Symphony at Sunset

A big free outdoor concert, Symphony at Sunset is put on by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and is a great opportunity to check out their music.

Last year’s event happened on July 5th. The 2026 date is to be confirmed.

TIP: Other similar events are Symphony in the Park (also with the VSO) and Opera in the Park (with Vancouver Opera). They take place at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby on July 18th and 19th respectively in 2026. Symphony in the Park in Abbotsford, meanwhile, is also a similar event, but unrelated to the others. Last year the event in Abbotsford happened on August 15th. The 2026 date is to be confirmed. All three of these other events also have free admission.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony at Sunset

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra hosts multiple free events over the course of the year and one of them is the Symphony at Sunset concert. The concert usually takes place in early July each year.

As many as 15,000 or more people attend the event. Expect a big crowd at the concert. And arrive early if you want a good spot (and any chance of finding parking).

Symphony at Sunset

Where and When?

Symphony at Sunset takes place at Sunset Beach Park in Downtown Vancouver, located at 1204 Beach Avenue. Last year’s event took place on Saturday, July 5th at 8:00 pm. The 2026 concert will likely be around the same timeframe. Exact details are to be confirmed, though. The concert lasts for around 90 minutes.

Symphony at Sunset is a free event open to all. You should bring either a low chair or a blanket to sit on so that you can enjoy the show in comfort. Try to arrive early if you want the best view.

It’s a good idea to take public transit, or to walk or bike to the concert. Not only can you find it difficult to get parking downtown, but the city also closes multiple blocks on the evening of the show due to the large crowds.

What to Expect

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs a series of pieces over the course of the 90-minute show. Some of the pieces are classical music and some are from modern movies. The concert opens with a rendition of the Coast Salish Anthem, the arrangement given to the VSO by the grandson of Chief Dan George.

The music performed last year came from a variety of composers, the most common of which is John Williams. The VSO is led by Maestro Otto Tausk.

There are several food trucks on site, as well as a concession stand to provide tasty snacks for those watching the concert. In the past there was also sometimes a “Fair Zone” where kids could learn about orchestral instruments and even play a couple of them. Whether or not that is the case in 2026 is to be confirmed.

The program for last year’s concert was as follows. The 2026 program is to be confirmed.

Coast Salish Anthem
The Barber of Seville: Overture – by Rossini
L’Arlésienne: Suite No. 2: IV. Farandole – by Bizet
Through the Lions’ Gate: III. Mountains – by Michael Conway Baker
Finlandia, Op. 26 – by Sibelius
Cello Concerto, Op. 104, B minor: I Allegro – by Dvořák
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ Suite for Orchestra: I. Hedwig’s Theme – by John Williams
Star Wars: The Last Jedi – The Rebellion Is Reborn (arranged by Sean O’Loughlin) Star Wars: Suite for Orchestra: I. Main Title – by John Williams
Firebird: Berceuse and Finale – by Stravinsky