Fairs, concerts, parades, and outdoor swimming: July events in the Fraser Valley

School is officially out and summer is officially here. The weather has been less-than-ideal but the forecast for July looks promising (at least for now)—so there should be plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

We’ve put together a list of things happening in the Fraser Valley during the next four weeks that are ripe for creating memorable summer experiences.

While this is far from a comprehensive list, every newsletter (subscribe below) features upcoming events in our ‘Around Town’ section. Each month, we’ll try to highlight a selection of events and things to do, including visits by high-profile stars, and things to see and do that may otherwise slip under your radar.

CANADA DAYAfter a two-year hiatus Canada Day celebrations are back in full swing across the valley. Agassiz, Mission and Langley are each offering unique family-friendly activities to mark the country’s birthday. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, food trucks, pony rides, music, face painting, a parade and much more. And those who aren’t ready to pack it in early can celebrate later into the evening at festivals in Hope, Chilliwack and Abbotsford—all of which are scheduled to conclude with a fireworks display at 10pm. Visit each city’s website to see a complete list of activities and start times.

U-PICK BERRIESIt’s berry season! The Fraser Valley is brimming with opportunities for families to get out on a farm and pick your own berries. Driediger Farms in Langley has fields of strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, red currants and blackberry open for u-pick. At Willems Berry Farm in Abbotsford u-pick raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are in season. And the u-pick blueberry fields at Klaassen Farms in Chilliwack are set to reopen on July 16. There are plenty of other farms across the Fraser Valley offering u-pick. Visit this website to learn where you can pick raspberries. Click here for blueberry, and here for blackberry. Some farms require guests to bring their own bucket for picking berries. Visit the farm’s website for hours and to plan your trip. Remember to dress for the weather.

CONCERT SERIES & FESTIVALSThe valley will be filled with music during the month of July thanks to a number of concert series. Abbotsford’s Jam in Jubilee returns this year to Jubilee Park. Take in a performance and enjoy the community market each Thursday from 7 to 10pm. Music lovers can continue to Jam After Dark at Townhall Public House from 10pm until close. The Fort Langley Jazz Fest also returns from July 21 to 24. The multi-day event will be a combination of in-person ticketed shows and free community events across six stages. A free shuttle will be available on the weekend to help guests experience the event. Enjoy performances from youth, emerging talent and headliners. In Mission, the city’s 35th annual Music Folk Fest is happening July 22 to 24 at Fraser River Heritage Park. The festival prides itself for showcasing local musicians and unique artists. From July 8 to 17 the 43rd annual Harrison Festival of the Arts will be showcasing music and exhibits from across the world. The festival will include visual and literary arts, music, theatre, and a large outdoor art and craft market.

FAIRSFairs in Abbotsford and Aldergrove are back! Celebrate Abbotsford’s agricultural history at the Agrifair from July 29 to 31, beginning at 1pm each day. Visit with four-legged friends and meet the farmers of tomorrow at the 4-H show, or meet some experienced ones. Retired farmers with the Fraser Valley Antique Machinery Association will have impressive equipment on display that will illustrate the evolution of farming. The whole family can also take part in the Monster Foam Party, daily live shows, or the motorsports demo derby. The Aldergrove Fair from July 14 to 17 will also include a dog agility show, a fast draw competition and a fireworks show. There will be no shortage of classic fair food or games.

OUTDOOR POOL EXPERIENCEAbbotsford’s Centennial Pool has officially reopened in time for summer. Operating hours at the outdoor pool will be impacted by a lifeguard shortage. Check online before heading out for a swim. In Langley, the Otter Co-op Outdoor Experience is hosting Summer Nights. Events range from family-friendly to adults-only. Adults can enjoy the pools, hot tub, waterslides, and lazy river during Sip n Dips on July 7. Local craft beer and wine will be available on site. Youth ages 13 to 18 get to take over the water park on July 21, while families can visit on July 14 and 28 for Dive-In Movie Night for a showing of Ecanto and Sing 2, respectively. Registration is required.

RIVER RAFTINGStay cool and experience some adventure. Take on the rapids on the Fraser or Chilliwack rivers. There are rafting options for novice riders or those looking for a challenge at Kumsheen (Thompson/Fraser River), Reo (Nahatlach River, near Boston Bar) or Chilliwack River Rafting. Multiple runs are offered during the summer. Guests can also relax at a resort, enjoy a meal, or camp. Visit each business website for more information.

BC OPENFrom birdies to bogeys, you can watch some of the best (and maybe not so best) disc golf players in North America this month. Over 200 amateur and professional disc golfers from Canada and the US will sling frisbees in Langley at the BC Open. An annual tournament since 2005, this year it’s being hosted at Raptor’s Knoll disc golf park—which is currently ranked the 19th best disc golf course in the world. Amateur and professionals are separated into two pools. The top four finishers in the pro division will qualify for the US Disc Golf championship in the fall. The action is set to take place from July 21 to 24.

DRAG STORYTIMEIn support of Fraser Valley Pride, The Reach Gallery Museum in Abbotsford presents Drag Storytime on July 12. Drag performers Anida Queen, Jo King, Armand Hammer, and Justice will be reading children’s stories that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the queer community. This event supports literacy development, encourages self-love, and provides an opportunity to learn about acceptance.

VISIT A LAVENDER FARMVisit a field that is in full bloom only in summer. The valley has two unique lavender farms offering experiences. Full Bloom Lavender Farm in Langley is officially open for the season. Walk among the rows of lavender and take in the aroma of the calming flower. Tickets are required to visit the farm. Visit the website and plan your trip ahead. And Harrison Lavender in Agassiz offers free one-hour yoga sessions throughout the month. Classes are scheduled for each Saturday in July. Register in advance.