North Shore Jazz: Vancouver Festival Brings Music to Your Doorstep
Vancouver’s beloved 40th Vancouver International Jazz Festival is back—and this year it’s bringing the groove right to the North Shore stages from June 20 through June 29, 2025.
Festival Highlights on the North Shore
The North Shore Jazz series, organized in partnership with BlueShore at CapU, will host eight concerts across North Vancouver and West Vancouver.
There will be three ticketed shows at Capilano University’s BlueShore Financial Centre, and five free outdoor concerts at lively community spaces like Civic Plaza and The Shipyards.
Ticketed Headliners – $40 each
- Mary Ancheta’s MAQkestra performs The Music of Betty Davis – June 21
- Mick Flannery, Irish folk-pop singer-songwriter – June 23
- Corey Harris, blues legend and MacArthur “Genius” fellow – June 26
Free Outdoor Shows
- Farah Siraj (Jordanian jazz-pop fusion) – June 20, West Vancouver Memorial Library
- Waahli & Guests (Hip-hop meets Afro-Caribbean beats) – June 21, Civic Plaza
- Honeybear, The Band (Vancouver-based neo-soul) – June 22, Lynn Valley Village
- Taras Luka (Ukrainian folk-jazz accordionist) – June 28, Civic Plaza
- Tina Leon (Soulful R&B) – June 29, The Shipyards
You can find the full North Shore lineup on Capilano University’s event page.
What Makes This Festival Special
- Over 187 jazz events city-wide
- 50+ free concerts across Greater Vancouver
- New local voices and international icons blend modern and classic jazz
- A big celebration of the festival’s 40th anniversary, founded back in 1985
As Coastal Jazz co-artistic director Cole Schmidt shared:
“The youngest generation is really exciting. They’re bringing their own vision while honoring the history of the festival and jazz music in Vancouver.”
Quick Guide: When & Where
| Date | Event | Venue | Free/Ticketed |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 20 | Farah Siraj | West Vancouver Memorial Library | Free |
| June 21 | Waahli & Guests | Civic Plaza, North Vancouver | Free |
| June 21 | Mary Ancheta’s MAQkestra | BlueShore at CapU | $40 |
| June 22 | Honeybear, The Band | Lynn Valley Village | Free |
| June 23 | Mick Flannery | BlueShore at CapU | $40 |
| June 26 | Corey Harris | BlueShore at CapU | $40 |
| June 28 | Taras Luka | Civic Plaza | Free |
| June 29 | Tina Leon | The Shipyards | Free |
Pro Tips for Festival Goers
- Start with a free outdoor concert—perfect for music lovers on a budget
- Pair an evening ticketed show with a casual dinner at a North Shore eatery
- Explore more events happening across the city with the full Coastal Jazz Festival guide
Coming from downtown? The SeaBus makes it super easy to cross Burrard Inlet and arrive right at the North Shore’s festival heart.
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Final Note
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just curious about live music, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival brings a burst of soul, style, and sound to the streets.
