Port Coquitlam on Car Free Day

Port Coquitlam summer events include farmers markets, free concerts, outdoor movies, family activities, art shows, festivals and community gatherings.

In this article you’ll learn about some of the many things that happen in the summer in the city including its farmers market, Pride in Poco, Music in the Square, Cinema Under the Stars, Spray Day, Port Coquitlam Car Free Day, Terry Fox Hometown Run, Canada Day and more.

Summer in the City in Port Coquitlam

Summer in Port Coquitlam includes a lively lineup of community events and activities. Leigh Square serves as one of the main gathering places. It hosts live music, a farmers market, cultural celebrations, and art programs throughout the summer season. Parks and neighbourhoods across the city also provide spaces for outdoor entertainment and community gatherings.

Port Coquitlam offers plenty of ways to enjoy the summer months, from shopping for local produce to listening to live entertainment and joining family-friendly activities. There are tons of things to take part in.

Port Coquitlam Farmers Market

The Port Coquitlam Farmers Market takes place from June to September at Leigh Square in downtown Port Coquitlam. The market brings together local farmers, artisan vendors and small-scale food producers. It’s a convenient place to shop for fresh seasonal products and locally made goods.

At the market visitors can browse fresh produce, artisan-made products and specialty foods while enjoying live music, community group displays and activities for all ages. The market is located at 2253 Leigh Square Place and provides a weekly summer gathering in the heart of the city.

Pride in PoCo

Pride in PoCo is a family-friendly celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and gender-diverse people. The event takes place in July as part of the wider Pride Season and features live music, crafts, food and community displays on various dates.

Leigh Square provides the setting for this community celebration which reflects Port Coquitlam’s efforts to create welcoming, inclusive and safe spaces for people from diverse backgrounds.

Music in the Square

Music in the Square is a series of free summer afternoon concerts at Leigh Square. The program features professional musicians performing a variety of musical styles including jazz, pop, rock, blues, folk, world fusion and contemporary music.

The concerts take place during July and August from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Along with live music, visitors can enjoy food trucks, sunshine and the opportunity to connect with other members of the community.

Cinema Under the Stars

Cinema Under the Stars brings free outdoor movie nights to Port Coquitlam during the summer. The movies take place at Evergreen Park and Gates Park. The events give families and friends the opportunity to enjoy films outdoors under the evening sky.

Visitors can bring blankets, lawn chairs and their favourite snacks and beverages. Gates Park also features a concession stand and popcorn is available at Evergreen Park. Pre-movie activities are offered before the screenings, so arriving early is recommended.

Spray Day

Spray Day is a free summer event designed especially for children and families. The annual celebration takes place at Sun Valley Park. The event combines water games with opportunities to meet local first responders.

At Spray Day children can participate in water activities, explore fire trucks and police vehicles, and learn more about the work of local emergency services. Community booths provide information about public safety and local programs. The event takes place in July and families are encouraged to bring water blasters, buckets, towels and sunscreen.

Car Free Day

Car Free Day is a summer street festival on McAllister Avenue. It features live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local food and beverages, community displays and games. The event takes place in late August or early September and encourages visitors to explore alternative ways of getting around the city.

The Main Stage features live performances throughout the afternoon while the Family Stage at Leigh Square offers entertainment geared toward children and their families. Food trucks and vendors provide plenty of options for visitors, and a beverage garden is available for adults too.

The festival also includes local market vendors, community booths, electric vehicle displays, arts and crafts, and a games area. Leigh Square features fountain shows in the evening as well.

Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or take transit to the Car Free Day event. A free bike valet is available at the corner of McAllister Avenue and Donald Avenue.

To learn more about this event, see our article about Car Free Day.

Car Free Day Port Coquitlam

Terry Fox Hometown Run

The Terry Fox Hometown Run is an annual community event that honours Port Coquitlam’s hometown hero, Terry Fox, while raising funds for cancer research. The run takes place in mid-September with participants gathering at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre before setting out on the route.

The event provides an opportunity for the community to come together, remember Terry Fox’s legacy, and support the ongoing work of the Terry Fox Foundation in its fight against cancer.

To learn more about this event, see our article about the Terry Fox Hometown Run.

Art Exhibitions

Art exhibitions take place throughout the summer at several Port Coquitlam galleries and public spaces. The Michael Wright Art Gallery, Outlet Gallery, City Hall Gallery and Port Coquitlam Community Centre feature rotating exhibitions by local and regional artists.

The exhibitions help bring visual arts into everyday community life while giving residents opportunities to discover different artists and artistic styles. The galleries contribute to Port Coquitlam’s cultural landscape and provide spaces for people to experience and appreciate local and regional art.

Families can also participate in Art in the Gallery on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Michael Wright Art Gallery in Leigh Square. This free drop-in program includes an opportunity to view the current exhibition and create an art project to take home. All supplies are provided and registration is not required.

Block Parties

Block parties offer another way for Port Coquitlam residents to celebrate summer with their neighbours. These community gatherings can take place in common spaces, cul-de-sacs or low-traffic roads. The events provide opportunities to share food, play games, listen to music and build connections within the neighbourhood.

The first 60 approved block parties in 2026 received a $150 Freshmart gift certificate to help with food and party supplies. Approved groups also received a PoCo Party Connection Kit through the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s Human Connection Project. The kit includes items such as a frisbee, stickers, a city-branded barbecue apron, beach ball and sidewalk chalk.

Block parties can be organized to meet neighbours, celebrate special occasions, share skills and ideas, and spend time together. They provide an informal way for residents to strengthen community connections close to home.

Canada Day

Canada Day is another major summer celebration in Port Coquitlam with activities taking place at Castle Park on July 1st. The community celebration features live entertainment, fireworks, food, drinks and other activities for residents and visitors.

The event provides an opportunity for the community to gather outdoors and celebrate Canada Day together with entertainment and family-friendly activities.

To learn more, see our article about Canada Day in Port Coquitlam.

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