For families, outdoor concerts and music festivals offer a rare mix of ease, entertainment and connection. You don’t need reservations or a big budget, just a blanket, a few snacks and a willingness to slow down for an evening. Whether your kids are dancing at the front of the stage or lounging in the shade, you’re building memories without even trying.
The Lower Mainland offers various concerts and events this summer that make it easy to turn a regular day into some amazing family fun.
Why Festivals are Awesome
Strengthens Family Bonds. Dancing together, enjoying melodies under the open sky and sharing reactions to performances can deepen familial ties and create cherished memories.
Cultural Exposure and Appreciation. Introducing children to different music styles and performances can broaden their horizons and instill an appreciation for the arts.
Community Engagement. These events are typically community-centric, offering families a chance to interact with neighbours, support local artists and feel a sense of belonging.
Affordable (Often free!) Entertainment. Many outdoor festivals are free or low-cost, making them accessible options for families seeking quality entertainment without financial strain.
Outdoor Activity. Attending concerts in parks or open spaces encourages families to spend time outdoors, promoting physical activity and a connection with nature.
Music Festivals to Check out this Summer
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 20 to July 1. BC’s largest music festival is back with over 150 free and ticketed performances spanning jazz, blues and world music at various venues across Vancouver. coastaljazz.ca
Amped in the Park, Thursdays from June 26 to August 14. This free weekly concert series, held at the vibrant Junction Park in Squamish showcases a variety of talented local emerging artists. squamisharts.com
Mission Twilight Concert Series, Wednesdays from July 2 to August 27. Head to Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission every Wednesday for free concerts—it’s a different act and genre every week. steppingstonemusic.ca
Khatsahlano Street Party, July 5. This iconic 10-block street party takes over West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano to create Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival. Multiple stages showcase some of the finest musicians in Vancouver and special activities, artists and street performers round out the fun. khatsahlano.ca
Summer Sundays, Sundays July 6 to August 24. Weekly waterfront free concerts in Rocky Point Park in Port Moody, featuring a variety of artists. You’ll want to catch them all—but on July 20, it’s also Ribfest so mark your calendar for that one. summersundays.ca
Fridays on Front, July 11, 18, 25 & August 8, 15, 22. Fridays on Front Street in New Westminster will heat up again this summer. Featuring local vendors, excellent eats and best of all—a variety of funky beats, this indie music street festival offers so much fun for families. fridaysonfront.ca
Vancouver Folk Music Festival, July 18 to 20. Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver will once again host a weekend of folk music and memorable fun for families. Kids under 12 are free with a ticketed adult. thefestival.bc.ca
Coquitlam’s Summer Concert Series, July 18, August 1 & September 5. Coquitlam’s free family-friendly concert series excitedly announces three dates this summer, which will feature a variety of all-ages musical performers at Town Centre Park. coquitlam.ca
Surrey Fusion Festival, July 19 to 20. This jaw-dropping multicultural celebration held in Holland Park in Surrey is full of free music, dance and cultural pavilions featuring the arts of many countries. surreyfusionfestival.ca
Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, July 24 to 27. This multi-day jazz festival offers fun, family art activities and music in various locations across Fort Langley. Most events are free, but a select few require tickets to be purchased in advance. fortlangleyjazzfest.com
Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra Free Concert, July 25. Don’t miss this chance to take the family to see the city’s incredible orchestra play an amazing symphony to suit all ages—all for free at the Jack Poole Plaza. vmocanada.com
Powell Street Festival, August 2 to 3. Since 1977, this amazing free festival in Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver, has celebrated Japanese culture through music, movement and food. powellstreetfestival.com
Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, August 9. Set in beautiful Deer Lake Park, this free one-day festival hosts a lineup of diverse, inclusive musical guests as well as other food and entertainment—perfect for a memorable family outing. burnaby.ca
Summer flies by fast, but outdoor festivals can help slow it down. So, throw some watermelon in the cooler, pack up the family and go chase that soundtrack to your summer.
