Aboriginal Day – 20 years of celebrations.| Photo by John Bell Rose.
The summer solstice begins on June 20 in Vancouver, signifying the beginning of summer and as a result, there are many more events and festivals to attend. From watching independent film to listening to vocal music to practicing yoga and cheering on dragon boaters, there’s something for everyone both indoors and out. June 19 is also Father’s Day, so why not bring your dad to check out and enjoy some of these events together!
* * *
Heller Lecture with Laurence Madeline
June 14, 7 p.m.
Vancouver Art Gallery
As part of the opening week of the Vancouver Art Gallery’s newest exhibit Picasso: The Artist and His Muses, Laurence Madeline, chief curator of Musées d’art et d’histoire de la Ville de Genève, will present a talk exploring the roles and influence six women muses had on the development of Picasso’s art.
* * *
Concord Pacific Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival 2016
June 16–19
Concord Pacific Place & False Creek, Vancouver
vancouverdragonboatfestival.ca
Come on down to False Creek to cheer on dragon boat racers at this year’s Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival. Music, food, drink and entertainment will also populate the grounds of nearby Concord Pacific Place, featuring performances from local and international musicians. The festival opens with a dragon awakening ritual ceremony on June 16 at 5 p.m. and a BBQ on June 17 at 6 p.m.
* * *
Festival of Recorded Movement
June 17–19
Vancity Theatre, Vancouver
Watch engaging short stories made using innovative cinematic techniques and technological tools, told by budding youth filmmakers hailing from around the world at this inaugural film festival. From identity and social issues to whimsical fantasy, the festival hopes to bring together filmmakers and filmgoers in a celebration of movement in all its forms.
* * *
Car Free Day
June 18–19
Various locations in Vancouver
Bike or walk to the 12th annual Car Free Day, which will host block parties along sections of Commercial Drive, Main Street, Denman Street and in Kitsilano, in support of fostering car-free spaces and community interaction on the streets of Vancouver. Kid zones, artisan markets, roller disco and plenty of entertainers will liven up our city streets.
* * *
Raising the Midsummer pole.| Photo courtesy of Scandinavian Cultural Centre
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
June 18–19
Scandinavian Community Centre, Burnaby
scandinavianmidsummerfestival.
The Scandinavian Midsummer Festival returns to Burnaby for the 21st time, featuring the food, dance and music of the Nordic countries. As in years past, win your wife’s weight in beer in the wife-carrying contest, run between 3–10 km in honour of Finnish running legend Paavo Nurmi and check out the various Nordic arts and crafts in the marketplace. Faith Numada, Emberfield and The Beagles are some of this year’s performers.
* * *
United Nations International Day of Yoga
June 19, 10 a.m.
Holland Park, Surrey
www.eventzilla.net/web/event/
Join Yogi Swamiji Dr. Satya Prakash to experience yogic meditation during the second annual International Day of Yoga held at Surrey’s Holland Park. This free event will also play host to a variety of foods, dancing and music.
* * *
20 Years of National Aboriginal Day
June 21, 12–5 p.m.
Trout Lake, Vancouver
Celebrate the cultures of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada at Trout Lake on unceded Coast Salish Territory on June 21. Bring the family out for a canoe tour on the lake, check out some of the arts and crafts on display and learn how to create your own!
* * *
Queer Arts Festival
June 21–30
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Vancouver
The Queer Arts Festival returns to Roundhouse in order to foster dialogue and conversation about gender and sexuality through the visual arts. Examine ways artists use new media tools to explore and critique social norms as well as provide unique expression of social and personal identities. This year’s theme examines the use of art and the role emotions play in promoting queer civil rights. The opening gala kicks off on June 21 at 7 p.m.
* * *
Come see art by Peggy Cook and others at Peach Arch International Park.| Photo courtesy of Peggy Cook.
International Arts and Music Festival
Peace Arch International Park, Surrey, B.C. & Blaine, WA, USA
June 24–26
The Peace Arch International Park, which straddles the border between Canada and the United States, will host artwork from artists from both sides of the border. Examine jade jewelry, fashion dresses, watercolour painting and more. The festival will also play various styles of music from African folk dance and Latin jazz to British blues. Canadian visitors can freely explore the U.S. side of the park without having to present at U.S. customs provided they do not leave the park’s boundaries.
* * *
Passion, Pride & Memory: An Evening of Chinese Drama and Dance
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver
June 25, 7:30 p.m.
www.passion-pride-memory.
The Vancouver Chinese Garden will present an evening of song and dance featuring musical adaptations of some of China’s myriad of rich stories. Dong Fang and Tingting Xu of the Canada Chinese Society of Song and Dance Seniors Group will lead performers through the stories of young lovers, fox fairies, nuns and generals for one evening only.
