In July, Vancouver truly comes alive with a tapestry of events that celebrate music, culture and the unique spirit of the city. Come and be part of the magic as you embrace the warm summer days and immerse yourself in the rich experiences that the city has to offer. So why not check out some of the events, exhibits and festivals happening below? And don’t forget to celebrate Canada Day on July 1!
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MOTHLIKE/silvery-blue
June 29–Aug. 20
www.richmondartgallery.org/mothlike-silvery-blue
MOTHLIKE/silvery-blue is the culmination of years of research and activity at Brunswick Point in Ladner, and along the foreshore of the Fraser River Delta by artist Amy-Claire Huestis and her collaborators. For this exhibition, Huestis and collaborators followed an experimental score for the summer solstice composed of walks on the dike trail, a participatory public performance at Garry Point Park and a dance performance in the Gallery. Artworks, recordings and costumes from the 2022 and 2023 performances are featured here.
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Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival
June 30–July 2
The Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival is Vancouver’s celebration of Taiwanese and Canadian artists, featuring performances, exhibitions and Taiwan cinema. The festival’s outdoor activities take place at the Vancouver Art Gallery from June 30 to July 2. There are multicultural performances, workshops, art exhibitions and kids crafts to enjoy. Films are also available to watch online with Taiwan Cinema from July 4th to 8th. There will also be four ticketed concerts. Please visit the festival’s website for more information.
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46th Annual Golden Spike Days Festival
June 30–July 3
The Golden Spike Days Festival is one of the oldest and longest running family events in B.C. commemorating the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway line and its arrival at the original western terminus in Port Moody where the last spike was driven. It will be held at Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park featuring food, activities and more during the Canada Day long weekend; there’s something for everyone! Check out the Golden Spike Festival website for more information.
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76th Steveston Salmon Festival
July 1
The Steveston Salmon Festival began over 75 years ago with the goal of raising funds for the community centre to build a new playground. Since these humble beginnings, it has become an annual Canada Day celebration that brings together the diverse individuals that make this place home and showcases the spirit of Steveston – all about community. There will be live performers, art shows, pancake breakfasts and a parade!
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Dancing on the Edge Festival
July 6–15
This festival celebrating contemporary dance forms returns to Vancouver for the 35th time. Watch Japanese dancers perform butoh at Wreck Beach, interpretive dancers creating and embodying love, hope and fear and choreographed dancers parodying pop culture and conformism. The festival hopes to show audiences that pushing the boundaries of dance can be stimulating and challenging, while also entertaining.
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36th Vancouver Greek Summerfest
July 6–9; 13–16
Vancouver’s Greek Summerfest is back in 2023 for a 36th year. This year’s community fundraiser brings back stage entertainment featuring local bands and cultural performances. Celebrate great Greek food with Vancouver’s expansive and diverse community! Indulge in all your favorites: loukoumades (Greek donuts), souvlaki, BBQ lamb, spanakopita, take a piece of Greece home with you. Vegan options have been added to the menu for 2023 as well as eat-in online ordering. Check out their website for more information.
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13th Annual Indian Summer Festival
July 6–16
The 13th Annual Indian Summer Festival will take place from July 6–16. This year, their distilled, powerful, ten-event lineup will speak to the theme of ‘inter/dependence.’ Ancient Cultures have long understood that we exist in relationship to all. How could we truly understand our/selves in isolation when we are sculpted by near and distant conditions, and we affect all through our actions? The festival is an invitation to artists to unpack the illusion of separateness, to explore shifts in their own work from fragmentation and isolated individualism to constellations of connectedness. For tickets and lineup information, check out the festival’s website.
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Carnaval del Sol
July 7–9
Celebrate the richness of Latin American culture and its presence in British Columbia. In 2023, Latincouver will embrace the Past, Present and Future of Latin America’s roots in Canada, connecting all three levels and assembling them into one beautiful and magical celebration. Carnaval del Sol will feature several events celebrating the culture, including an orchestra, tango & flamenco, a soccer tournament and film night. Check out their website for tickets and more information.
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44th Annual Harrison Festival of the Arts
July 7–16
For four decades, the Harrison Festival of the Arts has presented the best in Canadian and International performing and visual arts. Music from all corners of the globe, exhibits, workshops – and you’re invited! The Festival has something for everyone: visual and literary arts, music, theatre and a large outdoor art and craft market filled with local artisanal products. There’s even a day dedicated to children, so your little ones can enjoy all the art world has to offer in a hands-on environment. Best of all, The Festival is free of large crowds, line-ups and high ticket prices that usually accompany an event of this caliber. It’s world-class entertainment, but with a small-town feel. For event information, check out their website.
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Khatsahlano Street Party
July 8, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Brought to you with love by the Merchants of West 4th Avenue, Khatsahlano Street Party returns for its 11th year on West 4th Ave, between Burrard and MacDonald, for an action-packed day of fun. There will be lots of live music, a beer garden, mini-golf, food trucks and many activities. For more info on all the musicians performing and stage schedule, please visit their website.
