Fireworks blast over Vancouver's English Bay

Summer Lights fireworks set for English Bay on Friday night

Prepare for a busy weekend of events in the West End

July 29 2026 –

Several major events will take place in the West End over the BC Day long weekend. The Summer Lights fireworks event will be held on Friday, July 31, along with Vancouver Pride Week celebrations on Sunday, August 2. Large crowds are expected in English Bay, the West End and surrounding areas. People travelling in and around downtown this weekend are encouraged to plan ahead and expect delays. 

Summer Lights in English Bay – Friday, July 31 

Summer Lights is a free, one-night fireworks event taking place at English Bay this Friday at sundown (approximately 10 pm). It is open to all residents and visitors, with no tickets or registration required. 

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. 

Traffic impacts 

Expect road closures, congestion and delays in and around the West End, English Bay and downtown core. Additionally, vehicle access into Stanley Park west of Pipeline Road will be restricted after 6 pm. Attendees and those travelling through the area are strongly encouraged to walk, bike, roll, take transit, Mobi or Lime to get around. 

Road closures  

Noon to midnight 

  • Traffic controls and road closures will be in effect in the English Bay area 
  • Beach Avenue will be closed from Stanley Park to Pacific Street for event setup and operations 

6 pm to midnight  
The following roads will be fully closed: 

  • Davie Street from Denman Street to Burrard Street 
  • Denman Street from Alberni Street to Beach Avenue 

Local access for vehicles may be available at: 

  • Thurlow Street at Nelson and Burnaby streets 
  • Denman Street at Alberni Street 

For more information visit @SummerLightsYVR on Facebook and Instagram or vancouver.ca/SummerLights. 

Transit changes 

Bus routes serving the West End and downtown may be rerouted or delayed. Visit translink.ca/alerts for the latest service updates and trip planning information. 

Parking and ride-hailing 

  • On-street parking will be limited. Watch for posted "no parking” signs.  
  • Several nearby parking lots will also be closed, including those at Kits Beach, Hadden Park and Vanier Park except for Bard on the Beach ticket holders.  
  • Vehicles towing boats will not be allowed into Kits Point once trailer parking at the Vanier Park boat launch reaches capacity. 
  • Accessible parking is available beginning at 5 pm on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles displaying a valid accessible parking pass. Locations include: 
  • Park Board parking lot 
  • Sunset Beach lot (which will be open all day) 
  • Stalls along Park Drive near the Lawn Bowling Club 
  • Lot 66 at McNicoll Street and Arbutus Street 
  • The designated ride-hailing pickup or drop-off zone will be on the west side of 1300 Thurlow, from Harwood Street to Jung Lane 

Plan ahead 

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable event, the City asks attendees to: 

  • Plan ahead and allow extra travel time. 
  • Follow all posted signs, detours and directions from staff and officials. 
  • Follow park rules, including no smoking and no open flames. 
  • Take all belongings and waste with you when you leave. 
  • Remember that alcohol consumption is prohibited at English Bay.  
  • Be considerate of nearby residents when leaving the area. 

Watching from the water  

  • Follow all safe boating guidelines and carry the required licence and safety equipment. 
  • Avoid consuming alcohol while operating a boat.  
  • Remain at a safe distance from the fireworks and avoid interfering with larger vessels. 

Leave pets at home  

Fireworks and large crowds can be very frightening for animals. Attendees are strongly encouraged to leave pets at home. 

  • Anyone who brings a dog should keep it securely leashed and wearing a valid dog licence. Ninety-seven per cent of dogs wearing their licence tags are reunited with their families.   
  • To report a lost pet, call Animal Services by dialing 3-1-1 or by visiting van311.ca/services/lost-pet. 

Pride Parade and Festival – Sunday, August 2 

Vancouver Pride Parade and the Davie Village Pride Festival return on Sunday, August 2. Plan ahead for road closures and transit changes. 

Traffic impacts   

Vancouver Pride Parade – 8 am to 5:30 pm 
The following roads will be fully closed: 

  • Pacific Street, from Quebec Street to Burrard Street 
  • Hornby Street, Pacific Street to Helmcken Street 
  • Burrard Street, from Pacific Street to Davie Street 
  • Burrard Bridge access via Thurlow Street to Pacific Street 

For more information visit vancouverpride.ca . 

Davie Village Pride Festival – 8 am to 11:59 pm 
The following roads will be fully closed:  

  • Davie Street, between Burrard Street and Jervis Street 
  • Comox Street, between Bute Street and Thurlow Street 
  • Traffic will be maintained on Thurlow Street 

For more information visit westendbia.com .