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Fun events to check out in Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­this weekend: July 4 to July 6

Find out what you can do this weekend in and around the city.
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Now in its 14th year, the Khatsahlano Street Party is returning to West 4th Avenue in Vancouver's trendy Kitsilano neighbourhood on July 5, 2025.

This weekend's Metro Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­weather forecast includes sunshine and warm temperatures, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities. 

The phrase "sun's out, bun's out" won't entirely apply to the beach this weekend, as a fleet of sans-clothing cyclists take to the streets as part of the annual World Naked Bike Race. 

The car-free event this Sunday in Gastown also has a laid-back theme (although clothing is not optional), inviting locals to the popular neighbourhood to enjoy food, drinks, shopping, and more. 

Symphony at Sunset returns with free orchestral music on Vancouver's majestic waterfront, while the Khatsahlano Street Party brings over 60 artists to the stage.

Two new exhibitions remain open at the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery, with one that celebrates the B.C. clay community from the 1930s to the early 2000s. 

The Richmond Night Market and downtown’s Junction Public Market will also continue to bring warm-weather vibes, tasty bites, and community fun.

Here are a few fun things to do in and around Metro Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­from July 4 to July 6, 2025. 

World Naked Bike Race

Vancouver's most eye-catching bike ride is returning this summer, with hundreds of cyclists baring it all along the city's waterfront. 

The World Naked Bike Race will take place on Sunday, July 6, with participating cyclists encouraged to follow the "bare-as-you-dare" motto. The sans-clothing fun kicks off at 2 p.m., although organizers underscore that participants aren't required to be nude.

Clothing-optional rights group Naked Iconoclasts Fighting The Yoke (NIFTY) will host a celebratory picnic after the race. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

When: Sunday, July 6 at 2 p.m. 

Where: Meeting spots at Sunset Beach, Beach Avenue and Bute Street

Cost: Free

The Kitsilano Showboat has been entertaining people on the shore of Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­since 1935, offering an annual collection of free community performances.

The performers showcase a broad range of local talent, from the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Puppet Theatre to the Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment to You Can Uke Too to Sambacouver.

Along with the regular programming, there will be some special events, including Canada's Multicultural Day (June 27), and Canada Day Celebrations (July 1), the latter which will feature a full day of children’s activities and family-friendly entertainment.

When: Wednesdays to Sundays from June 18 to Aug. 17, 2025. Regular performances start at 7:30 p.m. 

Where: The Kitsilano Showboat — 2300 Cornwall Ave

Cost: Free

The Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Book Fair (VABF) will showcase over 100 exhibitors from across Canada and around the world. This year’s program is produced with Emily Carr University’s Libby Leshgold Gallery, Fillip, Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery, and Western Front.

VAGF co-manager Jonathan Middleton notes that many visitors can see a range of production types, including everything from "small-run, DIY zines, often employing photocopiers, risograph printers, or other affordable means of printing," ranging to more  "elaborately printed and bound museum catalogues and monographs." 

This year’s fair features 29 new exhibitors, including Ottawa's Nothing New Projects, described as "an independent risograph print and publishing studio," and Now Place, a San Francisco-based independent publisher "dedicated to championing female and emerging artists from the Asian diaspora." 

Vancouver-based institutions presenting at VABF for the first time include Griffin Art Projects and VIVO Media Arts Centre. Several local artists will present new publications, including Hazel Meyer, who was recently longlisted for the Sobey Award. She is launching A Queer History of Joyce Wieland. Additionally, the Cathy Busby Projects will launch the artist’s 2025 publication, I Wonder: Art+Care+Dementia. 

This year's event will also include expanded public programming with workshops, off-site exhibitions, panels, and more.  

In addition, VABF is working in conversation with art libraries in the region to make it easier for libraries to acquire publications from small and independent art book presses, and will provide a special preview and networking hour for librarians and exhibitors.

When: July 4 from 5-9 p.m., July 5 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and July 6 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. 

Where: Exhibition Hall of the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre - 181 Roundhouse Mews

Cost: Free.

Car-free Sundays in Gastown

After 2024's pedestrian-friendly pilot project in Gastown, 2025 will see car-free days return to the historic neighbourhood with a series of themed events.

Inspired by other pedestrian-first activities around the world and the return of the Water Street Pedestrian Pilot, Gastown will host a series of events with four rotating themes this summer.

Attendees can enjoy "music, art, culture, dining, shopping, and community vibes."

This Sunday, the theme will be Gastown in Gastown Unscripted. In the true spirit of a "lazy Sunday," organizers describe the event as "unstructured, unhurried, and totally unplugged." 

When: July 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: On Water Street, from Richards Street to Columbia Street

Cost: Free to attend

Symphony at Sunset

The Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Symphony Orchestra (VSO) returns to one of the city's top beaches for an iconic sunset performance. 

