I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy their summer. I definitely had fun! The end of August and the beginning of September mark the final leg of this year’s summer season. Many cultural events and festivals are squeezed in on Labour Day weekend in order to get in as many participants as possible before school starts. Why not check one or two of them out before the semester starts?
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20th Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival
Aug. 26–Sept. 1
Various venues in Vancouver
The Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival has been bringing together international and local tap dance artists for premiere performances, workshops and intensives, and community events for 20 years. Bring your shoes, and try out the floors at the open studios, learn to tap dance at the beginner’s class or watch some of the world’s most passionate tap dancers amaze with their moves! For a complete list of events, check out the festival’s website.
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Fifth Annual Richmond World Festival
Aug. 30–31
Minoru Park, Richmond
The Richmond World Festival returns to Minoru Park for the fifth time, once again showcasing the city’s cultural diversity through food, music, sport and art. Featuring performances from over 90 musicians, culinary cook-offs, media film and art galas, and sporting exhibitions, there will be something for everyone of all ages. Admission is free! For a complete listing of performers and events, please check out their website.
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Summerset Music & Arts Festival
Aug. 30–Sept. 1
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, Fort Langley
The inaugural Summerset Music Festival brings three genres of music over three days for an unforgettable summer experience. Come on down to the city’s newest festival as they fill picturesque Fort Langley and celebrate the summer with live music at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Bring your family and friends together on Labour Day weekend to hear classic rock, rock and country artists all weekend long! For an artist lineup and more information, check out the festival’s website.
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Visit the Chinese Opera tent at the Richmond World Festival.| Photo courtesy of Richmond World Festival.
Namaste Canada 2019
Aug. 31, 2–8 p.m.
Massey Theatre, New Westminster
The Consulate General of India in Vancouver is hosting Namaste Canada 2019, a day-long event celebrating India’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage featuring a wide spectrum of classical and folk dances from different states of India, with dancers in their unique, colourful traditional costumes and ornaments, dancing to the rhythms of their vibrant local music. These dances depict folklore, stories and unique style forms that have joyful and vigorous, elegant and graceful hand and body movements and footwork that will mesmerize the audience!
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Chow down on Japanese food at Nikkei Matsuri.| Photo courtesy of Nikkei Matsuri.
Seventh Annual Nikkei Matsuri
Aug. 31–Sept. 1
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby
www.nikkeimatsuri.nikkeiplace.
This annual celebration of Japanese culture hosted by the Nikkei Cultural Centre returns to Burnaby
for the seventh year, 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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29th Annual Serbian Days
Aug. 31–Sept. 1
Saint Sava Church, Vancouver
Bring the kids to this family-friendly event to partake in the celebration of all things Serbian at the 29th annual Serbian Days at Saint Sava Church, a yearly opportunity to get to know the Serbian religion, nationality, culture and language right here in Vancouver. 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.
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TaiwanFest 2019
Aug. 31–Sept. 2
Various sites in Downtown Vancouver
The TaiwanFest of Vancouver is packed with food and performances from the Taiwanese community. Enjoy the cultural ambiance, and learn more about the wonderful Taiwanese culture. This year’s guest culture is Vietnam, featuring stories and performances from expats from Vietnam in Taiwan and vice-versa. Visit the website for more information on concert times and performances.
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Monica vs. The Internet: Tales of a Social Justice Warrior
Various showtimes between Sept. 5–15
The Nest on Granville Island, Vancouver
The Vancouver Fringe Festival is happening again this September with lots of shows and performances to entertain and inspire independent theatregoers of all ages. One of these shows is Monica vs. The Internet, a multimedia storytelling/stand-up that will leave you in tears, both the laughy kind and the heart ones. Storyteller and comedian Monica Ogden sheds light on activism in the age of the internet, mixed-race identity and why white feminism is like Lays chips. Check out the Fringe Festival website for tickets, showtimes and more information.
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Fabrizio and Cabriolet In: Water, Dirt, Breeze, Fire!
Various showtimes between Sept. 5–15
False Creek Gym on Granville Island, Vancouver
Another of the Fringe Festival’s performances is a comedy from Portland playwrights Summer Olsson and Ari Rapkin, Fabrizio and Cabriolet In: Water, Dirt, Breeze, Fire! Their accents are from somewhere in Europe. Their clothes are from somewhere in the ‘70s. Their follies are universal. In this hilarious show, full of physical
comedy and idiotic foibles, two egotistical vaudevillians – Fabrizio and Cabriolet – try to pull off a spectacular homage to the four elements. With physical comedy, idiotic costumes and by generally making fools of themselves, these clownish characters will have you crying with laughter.
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Seventh Annual Polish Festival
Sept. 8, 1–8 p.m.
Pipe Shop Building at The Shipyards, North Vancouver
Come on down to the seventh annual Polish Festival at the Pipe Shop Building at The Shipyards, 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 Yaazda will perform.
