Special Events in Vancouver
Connect with neighbors, meet new friends and enjoy the art, culture and natural beauty of Vancouver at these free community events!
Community Partner Events
- Nov. 28: Rotary Community Tree Lighting in Esther Short Park
- Dec. 15: Community Menorah Lighting at Waterfront Park
Annual City Summer Events
Thursday Waterfront Concert Series: 2026 Dates TBD
The north shore of the Columbia River is the place to be on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the Vancouver Waterfront Concert Series. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from around the world.
Bring a picnic or get something to eat at a delicious local restaurant on the waterfront. Alcohol is not permitted in parks. All concerts are at Vancouver Waterfront Park (695 Waterfront Way).
Parking is available at the Waterfront Vancouver Parking Center (700 W. Columbia Way). Leave your car at home and take C-TRAN Route 71 to get to the Waterfront Concerts.
Sunday Sounds Concert Series: 2026 Dates TBD
The Columbia Tech Center Sunday Sounds Concerts hit the stage in east Vancouver on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy an exciting lineup of genre-defying crowd favorites.
Food and refreshments are available to purchase from local vendors or bring a picnic to enjoy. Alcohol is not permitted in parks. Sunday Sounds concerts are at Columbia Tech Center Park (17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd.)
Parking is available off S.E. Cardinal Ct., in the gravel lot south of the amphitheater. Leave your car at home and take C-TRAN, Columbia Tech Center is served by the Vine on Mill Plain (Red) and Route 74.
Friday Night Movies in the Parks: 2026 Dates TBD
Start your weekend off right with the Free Friday Night Movies. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy fun activities from our community partners before the movie begins at dusk.
All movies are open captioned. Food and refreshments are available to purchase from local vendors or bring a picnic to enjoy. Alcohol is not permitted in parks.
Vancouver Arts and Music Festival
The Vancouver Arts & Music Festival features award-winning musicians, visual artists and performers from Vancouver, our region and around the world, August 7-9, 2026. The three-day event features multiple stages, juried art shows, pop-up galleries, dance performances, family activities, food vendors and three concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA.
Located in historic Esther Short Park, the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival has something for everyone. Hands-on educational activities invite all ages and abilities to learn, explore and experience the joy of connecting with the arts. Brought to you by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA and the City of Vancouver, this festival is more than an event, it’s a celebration of culture, community and the unbridled joy of experiencing the arts together.
Subscribe to the Festival email list for news and updates.
Special Event Food Vendor Opportunities
The City of Vancouver prefers to partner with local food vendors for City-sponsored and partnered events. After submitting an interest form, you will be added to a directory of food vendors that the City’s Special Events team will use to identify qualified food vendors for future events. This is not an application. Event specific applications will be sent to vendors that:
- Have submitted a food vendor interest form
- Fit the needs of the event
Complete this interest form at any time to be added to our directory. The interest form only needs to be completed once.
Special Event Performance Opportunities
If you are interested in playing at an event hosted by Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, please complete the Band Interest Form. If an opportunity or potential placement is made available, the Special Events Team will be in contact with you.
Complete this interest form at any time to be added to our directory. The interest form only needs to be completed once.