Festival and outdoor events season is here! With the warm weather comes an exciting lineup of festivities for the whole family to enjoy. From jazz festivals to children’s festivals, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy events from all over the Lower Mainland and explore places you’ve never been.
Choreographers MAYCE create a unique experience for viewers of 12 Minutes Max.| Photo by Jonathan Kim.
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12 Minutes Max
June 12, 8 p.m.
Scotiabank Dance Centre
677 Davie St., Vancouver
(604) 606-6400
12 Minutes Max is an eccentric performance of five different contemporary dance pieces that last 12 minutes or less. These up-and-coming dancers and choreographers show off their hard work in this hour-long showcase. 12 Minutes Max provides support, feedback and performance opportunities to new dancers. For more information on the performance, please visit the website.
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Strawberry Festival
June 13, 1–4 p.m.
Barclay Heritage Square
1447 Barclay St., Vancouver
www.wesn.ca/strawberryfestival
(604) 669-5051
The 25th annual Strawberry Festival is back this year for another fun gathering! Presented by the West End Seniors’ Network, this family-friendly affair has photo booths, bouncy castles and tons of strawberry desserts! Admission is free for everyone, so come out and join in on the fun.
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Inclusion Festival
June 13, 12–4 p.m.
Ernie Winch Park
7680 15th St., Burnaby
This newly running festival allows people to learn more about their community and the diverse cultures that live within it. The afternoon is filled with multicultural performances, diverse foods and games for the kids! Enjoy the music as you learn more about the diversity that comes with living in the Lower Mainland.
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Spanish Paella Party!
June 13, 2 p.m.–2 a.m.
Brockton Pavillion & Clubhouse
1151 Stanley Park Dr., Vancouver
Learn more about the wonderful country of Spain at this fun event! The event presents the gastronomy, values, people and rich culture of Spain. There’s olive tasting, wine tasting, flamenco dancing and much more. Dance the night away with live Spanish music with Sureando and embrace the Spanish culture.
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Italian Day on the Drive
June 14, 12–8 p.m.
Commercial Drive
From Venables St to Grandview Cut
(604) 251-2884
Italian Day on the Drive is back for its sixth annual celebration of Italian culture and the contributions of Italian immigrants to Vancouver. This 13-block celebration celebrates the rich history of the Italian community and the wonderful distinct culture. Join this wonderful affair that has food, music and so much more.
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Ya Helwa IV
June 14, 7 p.m.
Rickshaw Theatre
254 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
(604) 681-8915
This fourth annual belly dance performance showcases the works of Rahel, her students and other special guests. Win prizes and learn more about the beautiful art of belly dancing. The dance is intricate and extravagant. This event is 19+. For more information, please visit the website.
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The Value of Things
June 17–20
Scotiabank Dance Theatre
677 Davie St., Vancouver
(604) 606-6400
Plastic Orchid Factory presents the work of Dora-nominated Montreal artist Jacques Poulin-Denis. Voted Best Dance Show in 2014 by the Montreal Voir, The Value of Things is a performance that reveals contradictions about our beliefs and ambitions. The Value of Things is a stunning performance that touches on the themes of choice and ethics that govern our lives.
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26th Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver
June 18–25
Various Locations
(604) 736-9806
Celebrate the diversity of Canada at the 26th annual Summer French Festival. With performances from different French-speaking groups, this is an event francophone and francophone-lovers won’t want to miss. This six day festival is jam-packed with French fun. To learn more about the scheduling, please visit the website.
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Vancouver International Jazz Festival
June 18–July 1
Various Locations
(604) 872-5200
Enjoy the smooth sound of the saxophone or the upbeat rhythm of jazz? The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is back again for more foot-tapping, fun-loving jazz sounds. With guests like the Roots, Chris Botti and many more, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival is filled with musicians from all over the world. For more information on scheduling, please visit the website.
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4th Annual ArtWalk South Granville
June 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Gallery Row Vancouver
2117 Granville St., Vancouver
www.southgranville.org/artwalk
(604) 734-3195
ArtWalk is a unique and creative experience that allows all participants to bask in the beautiful artwork that Vancouver has to offer. Participants wander up and down South Granville Street and listen to artist talks, participate in wine and cheese tastings, and attend over 16 art exhibitions. For more information, please visit the website.
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Queensborough Children’s Festival
June 20, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Ryall Park, 920 Ewen Ave., New Westminster
Bring the kids out to this fun-filled afternoon festival. There will be live entertainment, interactive fun and games, and much more. The Queensborough Children’s Festival is fun for all ages and will have something for all kids, from tots to teens. For more information on the event, please visit the website.
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2015 Milton K. Wong Lecture Series by Wade Davis, PhD
Wade Davis, professor of anthropology at UBC.| Photo courtesy of The Laurier.
June 22, 7–9 p.m.
Frederic Wood Theatre
6354 Crescent Rd., UBC Vancouver
Join Wade Davis as he discusses the wisdom of the world’s indigenous cultures. All cultures have a different way of approaching themes of humanity and existence. Davis takes attendees on a journey all over the world as he discusses the significance and beliefs of different cultural groups. From the Amazon to Australia, Davis will help participants rediscover a new appreciation for what it means to be human. Free admission. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
