The sunny weather isn’t the only thing to look forward to – there are many fun and fascinating events to choose from. Explore artwork by local craft artists, or attend a classical Persian music contest. Whatever you do, it’ll be worth your time.
Dancers twirl their partners at Strictly Salsa.You can too every Sunday night from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dancey ballroom on Hamilton Street in Downtown Vancouver. | Photo by John Bolllwitt
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Speaker Series: Steveston Japanese Hospital
Thursday, May 9
Event begins at 7:00 pm
Nikkei National Museum
6688 Southoaks Crescent,
Burnaby
604-777-7000
www.centre.nikkeiplace.org
In conjunction with the Nikkei National Museum’s exhibit Ryoshi: Nikkei Fishermen of the BC Coast, PhD candidate Helen Vandenberg will be speaking on the history of the Japanese hospital in Steveston. Regular admission is $5, admission for members and seniors is $3.
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Savage Anxieties
Thursday, May 9
7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Vancouver Public Library,
Central Branch
350 W. Georgia Street,
Vancouver
604-331-3603
www.vpl.ca
Renowned professor Robert Williams explores the history of the denial of indigenous peoples’ rights to lands and resources in the West from the time of ancient Greeks and Romans up through Canada’s 21st century treaty negotiations in BC. This lecture is part of the Vancouver Public Library’s series of First Nations rights and laws. Admission is free but seating is limited.
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River to Sea Regional Heritage Fair
May 10–11
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Burnaby Village Museum
6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
604-297-4560
www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
A celebration of Canada’s heritage in the form of student projects with a Canadian history or heritage theme. There are prizes to be won, demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, and free rides on a 1912 CW Parker Carousel – a great family event. Admission is free.
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El Jinete: The Rider
May 10–12
8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday),
2 p.m. (Sunday)
Frederic Wood Theatre
6354 Crescent Rd, Vancouver
778-977-6398
www.puentetheatre.ca
Inspired by a much beloved Mexican mariachi song, the world’s first Mariachi Opera tells the tale of a lonely and wounded rider in search of his beloved. The show brings together an award-winning team of Vancouver artists. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
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AfriCaribbean Spirit Night
Tuesday, May 11
6:30 p.m.–1:00 a.m.
Victoria Event Center
1415 Broad St., Victoria
www.tourismvictoria.com
This is a fun monthly community night celebrating African & Caribbean cultures in music, dance and food with the objective of promoting intercultural communication. Enjoy some delicious free African and Caribbean appetizers! Admission is $15, but a limited quantity of early bird tickets are available for $10.
Highland Games & Celtic Festival
May 11–19
Various locations in Victoria
Join in on a nine-day celebration of Scottish culture, including a Tartan Parade and Kilted Golf Tournament. HRH The Duke of York will be the Chief of the Games. Admission: $15 for adults and $12 for seniors/youth. Admission for children under 12 is free.
Bagpipers will be on large display at this year’s Highland Games in Victoria, B.C., so ride the ferry from May 11 to 19 and catch the festivities throughout the city. Photo by Dori Blackie
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Strictly Salsa
Every Sunday
3 p.m.–7 p.m.
The Dancey Ballroom
505 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
604-813-6739
www.danceyballroom.com
Dance the afternoon away at a
casual Sunday salsa social dance.
The event is friendly and nonintimidating,
and dancers of all
ages and all dance abilities welcome.
Admission is $7 at the door.
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Handwoven scarf by Yoriko Ori, one
of the five artists featured at the
Cultural Diversity and Craft fair | Photo by Yoriko Ori
Cultural Diversity and Craft
Thursday, May 16
7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Vancouver Public Library,
Central Branch
350 W. Georgia Street,
Vancouver
604-331-3603
www.vpl.ca
Come discover how five local crafts artists explain the ways in which cultural diversity, craft and community connect in five short talks. Afterward, the public can engage with the artists individually and view samples of their work. Admission is free.
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Kereshmeh Ensemble ft. Hossein Behroozinia
Thursday, May 16
7:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
UBC Museum of Anthropology
6393 N.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver
604-827-4738
www.kereshmehensembe.com
Come enjoy a performance by Kereshmeh Ensemble, one of the world’s leading Persian classical music ensembles. All of the members are experienced musicians with a unique technique that has been developed over years of performing. General admission is $35.
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Chinatown Night Market
May 17–Sept 8 (every Friday,
Saturday and Sunday)
6 p.m.–11 p.m.
Keefer St., Vancouver
604-682-8998
vancouverchinatownnightmarket.com
This year, the Chinatown Night Market is mixing it up – old and new, mainstream and handmade – in an effort to celebrate art, culture and summertime in the everchanging Chinatown neighbourhood. Come find something you love, or just have fun.
