Events

The Best Car-Free Events Happening in Vancouver This Summer

Pedestrians rule! Cars drool!

By Victoria Brze /

Whether you’re strolling the Stanley Park seawall, hiking up Grouse Mountain, browsing local goods at the nearest farmers market or dancing to the live music at Khatsahlano’s Street Party, summer in Vancouver means getting outside—on foot. With a growing number of pedestrian-first events, Vancouverites are reclaiming the streets for music, food and community connection. Here’s your guide to some of the best.

Gastown Sunday Set

Water Street, every Sunday until September 1

Every Sunday this summer, Gastown transforms into a pedestrian-only playground with art battles, flower markets and a good cup of coffee—all of it community-focused. Take a stroll through the iconic cobblestone streets or enjoy a locally roasted latte and watch artists face off in live painting competitions. Each weekend has its own unique programming:

  • Streetside Sessions — Coffee Party (July 27, August 31)
  • Open Air Atelier – Live Art Battles (July 13, August 3)
  • Gastown in Bloom – Flower Market (July 20, August 17)
  • Unscripted Sunday – Letting Water Street Breathe (July 6, August 10, August 27)
Photo: Low Tide Properties

Gastown Thursday Nights

Every Thursday until September 4,  4-7 p.m.

The Garden Negroni at The Lamplighter pairs surprisingly well with their rosemary fries—but it goes even better with a live soundtrack, and you can have both during Gastown Thursday Nights. This summer, Gastown turns up the volume with its weekly pop-up concert series featuring musicians like Angie Faith and LooPs. Each block hosts a different performance ranging from jazz to slow jams, turning the historic district into an open-air music crawl. 

Hotspots:

  • Maple Tree Square
  • Abbott x Water Street
  • Cambie x Water Street
Photo: Low Tide Properties

 

Public Disco Pride Block Party

West 3rd and Ontario St., Saturday, August 2, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Ticketed (19+)

This open-air dance party transforms an entire city block into a pulsing Pride celebration with two stages, a DJ alley, and plenty of queer joy. Set in the heart of Mount Pleasant’s industrial corridor, this car-free event is bound to make you disco.

Powell Street Festival

Oppenheimer Park and Powell Street, Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This iconic celebration of Japanese Canadian art and culture takes over Powell Street for a two-day summer festival. Taking place since 1977, the event is influenced by typical Japanese summer festivals, known as matsuri. Previous displays included a Japanese tea ceremony (Sa-do), a multi-disciplinary art installation by musicians Annie Sumi and Brian Kobayakawa, performances by Kokoro Dance (inspired by the art form butoh) and a Sumo workshop among many others. Join one of the largest and longest-running community arts festivals in the country and enjoy the live music, martial arts demos, food stalls and traditional performances for a cultural experience not to miss.

Photo: Matthew Chun

Pleasant Day Festival

Main Street (16th to King Edward Ave), Saturday, August 9, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Presented by the Mount Pleasant BIA , this one-day summer festival showcases the area’s vibrant business and arts scene. From indie rock to brass bands, there will be more than 25 performers including ACTORS, Hayley Blais, Fionn and Balkan Shmalkan. Expect street eats from local food trucks, market vendors and beer gardens—all set in one of Vancouver’s trendiest neighbourhoods and 100 per cent local. 

Commercial Drive Car Free Day

Commercial Drive, Saturday, September 6, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ditch your car and enjoy a stroll down the famous Commercial Drive—home of the original Car Free Day Festival. The event celebrates local communities, the environment and walkable public spaces. Expect an upbeat, grassroots vibe and lots of local flavour—plus easy access via SkyTrain and transit.

Main Street Car Free Day

Main Street, Sunday, September 14, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The largest of Vancouver’s Car Free Day festivals returns this September, stretching over 20 blocks of Main Street with live music, performers, food trucks, extended patios and family-friendly entertainment for a day of pedestrian heaven.  Beyond the good vibes, the event wants to raise awareness about the benefits of reducing car dependence. Some of last year’s vendors included crowd favourites like Long Live Mac and Cheeze and Steve’s Smoked Meats, with performances by Burnaby Mountain Boys and Space Queen, among others.