John Lawson Park at Harmony Arts Festival

The Harmony Arts Festival features market vendors, beer gardens, live music, art displays and entertainment along the waterfront in West Vancouver in August.

In 2026 the festival runs from July 31st to August 9th (which includes the BC Day Long Weekend).

Other events that happen elsewhere in the Lower Mainland around this time of year include Celebrate BC, the BC Dumpling Festival and Shipyards Night Market (all of which are free).

See the Lower Mainland’s August Calendar of Events to learn more about the above and other events that happen in August. Continue reading below to learn about the Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver.

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Click on any of the above links to jump to specific information, or continue reading to learn all about West Vancouver’s Harmony Arts Festival.

The Harmony Arts Festival

In 2026 the Harmony Arts Festival runs from Friday, July 31st, until Sunday, August 9th.

The free, family-friendly festival runs for 10 days each year and draws thousands of people every day. As many as 140,000 attend the event.

We highly recommend the Harmony Arts Festival if you like art and live music against a magnificent ocean backdrop. It’s also one of the Lower Mainland’s most beautiful areas when there’s a lot going on.

There’s an art market along Argyle Avenue as well as art exhibits and food trucks. There’s also live music every day at Millennium Park.

Harmony Arts Festival Concert — Concert Stage at Millennium Park

What’s Going On and Where?

The setting for the Harmony Arts Festival is beautiful. The venue stretches from the westernmost tip of Ambleside Park around the end of 14th Street all the way to John Lawson Park by 17th Street and Argyle Avenue in West Vancouver. Much of the venue is right along the ocean, with views of Stanley Park and English Bay.

Harmony Arts at Millennium Park

Millennium Park is about halfway between Ambleside and John Lawson Park. It’s here where you’ll find food, a beer garden and live music.

During the festival, the patio and lounge are nice places to enjoy drinks and sit at a table while taking in the live entertainment and marvelling at the scenery. If you go towards the end of the afternoon, you’ll be treated to majestic cruise liners up close as they sail out into the open ocean. The live music occurs on the outdoor stage during the daytime and evenings every day.

WHERE TO STAY

Want to turn your time at the Harmony Arts Festival into a mini staycation? Then consider staying a night or two at a local hotel. There aren’t any hotels in West Vancouver, but there are in North Vancouver, next door, including the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier at the Shipyards (which is our favourite North Shore place to stay). There are also many great hotels in downtown Vancouver, which is just a short drive away. The Westin Bayshore and Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel, for example, are both less than a 15-minute drive away when traffic is good.

If booking a room at a hotel in downtown Vancouver, we recommend checking out the website StayVancouverHotels.com. The site usually offers very competitive rates, plus it offers bonus gifts for using it to make your reservation. See our article about Stay Vancouver Hotels for details.

Concerts at Millennium Park

During the Harmony Arts Festival, outdoor concerts take place at Millennium Park. This is located at the foot of 15th Avenue, about halfway between John Lawson Park and Ambleside in West Vancouver.

In 2026 there are concert performances on both the RE/MAX Garden East Stage and the Beedie West Stage.

Listed below is the schedule for 2026.

(Note: Times and performer details are subject to change.)

Friday, July 31st, 2026

5:30 pm – Generous Thieves on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Steelin’ In The Years on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – Side One on the RE/MAX Stage

Saturday, August 1st, 2026

1:15 pm – Rachella Wred on the RE/MAX Stage
2:15 pm – Drew Storey on the Beedie Stage
3:15 pm – Sarah Stark on the RE/MAX Stage
4:15 pm – Hayley Wallis on the Beedie Stage
5:30 pm – Big Little Lions on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Ivan Hartle on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – The Whiskeydicks on the RE/MAX Stage

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026

1:15 pm – Evie from Earth on the RE/MAX Stage
2:15 pm – The Soda Crackers on the Beedie Stage
3:15 pm – Ricardo on the RE/MAX Stage
4:15 pm – Jesse Waldman & Marc L’Esperance on the Beedie Stage
5:30 pm – The Randy Swallow Band on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Dakota Pearl on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – Midnight Boogaloo on the RE/MAX Stage

Monday, August 3rd, 2026

1:15 pm – Matthew Presidente on the RE/MAX Stage
2:15 pm – Chris Ronald on the Beedie Stage
3:15 pm – Desirée Dawson on the RE/MAX Stage
4:15 pm – Colleen Rennison on the Beedie Stage
5:30 pm – Just a Season on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Brandon Isaak & The Saints of Swing on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – Krystle Dos Santos on the RE/MAX Stage

ALCOHOL ALLOWED IN MILLENNIUM PARK

When there isn’t an event going on in the summer, people are allowed to drink alcohol in Millennium Park. You can take your own alcohol. You don’t have to buy it there, which makes it extra affordable. During the Harmony Arts Festival, however, you can’t take your own alcohol into the festival’s official “fenced-off area.” You can take it, though, and drink your beverage in the part of the park that’s outside the fenced-off area.

Tuesday, August 4th 2026

5:30 pm – Focus Your Audio on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Marlie Collins on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – Bobby Bruce’s Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band on the RE/MAX Stage

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026

5:30 pm – The Unfaithful Servants on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Antonio Larosa on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – The Paperboys on the RE/MAX Stage

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

5:30 pm – Terminal Station on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Dawn Pemberton on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – The Rod Show – Preeminent Rod Stewart Experience on the RE/MAX Stage

TIP: The best days to visit the Harmony Arts Festival are Fridays and Sundays. That’s because on Fridays you can combine your trip with a visit to the Shipyards Night Market which is amazing and just a short drive away, in North Vancouver. Also, on Sundays, there is the Ambleside Artisan Farmers Market (so you can do some shopping and pick up picnic ingredients to enjoy at the festival). There is also usually more happening at the festival on weekends than on weekdays.

