This event series will take over the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, now known as šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn.

Owned and operated by the City of Vancouver, VCT is all about bringing vibrancy and accessibility to this event. This year, there will be a series of concerts, dance classes, and movie screenings right in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. Through July and August 2025, you can enjoy the multitudes of talent and collaborations that Vancouver has to offer.

THE HIGHLIGHT EVENTS

This summer programming will include some of the city’s top arts and culture organizations. The Indian Summer Festival, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, DanceHouse, and Van Vogue Jam are just some of the groups that will be part of Summer on šxʷƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn. There will be plenty more to see!

Here are the highlight events you can attend this year with the VCT:

Summer Sounds: Free Open Air Concerts

On Thursdays from July 10 to August 14, 2025 (5:00pm – 7:30pm), you can join your friends for concerts you won’t forget. In the sun-soaked plaza of šxwƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn will be artists such as  Ruby Singh’s KraKIN, Emily Wurramara, and Toronto’s AL Qahwa. Check below to see who’s performing on what day!

• July 10 – Indian Summer Festival Spotlight – Featuring Surya Brass Band (Surrey), Sejal Lal (Surrey), Jody Okabe (Vancouver), and Ruby Singh’s kraKIN (Vancouver)
• July 17 – Vancouver Folk Music Festival Spotlight – Featuring Derek Gripper with Guy Buttery (South Africa) and Emily Wurrarrmara (Australia)
• July 24 – Caravan World Rhythms Spotlight – Featuring AL Qahwa (Toronto) and Tio Chorinho (Toronto) with Flavia Nascimento (Quebec City)
• July 31 – Pride Celebration – Featuring houseguest (Vancouver) and Hot Dyke Party (Vancouver)
• August 7 – Sarah McLachlan School of Music Student Spotlight – Artists TBA
• August 14 – Closing Party – Featuring DJ Softieshan (Vancouver) and DJ O Show (Vancouver)

Dance Dance Dance: Free Pop-Up Dance Classes

On Fridays from July 18 to August 15, 2025 (6:30pm – 9:30pm), you can learn how to move and groove. From salsa to vogue, this eclectic mix of classes will introduce you to the world of dance. The sessions are also capped off with sunset social dancing!

• July 18 – House Class with Sharon Lee
• July 25 – Salsa Class presented in partnership with DanceHouse
• August 1 – Vogue Class & Mini Ball with Van Vogue Jam
• August 8 – Hustle Class with Hustle at RS
• August 15 – Swing Class with Dusty Flowerpot

Free Outdoor Movies

Every Wednesday in August 2025, there will be screenings of crowd-favourite films such as Shrek, Mean Girls, and Indiana Jones. There will also be pre-show entertainment by local DJs Mango Sweet at 7:00pm. Come see a free concert under the stars!

• August 6 – Shrek (2001)
• August 13 – The Wild Robot (2024)
• August 20 – Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
• August 27 – Mean Girls (2004)

These events are completely free to attend for everybody. All you need to do is show up and have a good time with your community.

You can find Summer on šxʷƛ̓ exən Xwtl’a7shn located on the plaza outside of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver.

What better way to spend your summer than with a free concert, a free dance class, and a free movie?

Source: 604NOW