More than 20 free and cheap things to do in Vancouver this June

Start your summer on a budget with these great things to do in Vancouver.

Here are 29 free and cheap events happening around the city in June, including the Vancouver Jazz Festival, FIFA World Cup events, and more.

And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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One-time-only events and activities

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

When: June 19 to July 5, 2026 Time: Various times Where: Various venues across Vancouver Tickets: Free and ticketed events

What: North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market (SYNM) is celebrating its 13th anniversary in Lower Lonsdale in 2026. The popular free event takes place every Friday and features a beer garden, live music, market vendors and food trucks.

When: Every Friday until Sept. 11, 2026 Time: 3 to 10 p.m. Where: The Shipyards — 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver Cost: Free

What: Queer Arts Festival is an annual artist-run transdisciplinary celebration in Vancouver. This year’s event is themed On the Edge and includes a community art show, drag, a queer clothing swap, live concerts, and more throughout the month of June.

When: June 5 to 30, 2026 Time: Various times Where: Various venues Admission: Free and ticketed events. Purchase online

What: The fifth-annual Car Free Day Surrey, hosted by the Newton Business Improvement Association, is happening on Saturday, June 6, along 137th Street. The day-long event will feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food vendors, and more.

Music lovers will find lots to enjoy during the free street party, including live dance, concert performances, and DJs.

When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 Time: Noon to 8 p.m. Where: 137th Street, Surrey (between 72A Avenue and 74th Avenue) Cost: Free

What: The Vancouver Francophone Summer Festival is hosting a huge lineup of concerts, and you don’t have to be a Francophone enthusiast to attend, either.

Some of the acclaimed performers in this year’s lineup include Alpha Yaya Diallo, Deo Munyakanzi, Reza Abaee, and Ensemble Absinthe on Saturday, June 20; and Etran de L’Aïr on Sunday, June 28.

When: Now until June 28, 2026 Time: Various times Where: Various locations Tickets: Ticketed and free events, purchase online

What: The Richmond Night Market is up and running, bringing with it the world’s first night market zipline, an all-new Trading Card Zone, and over 500 food items to try.

The theme for this year’s market is Little Wonder World, which the market describes as a “dazzling, globe-trotting adventure filled with iconic landmark decorations, vibrant displays, and a stunning themed wall designed for unforgettable moments.” There is also a giant soccer display.

As for bites, customers can expect anything from Asian street eats to trending global bites. In previous years, there have been jumbo oysters, birria tacos, takoyak, and gochujang chicken corn pizza, just to name a few.

When: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays until Sept. 20, 2026 Time: From 7 p.m. Where: 2431 Number 3 Rd., Richmond

What: The long-running free festival, which is called Hats Off Day because it’s a day for local businesses to “take their hats off” to their community, features live performances, kid-friendly activities, a show and shine, and, of course, plenty of delicious food.

Organized by the Burnaby Heights Merchants Association, as well as the Hats Off committee and the Burnaby Heights community, the 12-block event is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors to the area.

When: June 6, 2026 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Hastings Street, between Gamma Avenue and Boundary Road, Burnaby Cost: Free

What: ​Celebrate spring with the Surrey Nature Centre on their guided nature walks in Green Timbers Park. Led by an experienced guide, the event is a perfect way to discover the park, with themes changing regularly.

When: June 13 and June 24, 2026 Time: Various times Where: Surrey Nature Centre – 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey Admission: Free

What: Burnaby Central Railway is welcoming passengers to climb aboard its 3-km track near Confederation Park every weekend until this fall. Your ride will take you across tunnels, bridges and viaducts. And while you’re there, stop by the ever-growing Garden Railway.

British Columbia Society of Model Engineers (BCSME) built and operates the mini railway, with three different types of locomotives pulling the rideable trains.

When: Weekends and stat holidays through Thanksgiving weekend Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: 120 N. Willingdon Ave., Burnaby Cost: $4.50 for a single ride, for all passengers three years old and up. $40 for a 10-ride pass

What: Let your taste buds start tingling! Vancouver’s annual celebration of Italian culture, heritage, and community returns this month.

Thousands of Vancouverites will take over Commercial Drive as it transforms into a huge car-free party. There will be plenty of merchants, food vendors, and entertainment to enjoy throughout the day-long event.

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026 Time: Noon to 8 p.m. Where: Commercial Drive, Vancouver Cost: Free

What: Vancouver’s open-air container market is back, and you won’t want to miss the fun. Now in its third year, the free-to-enter downtown market and hub has over 30 new vendors this year, in addition to live entertainment and community events throughout the summer.

When: Now until Sept. 7, 2026 Time: Open Tuesday through Sunday at varying times Where: 200 Granville St. Cost: Free admission

What: Burnaby Village Museum is open for a new summer season, and longtime visitors and new guests will discover a variety of new exhibits, entertainment, and activities to enjoy.

The beloved open-air historical attraction transports people back in time and lets them experience life in a 1920s village, complete with heritage and recreated buildings and staff dressed in the period’s fashion.

When: Tuesday to Sunday, plus statutory holidays until Sept. 7, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.71

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting guided tours of the historic Orpheum theatre. The event is presented in partnership with the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame and will be sure to delight music fans, architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs.

When: June 6, July 11, and Aug. 15, 2026 Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver Cost: $10 plus fees, register online

What: Dance your way into that summer feeling with Public Disco. The free all-ages dance party features live music, DJs, and dance performances on Granville Island. There will also be a food market and kids’ activities at the Block Party.

When: June 5 and 6, 2026 Time: 4 to 10 p.m. (Friday), 2 to 10 p.m. (Saturday) Where: Lot 55 (Behind Granville Island Brewing) — 1494 Old Bridge St., Vancouver Cost: Free

No. 11 FIFA Fan Festival Express bus route. (TransLink)

What: Soccer fans from around the world are coming to Vancouver this summer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and so are some of music’s biggest artists.

FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver has revealed the amphitheatre concert series lineup at the PNE, with the ticketed events being part of a massive transformation of the PNE into a “FIFA World Cup hub” with “family-focused entertainment to immersive fan activities for all ages.”

Organizers have also revealed more than 60 free performances at the Park Stage this summer, joining the music lineup for the 28 days of live entertainment at Hastings Park.

When: Various dates from June 11 to July 19, 2026 Time: Various times Where: Freedom Mobile Arch at the PNE — 2901 E. Hastings St., Vancouver Tickets: Various prices, purchase online

What: Game Days turns 1155 East 6th Ave. into Vancouver’s free, open-air home for the international soccer tournament. Catch matches on a big outdoor screen alongside live entertainment between games, food trucks, a beer garden, covered first-come, first-served seating, and a kids’ zone.

Running June 11 to 13 and June 18 to 21, with hours based on the match schedule. Reserve free tickets in advance.

When: June 11 to 13 and June 18 to 21, 2026 Time: Various times. Hours based on the match schedule (found on the website). Where: 1155 East 6th Ave., Vancouver Tickets: Free, reserve entry tickets online

What: Parallel 49 is transforming its 250-seat patio and event space into an outdoor viewing area for all of the games this June and July. Invite your friends to join you in checking out the giant 14-foot high-def TV during the no-cover-charge event, complete with access to the full beer list, 40 taps, delicious food, and cocktail menu.

There will be a live DJ on all Fridays and Saturdays from when the last game ends until late to keep the good times and the party going. Get there early to get your spot at a table or on the bleachers.

When: June 11 to July 19, 2026 Time: Open daily from 11 a.m. until late. Also open early for all of the 9 a.m. games. Where: Parallel 49 Brewing Company – 1950 Triumph St., Vancouver Cost: Free admission

Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with curated menus, extended happy hour, and convenient access to match-day excitement, along with a Match Day Package that includes champagne, breakfast for two, and added touches designed to elevate the game-day experience, with options to reserve in advance for the best experience.

What: The PROLINE House Pop-Up at Butcher and Bullock is the place to get the games, where you can have the ultimate soccer experience. Pop-up dates above will have over $15,000 in giveaways each day, with PROLINE swag bags given out to the first 100 people, and each day will have a grand prize package worth over $1,000.

To get in on the action, make a reservation for pop-up event days. For every $5 bet placed, you’ll receive a ballot for the grand prize giveaway and enjoy the game. That’s not all, there will be a number of other activation components and ways to win great items like PROLINE Swag, Team Canada Jerseys, balls, scarves, and more while watching all the action on the new 17-foot big screen TV, with fans and rivals alike.

When: Multiple dates: June 12, 13, 18, 21, 24, 26, and July 2 and 7, 2026 Time: Various times Where: Butcher & Bullock – 911 W. Pender St., Vancouver Cost: Free, reservations online

What: Canada House by Coca-Cola at the Shark Club is your place for World Cup 2026 action.

Every match will be shown wall-to-wall on big screens with sound, creating a stadium-like viewing experience where fans can gather, celebrate, and support Canada and all countries during the competition, with prizes and giveaways available throughout the entire tournament.

When: Daily until July 17, 2026 Time: Covering all games morning to night (schedule varies based on game times) Where: Shark Club — 180 W. Georgia St, Vancouver Cost: Free admission, reservations online

What: UBC Properties Trust brings the excitement of the global soccer stage to Wesbrook Village with Soccer in the Square, a free, all-ages outdoor viewing experience.

From June 11 to July 19, catch live matches on the big screen at Norman MacKenzie Square, where fans can gather under a shaded tent with picnic seating to cheer on their favourite teams.

Expect a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with picnic tables, leashed pups welcome, and easy access to takeout from nearby eateries. With space for up to 150 guests, plus movies, music, and entertainment between matches, it’s a festive community hangout all tournament long.

When: Various dates from June 11 to July 19, 2026 Time: Various times when games are on Where: Norman MacKenzie Square, Wesbrook Village, UBC Cost: Free

Recurring events and activities

What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to the contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.

Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.

When: The first Friday of every month Time: 2 to 5 p.m. Where: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver Cost: By donation

What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is that they are free to check out. Expect to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.

When: Various dates Time: Various times Where: Various VPL Branches Cost: Free

What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.

When: The third Saturday of each month Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Where: 168 East Pender St., Vancouver Cost: Free for youth 17 and under; guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $10 to $12, purchase online

What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.

When: The first Friday of every month Time: 4 to 8 p.m. Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver Cost: Free

What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.

When: The last Saturday of every month Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver Cost: Free

Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver

What: This farmers market began back in 1995 and became the cornerstone of the Vancouver Farmers Market collective of markets. One of the most popular markets, Trout Lake has food trucks on-site and a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, locally made goods, and all things food.

When: Every Saturday until Oct. 31, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Lakewood Drive and East 13th Ave., Vancouver

What: Find fresh groceries, locally sourced produce, as well as artisanal food offerings at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, held weekly at Dude Chilling Park in Mount Pleasant.

When: Every Sunday until Nov. 1, 2026 Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Dude Chilling Park — 2300 Guelph St., Vancouver

What: See, taste, and indulge at this bustling weekday market. This market, which takes place at Olympic Village Square on the Milton Wong Plaza, showcases over 25 farms and producers, food and coffee trucks.

When: Every Thursday until Oct. 29, 2026 (closed June 18, June 25, and July 2) Time: 3 to 7 p.m. Where: Olympic Village Square on the Milton Wong Plaza