Nine things to do in the Fraser Valley this July

The Fraser Valley is heading into the height of summer, with lazy, sun-soaked days and pleasant evenings.

Local organizations don’t want you to get too relaxed though. This month is filled with a variety of events to get your heart pumping, including a firefighter splash contest, a skydiving fundraiser, Pride festivals, and dragon boat races. 

Langley

Bears. Fairs. And water fights. Langley has a wide variety of events for residents to take part in this month.

Bard in the Valley: The Winter’s Tale

Exit, pursued by a bear. (Stage direction, Act 3, Scene 3)

One of Shakespeare’s most-famous (on the internet, at least) stage directions punctuates the bard’s The Winter’s Tale, which will be performed in Langley this month. Bard in the Valley presents the tale of mistaken jealousy and redemption at two venues in the city. The performance opens on Thursday, July 4 at Township 7 Winery, with $35 tickets. It moves to Douglas Park on Thursday, July 18, where general admission is free and reserved seating is $16. The director promises audiences a diverse play with an “emotionally impactful ending;” the production manager promises a “pretty epic” bear.

All performances start at 7pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Performance dates are available online, as are the tickets.

Aldergrove Fair

When you want to see antique tractor pulls, fast draw championships, and dog-agility shows, there is only one place to go: the Aldergrove Fair. 

Returning to Aldergrove Athletic Park from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21, the fair will feature antique military displays, agricultural exhibits, and classic small town competitions for eggs, baking, canning, crafts, and more. The Aldy Show ‘n Shine will also be taking place that weekend, with free admission. 

Admission to the fair is by donation, and kicks off Friday, July 19 at 5pm.

Legendary Water Fight

It’s the public versus Langley City firefighters at the city’s Legendary Water Fight on Saturday, July 13.

The annual event typically features fire hoses connected to the municipal water system. The hoses are then used to soak delighted kids and adults at the Al Anderson outdoor pool. Last year the event was held in August, and water restrictions meant firefighters had to do their spraying with water guns instead. By holding the event in July, the fire department hopes they’ll be able to bring out the big hoses again this year. 

Admittance to the event is $5, and tickets are available online. 

Abbotsford and Mission

Life-size Lego, LGBTQ+ pride, and leaps of faith are the focus of this month’s events in Abbotsford and Mission. 

Fraser Valley Pride Festival

For the 12th year in a row, Fraser Valley Pride is heading to Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission to celebrate the community’s LGBTQ+ youth. 

The Fraser Valley Pride festival began as a simple walk around downtown Abbotsford with a barbecue in the parking lot of Abbotsford Community Services. It has now grown into a full day of activities, with drag performances, food trucks, live music, and more. This year’s theme is Queer History, and the event is still taking applications for vendors, performers, and volunteers. 

The festival will take place from 2 to 8pm on Saturday, July 13. Details about the event and applications are available online. You can check out our timeline of queer history in the valley here. 

Brick Fest Live

What do you do with over a million Lego bricks? Host a festival.

Brick Fest Live is coming to Abbotsford Tradex on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7. The event will feature life-size Lego models, hands-on attractions, and hard-to-find Lego merchandise. Attendees will also be able to help build a Guinness world-record setting mosaic out of Lego blocks. 

Paid admission is required for all attendees over three, although kids two and under are free. Details are available online. 

Leap of Faith

Most fundraisers just want you to raise money. Cyrus Centre also wants you to jump out of a plane. 

On Thursday, July 11, Abbotsford’s Cyrus Centre hosts its annual Leap of Faith fundraiser, where participants raise money for vulnerable youth and then skydive from a plane. People wanting to tandem dive need to raise at least $800 before the event, and can register online. People who don’t feel the need to jump out of a plane can attend the event as a spectator, and enjoy bouncy castles, cool treats from Banter Ice Cream, and face painting. 

The festivities kick off at 3pm on July 11, and registration for the fundraiser is available online now. 

Eastern Fraser Valley

In Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison, and Hope, this month’s events are focused on inclusive festivals, tasty ribs, and zealous paddlers. 

Chilliwack Pride

June may have been Canada’s official Pride Month, but the Fraser Valley is making sure its rainbow celebrations continue throughout July.

Coming on the heels of the Fraser Valley Pride Festival in Mission, Chilliwack Pride will be in downtown Chilliwack on Sunday, July 21 from 10am to 4pm. The family-friendly festival will feature carnival-style games, local drag performances, and more than 150 vendors. For attendees with accessibility needs, the festival will also include a quiet room, ASL interpretation, and gender-inclusive washrooms. 

More details about the festival are available online. Plus, you can read our story about the origins of Chilliwack Pride here. 

Chilliwack Ribfest

If you missed it last year, you have a chance to sink your teeth into it again. 

The second annual Chilliwack’s Ribfest is back at Vedder Park from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28 this year.  The festival will feature meat from five of Canada’s best “ribbers,” as well as offerings from a variety of food trucks. Ribfest will also include live entertainment, a beer garden, bounce houses for the kids, and more.

Admission is by donation, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. More details are available online.

Harrison Dragon Boat Festival

If you want to watch dozens of racers paddle as fast as they can on Harrison Lake, then you’ll want to check out the Harrison Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, July 27.

The annual dragon boat race typically features dozens of teams and hundreds of paddlers from across BC and Washington. The event is described as the “must do” race of the season, with races that start in the early morning and continue into the late afternoon.

Teams interested in participating can register online. Spectators can simply head down to the Harrison waterfront on July 27 to watch the competition.