Kitsilano dwellers will tell you how they love to watch the waters of English Bay change colour in wintertime. Despite our enthusiasm for all things Kitsilano all year round, there’s no doubt that our beachfront neighbourhood, called Vancouver’s Venice Beach, truly shines in summer.
Summer in Kitsilano brings a multitude of outdoor festivals and events. Here’s a list of the best summer events to help you plan ahead for the fun. From free street parties with live music and food trucks, to classic Shakespeare with a view of the North Shore mountains, the line-up is as stunning as Kitsilano’s scenery.
1) Kitsilano Farmers Market – May to October
Kitsilano Farmers Market is open for the 2013 season every Sunday from 10am to 2pm at 2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue in the parking lot of Kitsilano Community Centre. Head on over for a leisurely browse and access to Vancouver’s local producers.
2) Kitsilano Pool – May to October
“Kits Pool” is the longest pool in Canada and the only salt-water pool in Vancouver. For those who are visiting Kits, it’s located along the beach at Cornwall and Vine. There’s a cafe and three waterslide. Thanks to the pristine waters and jumbo-sized tanning chairs, the pool often boasts more visitors than the nearby beach. There’s also a kids’ area with a fountain.
3) Kitsilano Beach: Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
Frequently ranked on global beach top 10 lists, this seawall stretch has plenty of lazy sunworshippers as well as picnicking families and hard-core beach volleyball pros.
Bard on the Beach
4) Bard on the Beach: June-September
Celebrating its 24th Season in 2013, Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festivals. Don’t be intimidated. This is accessible culture with an edge. Shakespeare’s words stay the same; everything thing else gets a contemporary twist. Performances take place outside in Vanier Park using Kitsilano’s stunning water and mountain views as scenery.
5) Car Free Day Kitsilano: June
Kitsilano does something different for Car Free Day because that’s how we (don’t) roll. Instead of closing off a major street, people throughout Kits host block parties with their neighbours. The block parties are as individual as the people who pull them together. Some have dancing, some have music, some have couches, chairs and carpets in the middle of the street etc. All of them are a fun, relaxing chance to hang out with the people who live on your street.
6) Greek Day on Broadway: June
Yell “Opa!” dance, eat delicious Greek food, enjoy live music and learn all about Kitsilano’s history as the it-hood for Vancouver Greeks.
Kitsilano Showboat
7) Kitsilano Show Boat: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, July & August
Launched in 1935, Kitsilano Showboat is a live performing arts theatre on the shores of Kits Beach. Check out the free shows every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night during July and August at 7:00.
8) Volleyball BC Vancouver Open Tournament at Kitsilano Beach: July
Pro and soon-to-be pro athletes battling on the Kits Beach sand for supremacy. Food trucks and beer tents. Spectators who either love the game or enjoy ogling the cut participants.
9) Khatsahlano! Music + Arts Festival: July
A massive, free street party reminiscent of Kitsilano’s 1960s rep for counterculture hippies and cool concerts. 50 bands take to stages on West 4th Avenue between Burrard and MacDonald. Plus food truck pods, fashion, street art and more.
10) Vancouver Folk Music Festival: July
Folk music at Jericho Beach Park! It began small in the 1970s. Today the outdoor festival attracts the world’s leading folk musicians.
Celebration of Light
11) Honda Celebration of Light, Late July & Early August
Celebration of Light is not only Vancouver’s most popular annual event, but it’s also the largest offshore international fireworks competition in the world and attracts up to 400,000 spectators along English Bay each evening. You can also catch the pyrotechnics from Kitsilano Beach and have a little more elbow room for your picnic.
Have one to add? Great. Tell us below.
Last modified: January 30, 2017
What happen to one of the best sporting, if not the BEST sporting festivals KItsfest….!!!!
Good one. We’ll add it. Keep the suggestions coming!
I am very surprised that Chip Wilson doesn’t even acknowledge Kitsfest which is the best sports festival in the Province.
Mr. Howard Kelsey and his organization has done more Kits Beach than arrogant owner Chip Wilson will ever do. Money cannot buy your fame, regardless of how many donations he makes…!
Mr. Wilson obviously has forgotten who allowed Lulu Lemon to join Kitsfest.
If it wasn’t for Kitsfest, Lulu Lenon would not have the yoga or fun run.
I suggest Mr. Wilson start acknowledging Mr. Kelsey and his group…!
You still haven’t added KitsFest! It’s THE BEST and gets so many people in the community involved
Its amazing. Thanks for sharing 11 Best Kitsilano Summer Events. It is an useful information for visitors.