The Vancouver Arts & Music Festival returns to Esther Short Park (West Eighth and Columbia streets) and downtown Vancouver Aug. 2-4 featuring award-winning musicians, visual artists and performers from Vancouver, the region and around the world. The three-day event hosts three stages, juried art shows, pop-up galleries, dance performances, family activities, food vendors and three concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Activities include vendor booths, art demonstrations and an interactive art piece from muralist Sarah Hunter. Children will enjoy caricature artists, doodle walls, roaming entertainers, face painting, balloon art and lawn games. Visit Artists Alley next to City Hall and at the Vancouver Hilton. Learn more and view the full lineup at vancouverartsandmusicfestival.com or follow the festival on Instagram at @vancouverartsmusicfest.