A Japanese performer at the annual Powell Street Festival. | Photo by Jeanie Ow.
Planning to stay in the Lower Mainland for the summer? There are plenty of events for the whole family to enjoy around Vancouver! July and August are filled with festivities ranging from the annual Powell Street Festival to the Vancouver Pride Parade. If you’re feeling artsy this summer, attend the Folk Music Festival or the Theatre Under the Stars to get your fill! There are many events to attend to show your support for the different communities of the Lower Mainland; you won’t be sorry that you did.
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Theatre Under The Stars
Lindsey Warnock and Matt Palmer bring Shrek and Fiona to life in Shrek: the Musical. | Photo by Tim Matheson.
July 11–Aug. 25
Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park
610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
With two different performances to choose from, families will laugh and sing along to the wonderful music of Shrek and Legally Blonde. Watch as performers re-enact the fun twisted fairy tale of Shrek and friends, or see as the talented actors bring Legally Blonde to life. Located in the middle of the beautiful Stanley Park, TUTS provides a night full of fun for the family. Visit the website for the full schedule and ticket information.
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Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 18–20
Jericho Beach, Vancouver
The annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a highly anticipated summer event. With musicians from all over the world coming together for two days of folk fun, the festival will be attended by music lovers all across Vancouver. This festival is a great way to sample new music, or to enjoy a favourite artist! For the full performance line-up and ticket information, visit the website at http://www.thefestival.bc.ca.
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Surrey Fusion Festival
July 19–20
Holland Park
13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey
http://www.surrey.ca/fusionfestival
Surrey’s Fusion Festival is a two-day event that celebrates music, food, and culture. With multiple cultural pavilions, the festival samples different cultures from all around the world. Many performances will be held at the festival, ranging from dance to martial arts. Learn to cook at the Celebrity Cooking stage, or entertain your children at Kids World. Celebrate and enjoy the different cultures with the free two day festival.
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Caribbean Days Festival
July 26–27
Waterfront Park
200 Block W. Esplanade St,
North Vancouver
Experience a slice of the Caribbean in Vancouver at the Caribbean Days Festival. The festival has many tropical foods and performances packed into two days. The Caribbean Festival aims to educate attendees about Caribbean culture while showing them a good time. Free admission.
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Jog for the Bog 2014
July 27, 8:30 a.m.
Burns Bog, Delta
Help raise awareness and conserve Burns Bog by participating in Jog for the Bog 2014. Help raise money while running through the beautiful bog. The run includes a pancake breakfast, and many other fun activities and prizes. Have fun while supporting an incredible cause to preserve the beautiful and pristine nature of Burns Bog.
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Multicultural Fair of Coquitlam
July 29, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Spirit Square
3000 Burlington Dr.,
Coquitlam
http://www.coquitlam.ca/parks-recreation-and-culture
Come and celebrate multiculturalism with the city of Coquitlam. There will be many performances for the whole family to enjoy, such as Chinese Classical Dance and Korean Drummers. With many demonstrations, kids will surely be engaged by TaeKwonDo and Chinese Brush Painting. There are many prizes to be won and free culinary sampling!Free admission.
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Powell Street Festival
Aug. 1–3
Oppenheimer Park
(and other venues)
400 Powell St., Vancouver
http://www.powellstreetfestival.com
Attend the annual Powell Street Festival and learn more about Japanese culture! Enjoy the delicacies of Japan while enjoying a full line-up of performances. This year’s theme is “Roots,” with multiple performances focused on the artists of Japanese descent. Hear from Japanese film makers, actors, authors and many more. With multiple craft booths and a large array of Japanese cuisine, kids will surely have a blast experiencing Japanese culture. Visit the website for all the venues and information. Free admission.
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The Pride Parade of Vancouver
Aug. 3, noon–3 p.m.
Downtown Vancouver
Support the LGBT community of Vancouver by attending the annual Pride Parade of Vancouver. With eccentric attendees and parade floats, the parade will never have a dull moment. The parade is attended by thousands of people who dress up in bright colours and wave their rainbow flags! The best viewing spots according to the Vancouver Pride Society include three locations: the Safeway on Robson and Denman, Denman Place Mall, and the Boathouse.
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Chariot Fest of India
Aug. 10, 11:30 a.m.–Dusk
Along Beach Ave. from
Howe to 2nd Beach
The event includes a parade, multiple food venues, and performances. Enjoy Indian cuisine and learn how to prepare your own with several Veggie-cooking demonstrations! The event also includes face painting, clowns, balloon artists and kids fun tents for children to enjoy. Yoga demonstrations, Mendi hand tattoos and live theatre allow for adults to experience Indian culture as well! Free admission.
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London Family Farm Day
Aug. 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
London Heritage Farm
6511 Dyke Rd., Richmond
London Family Farm Day focuses their event on fun for the children. Enjoy the petting zoos, pony rides and other activities that will guarantee a day of fun and memories for the whole family. This year, Family Farm Day includes Richmond Art Gallery’s “Art Truck,” which will allow kids to express their creative side. Farm Day has many demonstrations and craft tables as well. Kids will never have a dull moment.
