I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, filled with mementos, memories and fun! Alas, all good things must come to an end. September signals the end of summer and the beginning of fall (and school for many!). But why not squeeze in some late summer festivals before the season ends? Here are some cultural events happening around town to check out and mark down on your calendar!
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Vancouver Latin American Film Festival
Aug. 25–Sept. 4
Various venues
This film festival returns to Vancouver to exhibit over 60 of the latest cinematic offerings from all over Latin America. From award-winning hits and socio-political documentaries to light-hearted comedies and short films, the films hope to inspire and inform audiences about the diverse Latin cultures here in Canada and internationally. There will also be opportunities to meet and chat with the filmmakers at many of the screenings.
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The Shanghai Acrobats: Shanghai Nights – A Dream Journey
Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver
For one night only in Vancouver, catch the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobats performing their latest show Shanghai Nights – A Dream Journey at the Orpheum. Founded in China in 1959, the troupe combines artistry and athleticism to tell the story of a young dreamer who enters a world of fantasy inspired by the Shanghai night sky. Tickets are available on the VSO website.
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Richmond World Festival
Sept. 3, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Minoru Park & Richmond Cultural Centre Plaza, Richmond
www.visitrichmondbc.com/event/
Following the success of last year’s event, the Richmond World Festival returns to Minoru Park for the second time, showcasing the city’s cultural diversity through food, music, sport and art. Featuring performances from over 60 musicians, culinary cook-offs, media films, art galas and sporting exhibitions, there will be something for everyone. Admission is free!
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Nikkei Matsuri
Sept. 3–4
Nikkei Museum and Cultural Centre, Burnaby
www.nikkeimatsuri.nikkeiplace.
This annual celebration of Japanese culture hosted by the Nikkei Cultural Centre returns to Burnaby for the fourth time, featuring food, performances, games and entertainment. Bring the kids down to chow down on a Japadog, play ring toss and mini-golf, dress up in a yukata traditional dress and cheer on talented musical and dancing contenders vying for the Matsuri Star.
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Serbian Days
Sept. 3–4
Saint Sava Church, Vancouver
Bring the kids to this family-friendly event to partake in the celebration of all things Serbian at the 26th Serbian Days at Saint Sava Church. Learn about the heritage and folklore of Serbian culture, compete in a soccer tournament, enjoy grilled barbecued meats and listen to traditional trumpet and popular music. For those with babies, why not enter them in the Crawl-A-Thon? There are prizes for the three fastest babies!
Serbian days in action. | Photo by serbianday.com.
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TAIWANfest
Sept. 3–5
Various venues
Taiwanese culture will be front and centre during the 27th annual TAIWANfest held in downtown Vancouver. This year’s theme, “Dialogues With Asia”, celebrates Taiwan’s place alongside the myriad Asian cultures. Program highlights include A Cultural Tango with Hong Kong, a symphonic concert celebrating the shared music between the two regions; International Pan Asian Culinary Invitational, a cooking competition between renowned chefs; funk-jazz band Cosmos People and their musical performance, The Path to Peace.
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Polish Festival
Sept. 4, 2–7:30 p.m.
Lynn Valley Village, North Vancouver
Come on down to the fourth annual Polish Festival at Lynn Valley Village, North Vancouver for a day of family fun. Activities include puppet shows, arts and crafts, singing and dancing. Traditional cuisine will be available, as well as vendors selling Polish accessories and merchandise. Special musical guest Groove N Tonic will perform.
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Vancouver Fringe Festival
Sept. 8–18
Various venues
One of Vancouver’s beloved festivals returns to Granville Island to delight, entertain and inspire independent theatregoers of all ages. From the humorous to the intellectual, the tear-jerking to the naughty, there’s something for everyone. The festival opens with the murder mystery Butt Kapinski, Dick on the Fringe (with a celebratory party afterwards), and closes with the Fringe Awards Night honouring the best of the 11-day festival.
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Symmetry: A Duo Exhibition
Sept. 8–Oct. 8
Jaydon Art Gallery, Vancouver
From Sept. 8 to Oct. 8, Artlink will host the abstract paintings of American artist Tracie Cheung and Dutch artist Daniel Mullen in Symmetry at the Jaydon Art Gallery. Focusing on the intersections between art and architecture and how the two disciplines have complemented each other throughout history, Mullen and Cheung’s paintings demonstrate the aesthetic beauty of the two disciplines’ scale, precision, manipulation and perception. The opening night reception takes place on Sept. 8, 6–8 p.m.
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HeArt of Europe
Sept. 10–11
Robson Square, Vancouver
www.cityofnations.org/heart-of-europe
The HeArt of Europe is coming to the heart of Vancouver on the weekend of Sept. 10. Bring the family to celebrate Central European culture at Robson Square with live entertainment, authentic cuisine, folk dancing, interactive art and more. For more information, please visit their website.
