Scott Bellis plays Bottom in the fantastical world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. | Photo courtesy of Bard on the Beach
There is no denying that sunshine and pleasant weather energize Vancouverites, inspiring us to enjoy some of the vibrant events that pair perfectly with sunny days, warm evenings and flip flops. During these blissful summer days, you may find yourself entering Shakespeare’s fairyland at Vanier Park, eating a savoury gyro at Greek Day on West Broadway or dancing to DJ spun beats on a car-free Commercial Drive!
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Bard on the Beach
June 11–Sept. 20
Vanier Park, Vancouver
www.bardonthebeach.org
604.739.0559
Bard on the Beach, one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit professional Shakespeare Festivals, is celebrating its 25th season! This year’s festival features A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, and other dramas, operas, lectures and special events. All events take place in scenic Vanier Park. Tickets $30–$43 or all plays for $145.
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The 20th Vancouver International Storytelling Festival
June 13–15
Various locations
www.vancouverstorytelling.org
604.876.2272
This year’s festival, titled “A Cabinet of Curiosities,” presents a full weekend of captivating encounters with some of the most animated storytellers in the city. From epics to personal narratives, traditional folk stories to fairytales, visitors and residents alike will discover something to celebrate, reflect upon and learn from. Tickets are available at the door or in advance through their website.
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An Evening with Oliver Stone
June 14, 8:00 p.m.
Vogue Theatre
918 Granville St., Vancouver
www.vancouverbiennale.com/event/oliver-stone/
Academy Award winning director Oliver Stone presents an episode from his newest documentary series The Untold History of the United States. During the day, he will hold a Master Class at SFU Woodward’s for film enthusiasts. Both events provide a rare opportunity for the public to engage with one of the most stimulating and provocative filmmakers of the 21st century. Tickets $25.
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Vancouver Draw Down
June 14
Various locations
www.vancouverdrawdown.com
Now in its 5th year, Vancouver Draw Down invites Vancouverites of all ages to take part in hands-on drawing events throughout the city. Workshops, developed and led by professional artists, offer the opportunity to explore drawing in person and online. This day-long celebration focuses on the process and pleasure of drawing. Free or free with admission.
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Celebrating the neighbourhood on Vancouver Car-free Day. | Photo by Rick Chung
Car Free Day on Commercial Drive
June 15, 12–7 p.m.
Commercial Drive (from Venables to Grandview)
www.carfreevancouver.org
Commercial Drive is the birthplace of Car Free Vancouver Day. This year’s festival provides 15 blocks of fun with roller disco, parading drummers, healing gardens and DJs spinning beats. Come join your neighbours, and bring your energy and creativity to the street!
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Vancouver International Jazz Festival
June 20–July 1
Various locations
www.coastaljazz.ca
The largest jazz festival in British Columbia, this annual summer event includes 1800 musicians, 400 concerts and 40 venues across Vancouver. Many events are free.
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Dragon boats make a splash in False Creek. | Photo by Jer
Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
June 20–22
Creekside Community Centre, Concord Pacific Place (next to Science World), Creekside Park and the waters of False Creek, Vancouver
www.dragonboatbc.ca
A yearly multicultural event designed to bring Vancouverites together for fun, food, boat racing, music and more. Over 100,000 attendees are expected, as well as over 180 dragon boat teams from around the world. Free.
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Greek Day on Broadway
June 22, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
West Broadway (from MacDonald to Blenheim), Vancouver
www.greekday.com
This award-winning, family-friendly event attracts more than 100,000 people every year. Come celebrate all things Greek at this Broadway street festival, with live entertainment and, of course, lots of delectable food. Free.
