midnight Cruiser Band as well as a Japanese cultural show, parade, salmon bake, and 20-plus food stands. Summer vibe: Canadiana shindig.

Indian Summer Festival

July 4 to 14 at various venues

South Asian arts are front and centre at this fest, which is themed “PARADOX” this year. It all kicks off with the opening party, featuring food by chef Tushar Tondvalkar and performances from Shruti Ramani and DJ duo Lil India. ISF2024 has announced Manjot Kaur as its 2024 feature artist, a creative who bridges mythological narrative and ecological awareness. Arthur “Rickydoc” Flowers, a griot and hoodoo mystic, will perform; he’s known to channel West African griots into his blues-infused storytelling. Immersive art installations, roundtable discussions, garden parties, Tiffin Talks, and an all-day outdoor music stage dubbed SOUNDSYSTEM are just some of the other highlights. Summer vibe: Joyful gathering.

Vancouver Greek Summerfest

July 4 to 14 at the Greek Orthodox Community of East Vancouver and surrounding neighbourhood

Admission is free for this fest that has been celebrating Greek heritage since 1987. Culinary arts play a major role in the festivities; think loukoumades (Greek donuts), souvlaki, barbecued lamb, spanakopita, and more. Plus, there’s music and dance by local artists. Summer vibe: Delicious.

Theatre Under the Stars

July 5 to August 24 at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park

Cats and School of Rock are this year’s alternating musicals at the stunning open-air theatre. Summer vibe: The Jellicle Moon will be shining bright.

Carnaval del Sol

July 5 to 7 at Jonathan Rogers Park

Some 40,000 people are expected to join in this celebration of all things Latin American, with more than 380 artists and 80 exhibitors and food vendors from every Latin American country. This year’s theme is “harmony”, and things kick off with an electro-cumbia performance by DJ Gambeat y La Grooving Familia on opening night. Summer vibe: Dancing under the stars.

Khatsahlano Street Party

July 6 from 11 am to 9 pm on West 4th Avenue between Burrard and Macdonald Streets

More than 50 musical acts and 50 food trucks will be on-hand for this raging block party, which also features a climbing wall, mini golf course, and beer and bar gardens. Hotel Mira plays the Burrard Stage at 8 pm in a performance sponsored by Stir. Also appearing on the Burrard Stage are NADUH, Bend Sinister, Serengeti, Uncle Strut, Nette, Chase the Bear, and Rosemary Ginger. Summer vibe: Community spirit.

West Coast Modern Week

July 9 to 14 at various venues

The annual celebration of West Coast Modern architecture and design features walking tours, panel discussions, lecture series, film, music, and more. Two exhibitions coincide with the fest: A Refuge: Arthur Erickson runs to July 20 at the West Vancouver Art Museum, and Designed by Arthur Erickson runs to August 30 at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. Summer vibe: Discovering all the West Vancouver homes you’ll never live in.

Symphony & Opera in the Park

July 13 and 14 at Deer Lake Park

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra takes to Deer Lake Park on July 13 while Vancouver Opera descends upon the park on July 14. Both evenings feature free family activities as well as food trucks. Summer vibe: Inspiring.

The Tempest Project

July 17 to 22 at the Vancouver Playhouse

Music on Main takes audiences on a roving musical adventure through the Vancouver Playhouse in this immersive experience inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Directed by David Pay, the production features vocalist Julia Ulehla, Paolo Bortolussi on flute, guitarist Aram Bajakian, composer Saina Khaledi on santour, Dailin Hsieh on zheng, percussionist Julia Chien, cellist Jonathan Lo, pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa, and composers Nancy Tam and Alfredo Santa Ana. Summer vibe: A full-fledged romp.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

July 19 to 21 at Jericho Beach Park

This is one of the city’s most iconic events featuring live music, an artisans’ fair, and food trucks at Jericho Beach Park with the ocean and mountains as the view. More than 40 musical acts from 15 countries, nine U.S. states, and six provinces and territories are on the books this 47th year, with mainstage acts including Dobet Gnahoré from Côte d’Ivoire, Ireland’s James Vincent McMorrow, and Soweto’s Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness. Summer vibe: Global grooving.

Wreck Beach Butoh

July 20 at 11:15 am and July 21 at 12 pm at Wreck Beach

There’s nothing else like it: members of Kokoro Dance perform butoh wearing only white chalk all over their bodies at Wreck Beach, on the sand and in the water. The 30th annual performances take place rain or shine and are guaranteed to mesmerize. Summer vibe: Transcendent.

All Over the Map

July 21 and August 11 at the Picnic Pavilion on Granville Island

New Works presents this free series of dance performances at Granville Island’s Picnic Pavilion at 1 pm and 3 pm both dates. On the roster are V’ni Dansi, Eva Cho, Palak Dhiman, Afrobeats Van, Rina&Simziez, Amulya Keshoju, Roots Peruvian Folk Dance, and Mozaico Flamenco. Summer vibe: Diverse.

