13 free things to do in Vancouver this week, June 3 to 9
There are so many fun events happening in the city!
A large gathering of people. Right: A woman eating corn on the cob.
Hey Vancouver, another week has begun and there are so many fun things to do in the city this week that won't cost you a dime to attend.
Now that June has arrived, there are more festivals and events to choose from each week, but sometimes it's nice to stick to a budget and do a free activity.
From night markets to block parties and summer book sales, we've curated a list of 13 fun and free events happening in Vancouver from June 3 to 9.
Public Disco Granville Island Block Party
Cost: Free admission
When: June 8 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: Granville Island Lot 55 (Behind Granville Island Brewing),1411 Cartwright St, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The 2024 Public Disco Summer Series is kicking off with a free, all-ages block party on Granville Island this weekend.
The event marks the beginning of a four-part series and a summer filled with outdoor events on Granville Island, according to the event's website. The event will feature food trucks, live music, dancers and more.
Vegan Night Market
Cost: Free admission
When: Every two weeks starting on June 6 until August 29, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: Locarno Beach, 4445 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Head to Locarno Beach on June 6 to indulge in plant-based street food and gourmet bites crafted by local chefs. The event will also feature vendors selling cruelty-free clothing and cosmetics.
Italian Day on the Drive
Cost: Free admission
When: June 9, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Little Italy on Commerical Drive
Why You Should Go: Celebrate Italian culture, heritage and community at this year's annual Italian Day on the Drive. The event is a 14-block community event that has become one of Vancouver's largest cultural street festivals. Commercial Drive will come alive on June 9 with all the merchants and vendors selling food and drinks and live music and dancing on the streets.
Open Door Yoga
Cost: Free admission
When: June 9
Address: Granville Island, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: A free Open Door Yoga event is taking place this weekend as part of Granville Island Brewing's 40 free events through the summer. It sounds like this yoga class will also be a beer social. Make sure you register online to secure a spot.
North Vancouver Library summer book sale
Cost: Free
When: From June 3 to 15 during library hours
Address: 120 14th St W, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: Get started on your summer reading list by checking out North Vancouver City Library for its annual summer book sale. You'll find a selection of fiction, nonfiction, mysteries and more for $1 each and you can stock up on magazines for five for $1. You can also fill a bag for $5. All other materials will be $1 each.
The book sale is in the library lobby and will continue until June 15 while supplies last.
Car Free Day Surrey
Cost: Free admission
When: June 8 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 137th Street (between 72A Ave and 74 Ave)
Why You Should Go: Join residents, businesses and organizations in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood for a day of celebration and community spirit. Car Free Day Surrey will feature a bounty of food trucks, vendors and live music.
Car Free website
Langley Community Day
Cost: Free admission
When: June 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: Douglas Park, 5403-5409 206 St, Langley
Why You Should Go: There will be over 25 food trucks, live music, an artisan market and more at Douglas Park in Langley this weekend. The annual event brings together thousands of people from all over the lower mainland, according to the city's director of recreation, culture and community services.
Queer Arts Festival
Cost: Some events are free
When: June 1 -30, various times
Address: Various locations
Why You Should Go: Various art shows and performances will take place around the city for the entire month of June and some of them are free to attend. This year's programming is titled The Ties That Bind and examines the bonds and complexities of Family.
Vancouver Career Fair
Cost: Free
When: June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Address: 999 Canada Place #300 - Crystal Pavilion Ballroom Vancouver
Why You Should Go: If you're looking for a new job, head to Pan Pacific Vancouver this week for a job fair that will get you in front of hiring managers. This event is great for anyone looking to learn about an exciting new career and wants to get valuable information about what credentials are required.
You can find a full list of which exhibitors will be at the fair on the Career Fair website.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: Free admission
When: June 6 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The Vancouver Art Gallery is hosting a free night on the first Friday in June, meaning you can check out the gallery's latest installations and programs without spending a dime.
The gallery recommends reserving a spot in advance so you're guaranteed a free spot.
Shipyards Night Market
Cost: Free admission
When: May 31 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 19 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: The Shipyards Night Market will take over the waterfront in North Vancouver again on Friday night. The popular market draws in thousands of people every year with its variety of food trucks, live performances, beer garden and artisan vendors.
Intro to pilates class
Cost: Free
When: June 5 at 1 p.m. or June 8 at 1 p.m.
Address: 221 Esplanade West #110, North Vancouver
Why You Should Go: If you're new to pilates then why not join a beginner's class this week. The instructor will guide you through the basics of Pilates in a friendly environment.
Anyone looking to join is asked to come 15 minutes before the class starts, bring their own water bottle and grip socks. If you don't have proper socks, you can buy them at the studio.
Visit a farmers market
Cost: Free admission
When: Thursdays to Sundays (time and day dependent on location)
Address: Various locations
Why You Should Go: Head to your local farmers market to load up on fresh produce.
Metro Vancouver's farmers markets offer fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables, artisanal crafts and baked treats. Several markets are open throughout the week and weekend, from the Trout Lake Farmers Market to the Hastings Park Farmers Market.
Check out the Destination Vancouver website to find the closest one to you.
Destination Vancouver website
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.