Summer of Soccer: Vancouver’s Biggest Season Yet

This summer, Vancouver becomes part of the global soccer spotlight. With international matches, fan experiences, live entertainment, and city-wide celebrations that transform the downtown core, the energy stretches far beyond the stadium.

From massive watch parties and interactive exhibits to Granville Street activations and waterfront fan zones, the city is turning into a destination for soccer fans from around the world. Whether you’re here to support your team, soak in the atmosphere, or simply be part of the excitement, Vancouver is ready for a summer unlike any other.

Here’s what visitors can expect during the Summer of Soccer:

FIFA FAN FESTIVAL™ VANCOUVER AT HASTING PARKTHE HEART OF THE ACTION

Throughout the tournament season, Vancouver’s official fan zone will bring supporters together for live match broadcasts, entertainment, food experiences, and interactive activities.

These large-scale public viewing spaces create the electric atmosphere of a stadium, even on non-match days.

What fans can expect free access to live World Cup match broadcasts, entertainment, food and interactive fan experiences from June 11 to July 19, 2026t 

Whether you’re cheering for a global powerhouse or your home nation, the fan zone is the place to be.

GRANVILLE STREET PEDESTRIAN ZONE COMES ALIVE

During the FIFA World Cup 2026™, five blocks of Granville Street will transform into a central celebration corridor filled with music, themed installations, street entertainment, and late-night energy.

Restaurants, bars, and patios throughout the entertainment district will embrace the soccer atmosphere with themed menus, match specials, and extended festivities.

The entire area will become a people-first street, transforming the street into a pedestrian zone and  a live hub of soccer-centric excitement.

For visitors staying downtown, it puts the celebration right outside your hotel.

WATCH PARTIES ACROSS THE CITY

One of the best parts of the tournament is the shared experience. Across Vancouver, sports bars, breweries, hotels, and public venues will host watch parties for major matches throughout the summer.

Whether you’re waking up early for kickoffs or gathering for evening games, there’s no shortage of places to join fellow supporters. The atmosphere shifts with every game, creating a city-wide sense of connection and celebration.

SOCCER & TECHNOLOGY FROM THE FIFA MUSEUM AT SCIENCE WORLD EXHIBITION

One of the more unique experiences this summer combines sport, innovation, and interactive storytelling through the FIFA Museum’s soccer and technology showcase taking place at Science World.

Fans can explore how technology continues to shape the modern game, from performance analytics and broadcast innovation to immersive digital experiences.

Visitors will discover:

  • Interactive soccer simulations
  • Technology-focused exhibits
  • Historical tournament moments
  • Multimedia experiences for fans of all ages
  • Behind-the-scenes insights into the modern game

It’s a compelling addition for visitors interested in both sport and innovation. Book with Stay Vancouver Hotels and you can score yourself a pair of tickets to this exciting and educational experience – LEARN MORE

MATCHES, INTERNATIONAL TEAMS & CITY-WIDE ENERGY

As global teams arrive and tournament excitement builds, Vancouver will feel the impact everywhere, from packed patios and busy waterfronts to celebrations spilling into neighbourhoods across the city.

Even outside the stadiums, the atmosphere becomes part of the experience.

For soccer fans, it’s an opportunity to experience Vancouver at one of its most energetic moments.

PLAN YOUR SOCCER SUMMER IN VANCOUVER

With fan zones, live matches, entertainment districts, cultural events, and waterfront celebrations all happening throughout the city, summer is shaping up to be one of Vancouver’s most exciting seasons yet.

Stay Vancouver Hotels keeps you close to the action, with convenient access to downtown venues, public transportation, restaurants, nightlife, and major event spaces.

Book your Stay Vancouver Hotels getaway and experience Vancouver’s Summer of Soccer from the centre of it all. LEARN MORE

Spring Energy, Bold Flavours, & Fresh Starts

March in Vancouver feels like a deep breath. The days stretch a little longer. Cherry blossoms start teasing the skyline. Patios reappear. The city shifts from winter mode into something lighter, brighter, and just a little more playful. It’s the perfect time to reset, recharge, and lean into everything happening downtown.

Here’s what’s bringing the energy this March:

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL: SIP INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL

March wouldn’t be complete without raising a glass (or three).

The Vancouver International Wine Festival brings the world’s vineyards to the city, offering tastings, seminars, dinners, and unforgettable pairing experiences. From established icons to exciting new producers, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, flavour, and discovery.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Hundreds of wines from across the globe
  • Expert-led tastings and food pairings
  • A chance to learn, sip, swirl, and repeat

Stay Vancouver Hotels guests can take advantage of an exclusive free tasting offer for the festival, making it even easier to stay close, linger longer, and toast to a perfect spring getaway.

VANCOUVER SEVENS: RUGBY, COSTUMES & PURE ELECTRICITY

If you prefer your March with a side of adrenaline, Vancouver Sevens delivers. This internationally celebrated rugby tournament transforms BC Place into a high-energy spectacle of speed, strength, and spirit. Olympic-level athletes take the field while the stands turn into a sea of costumes, colour, and nonstop cheering.