CREATE! Eastside Arts Festival

July 22 to 28 at various Eastside Arts District venues

The fourth annual fest is a hands-on experience, with visual- and performance-art workshops, public-participation art, and pop-up performances as well as an art shop, food trucks, and a beer garden. Attendees will have the chance to dive into embroidery, glass fusing, ‘zine-making, and painting, while also exploring everything from flamenco to BIPOC expressive art. Presented by the Eastside Arts Society, producers of the Eastside Culture Crawl festival, it all takes place across the Eastside Arts District, including in art studios, at Strathcona Park, and in pop-up locations such as breweries and venues. Summer vibe: Eastside pride.

Early Music Vancouver. Photo by Jan Gates

2024 Summer Festival: Bach Untamed

July 25 to August 6 at various venues

Early Music Vancouver offers new arrangements of Bach’s music alongside musical traditions from India, Italy, and the Middle East. Then there’s Banned From the Concert Hall!, a comedy night featuring dirty drinking songs by Henry Purcell and his 17th-century buds sung by a trio of tenors. Summer vibe: Bach and far beyond.

Mission Folk Music Festival

July 26 to 28 at Fraser River Heritage Park

The Inuit-style throat singers of PIQSIQ, the gospel-driven Marcus Mosely Ensemble, and the folk-jazz-pop-funk mix of Gin and Tall Tales are just some of the acts coming out for the 37th-annual fest. There’s also the community-driven Festival Choir, now in its eighth year. There will be contra dancing, an artisan market, participatory workshops, a beer garden, food court, kids’ activities, and onsite camping to make a weekend of it. Summer vibe: A sense of discovery.

A Spanish Hour?

July 27 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

The all-2SLGBTQIA+ production of A Spanish Hour? is a queer-English reimagining of Maurice Ravel’s L’heure espagnole, a one-act comédie musicale from 1911. This situation comedy set in 21st-century Toronto explores the realities of sexual freedom in committed relationships. Not only has the plot been reimagined, but the voices have also been changed. Roles typically sung by a mezzo-soprano are voiced as a tenor and the buffo-bass role is being sung by a mezzo-soprano. Singers include UBC Opera alumni Spencer Britten as the non-binary character Gonzalve and Simran Claire as Dawn. The main role, Conception, is sung by Isaiah Bell, Ram is sung by Andrew Love, and David Walsh appears as Toto. A Spanish Hour? is conducted by Gordon Gerrard.

AUGUST

Powell Street Festival

August 3 and 4 in the Paueru Gai area (around Powell Street)

Japanese art and culture are celebrated during this beloved fest with more than 40 performances and presentations across multiple venues, including live music and butoh dance from Kokoro Dance with jo passed; Kintsugi, an interactive internment installation by Annie Sumi and Brian Kobayakawa; and a screening of local artist Cindy Mochizuki’s Between Pictures: The Lens of Tamio Wakayama. Also on the program are panels, walking tours, martial arts, taiko drumming, a sumo tournament, Japanese food and craft booths, children’s activities, and more. Summer vibe: Travel abroad without leaving home.

Vines Arts Festival

August 7 to 17 at various Vancouver parks

Vines Art Festival is marking its 10th anniversary, with this year’s fest bringing stories and rituals from the past as a means to build a more habitable present and future. Taking place throughout Vancouver parks, the event for art-led land justice will have song, dance, poetry, storytelling, and visual arts. All offerings are free. Summer vibe: Peace-loving.

Vancouver Mural Festival

August 8 to 11 at various venues

The annual outdoor celebration of public art kicks off with mural tours and hosts the Mount Pleasant Street Party, which takes over East 5th and 6th Avenues as well as the City Centre Artist Lodge. It’s all free and family-friendly. Summer vibe: Neighbourliness.

Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival

August 10 at Deer Lake Park

The lineup is yet to be announced, but the annual fest is back for 2024. Summer vibe: Soulful.

African Descent Festival

August 10 and 11 at English Bay Beach

Now in its 10th year, the festival celebrates the arts and culture of people of African descent. This year’s lineup of performing artists includes Khari McClelland, Axé Capoeira, Afro Youth Canada Dancers, African Descent Drum Circle, and DJ Bigrich. There’s also a parade, with the theme being a tribute to Hogan’s Alley. Summer vibe: Arts-infused sunshine.

SEPTEMBER

Vancouver Fringe Festival

September 5 to 15 at Granville Island

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Fringe features more than 65 shows including dance, theatre, comedy, music, and more. Tickets go on sale in August.

Vancouver Queer Film Festival

September 11 to 22 at various venues and online

Some 100 films by 2SLGBTQIA+ creators and focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ protagonists will screen this year, the fest’s 36th. There will also be parties, performances by local and international artists, post-screening Q&As with filmmakers, and industry events. Some films will be available to stream online. A project of Out on Screen, the festival will also expand its youth programming this season. Summer vibe: Streaming pride.

ʔəm̓i ce:p xʷiwəl (Come Toward the Fire)

September 14 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

The third annual Indigenous festival culminates in headlining performances inside the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts’s Chan Shun Concert Hall beginning at 5 pm by soul and folk singer Celeigh Cardinal and genre-defying singer and producer Sebastian Gaskin. The fest will also include a range of other family-friendly offerings, including readings by Indigenous poets and authors curated by Massy Books, Indigenous film screenings curated by imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, and an Indigenous artisan market and food vendors, showcasing the Lower Mainland’s Indigenous entrepreneurs. The entire festival is free and does not require tickets. Summer vibe: Inspiring.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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