Free outdoor concerts take place in Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver‘s Lower Lonsdale district on Saturday evenings in July and August most years.
The event didn’t happen in 2020 or 2021 because of COVID-19. However, a new event with live music and food trucks happened in its place in 2021. The new event returns in 2022 between May 13th and September 2nd.
Shipyards Live in 2022
Shipyards Live was a new event for 2021. Instead of there being the Shipyards Night Market on Friday evenings at Shipbuilders’ Square, and the Summer Sessions series of concerts on Saturdays, Shipyards Live happened in 2021 in their place.
In 2021 the event took place on Fridays and Saturdays between the end of July and middle of September. In 2022, Shipyards Live runs on Fridays from May 13th until September 2nd.
Held at the waterfront in North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale District, Shipyards Live features a beer garden and live music. There are also a small number of artisan vendors and a few food trucks.
Shipyards Live is sort of similar to the Shipyards Night Market from past years. Both had a beer garden and live music. Both also had market vendors and food trucks, although with these the night market was much larger.
North Vancouver Saturday Concerts in the Past
Below is information about the live music events that have happened at the Shipyards in past years (and hopefully will again in the future too).
In 2019 the Summer Sessions series of concerts took place every Saturday from July 6th to August 10th. The concerts were cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19, and 2021 was the same (although Shipyards Live happened in its place).
If you like live music, then Shipbuilders’ Square has been a great place to be on Saturday evenings in the summer. In past years there has been toe-tapping music between around 5 and 10 pm.
At the event there is usually a band, dancing, food trucks, artisan vendors and a beer garden. Admission is free and the venue is open to folk of all ages.
2019 Live Music Lineup
Below is the lineup of performing bands for the summer of 2019. Bands in future years will likely be comparable.
- July 6 – March Hare
- July 13 – The Fab Fourever
- July 20 – The Divas & Arrival
- July 27 – Rain City 6 Band
- August 3 – Big Easy Funk Ensemble
- August 10 – Mike Henry
Note: concert details are subject to change. See the City of North Vancouver website for more information on the Summer Sessions concert series.
Where is Shipbuilders’ Square?
Shipbuilders’ Square is located at 138 Victory Ship Way. It’s at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver just a 5-minute walk east of the SeaBus terminal at Lonsdale Quay.
Look for the giant building with “The Shipyards” written in large white letters on the roof and the popular Tap & Barrel restaurant inside. On the other side of the building you’ll find Shipbuilders’ Square.
If coming from downtown Vancouver or anywhere by SkyTrain, the easiest way to get to Lonsdale Quay and Shipbuilders’ Square by public transit is via the SeaBus from Vancouver’s Waterfront Station.
If coming by car, Shipbuilders’ Square is in North Vancouver at the very bottom of Lonsdale Avenue. It’s on the waterfront side of the large white Pinnacle Hotel.
Other Things to Do
If you’re ever on the North Shore in the summer on a Friday evening and you like outdoor concerts, then also check out the Shipyard Night Market. In years when it isn’t cancelled, the night market takes place at the same venue on Fridays and features dozens of fresh produce vendors, artisans, food trucks and a beer garden. It’s highly recommended.
For other ideas on things to do in the area, see Vancouver’s North Shore.
For a list of major events taking place in the Lower Mainland at different times of the year, see Vancouver’s Festivals & Events Calendar.
To learn about other free live music venues throughout Metro Vancouver, click Free Summer Concerts.
