Trevor Gair shares photos of his adventures from Istanbul at the Lost + Found café on July 17 | Photo by Trevor Gair.
Imagine reciting rhymes at a poetry slam or shaking your hips at a free salsa class downtown. Now envision treating your ears to classical music at Symphony in the Park or to calypso at Caribbean Days. How about a First Nations art exhibition or a traveler recounting his tales from Istanbul to India? Enter July, the marvelous month of sunshine which offers something to whet every cultural appetite.
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Istanbul to India: Slideshow & Stories from Adventures in the Middle East and Subcontinent
July 17, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Lost + Found Cafe,
33 West Hastings St., Vancouver
istanbultoindia-eorg.eventbrite.ca
Join adventurer and globetrotter Trevor Gair as he recounts the highlights of his backpacking adventures from Turkey through Iraq, Iran and Pakistan to India. His colourful pictures and his even more colourful stories may make you want to dust off your passport and take off to someplace exotic. You’ve been warned. Event is free with a minimum $5 drink or beer purchase.
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Sunday Afternoon Salsa
Every Sunday, June 30–August 25
Lesson 3:00 p.m.,
Social Dancing 3:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.,
Performance 5:00 p.m.
Robson Square
800 Robson St., Vancouver
http://www.sundayafternoonsalsa.com
Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and sashay under the Robson Square dome at free outdoor salsa classes held every Sunday afternoon. This fun event is open to dancers of all ages and skill levels. There will be an afternoon of social dancing, followed by performances featuring varying dance styles from belly dance to Hawaiian.
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Caribbean Days Festival
July 27–28
200 W Esplanade St.,
North Vancouver
604-515-2400
http://www.caribbeandays.ca
Elaborately costumed revellers and decorated floats adorn the streets of North Vancouver in a scene reminiscent of Carnival during Caribbean Days’ Multicultural Street Parade. Afterwards, multiple food carts await your tastebuds as you feast your ears on Caribbean grooves at the outdoor music festival. Both events are free to attend. The party continues well in to the night with the Waterfront Caribbean Party, a ticketed event. See website for details.
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South Surrey Festival and Safety Fair
July 13, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Bakerview Park,
1845 154th St., South Surrey
604-592-6970
http://www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/13487.aspx
This free family event features a multicultural food fair, artisans and live entertainment. Presented in partnership with the Surrey RCMP, this community festival includes an appearance by the RCMP Safety Bear to highlight the issues of Kids Bike Safety and Seniors Safety.
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B.C. Renaissance Festival
July 18, 3 p.m.–9 p.m.
July 19–21, 9:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Pacific Country Stables
21852 16th Ave., Langley
778-926-3378
http://www.bcrenfest.com
Travel back in time to accept a Quarterstaff Challenge, chuckle at some pirate comedy, ride the Flying Dutchman and try your hand at some archery and horseshoes. Food, costume rentals and a variety of entertainment are sure to please kids and adults alike. Gates close at 7:00 p.m. See website for details.
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Vancouver Poetry Slam at Cafe Deux Soleils
Every Monday at 8:00 p.m.
4th Monday of every month
is the Youth Slam
Cafe Deux Soleils,
2096 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
604-254-1195
cafedeuxsoleils.com/events/vancouver-poetry-slam/
Sit back with a beer and feast your ears on the poetic stylings of Vancouver’s talented spoken word artists at Canada’s longest running poetry slam. If you would like to try your hand at this rhythmic art form, be sure to sign up at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $6. See website for details.
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Joyful painted vinyl Munny figure by Rod Smith and Steve Smith | Photo courtesy of Lattimer Gallery.
Collaboration & Contrast
June 22–July 20
1590 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver
604-732-4556
lattimergallery.com/blog.php
Witness Northwest Coast Art at its finest at this summer exhibition by Kwakwaka’wakw brothers Rod Smith Galuyagmi and Steve Smith Dla’kwagila. For the past twenty years, both individually and collaboratively, the brothers have used acrylic paint to create intricate sculptural works such as paddles and cedar bentwood boxes. Admission is free.
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Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 19–21
Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver
604-602-9798
thefestival.bc.ca
Now in its 36th year, the Folk Festival is one of Vancouver’s annual musical highlights. This year’s line-up features 66 artists and groups over three days on up to eight stages at picturesque Jericho Beach Park. Early Bird discounts apply until July 11. See website for details.
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Symphony in the Park
July 14, 7:30–9:30pm
Deer Lake Park,
6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
604-876-3434.
http://www.vancouversymphony.ca
Held in Burnaby’s picturesque Deer Lake Park, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s 25th annual concert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its program of popular favourites and light classics. This concert features multiple award-winning pianist Avan Yu. Admission is free.
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Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me
July 16, 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
#200–1131 Howe St., Vancouver
604-708-5657
http://www.vlaff.org/everybody
Thirty-something editor Alejandra and high school student Maria fall for each other in this tender but complicated love story. Exacerbated by the age gap, Alejandra’s serious and controlling nature soon begins to stifle the young, vibrant Maria. With love, lust and oppression sharing the same bed, will this relationship of opposites survive? A special presentation by VLAFF 2013, this Mexican film was voted a favourite at last year’s festival. Tickets are $10. Please note that a VLAFF membership is required for admittance to the screening. Memberships will be available for purchase at the box office.
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Project Limelight Variety Show at Chinatown Night Market
Project Limelight Variety show, featuring kids from the Downtown Eastside | Photo courtesy of Project Limelight.
July 19, 7:00 p.m.
Chinatown Market Stage,
Chinatown Night Market
Keefer St., between
Main St. & Columbia St.,
Vancouver
http://www.projectlimelightsociety.org
Come enjoy a variety show jam-packed with exciting music, theatre and comedy put on by talented youngsters aged 8 to 15 from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. These budding stars will be performing as part of Project Limelight, a free performing arts program supported by East of Main Cafe which donates 100 per cent of its profits to this cause.
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Shipyards Night Market
Every Thursday and Friday,
May 10–October 25,
5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Shipbuilders’ Square,
138 Victory Ship Way,
North Vancouver
http://www.northshoregreenmarket.com
Enjoy hours of live music and peruse over 50 stalls featuring products by local artisans, bakers and farmers. Satisfy your hunger with a selection from over 15 food carts serving everything from kebabs to perogies. Admission is free
