City of Vancouver announces Summer Lights in English Bay

Vancouver’s waterfront will light up this summer with Summer Lights in English Bay, a free, one-night fireworks celebration taking place Friday, July 31, 2026, at English Bay Beach Park. The event is open to all residents and visitors, with no tickets or registration required.  

Summer Lights in English Bay will bring people together for an evening of fireworks over one of Vancouver’s most iconic public gathering places. The celebration is presented by the City of Vancouver and produced by BrandLive, with support from the Vancouver Park Board.  

“Summer Lights in English Bay is about bringing people together for a spectacular evening in one of Vancouver’s most iconic settings,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “This is a free, welcoming celebration for residents, families and visitors to enjoy during what will be an extraordinary summer for our city.”  

Taking place on the Friday of the BC Day long weekend, Summer Lights in English Bay kicks off Vancouver Pride Week's closing weekend, before an exciting stretch of major events ahead for the city.  

The celebration will offer open public viewing areas at English Bay, with food trucks on site and opportunities for visitors to support nearby restaurants, cafés and local businesses in the West End before and after the fireworks.

Summer Lights in English Bay was developed following Council direction after the announcement that the Celebration of Light would not proceed in 2026. The new event was created to offer residents and visitors a free public fireworks celebration in 2026.  

BrandLive, a Vancouver-based event production company with extensive experience delivering major public events, is producing the event in coordination with the City, Vancouver Park Board and agency partners. 

Public safety continues to be our top priority. The City and BrandLive are working closely with partners, including the Vancouver Police Department and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.  

Further details, including fireworks timing, viewing areas, road closures, transit recommendations, accessibility information and public safety reminders, will be shared in the coming weeks. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit vancouver.ca and follow @SummerLightsYVR on social media for updates.  

Event details

Event: Summer Lights in English Bay
Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Location: English Bay Beach Park
Admission: Free; no tickets or registration required
Fireworks: Fireworks display over English Bay
On site: Food trucks