All kinds of art will be illuminated at John Hendry Park at the Illuminares Lantern Festival on Saturday, July 21. Photo by Graham Ballantyne, Flickr

Bust out your flip-flops and get amongst the boat load of summer celebrations around town. Don’t miss the ever enchanting Illuminares Lantern Festival and be sure to check out one of the walking tours for some fresh insight into the city. For those who don’t want to dip into the activities budget, head to the free Khatsalano! street party or score some give-away art from the Papergirl volunteers on the last day of the exhibition. So, what are you waiting for? Jump in to some summertime culture and bask in the vibrancy of Vancouver in July.

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Art Deco Walking Tour
Friday, July 13, 12:00p.m–1:30p.m.
N.E. corner of Burrard and Georgia, Downtown
604-264-9624
vancouverheritagefoundation.org

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation has put together its inaugural Art Deco walking tour showcasing the fascinating architectural style best embodied by the iconic Marine Building. Book in advance because walks often sell out. Tickets: $12.

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Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 13–15
Jericho Beach Park
3941 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver
604-602-9798
www.thefestival.bc.ca

This year the Festival celebrates thirty-five years of progressive and inclusive folk music presentation with sixty artists and groups from around the world. Over the weekend audiences can soak up the festival atmosphere of seven outdoor stages, collaborative workshop performances and ample choice of world cuisine. Tickets range from $45 to $165.

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Find peace from downtown traffic at Lotus in Motion at the Sun Yat-Sen Garden. Photo courtesy of Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden

Lotus in Motion
Until July 31
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical
Chinese Garden
578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

The Garden is hosting a new outdoor art installation by Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. See the vibrancy of nature through Halloran’s bold, colourful lily-pad paintings floating in the Garden’s pond and displayed in the hall. See website for entry fees.

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Salsa by the Sea
Thursdays until August 30, 6:30p.m.–8:30p.m.
1414 Argyle Avenue at Ambelside Landing, West Vancouver
604-925-7290
www.latindanceforyou.com/
salsasea.html

Those who love the rhythms, music and dance of Latin America should get to the Ferry Building Gallery for some salsa lessons (weather permitting). It’s open to all ages and singles are welcome. $6 per session.

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Australia and Kenya join forces to bring choral music to Vancouver audiences. Photo by Adam Nowek, Flickr

International Choral
Kathaumixw
Friday, July 13, 7:30p.m.
1044 St. Georges Ave.,
North Vancouver
604-985-0408
info@kathaumixw.org

This year’s St. Andrew’s concert will feature the Murwillumbah Philharmonic Choir – a mixed voice adult choir from Australia. They will be joined by the Kenyan Boys Choir, brought to fame after performing at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2008. Tickets: $15 adults, $5 children.

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Japan Town Walking Tour
Saturday, July 14, 2:00p.m.
220 Powell Street, Vancouver
604-777-7000
jcnm@nikkeiplace.orf

Be taken back in time to the bustling community of Japanese Canadians who lived and worked in the Powell Street area from the 1890s until their internment during World War II. The tour takes about ninety minutes. Call to reserve a place. Tickets: $10.

Knights will joust at this year's B.C. Renaissance Festival held July 19–22. Photo courtesy of the B.C. Renaissance Festival

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BC Renaissance Festival
July 19–22
Thunderbird Show Park
24550 72nd Ave., Langley
604-319-0849
www.bcrenfest.com

Experience the revelry with fully armoured jousting, arts and crafts, rides, games, parades, and costume rentals. Other activities include Traditional Korean music, belly dancers, and foam weapon fighting demonstrations. See website for ticket prices and opening hours.

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Illuminares Lantern Festival
Saturday, July 21,
6:00p.m.–10:30p.m.
John Hendry Park
Victoria Drive at East 15th Ave., Vancouver
604-879-8611
publicdreams.org

Celebrate togetherness, creativity and new beginnings with a series of workshops on lantern making, puppet building, community choir and backlit tempera painting. Parking can be an issue so walk, cycle or transit to the park. Admission: $5 donation.

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Khatsahlano!
Saturday, July 21,
12:00p.m.–8:00p.m.
West 4th Ave. (between
Burrard and MacDonald)
604-263-6443
www.shopwest4th.com

Thirty bands, ten blocks, five main stages and one free street party. Experience a who’s who of indie acts, distinctive local artisans, street performers, give-aways and other festivities. Open to the public.

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Papergirl Vancouver
July 22–27
Roundhouse Community
Arts Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
604-713-1857
papergirl-vancouver.blogspot.com

This global art movement is an inclusive, non-commercial project that welcomes artists of all ages and abilities to donate their work. On the final day of the exhibition, volunteer cyclists distribute the artwork directly into the hands of perfect strangers. Open to the public.

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Peruvian Festival
Saturday, July 28,
12:00p.m.–6:00p.m.
St. Mary’s Ukrainian
Catholic Centre
550 W. 14th Ave., Vancouver
sfiestacrazyhour@yahoo.ca

The first Peruvian Festival in Vancouver is offering entertainment for the whole family: food vendors, crafts and arts, live music, dances and much more. Open to the public.