Cultural Calendar

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival attendees in traditional costume. - Photo by Larissa Sayer, Flickr

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival attendees in traditional costume. – Photo by Larissa Sayer, Flickr

Now that the weather’s warm and sunny, there’s no excuse not to get out and experience B.C. Party to the latest Francophone hits or try to win your wife’s weight in beer at the Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival. Whatever you do, you won’t regret it.

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Shinsuke Minegishi and Shifting Margins
May 31–July 1

12:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.,
closed on Mondays
Burnaby Art Gallery
6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
604-297-4422
http://www.burnabyartgallery.ca

The Burnaby Art Gallery will offer a dual showcase during June. Immerse yourself in Shifting Margins: Emily Carr and Irene Hoffar Reid, a new exhibit which highlights works by two B.C. artists and selected archival materials surrounding their life and work. Provoking discussion about the marginalization and mystification of certain artists, the exhibition considers aspects such as gender, geographic location, subject matter and time period in the creation of art historical narratives. A second exhibition will focus on the engravings and books of Shinsuke Minegishi, an artist-printmaker.

Fragility-technology by Shinsuke Minegishi. - Artwork by Shinsuke Minegishi

Fragility-technology by Shinsuke Minegishi. – Artwork by Shinsuke Minegishi

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Bard on the Beach
Wednesdays,June 12–September 14
Vanier Park
456 W. Broadway, Vancouver
604-737-0625
http://www.bardonthebeach.org

The 24th season of Bard on the Beach, one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit professional Shakespeare Festivals, features Shakespeare plays, lectures and special events, all in scenic Vanier Park.
 Admission: $30–$43 for each play, or all plays for $145.

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Francophone Summer Festival
June 13–21
Various locations in Vancouver
http://www.lecentreculturel.com

The annual Francophone Summer Festival includes music performances, Children’s Fest, outdoor concerts and more.
 Organized by Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver, this event showcases the rich diversity of the francophone community through an eclectic line-up of musicians and artists.

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Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
June 22–23
6540 Thomas St,
Burnaby
604-294-2777
scandinavianmidsummerfestival.org

At his year’s festival, enjoy entertainment such as the life-sized Viking Village all weekend long, and attempt to win your wife’s weight in beer.

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Point Grey Fiesta
June 21–23
Trimble Park
2250 Trimble St,
Vancouver
604-263-6443
http://www.pointgreyfiesta.org

The Point Grey Fiesta is the community’s annual start-of-summer event for families and friends, consisting of stage performances, exhibits and carnival rides in Trimble Park. With the exception of the carnival rides and midway games, entertainment and children’s activities are free of charge.

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BC Highland Games
Saturday, June 22
Percy Perry Stadium
1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
http://www.bchighlandgames.com
778-292-8829

Experience Scotland through the 81st Annual Highland Games, featuring piping, drumming, Highland dancing and caber tossing, children’s activities and a British antique car show. Experience the one and only six-time world champion SFU Pipe Band up close and personal.

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Canada Day at Canada Place
Monday, July 1
Canada Place
999 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
604-775-7200
http://www.canadaplace.ca

Canada Place is celebrating 26 years of Canada Day! From the Citizenship Ceremony to the spectacular fireworks finale, Canada Day at Canada Place 2013 is a non-stop party for the whole family.

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Steveston Salmon Festival
Monday, July 1
Steveston Village, Richmond
604-238-8094
http://www.stevestonsalmonfest.ca

The people of Steveston have come together every year since 1945 to celebrate Canada’s birthday and the rich heritage of their community. Festival highlights include the Japanese cultural show, craft fair, trade show and, of course, the famous salmon barbecue, where over 1200 pounds of wild salmon fillets are grilled over open fire pits.

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Photo by Andrea Pacheo, Flickr

Photo by Andrea Pacheo, Fl

32nd Annual Berry Festival
July 7–8
Various locations in Abbotsford
604-850-6547
http://www.downtownabbotsford.com

Come to downtown Abbotsford and sample delicious local strawberry, raspberry and blueberry products. Linger to cheer the top musicians, magicians and clowns, play bingo or mini-golf. Enjoy the ‘berried’ treasure hunt and other activities. Browse through local craft and market-style food stands.

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Victoria Pride 2013
July 1–7
Fisherman’s Wharf Park, Victoria
250-483-6846
http://www.victoriapridesociety.org

A week-long celebration begins with the Drag Ball and ends with the Pride Parade and festival.