This summer, Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is offering a full lineup of free, family-friendly events designed to bring the community together and make the most of the sunny season
VANCOUVER – Area residents will have the opportunity to discover the vibrant art, culture and natural beauty of Vancouver without breaking the bank. This summer, Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is offering a full lineup of free, family-friendly events designed to bring the community together and make the most of the sunny season.
Whether you’re dancing at a waterfront concert, enjoying a movie under the stars or exploring a local festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Free concerts
Dance your summer evenings away at one of Vancouver’s two free concert series. Performances are family friendly and a great way to connect with the community and experience the talent of the Pacific Northwest. Please remember, alcohol is not permitted in parks.
Vancouver Waterfront Concert Series
Location: Vancouver Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way
Dates: Thursdays, July 3 to 24 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Set along the Columbia River, this series features a dynamic lineup including Bobby Torres Ensemble, Wamba, Orquestra Pacifico Tropical and Norman Sylvester. Presented by Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center.
Columbia Tech Center Sunday Sounds
Location: Columbia Tech Center Park, 17701 S.E. Mill Plain Boulevard
Dates: Sundays, July 13 to Aug. 17 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Bring a picnic or enjoy food from local vendors while listening to popular acts like Curtis Salgado, Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts and Hit Machine. Sponsored by Riverview Bank.
Free Friday Night Movies
In August, the big screen comes to life with the Free Friday Night Movies under the stars.
Location: Various parks throughout Vancouver
Dates: Fridays, Aug. 1 to 22 | Pre-movie activities begin at 6:30 p.m., movies start at dusk
Enjoy big-screen favorites such as “Moana 2,” “Barbie,” “Coco” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”. Arrive before the movie starts for fun activities and special performances. All movies are captioned. “Barbie” will be presented with on-screen American Sign Language (ASL).
Festivals and celebrations
Celebrate the season through a wide variety of festivals and community events:
Vancouver Arts & Music Festival
Location: Esther Short Park
Dates: July 31 to Aug. 3
This four-day event includes three outdoor stages, GRAMMY-winning musicians, art demonstrations, community workshops and dozens of local food and craft vendors. New this year, Friday is Family Day with special activities designed just for kids and caregivers.
Additional summer celebrations:
- Lemonade Day Junior Market – June 7, Esther Short Park
- Juneteenth Freedom Celebration – June 14, Esther Short Park
- Pollinator Festival – June 21, Marshall Community Park
- Columbia Play Project Family Play Day – June 21, Vancouver Waterfront Park
- Saturday in the Park Pride – July 12, Esther Short Park
Esther Short Park and other venues will also host additional summer events organized by local businesses and community partners. While not all events are free, they offer great opportunities to connect and celebrate Vancouver’s vibrant culture.
Plan your summer
With no cost to attend city-sponsored concerts and movies, Vancouver is the perfect destination for affordable summer fun. Consider supporting local vendors by purchasing food, gifts and other treats at events.
Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/events or connect with Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services on Facebook and Instagram to make the most of your summer in Vancouver.
Information provided by the city of Vancouver.
- Battle Ground shooting suspect arrested, second suspect still outstanding
Theodore Seaman, 44, was arrested for Drive-By Shooting; a second suspect fled on foot and has not been located. - High school football: Odd schedule leads to early start to league play in 4A GSHL
The 4A GSHL’s six-game schedule forces all four teams to play each other twice, a first since 2015. - High school football: Skyview takes down Camas for first win in rivalry since 2011
Adarius Sparrow caught three touchdown passes, including two in the fourth quarter, to seal Skyview’s 38-21 win over Camas. - Camas School District Legislative Advocacy Committee to host Candidate Forum
Six candidates from two federal and state districts will answer education questions at Discovery High School on Oct. 5. - Vehicle drives into Camas townhouse
A vehicle backing into a parking stall jumped a curb and struck a Camas townhouse, causing extensive damage but no injuries. - Business profile: Cowlitz Indian Tribe now running the steakhouse at ilani, ‘Sovereign’
Sovereign, the new fine-dining steakhouse at ilani, marks a major milestone in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s move toward self-operating all restaurants at the casino. - Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Amtrak’s 300-passenger Airo trains debut Sept. 30 on Cascades route, adding seats but not speed or frequency.
