Vancouver Greek Summerfest – 32 years strong.| Photo courtesy of Greek Summerfest.
July is finally here! Although I’ve picked out just a sampling of the multitude of activities happening around the city below, there are many events and festivals to go to this summer. So go out and enjoy the sunny weather, travel to nearby places, hike around the mountains, eat and drink good food and have a Happy Canada Day!
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Storm Crows Quidditch: Open Practice
Sundays between June 3–Aug. 26, 1–3 p.m.
Connaught Park, Vancouver
The Vancouver Storm Crows Quidditch Club is bringing the team sport of quidditch to a field near you every Sunday at 1 p.m.! Not sure what quidditch is? Think of rugby, handball and dodgeball all mixed up together; that’s what quidditch is. This gender-inclusive sport has something for everyone, even if you’ve never played a team sport before. If you are looking for a fun way to stay active, or just a fun way to make new friends, check them out for a Sunday afternoon of quidditch. All are welcome. All you need is a pair of running shoes (cleats if you have them), some water and a smile!
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My Funny Valentine
June 28, 8 p.m.
Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall
www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/24163.aspx
The Zee Zee Theatre Company will be putting on a production of My Funny Valentine at Surrey City Hall’s Centre Stage on June 28. Written by playwright Dave Deveau in response to the 2008 murder of 15-year-old Lawrence King, the play peers into the hearts and minds of seven characters – including a journalist, a disgruntled father, an 11-year-old girl and a teacher – on the fringes of this murder who find themselves caught in the orbit of King’s death. Each one offers poignant and probing reflections, and together they represent a nuanced and diverse community in mourning, trying to heal. Check out the website for tickets and more information.
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Golden Spike Days 2018
June 29–July 2
Rocky Point Park, Port Moody
The Golden Spike Days Festival is one of the oldest and longest running family events in B.C. The festival is held at Rocky Point Park around Canada Day, attracting upwards of 40,000 people of all walks of life with live entertainment, special events and activities for all ages. The event commemorates the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway line and its arrival at the original western terminus in Port Moody, where the last spike was driven. For event details, please visit the website.
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Jasmine Jazz
June 30, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
On June 30, the Vancouver Classical Chinese Garden will be hosting Jasmine Jazz, a presentation featuring an unusual interplay between traditional Chinese and jazz instruments by the Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble and some of Vancouver’s finest jazz artists led by Juno-nominated bassist and composer, Jodi Proznick. There will also be tastings of the highest quality jasmine teas, scented using the Imperial Scenting Method, before and during the concert. The natural aroma of jasmine blossoms, with the musical blend of jazz and Chinese instruments, will create a sweet summer night!
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Women’s Voices in the Americas
July 4, 6:30 p.m.
UBC Robson Square, Vancouver
On July 4, UBC Robson Square will host Women’s Voices in the Americas, a filmmakers’ panel that provides a different intercultural perspective of the Americas told using women’s voices. This event uses works created by women as a starting point for dialogue and incorporates unique historical views showcasing cultures in the Americas from the point of view of women. Ana Cruz, director of Humboldt en México: La Mirada del Explorador; Jill Sharpe, creator of the Emmy-nominated film Bone Wind and Marilyn Norry, founder of My Mother’s Story, will be in attendance. For more information, please check out the website.
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Between Time and Space
July 5–7, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Dudoc Vancouver
Dudoc Vancouver will be presenting the new collection of Canadian-Russian artist Natalia Vetrova’s work, which explores the intersection of realism and conceptualism and our relationship with the past and the present. The exhibition celebrates the wonders and achievements of centuries with their time-honored great conceptions giving a strong basis for creating self-awareness in this contemporary world with its new technologies and high-speed communications. For a schedule of events for the exhibition, please check out Dudoc’s website.
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Dancing on the Edge
July 5–14
Various venues in Vancouver
The Dancing on the Edge Festival is Canada’s longest running festival of contemporary dance, taking place July 5–14 at various venues in Vancouver. This year’s festival showcases over 30 performances involving more than 30 innovative choreographers. Artists from across Canada, from Belgium and South Korea will dance on stages and in the streets during the 10 day festival, in full length and mixed bill programs, as well as site-specific works. The 30th annual Dancing on the Edge Festival will bring dance in all shapes and forms to Vancouver audiences. Please visit the website for a complete list of events.
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Indian Summer Festival
July 5–15
Various venues around Vancouver
The Indian Summer Festival is a contemporary multi-arts festival that takes place over 11 days every July in Vancouver. This year’s theme is mythmaking, and the festival hopes to examine 10 centuries of human imagination and storytelling by presenting a continent-spanning range of artists, from the inheritors of ancient oral storytelling traditions to genre-defying musicians, award-winning novelists and provocative visual artists. For a complete list of events, please check out the festival’s website.
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Greek SummerFest
July 5–15
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Vancouver
www.vancouvergreeksummerfest.
The Vancouver Greek Summerfest is back for its 32nd consecutive year from July 5–15 at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The Greek SummerFest is an annual celebration of food, entertainment and family fun –from the famous BBQ lamb and Loukoumades to the dozens of live singers and dancers on the Performance Stage. This year’s feature performances include the bands Zougla, Urban Myth, Asi Somos, Dalaras Tribute Band, Dolphin Jazz, Jim Byrnes, as well as tribute artists Gotta B George Michael and Steve “Elvis” Elliot. Greek Summerfest is free to attend.
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Carnaval del Sol
July 7–8
Various locations around Vancouver
Latincouver promotes relationships and cultural exchange among Latin Americans and the Canadian mosaic. Their signature event, Carnaval del Sol, is the biggest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest, which they have produced since 2009. Carnaval del Sol recreates the atmosphere of a vibrant city plaza in Latin America. The arts showcased during this event include live musical bands (450+ artists), Native Canadian and Latin American visual art, traditional folk dances from different countries, arts and crafts displays, dancing and culinary lessons (1 international chef, 10 local chefs) and a Latin American inspired fashion show.