Friday, August 7th, 2026

5:30 pm – Trevor Murray & The Lonely Nights on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Joel Lee on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – John Welsh & Los Valientes on the RE/MAX Stage

Saturday, August 8th 2026

1:15 pm – Jared Popma on the RE/MAX Stage
2:15 pm – Jimi on the Beedie Stage
3:15 pm – LJ Mounteney on the RE/MAX Stage
4:15 pm – Alma Narrows on the Beedie Stage
5:30 pm – Calico on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Best Night Ever on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – The Vanrays on the RE/MAX Stage

Sunday, August 9th, 2026

1:15 pm – Scott Jacobs on the RE/MAX Stage
2:15 pm – Blake Havard on the Beedie Stage
3:15 pm – Dani Black on the RE/MAX Stage
4:15 pm – Mercy Walker on the Beedie Stage
5:30 pm – Pony Gold on the RE/MAX Stage
7:00 pm – Honeybear, the Band on the Beedie Stage
8:30 pm – Soulstream on the RE/MAX Stage

Harmony Arts Festival Garden Stage — Millennium Park Stage

Harmony Arts at Argyle Avenue

Argyle Avenue is the lane that runs along West Vancouver’s waterfront, connecting Ambleside with John Lawson Park.

It’s normally a small roadway for cars and bicycles with parking along the side. During the Harmony Arts Festival, however, the lane is lined with rows of market stalls. Artists and artisans sell handmade items like ceramics, glass, jewellery, leather goods, paintings, photography, textiles and woodwork.

In 2026 the regular Art Market runs on the two festival weekends. It takes place from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Fridays, and from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and the holiday Monday.

There is also a midweek market that runs from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Harmony Arts at John Lawson Park

John Lawson Park has kids’ activities and art exhibitions during the Harmony Arts Festival.

Some workshops and carving demonstrations also happen nearby at the Ferry Building Gallery. Below is the schedule for 2026.

(Note: Times and details are subject to change.)

Friday, July 31st, 2026

2:00 pm to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
2:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
2:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Patio Portraits with Carol McQuaid at the Ferry Building Gallery
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Opening Reception for Tam Irving: Dimensions at the Ferry Building Gallery

Saturday, August 1st, 2026

11:00 am to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
11:00 am to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Making Paper Bookmarks with Invasive Plants at the Ferry Building Gallery
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Patio Portraits with Carol McQuaid at the Ferry Building Gallery

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026

11:00 am to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
11:00 am to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – Artist Talk with Tam Irving at the Ferry Building Gallery
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Patio Portraits with Carol McQuaid at the Ferry Building Gallery
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm – The Art Form of Chinese Calligraphy at the Ferry Building Gallery
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Weave a Small Coast Salish Wool Bag at the Ferry Building Gallery

Harmony Arts Art Market — Artist Stalls Along Argyle Avenue

Monday, August 3rd, 2026

11:00 am to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
11:00 am to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
11:30 am to 1:30 pm – Create a Paper Ornament with Triaxial Weaving at the Ferry Building Gallery
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Patio Portraits with Carol McQuaid at the Ferry Building Gallery
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Ochres on Cloth at the Ferry Building Gallery

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026

4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026

4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Sketching Playful Compositions workshop with Jane Appleby at the Ferry Building Gallery
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Best of the West at Ambleside Pier

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm – Exploring Charcoal Lines and Watercolour with Alfonso Tejada at the Ferry Building Gallery
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery

Friday, August 7th, 2026

2:00 pm to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
2:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
2:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm – Artful Adventures with Sheree Jones at the Ferry Building Gallery
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm – From Photograph to Cyanotype workshop at the Ferry Building Gallery

Saturday, August 8th, 2026

11:00 am to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
11:00 am to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Grand Prix Plein Air Challenge
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery

Sunday, August 9th, 2026

11:00 am to 9:00 pm – For the Love of Art Youth Art Exhibition
11:00 am to 9:00 pm – Harmony Group Exhibition
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Artsy Kids Outdoor Studio
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm – Mixed Media Watercolour with Sonia Mocnik at the Ferry Building Gallery
12:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Xwalacktun & Friends Carving Studio at the Ferry Building Gallery
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Botanical Monoprinting Workshop with Elmira at the Ferry Building Gallery

Tips & Advice

Below are some suggestions to help you make the most of your time at the festival.

TIP #1: The best times to visit the festival are in the evenings and on the weekends, although that’s also when it’s the most crowded. It can be pretty quiet during the daytime on weekdays. There’s more to see and listen to in the evenings, and all the art displays come out on the weekends.

TIP #2: If coming over the Lions Gate Bridge from downtown, try to avoid rush hour. During the morning rush on the three-lane bridge, there will likely be two lanes of traffic heading southbound into Vancouver and only one going northbound to the North Shore. The opposite is usually true in the late afternoon and early evening, though not always.

TIP #3: Make a day of your visit. There is so much going on, with all the music and things to see. There is also much to see and do in the area. While at the festival, go for a stroll along the seawall, take the kids to the giant kids’ play area at John Lawson Park, have a swim in the ocean, or enjoy the sun on the sand. And if you don’t want to spend the whole day at the festival, then check out all the other top attractions to visit nearby, like Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver.

TIP #4: Parking can be a challenge. Take public transit if you can. If you drive, though, there is parking at Ambleside Park at the bottom of 13th Avenue. There is also street parking near the lower part of West Vancouver. Park Royal Shopping Mall isn’t too far away either, although you’re not supposed to park there when you’re not shopping.