If you’re lucky, one day you’ll wake up to the sun beaming on Vancouver and feel the endless possibility of things to see and do. And it’ll happen, don’t you worry. But more likely than not you’ll end up saying to yourself, “Dang it, it’s raining!” and someone will respond, “well you do live in Vancouver.” So just in case it rains, we have a few indoor events for you to delight in, and momentarily relieve you from cursing Raincouver.
Shava is one of the international artists performing at this year’s City of Bhangra festival. They will be headlining the Downtown Bhangra performance on June 7. Photo Courtesy of the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration.
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Tea for Two Blossoms at VanDusen
Daily, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Truffles Cafe
VanDusen Botanical Gardens
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
604-331-3603
vancouver.ca/vandusen
Anyone for tea? Truffles Café at VanDusen Botanical Gardens is now serving a ‘proper’ afternoon tea complete with three-tier tray of goodies, ceramic tea pots and cups, organic and private label teas. Get a taste of Britain every day, if you like. $28 for two, or $50 for four.
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Camino Real –International Jondo Flamenco Festival
Saturday, May 25, 8:00 p.m.
149 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver
604-767-5522
This annual festival is a grassroots event that has been serving various communities throughout Metro Vancouver since 2003. However, its reach is not limited to one geographic location. Over the years, it has expanded to showcase events in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Seattle, Portland, and California. Its mandate is to build communities through art-focused education and collaboration. Tickets $35/adult, $30/students and seniors.
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The 16th annual European Festival takes place on May 25 and 26 in Burnaby. Photo courtesy go Eurofest BC Society.
Annual European Festival
Saturday, May 25 and
Sunday, May 26
Swangard Stadium
3883 Imperial Street,
Burnaby
http://www.europeanfestival.ca
Enjoy music and dance performances from over 30 countries as well as their cultural displays. Please your palate with authentic European dishes at over 14 food booths and shop to your hearts’ content. Check website for more details.
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Building a Culture of Participation with Dave Meslin
Wednesday, May 29
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
SFU Goldcorp Centre
for the Arts at Woodward’s
149 West Hastings Street
dalailamacenter.org/event/building-culture-participation-dave-meslin
Meslin will present ideas meant to empower residents to shape their cities far beyond the simple act of voting. Participants will have an opportunity to interact and present their own ideas for strengthening Vancouver’s civic democracy. An after-event reception will continue the conversation in an informal setting over complimentary snacks. Admission is free. Pre-registration required.
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Discover Art Song
Thursday May 30
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Central Library
Alice Mackay Room, Lower Level
350 West Georgia Street,
Vancouver
http://www.songinstitute.ca/
Join Professor Rena Sharon, artistic director of the Vancouver International Song Institute and stunning vocalists from the UBC Opera Ensemble and discover the secret realm of Art Song, the fusion of poetry and classical music. Free admission.
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Annual City of Bhangra Festival
May 30–June 8
Various locations
http://www.vibc.org
Set to be one of the biggest must-see spring events in Metro Vancouver. This year the festival line-up includes over 11 independent events, hundreds of performers, and international artists from the U.K., New York and India. Check website for details.
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The Penthouse will be unforbidden on June 6. Photo by Roaming the Planet, Flickr.
Forbidden Vancouver presents Secrets of the Penthouse
Thursday, June 6, 5:45 p.m.
The Penthouse
1019 Seymour Street, Vancouver
604-839-3126
forbiddenvancouver.ca/home/secrets-of-the-penthouse-3/
An evening of history, burlesque and fine Italian food at Vancouver’s most notorious venue! Son of Ross Filippone and club owner Danny Filippone will lead you on an adventure through the Penthouse’s incredible history as you delve into the secret bars, dressing rooms and hidden spaces that still survive inside the Penthouse. Each tour lasts around an hour. Guests eat after their tour. The Burlesque showtime @ 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Admission $38.00 + tax.
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Repercussion (Surrey)
Thursday, June 6
Surrey Arts Centre
13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
604-684-2787
vibc.org/events/repercussion-surrey
Their beat will move more than just your feet. Come join the festivities, onsite bar for all to enjoy, with performances by Israel Berriel, Paul Bray, Rayman /
Karn Bhullar, Cassius Khan, Celso Machado, Liam MacDonald, Francis James and Smokey Valley Drummers, Oscar Soto, Surrey Folk Bhangra Club, EV A-Slam, the beat will be rocking all night! With great performers and hundreds of other music lovers alike this is going to be a show you won’t want to miss. Admission $20.
