June 2015's don't-miss festivals--including Car-Free Festivals, the Dragon Boat Festival, and, of course, the International Jazz Festival--are just a few of the great events happening in and around Vancouver this month.

Ongoing Summer Events
Free Summer Events & Activities
Vancouver Farmers’ Markets
Vancouver Summer Night Markets

Ongoing through June 6
City of Bhangra Festival
What: In honour of Asian Heritage Month, the Bhangra Festival includes free outdoor concerts, live music and dance performances, art exhibits and more.

Where: Various locations around Vancouver; see site for details
Cost: Various, see site for details.

Ongoing through June 7
Vancouver Craft Beer Week 
What: Vancouver's popular Craft Beer Week is back for 2014 with 60 breweries, over 30 venues, and more beer events than you can imagine.
Where: Various locations; see site for details
Cost: Various, see site for details

Thursday, June 4 - Saturday, September 26,
Bard on the Beach
What: Every summer, Bard on the Beach, one of Canada's largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festivals, features Shakespeare plays, related dramas, operas and arias, lectures, and several special events, all in scenic Vanier Park.
Where: Vanier Park, Vancouver
Cost: $30 - $43, or all plays for $145

Sunday, June 7
Vancouver Heritage Foundation Annual Heritage House Tour
What: The annual Heritage House Tour is a one-day self-guided tour of 10 unique heritage homes in Vancouver. Proceeds go to the VHF.
Where: Various locations; see site, for details
Cost: $40

Saturday, June 13
Strathcona Meet the Makers Expo
What: Organized by the Strathcona BIA, this expo invites the public to enjoy local food, drink and made-in-Strathcona goods while learning more about the businesses in this historic Vancouver neighbourhood.

Where: MakerLabs at 780 East Cordova, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Sunday, June 14
Italian Day on Commercial Drive
What: The Drive celebrates its "Little Italy" heritage with a day of free festivities, including food, live music, fashion shows, sports, kids' activities and more.
Where:Commercial Drive, between Venables and Grandview
Cost: Free

Thursday, June 18
Night at the Aquarium Annual Fundraising Gala
What: The Vancouver Aquarium's annual fundraising gala is one of the highlights of the Vancouver social calendar. Enjoy gourmet food, B.C. wines, and a great party with 100% of the proceeds going to the Aquarium's education and conservation activities.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
Cost: $300

Thursday, June 18 – Wednesday, July 1
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
What: Called the “best jazz festival in the world” by The Seattle Times, this year’s festival is the 30th anniversary and includes 1800 musicians, 400 concerts, and 40 Venues across Vancouver.
Where: Various locations, see site for details.
Cost: Various, see site for details; many events are free.

Friday, June 19 – Sunday, June 21
Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
What: The annual Dragon Boat Festival is a multicultural event designed to bring Vancouverites together for fun, food, boat racing, music and more. Over 100,000 attendees are expected, as well as over 180 dragon boat teams from around the world.
Where: Concord Pacific Place (next to Science World), 900-1095 West Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free

Saturday, June 20
Vancouver Draw Down
What: The annual Vancouver Draw Down gets everyone drawing, regardless of age or skill level. During the Draw Down, 18 different arts and cultural organizations across Vancouver will host 35 diverse, hands-on drawing workshops; go to one or try to go to as many as you can.
Where: Various locations; see site for details
Cost: Free or free with admission

Saturday, June 20 - Sunday, June 21
Car-Free Community Festivals
What: Since 2005’s first Car-Free Festival and street party (on Commercial Drive) was such a success, Vancouver now hosts four community Car-Free Festivals: street parties with fun for the whole family. This year, the West End Car Free Festival will be on Saturday, June 20, with the other festivals held on Sunday, June 21.
Where: Various locations on Commercial Drive, Kitsilano, Main Street, and West End; go here for details.
Cost: Free

Sunday, June 21
Father's Day - Top 10 Things to Do for Father's Day in Vancouver

Wednesday, June 24
Make Music Vancouver
What: Gastown's Water Street is blocked off from traffic for this free music festival, which includes 150 bands, sidewalk stages, and dancing in the street.
Where: Water Street, Gastown, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Fridays, June 26 - August 28
Free Ballroom Dancing in Robson Square
What: Organized by DanceSport BC, this summer Dance Series offers ballroom dance lessons every Friday at 8pm, show dances at 9pm and 10pm, and a chance to dance the night away under the Robson Square dome, in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Where: Robson Square, Vancouver
Cost: Free

Sunday, June 28
Greek Day on Broadway
What: Celebrate all things Greek at this free Broadway Street Festival, packed with live entertainment and, of course, lots of food.
Where: W Broadway; see site for details
Cost: Free

Sundays, June 28 - August 31
Summer Food Cart Fest - Sundays
What: Held every Sunday from 12pm - 5pm, the summer Food Cart Fest includes 24 top Vancouver food carts, community markets, DJs, and kids' activities.
Where: 215 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $2; free with a non-perishable food donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society