Special Events in Vancouver
Connect with neighbors, meet new friends and enjoy the art, culture and natural beauty of Vancouver at special community events!
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, July 31-Aug. 3, 2025. The four-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.
We are thrilled to welcome GRAMMYⓇ Award-winning artists Renée Fleming, Mark and Maggie O’Connor, and Sharon Isbin to the Festival main stage in 2025, performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA under the batons of maestros Gerard Schwarz and Salvador Brotons.
The full Festival lineup will be announced in the spring. Subscribe to the Festival email list for news and updates.
Festival Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase your commitment to arts, culture and community building in Southwest Washington as a sponsor of the 2025 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival! A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. Email info@vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com to learn more.
Annual Summer Events
Sunday Sounds Concert Series: 2025 Dates TBA
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.
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.
Thursday Waterfront Concert Series: 2025 Dates TBA
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.
Parks Foundation of Clark County hosts parking by donation in the lot across from Vancouver City Hall, paid street parking and commercial lots are also available. Leave your car at home and take C-TRAN Route 71 to get to the Waterfront Concerts.
Friday Night Movies in the Parks: 2025 Dates TBA
Start your weekend off right with the Free Friday Night Movies. Arrive at 7 p.m. to enjoy fun activities from our community partners before the movie begins. All movies are closed captioned. Food and refreshments are available to purchase from local vendors or bring a picnic to enjoy. Alcohol is not permitted in parks.
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.
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.