Free entry, always
The gates are always open. Every Friday, every season. The beer garden is front and centre to the stage. There is a short line to get in for ID check. The music is free for everyone.
SYNM's 16th summer on the waterfront
Shipyards Night Market is a free weekly summer event run by the CONIFER Entertainment Society. Live music, local food trucks, a makers marketplace, and a beer garden under the North Shore's last working crane, Colby. Read the story below — answers to common questions follow.
What's started off as a vision, become a legacy under the crane.
The Shipyards Night Market began in 2011 as a way to support small local businesses, a simple Friday night gathering of food, music and community on the waterfront.
Today, what started as a grassroots idea has grown into one of BC's most recognized grassroots events. Under the stewardship of CONIFER Entertainment Society since 2022, the event continues to evolve while staying rooted in the spirit of the original market.
Still centred around local makers, live music, food and community, the Shipyards Night Market remains North Van's original Friday night by the inlet.
16
Years on the waterfront
Since the first Friday in May 2011.
540+
Acts booked & paid fairly
Local emerging and established musicians.
1000+
Food trucks and artisan vendors
One-third based on the North Shore.
180K
Visitors per season
6,000 to 10,000 attendees every Friday.
Shipbuilder's Square. Inlet on one side. Crane overhead.
A working shipyard
Burrard Dry Dock built ships here for nearly 100 years. The yellow crane is all that remains.
A public plaza
Reopened in 2018 as Shipbuilder's Square. Paved, step-free, open to the water.
North Van's Friday night home
Every Friday from 3 pm, May 15 through September 11. The plaza comes alive at three.
Four things that never change.
Artists get paid
Every act on stage gets a real fee. No exposure-only bookings. Ever.
Local comes first
One third of our vendors are North Shore based. CONIFER curates the food and music. We choose craft over clicks every time.
On the land's terms
This event sits on the unceded territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations. We work with their cultural offices every season.
Real answers, updated every Tuesday.
Can't find your specific question? Scroll to the bottom and ask directly — we read them all.
GETTING HERE
01What's the easiest way to get here?+
SeaBus from Waterfront Station — 4 minutes to the plaza. Runs every 15 minutes. Tap on with Compass or contactless.
02Where do I park?+
Lonsdale Quay garage is $3/hr after 5 pm, a 5-minute walk away. Street parking fills by 6:30. Better to leave the car.
03Does my SeaBus transfer cover the bus?+
One tap, 90-minute zone. R2, 230, and 232 all connect at Lonsdale Quay Exchange.
04Can I bike?+
Yes. Spirit Trail connects east and west. Free covered racks at the west gate, don't forget the new BIKE VALET.
WHILE YOU'RE HERE
01Is entry really free?+
Always. The event is free and open to all ages. Beer garden is always 19+ with ID at the gate.
02Is it accessible?+
Fully paved, step-free throughout. Two accessible washrooms at the east gate plus more by the waterpark. Service animals are always welcome.
03Can I bring my dog?+
Yes — outside the beer garden. Water bowls at the info tent. Keep them leashed after 7 pm; it gets busy.
04Is it kid-friendly?+
All ages, all night. Strollers welcome. Family seating available throughout the Shipyards site.
05Cash or card?+
All vendors accept cards. ATMs nearby if you need cash.
WEATHER & TIMING
01What if it rains?+
We show up either way. Tents go up under the crane. Severe weather cancels by 1pm — check the home page and Instagram.
02When should I arrive?+
5 to 6:30 is the sweet spot. Golden hour, food trucks at full speed, headliner still ahead. Come early to shop, later for the band.
03When does it wrap up?+
Last call at 9:45. Gates close at 10. Plaza clears by 10:30.
BEER GARDEN
01Who runs the beer garden?+
Garden Beer Market Co. Four rotating local taps plus cocktails, every Friday.
02What are the rules?+
19+ only, ID at the gate, no exceptions. No re-entry after last call.
MARKETPLACE, FOOD & MUSIC
01How do I apply as a vendor?+
Marketplace applications are accepted year round. Food and Music application open in the fall. Both forms live on the Partners page.
02How do I get a music slot?+
Submissions open in December for the following season. Everyone gets a real fee. Booking form found at the Partners page.
03Who curates the lineup?+
Music is programmed by our entertainment director Mike Bleakley. Our curation principles are in the partner kit each year.
Ask us anything — a real human reads it.
We answer most questions within a Friday's notice. For lost-and-found, partner inquiries, or anything urgent, see the contact page.