Surrey & White Rock summer fun: Events & activities in your community
Summer fun is just around the corner! There are tons of activities and events for families taking place over July and August -- check out what's on at the City of Surrey, Museum of Surrey, Surrey Libraries and White Rock Library! (Image via iStock)
School is almost out! And with summer just about here, students and families across Surrey and White Rock have plenty of free and low-cost events to keep them busy over the coming months.
From outdoor concerts and cultural festivals to hands-on exhibits and summer reading clubs, there is no shortage of ways to make this summer one to remember:
July 4 to 5 – We All Scream for Ice Cream!: Ever wonder how families made ice cream before modern freezers? Head out to Historic Stewart Farm to find out. Watch old-fashioned hand cranking demonstrations, try churning yourself, complete a farmhouse scavenger hunt and make themed crafts – all in a beautiful heritage setting just minutes from Crescent Beach. Each batch takes an hour to make, with demonstrations running throughout both afternoons. A sweet way to spend a summer day!
July 8 to Aug. 26 – Sounds of Summer Concert Series: The City of Surrey’s beloved outdoor concert series returns every Wednesday evening this July and August, and it’s completely free! From jazz and rock to Punjabi fusion and salsa, there’s a show for every music lover. Shows run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at some of Surrey’s most beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Check the City of Surrey’s website for the full lineup and locations.
July 18 to 19 – Surrey Fusion Festival: One of the region’s biggest celebrations returns to Holland Park for a full weekend of culture, music, and food. The Surrey Fusion Festival features 50 cultural pavilions, eight performance stages, international and local music and dance, Indigenous cultural sharing, cooking demonstrations and a vibrant family zone. This year’s theme, “One World, One Game,” celebrates global cultures coming together. Admission is free.
June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 31; Aug. 7, 21 – Park Play at Friday Fun Days: Nearly every Friday through Aug. 21, Park Play at Friday Fun Days runs at parks across Surrey. In addition to the regular Park Play offerings of lawn games and staff-led activities, Friday Fun Days adds themed games and crafts. Note that there are no sessions on July 24 or Aug. 14. Locations rotate through different parks. Check the City’s website for the full schedule.
July 25 – Raj’s Birthday Party: Everyone’s favourite museum mascot is turning another year older! Drop in to celebrate Raj the Raccoon’s birthday with face painting, a special birthday scavenger hunt with handcrafted prizes, birthday crafts, oversized games and cupcakes. Don’t miss the chance to snap a birthday photo with Raj himself!
Exhibit – Journeys in Care: Stories from Nurses of Indian Heritage (on until July 19): This exhibit traces the remarkable paths of nurses of Indian heritage through migration, education, and leadership in Canadian healthcare. Told through personal interviews and narratives, it is a meaningful tribute to those who shaped the profession. A virtual tour is also available online.
Exhibit – Soil Superheroes (on until September 13): On loan from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Soil Superheroes is a fun and interactive exhibition that introduces visitors of all ages to the hidden world beneath our feet. Meet larger-than-life characters like Captain Clay, The Mole and Wonder Worm, and discover how soil organisms support our food, water, and climate. With hands-on activities and colourful storytelling, it makes for a great summer outing for families and curious kids.
With Surrey Libraries branches across the city, there’s sure to be something for everyone at the various locations:
Summer Reading Club (ongoing): Reading is a great way to spend the summer! Kids of all ages can sign up for the Summer Reading Club at any branch, track their reading days, and earn stickers along the way – collect all and earn a Super Reader medal. Medal earners are also entered into the Grand Prize draw for a chance to win a $250 LEGO Gift Card and other prizes!
Youth Writing Contest: Got a story to tell? Whether you write poems, short stories, comics or other formats, the Surrey Libraries Youth Writing Contest is your moment to shine. Open to Surrey youth ages 12 to 18, the contest accepts entries across four categories, with cash prizes of up to $350, sponsor gifts and free admission to the Surrey International Writers’ Conference in October up for grabs. It’s completely free to enter and all submissions are due by July 20. Write on!
July 9, 23 & Aug. 11 – Kids Crafts: T-Shirt Tote Bags: Give an old T-shirt a second life! In this free program for kids ages 9 to 12, you’ll transform a tee into a reusable tote bag you can use all summer long. Bring your own shirt or use one provided – either way, you’ll leave with something cool you made yourself. Running three times this summer; registration is required, so check the event page for your nearest branch and how to sign up.
July 27 – Teen Escape Room: Think you’ve got what it takes? Put your problem-solving skills to the test at the Teen Escape Room at Surrey Libraries! Race against the clock, crack the clues, and find your way out before time runs out. Whether you’re a seasoned escape room veteran or trying it for the first time, it’s the perfect afternoon challenge for anyone who loves a good puzzle. Gather your friends and see if you have what it takes to escape!
Recurring programs: Surrey Libraries has plenty more happening throughout the summer. Family Storytime with DUPLO, Scrabble Sundays, Family Movie screenings and more take place on various days throughout the summer. Visit the Surrey Libraries website for the full schedule and branch locations.
July 20 – West Coast Exotics: Reptiles Up Close: Calling all animal lovers! West Coast Exotics visits the White Rock Library for a wild afternoon of up-close encounters with some of the planet’s most fascinating creatures. Get face to face with snakes, lizards, a tortoise and maybe even a tarantula! It’s a hands-on, unforgettable experience and a perfect way to celebrate Summer Reading Club.
Aug. 13 – Kellie Haines Ventriloquist: Laughing Out Loud: Ventriloquist Kellie Haines and her puppet pals, Magrau the mischievous bird and Kamilla the red-haired frog, bring their hilarious musical show to the White Rock Library as part of Summer Reading Club. The puppets sing, dance and discover that reading is more than an adventure in this family-friendly performance guaranteed to have everyone laughing.
Recurring programs: The White Rock Library runs a rich lineup of weekly drop-in programs all summer long. Their Art Club meets every Tuesday with all supplies provided and Chess Club runs every Thursday for players of all skill levels. Every Friday, the Nintendo Club brings Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. and more. The LEGO Club meets every Monday, and the monthly STEAM Club offers hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities. All programs are free; no registration required.
Check each of City of Surrey, Museum of Surrey, Surrey Libraries, and White Rock Library for more events not listed above. However you spend it, we hope your summer is full of adventure — see you in September!