On Saturday, July 5, locals can experience live orchestral music at Sunset Beach at 8 p.m., featuring classical favourites to scores from blockbuster films including Harry Potter and Star Wars. The concerts will be by the full VSO under the direction of Otto Tausk for Symphony at Sunset.

The free event is one of the most popular waterfront gatherings, seeing hundreds of attendees annually. 

When: Saturday, July 5, from 8-9:30 p.m. 

Where: Sunset Beach Park 

Cost: Free

Khatsahlano Street Party

Now in its 14th year, the  is returning to West 4th Avenue in Vancouver's trendy Kitsilano neighbourhood on July 5.

With just over a month to go, organizers have released the lineup with  along the 10-block festival.

Headlining this year's musical shows is Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­psychedelic band Meltt and Missy D, a local bilingual rapper and singer.

Billed as the "largest free music and arts festival" in Vancouver, the 2025 edition is promising a "camp" theme (as in sleep-away camps).

When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 5, 2025.

Where: West 4th Ave between MacDonald and Burrard streets

Cost: Free

Run N Gun is a 48-hour challenge where Vancouver-based filmmakers compete to create the best film in a limited time window. 

Teams get two days, one prop, one line of dialogue, and a theme. This year,160 teams participated with over 2500 crew members. 

Now in its 10th year, the event organizers are throwing a birthday bash to celebrate a decade of the DIY film challenge. 

The main event will feature the top 40 films, tattoo artists, balloon animals, photo opportunities, and more birthday surprises. 

Over 1000 films have been made in Run N Gun's 10-year history. 

When: July 5, doors at 2 p.m., Semi Finals Screening: 3:00 p.m., Finals Screening and Awards: 6:30 p.m., and Party: 10 p.m.

Where: Orpheum Theatre - 601 Smithe St 

Cost: General $40.20; Reserved seats with the best spots $69. .

: Paella Guys x ¿CóMO? Taperia

The beloved Paella Patio Series returns to ¿CóMO? Taperia starting May 25 and running select Sundays through August 31 (rain or shine). Back for its fifth year, this summer tradition features live paella cooking on the patio with the Paella Guys, who prepare their signature Paella Mixta in a massive 60-person pan. Guests can enjoy the spectacle while sipping Spanish wines, vermouths, and cocktails, and snacking on standout tapas like BBQ Spanish octopus, fried cauliflower with hazelnut romesco, and conservas. With a festive vibe, covered seating, and a menu made for lingering, it’s one of the city’s most delicious ways to spend a summer Sunday.

When: July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, and August 31. Seating times are noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Where: ¿CóMO? Taperia - 201 E 7th Ave, Vancouver

Cost: $28++ per guest, must be  for groups of two to five people. For larger party requests, guests can email [email protected]

Now in its third year, organizers have brought over 30 restaurants, cafés, and sweet shops on board who will each be offering signature items or special fest creations from June 20 to August 4. All of the sales of the event treats stay with the business, making the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Ice Cream Festival a great way to support local this summer.

When: Now through Aug. 4

Where: Participating locations/vendors in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond

Cost: Free admission

Metropolis at Metrotown’s free Summer Market at the Met returns July 3–6 with an out-of-this-world lineup of 15+ food vendors serving up everything from Taiwanese favourites at Typhoon BBT Café and Japanese fusion from Wakwak Burger to Filipino desserts at Cake It Easy and Asian-inspired ice cream from Crema. The space-themed outdoor market also features live performances, roaming characters, and playful family activities.

When: July 3-5 from 2-10 p.m. and July 6 from 2-8 p.m.

Where: Metropolis at Metrotown - South Plaza, Dolphin Pond, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby

Cost: Admission is free

Champagne BBQ in the Sky at Lavantine

Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar is turning up the heat with Champagne BBQ in the Sky, an exclusive rooftop celebration atop the AZUR Legacy Hotel. Guests can enjoy Veuve Clicquot pours, live DJ sets, and luxe takes on backyard BBQ favourites like Wagyu hot dogs, lamb kebabs, and lobster tails. The event also marks Lavantine’s first anniversary as downtown Vancouver’s only rooftop garden restaurant with panoramic city views.

When: July 6 from noon to 8 p.m.

Where: Lavantine - 833 W Pender St

Cost: Party Pass is $30, but does not include food or beverages. Table and drinks packages available. To reserve,  call 604-416-2855 or .

The Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of  is on now through Aug. 3 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Ashlie Corcoran directs the Broadway musical about a small-town waitress and expert pie-maker, Jenna, "who dreams of a new life outside of her tumultuous marriage."

Jenna faces an unexpected pregnancy and sees winning a pie-making contest's grand prize as a "lifeline." Grammy Award-winning Sara Bareilles created the score, and it is based on the 2007 indie film written and directed by Adrienne Shelly.

