With summer just around the corner, the b nation team has compiled a list of summer activities to enjoy in good weather, but above all, ideal for creating content in each of Canada’s major cities. Food, music, culture we’ve thought of it all!
Montreal
First Fridays
This monthly event brings together a variety of street food trucks and food stands to offer a unique culinary experience to Montreal visitors.
location: on the Esplanade du Parc Olympique at 3200 Viau street, Montreal, QC
dates: from Friday, June 2, 2023 (4pm to 11pm) to Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8
Miroir Miroir
The “Miroir, Miroir” exhibition is an immersive artistic experience exploring the concepts of beauty, identity and self-perception through interactive installations and captivating visual reflections!
location: Place Bonaventure, 800 De La Gauchetière, Montreal, QC
dates: Fridays (5 pm to 9:30 pm), Saturdays (10 am to 9:30 pm) and Sundays (10 am to 9:30 pm)
Mural Festival
This annual event celebrates urban art by transforming the city’s walls into an open-air gallery, showcasing the talents of local and international artists through spectacular murals and musical performances.
location: Mile End, Montreal, QC
dates: June 9, June 10, June 16 and June 17 (5pm to 10pm)
Aire Commune
Aire Commune is a community initiative that transforms public spaces into places for meeting and sharing, offering cultural activities, artistic performances, interactive installations and relaxation areas to foster conviviality and exchange between residents and visitors to the city.
location: Esplanade Louvain, corner of l’Esplanade street and Louvain street, Montreal, QC
dates: June 1, June 8 and June 15 (5pm to 10pm)
Vancouver
Richmond Night Market
This night market offers a variety of food stalls, crafts and attractions, creating a festive, multicultural atmosphere for visitors.
location: 8351 River Street, Richmond, Vancouver, BC
dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until October 9, 2023
Light The Night by Vancouver Water Adventures
Light the Night is a unique event that transforms Vancouver’s waterways into a breathtaking light show, with floating art installations, colorful illuminations and water activities to provide a breathtaking immersive nocturnal experience.
location: 1812 Boatlift Lane, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC
dates: Fridays and Saturdays starting June 10
Vancouver Summer Outdoor Movies
This summer event features outdoor film screenings in iconic Vancouver locations, offering a unique cinematic experience for residents and visitors of all ages.
location: see program on website
dates: see program on website
Toronto
Spring Into Spice Food & Wine Festival 2023
This annual gastronomic festival showcases the city’s culinary diversity with a multitude of spicy ethnic dishes, accompanied by a selection of wines, offering visitors an exhilarating and culturally enriching taste experience.
location: Hotel X – Stanley Barracks Gardens, 115 Prince’s Boulevard, Toronto
dates: June 3, 2023 (12pm to 10pm)
Lavender wild
The festival celebrates queerness and diversity by showcasing artists, performances, discussions and creative activities, creating an inclusive and festive space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
location: RBC echo beach
dates: June 4, 2023
Toronto Island Park
It’s a vast urban park offering visitors a tranquil escape from city life, with beaches, nature trails, picnic areas and breathtaking views of the city skyline. You can even take a bike ride to explore the entire island!
location: 17 Lakeshore Avenue, Toronto, ON
dates: Monday to Friday (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Québec city
Blizz– a winter oasis
Blizz, Quebec City’s winter oasis, is a magical winter event that transforms the city into a snowy landscape filled with fun activities, ice sculptures, outdoor shows and culinary delights to celebrate the joys of winter in the summertime!
location: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC
dates: from July 15 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Alexander McQueen – Art Meets Fashion
The “Art Meets Fashion” exhibition presented in Quebec City is a captivating immersion into the creative world of renowned designer Alexander McQueen, showcasing his bold and innovative creations that fuse art and fashion to create a unique visual and artistic experience.
location: Musée National de Beaux-Art du Québec
dates: from June 15 to September 10
Maritimes
Parrsboro International: Plein Air Festival
This annual art event brings together art and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world to capture Parrsboro’s natural beauty through live paintings, workshops and exhibitions, creating an inspiring celebration of the Canadian landscape.
Location: 223 Main Street, Parrsboro, NE
Dates: June 21-25, 2023
Moncton Acoustica
The Moncton Acoustica Festival in the Maritimes is an annual music event featuring talented acoustic artists from a variety of musical genres, offering intimate performances and a warm atmosphere for local music lovers.
Location: various venues in downtown Moncton (see website for programming)
Dates: June 3 to August 31, 2023
Freddy Beach Ribfest
It’s an annual gourmet festival featuring tasty grills, barbecue competitions, live concerts and family activities, offering a delicious and entertaining experience for American food lovers in Fredericton.
Location: Capital Exhibit Centre, 361 Smythe Street, Fredericton, NB
Dates: June 8 to 11, 2023
Calgary
4th Street Lilac Festival
Calgary’s 4th Street Lilac Festival is an annual event that transforms the street into a lively party, with local artisan booths, live music, delicious food and a festive atmosphere, celebrating community and the arrival of spring.
Location: 4th Street SW, between 13th Avenue and Elbow Dr, Calgary, AB
Dates: June 4, 2023
Super Duper Mario Musical
An interactive, musical theatrical show that transports audiences to the iconic world of Mario, with energetic performances, colorful sets and a captivating story for video game fans of all ages!
Location: Jubilations Theatre, 1002 37th Street SE, Calgary, AB
Dates: until June 3, 2023
Father’s Day Brunch Buffet
This is a special event where families can celebrate Father’s Day with a delicious brunch buffet, including a variety of tasty dishes and breakfast options, offering a memorable culinary experience to honor dads.
Location: CRAFT Beer Market, 100 Anderson Road SE, Calgary, AB
Date: June 18, 2023