Expect:

  • World-class rugby action
  • A stadium buzzing from start to finish
  • One of the most fun, fan-driven sporting events of the year

It’s sport, celebration, and full-volume excitement all in one unforgettable weekend.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: CELEBRATE & SUPPORT

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, and Vancouver shows up with inspiring events, community gatherings, panels, and celebrations across the city. It’s a moment to honour achievements, amplify voices, and support women-led businesses, creators, and changemakers. Pair your stay with a visit to a women-owned café, gallery, or boutique downtown and make your getaway meaningful as well as memorable.

SPRING BREAK DOWNTOWN: FAMILY FUN!

Spring Break turns Vancouver into a playground for all ages. Science World’s Artemis Space Adventure (with its interactive LEGO experience) invites curious minds to build, explore, and imagine beyond Earth. It’s hands-on, high-energy, and ideal for budding astronauts and master builders alike.

Between the seawall, Stanley Park, Granville Island, and countless downtown attractions, families can fill their days with fresh air and discovery.

Stay Vancouver Hotels’ Spring Prepaid Card offer makes it even easier to turn a few days off into a full city escape.

LES MISÉRABLES AT QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE: A STORY THAT SOARS

For an evening that leans dramatic (in the best way), Les Misérables arrives at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

With its sweeping score, powerful performances, and timeless story of resilience and redemption, it’s musical theatre at its grandest. Few shows match its emotional scale or leave audiences quite as stirred.

Pair a night at the theatre with dinner downtown and a short walk back to your hotel. Effortless, elegant, and very Vancouver.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY & THE VANCOUVER CHOCOLATE RUN: INDULGE & MOVE

March balances indulgence and movement beautifully. St. Patrick’s Day brings lively celebrations, Irish-inspired menus, and festive energy to pubs and venues across the city.

Then there’s the Vancouver Chocolate Run, where participants earn their sweet rewards the active way. It’s a feel-good blend of fitness and chocolate, arguably the most motivating combination.

SPRING EQUINOX: A SEASON TURNS

The Spring Equinox marks the official shift in seasons, and in Vancouver, that shift feels tangible. Blossoms emerge. Ocean air feels softer. Sidewalk patios fill up again. It’s a natural moment to focus on wellbeing: longer walks, slower mornings, better meals, and small adventures that reset your rhythm.

MAKE MARCH YOUR FRESH START

From world-class wine and international sport to family adventures, powerful performances, and spring celebrations, March in Vancouver is full of reasons to get out and explore. Stay in the heart of downtown with Stay Vancouver Hotels, where the city’s biggest events, brightest stages, and best experiences are always just steps away.

Book your March escape and welcome spring the Vancouver way. LEARN MORE

Big Laughs & Bold Art

February in Vancouver is where winter shakes off its mid-season slump and decides to have a little fun. Actually, a lot of fun! Think roaring laughter, daring performances, prix-fixe feasts, and wine glasses that somehow never seem empty. It’s a month that proves the city doesn’t just endure winter… it shows off.

Here’s what’s stealing the spotlight downtown this February:

JUST FOR LAUGHS VANCOUVER: THE CITY GETS THE GIGGLES

If laughter really is the best medicine, Vancouver is fully stocked this month.

Just For Laughs Vancouver takes over stages across the city, delivering a lineup packed with stand-up stars, rising comedic voices, and perfectly timed punchlines. From sharp observational humour to delightfully unhinged storytelling, the festival offers something for every brand of funny.

Expect:

  • Big-name headliners and breakout comedians (Lucy Darling, Connor Wood, Drew Lynch, and many more)
  • Intimate club shows and high-energy theatre performances
  • The kind of laughter that leaves your face sore (worth it)

It’s the perfect excuse to bundle up, head downtown, and remember what joy sounds like when it’s shared by a packed crowd! 

DINE OUT VANCOUVER FESTIVAL: WINTER COMFORT, ELEVATED

February continues the delicious momentum with Dine Out Vancouver Festival, the city’s most beloved excuse to eat extremely well.

Hundreds of restaurants roll out curated menus designed to surprise, impress, and gently convince you that dessert is, in fact, mandatory.

On the menu:

  • Multi-course meals at crave-worthy price points
  • Global flavours reflecting Vancouver’s culinary soul
  • Special events, wine pairings, and chef-driven experiences

Whether you’re in the mood for refined elegance or cozy comfort food with flair, Dine Out makes February the most flavourful month of the year. Check out Stay Vancouver Hotels exclusive Dine Out Vancouver Prepaid Mastercard(R) offer when you book your stay with us!

PUSH INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL: ART THAT LEANS IN

For those who like their culture bold, curious, and occasionally mind-bending, PuSh Festival keeps Vancouver’s creative pulse beating strong into February.

This internationally renowned festival brings together innovative artists from around the world, presenting performances that blur genres, challenge ideas, and invite conversation long after the curtain falls.

Expect:

  • Theatre, dance, and hybrid performances
  • Global perspectives and fearless storytelling
  • Art that doesn’t play it safe (and doesn’t need to)

PuSh is for audiences who like their nights out thoughtful, electric, and just a little unpredictable.

MAKE FEBRUARY IN VANCOUVER YOUR FAVOURITE WINTER SECRET

Between laugh-out-loud comedy, daring performances, unforgettable meals, February in Vancouver delivers far more than anyone expects from a winter month.

Stay right in the heart of it all with Stay Vancouver Hotels, where the city’s best festivals, flavours, and fun are always just steps away. Book your February escape and see what happens when winter decides to show off. LEARN MORE