When: Through Aug. 3

Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage - 2750 Granville St

Cost: From $39

Ongoing

 is Japanese artist Otani's first solo presentation in North America, inviting visitors into an "enchanted dreamworld, where myths, memories and materials come together to form a landscape—one that is strange, yet deeply familiar."

Otani's work includes ceramic creatures in various scales that "emerge from earthen mounds, tree stumps and scattered stones. 

"The mazelike installation—constructed from materials foraged from local parks and forests—echoes Otani’s creative process, which transforms natural elements (clay, wood, flora) into figures brimming with presence and personality," according to the exhibition description. 

from the John David Lawrence Collection, invites visitors to explore the rich ceramic traditions of British Columbia. The exhibition has about 200 objects, and examines the materials and processes used by artists across the region. It focuses on the mentors, interlocutors, societies, and schools that comprised the clay community from the 1930s to the early 2000s.

When: May 25 - Nov. 9, 2025

Where: Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery - 750 Hornby St

Cost: B.C. Resident General $29. Youth, caregivers, and persons with disabilities are free.

The Museum of Anthropology will host the opening of its next major exhibition, Value: Rebecca Belmore, on Thursday, May 15. The exhibition will feature four installation works spanning the four-decade career of the internationally lauded Anishinaabe contemporary artist. 

The exhibition challenges notions of collective value defined by colonial institutions and contemporary social structures. It features two of Belmore's most notable multimedia works – Fountain (2005) and Wild (2001). Fountain premiered at the 2005 Venice Biennale and will be exhibited with the artist's original installation specifications in Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­for the first time in 20 years. It features a short film displayed on a wall of falling water. 

A fourth work – Ayum-ee-aawach Oomama-mowan: Speaking to their Mother (1991) – will arrive later this summer to be on display in MOA's Great Hall. The two-meter-wide wooden megaphone was created in response to the deadly 1990 Kanehsatà:ke Resistance in Oka, Quebec.

When: May 15-Oct. 19, 2025.

Where: UBC Museum of Anthropology - 6393 NW Marine Dr.

Following the opening of Vancouver's largest amusement park last weekend, locals can enjoy over 20 rides at a variety of thrill levels for children of all ages (and adults can enjoy them, too). 

People can purchase Playland Season passes to get the "ultimate access" to the amusement park on public operating dates, at the cost of less than three admissions (on select dates, May to Aug 2025). Passholders also receive additional special perks.

When: June 27 on Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: Playland Amusement Park - 2901 E Hastings St.

Cost: Varies with ticket. .

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Photo courtesy Junction Public Market

Vancouver's vibrant waterfront free public market returns to Granville Square for the 2025 season on May 1.

Now in its second year, the  features rotating pop-ups, local artisans, food vendors, a licensed patio, live entertainment, and special events planned throughout the spring and summer.

The popular warm-weather event runs in a unique shipping container marketplace in Granville Square, located between Waterfront Station and Canada Place. 

The Sipping Container bar will feature a list of local brews, wines, and pre-mixed drinks, with a patio overlooking the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­waterfront and North Shore. 

When: May 1 to Sept. 28. Vendors: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Licensed patio: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Granville Square - 200 Granville St., between Waterfront Station and Canada Place, Vancouver

Cost: Free admission

Richmond hosts one of the largest outdoor markets in North America and has up to 150 retail stalls and 130 food vendors, as well as entertainment and carnival games. This year it is adding a 600-foot zipline ride by to celebrate its 25th anniversary (available starting May 19). 

Also, to celebrate 25 years, the market will also offer happy hour specials and admission discounts. Every night, drinks will be under $7 and food under $10 at every food stall, while admission will be $5 after 10 p.m. General admission is $7 for anyone older than 7 but under 60; kids up to 7 and those 60+ get in for free. A Zoom Pass, which gives you the ability to skip the line, is $35. 

When: April 25-October 13

Where: 2431 No. 3 Rd, Richmond

The Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun is the first exhibition dedicated entirely to the Nuxalk nation who lived over 14,000 years on the central northwest coast in Bella Coola. 

The exhibition showcases the Nation's rich culture and what it is doing to revitalize its language, self-governance, stewardship, and ceremonial practices. 

Visitors can also see how the community works to "safeguard Nuxalk belongings, treasures, and ceremonies – including the return of a significant collection of masks, regalia, and cedar bark weavings at the exhibition closes in 2026."

Nuxalk Strong features treasures and artworks housed at the , as well as loans from private collections and six participating museums: Royal British Columbia Museum (Victoria), Burke Museum (Seattle), Glenbow Museum (Calgary), Manitoba Museum (Winnipeg), and Museum of Vancouver.

When: Feb. 21, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026

Where: MOA at the University of British Columbia - 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver

Cost: Free

With files from Lindsay William-Ross, Brendan Kergin, and Valerie Leung.

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