Otowa Ryu Japanese Dancers performing at last year’s Powell Street Fest.| Photo by Noah Photography.
July and August are prime months for fun cultural festivals! Learn more about the wonderful cultures that make up the Lower Mainland and expand your knowledge. There are many family events that admit kids for a low price or absolutely free.
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Tea Zen by Don Wong, Lam Wong & Brian Mulvihill
July 1–Aug. 31
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall St., Vancouver
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Tea has a very special place in Chinese culture. Join Don Wong, Lam Wong and Brian Mulvihill as they explore the art of calligraphy of tea. The exhibition also includes a documentary made by Lam Wong, which allows attendees to see how this widely used drink encapsulates the human spirit.
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Music at the Cannery
July 3–Aug. 28
Gulf of Georgia Cannery
12138 4th Ave., Richmond
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery has its summertime concert series again this year! Join in on the fun every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. and listen to a wide range of musical acts. Come down and experience Jazz, Folk and Blues music like never before. The beautiful location of the Cannery allows for a fun concert setting outdoors! For the full line-up and schedule, please visit the website.
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Indian Summer Festival
July 9–18
Various Locations, Vancouver
(604) 283-9172
For the fifth time, Indian Summer Festival is back with more guests and events! The events are located all across the Lower Mainland, with the opening gala happening at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Learn more about East Indian culture by attending one of the many art exhibits, musical events or movie showings. For more information on the schedule or festivities, please visit the website.
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Time, People, Money, Crickets
July 10–Aug. 30
The Contemporary Art Gallery
555 Nelson St.,Vancouver
(604) 681-2700
Presented by Los Angeles based artist Mungo Thomson, Thomson’s exhibition brings together pieces of artwork produced during the past five years. The exhibition features several large-scale mirror works that alludes to the iconic TIME magazine borders. It references a variety of cultural and cosmological notions of time. For more on the exhibition, please visit the website.
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Khatsalano! Music and Arts Festival
July 11, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
202-1857 West 4th Ave., Vancouver
Advertised as Vancouver’s Largest Free Music and Arts Festival, the Khatsalano festival is back for another year to celebrate the summer! There are many bands playing on different stages throughout the night. The festival also includes a kids’ zone with performers for the young ones! Explore the wonderful neighbourhood on West 4th and enjoy the fun!
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Theatre Under the Stars Presents Oliver!
July 11–Aug. 22
Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park
610 Pipeline Rd., Vancouver
Theatre Under the Stars is a non-profit organization that provides families with entertainment in beautiful Stanley Park. This year the group presents Oliver!, based on the classic Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist. Join the cast for an unforgettable evening under the stars to watch a musical performance of Oliver!. For more information on the show and others, please visit the website.
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Enchanted Evenings Concert Series
July 16–Aug. 20
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall St., Vancouver
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
(604) 662-3207
Enjoy a wonderful evening at the Enchanted Evenings Concert Series at the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The Concert Series presents a variety of performers for a gourmet picnic in the park. Bring your special person for a night they won’t forget. For more information on the performance schedule, please visit the website.
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ArtRich 2015
July 18–Aug. 15
Richmond Art Gallery
7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
(604) 247-8300
Presented by the Richmond Arts Coalition, ArtRich is an exhibition that features local and regional artists. It is an exceptional exhibition to discover new regional artists featured in six categories: painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, 3-D works, textiles, photography and digital media.
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Caribbean Days Festival
July 25–26
Waterfront Park
200 W Esplanade, North Vancouver
(604) 515-2400
Come down to the beautiful Waterfront Park and celebrate all that the Caribbean has to offer. Embrace the tropical rhythm, cuisine and carnival feel! With performers straight out of the Caribbean, this fun celebration combines all the fun things about summer into one. Indulge in Caribbean cuisine and come down and walk the Waterfront Park with thousands of others.
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Multicultural Fair: Sharing Our Unique Cultures
July 28, 11–2 p.m.
Spirit Square
3005 Burlington Dr., Coquitlam
www.coquitlam.ca/parks-recreation-and-culture/arts-and-culture/special-events-calendar
(604) 927-6940
Celebrate your multicultural community by attending the Multicultural Fair! The day includes live entertainment, music and dance from many different cultural backgrounds. There are many cultural groups that will be represented at the fair such as Chinese, South Asian and Korean performances. This free fair will have many fun activities for the kids!
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Davie Street Block Party
July 31, 6 p.m.–12 a.m.
Davie St. between Burrard and Jervis St.
(604) 687-0955
The Davie Street Block Party is all about the LGBTQ+ Community and the businesses of Davie Street. The party includes carnival games, a beer garden and favourites like giant Jenga and Twister. This year the party also has human foosball! See what the LGBTQ+ community groups are up to and also discover new artists from the community.
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Powell Street Festival
Aug. 1–2
Oppenheimer Park
(604) 739-9388
The Powell Street Festival is an iconic festival that celebrates Japanese culture. Located in the previous location of the Asahi baseball team, the Powell Street Festival hopes to celebrate the Japanese history of Vancouver. With drum performances and traditional dances to Japanese desserts and food trucks, this fun summer festival is something you won’t want to miss.
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Latin Summer Fest
Aug. 16
Trout Lake Park
3360 Victoria Dr., Vancouver
(604) 593-2448
Latin Summer Fest hopes to promote Latin culture in a one-day outdoor event. This year’s event has import markets and food pavilions surrounding an outdoor stage. The stage will be active with Flamenco dancers, Cuban singers and many other live performances! The stage will also host community groups and young talented performers! For a full lineup, please visit the website.
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Pet-A-Palooza
Aug. 23, 10–4 p.m.
Yaletown
1100 Mainland St., Vancouver
When festival season is on, it’s easy to leave our furry friends indoors for no-pets events. Now there’s the Pet-A-Palooza, an event that not only encourages pets, but is all about our little companions! The event has photo lounges, French and English bulldog races and much more to see. Come down and spend a special day dedicated to your smallest best friend.
