Experience the best of Port Coquitlam this summer. The City’s "Summer in the City" initiative returns, offering a diverse program of free and low-cost outdoor activities. Designed to foster community connection and enjoyment of our outdoor spaces, the lineup includes everything from lively markets and captivating art to outdoor movies and refreshing spray parks, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Highlights of Summer in the City
- Canada Day Celebration
Join us on Tuesday, July 1 for a full day of free festivities.- Fishing Derby: Lions Park, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. (for kids 10 and under).
- Canada Day Breakfast: Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) Mabbett Hall, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. ($7.00 for pancakes, sausage, and drink).
- Main Celebration at Castle Park: 1:00 p.m. to dusk, featuring live entertainment (including headliners Trooper and Aaron Pritchett), food trucks, a beverage garden, family activities, and a spectacular firework display after dark. Free shuttle services will be available. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/canadaday for full details.
- Port Coquitlam Farmers Market
Head to Leigh Square and Veterans Park every Thursday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. for fresh local produce, homemade treats, artisan goods, and family-friendly entertainment. More details at portcoquitlam.ca/farmersmarket.
- Art Exhibitions & Art in the Gallery
Immerse yourself in local and regional art at the Michael Wright Art Gallery, Outlet Gallery, City Hall Gallery, and Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Don't miss the Exhibition Opening Reception on June 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Michael Wright Art Gallery, featuring new exhibitions and live music. Families can also get creative with "Art in the Gallery," a free drop-in program every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Michael Wright Art Gallery.
Featured exhibitions (June 13-September 11):
- “GAIA Through New Eyes” (Michael Wright Art Gallery) – Paintings and mixed media by Patricia Sandberg, Monica Gewurz, and Diane Roy.
- "Reclaimed Canvases: Transformative Eco-Expression" (Outlet Gallery) – Mixed media on repurposed materials by Christopher Aitken.
- "Postcards from Port Coquitlam" (City Hall Gallery) – Imaginative artworks by local artist Michelle Dermott.
- Music in the Square
Enjoy free afternoon concerts in Leigh Square with professional musicians from across Metro Vancouver. All ages are welcome, rain or shine, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on the following dates:
- July 6
- July 20 (Pride in PoCo Event)
- August 10
- August 24
View the full list of performers for each date at portcoquitlam.ca/musicinthesquare.
- Cinema Under the Stars & Food Trucks (Presented by BMO)
Grab a blanket and enjoy a free outdoor movie on a massive 40-foot screen at Evergreen Park. Food trucks will be on-site.
- July 12, 9:15 p.m.: Encanto (Food Truck: Meet2Eat)
- July 26, 9:15 p.m.: Twisters
- August 9, 8:45 p.m.: The Princess Bride
- August 23, 8:45 p.m.: Top Gun: Maverick (Food Truck: Alohaaa Hawaiian Inspired Hot Dogs)
Find more details at portcoquitlam.ca/cinema
- PoCo Spray Day
Cool off at the 4th annual PoCo Spray Day on Wednesday, July 9, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Terry Fox Hometown Square (PCCC). This free event features fun with the Port Coquitlam Community Police Volunteers, Coquitlam RCMP, Port Coquitlam Fire, and more.
More Summer Fun - Hot Summer Nights Program
Invite Fire crews to your neighbourhood for fire safety tips and a chance to check out rescue vehicles. Book online at portcoquitlam.ca/blockparty.
- Block Parties
Connect with your neighbours and build community spirit. With the support of the Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association (PoCo BIA), Freshmart, and Dynamic Equipment Rentals, the City can help make your Block Party a success. Learn more and apply online at portcoquitlam.ca/blockparty.
- Spray Parks and Outdoor Pools
Cool off daily at Castle and Sun Valley Parks, Lions Park and Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) spray features (9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Free drop-in outdoor swimming is available at Centennial, Routley, Sun Valley and Robert Hope Pools. Check hours at portcoquitlam.ca/outdoorpools.
Upcoming Events to Mark Your Calendar:
- Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show: August 17
- Car Free Day: September 6
- Terry Fox Sculpture Unveiling: September 13
Stay update on all Summer in the City activities by visiting portcoquitlam.ca/summer and following the City’s social media channels.
