I’m always so excited for summer at the start, but as the days go on I find myself scrambling to fill the time with things that keep kids engaged, having fun but not breaking the bank. The longer they are in the house.. the more snacks, the more screens, the more likely I am to hear “I’m boooooored” a dozen times. Thankfully, our very own City Of Burnaby is hosting an incredible assortment of free events that will get your family out of the house to enjoy dancing, singing and experiencing the arts in all forms up close.
The City of Burnaby has always been so invested in providing access to the arts for our communities and giving local performers a space to share their art in whatever form it may be, and this year is no different. From live performances by favourite performers to family friendly music, right down to some cool magic tricks, this year’s Summer lineup is packed with must-do and must-see experiences.
Summer Stages
We’re highlighting this event first because it’s one of my favourites and right in my own backyard! Confederation Park is one of our families favourite spots to visit and has been since A was little, and Summer Stages just gives us even more of a reason to come down more often.
Running every Tuesday – Friday, guests can enjoy a live show at both noon and 2pm until August 25th. You can find the big white tent just behind the playground and claim your spot on the grass! Bring chairs or a picnic blanket and settle in for the show. We packed a big blanket, a little snacky snack board and sunscreen and stayed for hours.
Featured guests include:
- July 21: Magician Wes Barker
- July 27: Bollywood Dance with Karima Essa
- August 2: Celtic Music with Blackthorn
- August 10: Burnaby Lyric Opera
- Full schedule available here
And one of our personal favourites… Will’s Jams will be on site August 4th, a celebrated Canadian artist and bilingual performer with some of the coolest kids jams. If you have a little who loves to party… you’ll want to show up for his set.
That isn’t all though, from Indigenous storytelling to all ages dancing, clown performances and face painting, there is literally something for everyone and every age at Summer Stages!
BONUS: Confederation Park is also home to an incredible spray park/splash pad, a large playground suitable for toddlers-teens, a large track, plenty of open grass space, picnic tables and cover and just a hop skip and a jump across the park is also the Burnaby Railway Mini Train! You can enjoy hours of live music and performances and spend all day exploring the park with littles in tow. While you’re in the area, check out The Heights on Hastings nearby for lunch options.
Sounds Like Summer
If you have a music lover at home, big or small, you won’t want to miss the Sounds Like Summer pop-up music events happening at various Burnaby public spaces! Check the schedule on where to find the shows and who is performing every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoon until September 1st.
A cool little fact… Shruti Ramani, one of the artists performing throughout Sounds Like Summer was actually A’s music teacher for over a year. She isso lovely and talented and I can’t wait to see the sets she performs.
Many of these, and other musical experiences presented to kids can kick start a lifelong love for music that may turn into major passions and careers later in life, speaking from experience!
Summer Cinema
Kick off August with weekly free movies in Civic Square presented by The City Of Burnaby! Located centrally in the heart of Metrotown and accessible by both transit and skytrain, Civic Square offers a lush green backdrop for some evening entertainment. Starting August 4th-September 1st, guests can enjoy a different movie feature weekly on Fridays! Movies in Civic Square will start at 8:15pm, so come early to secure your spot.
- Friday, August 4 – The Wizard of Oz – come in costume and score some free popcorn!
- Friday, August 11 – The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
- Friday, August 18 – Spies in Disguise
- Friday, August 25 – The Lost City
- Friday, September 1 – West Side Story (2022)
This year, Edmonds Park will also be hosting a movie night.
- Saturday, August 26, 8:30 pm – Shazam! Fury of the Gods
The Summer Cinema events are sure to be popular, so we recommend arriving early so secure your spot and settle in for the evening with snacks, blankets or chairs and enjoy the show.
If you aren’t in Burnaby, there are events happening all over both South, Central and North Burnaby, many spots are near highways, transit and skytrain and are perfect for a day trip visit. We hope you’ll come and experience all the wonderful things our city has to offer!
Learn more about the City Of Burnaby Events
For more information visit the What’s New page or check out the list of events happening in and around the City of Burnaby throughout the summer!
