I hope everyone soaked up the sun and created unforgettable memories this summer! While fall is fast approaching, there’s still some sunshine to bask in before the seasons change. The city is alive with a vibrant array of cultural events that promise to keep the summer spirit going a little longer. From lively festivals and inspiring art exhibits to engaging theatre and interesting conventions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of some must-see cultural happenings around town that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and I’ll see you this autumn!
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Bard on the Beach
Now until Sept. 22
If you haven’t yet gotten your fix of The Immortal Bard this summer, the Bard on the Beach is currently running in Vancouver’s Vanier Park until mid-September, featuring four of William Shakespeare’s classics: Measure for Measure, The Comedy of Errors, Twelfth Night and, of course, Hamlet. Catch a showing before the summer is up! Visit their website for tickets and more information.
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Anti-Icon: Apokalypsis
Now until Sept. 29
www.thepolygon.ca/exhibition/anti-icon-apokalypsis
What does it mean to be an icon and who, or what, becomes iconic? Icons carry authority, in their highly symbolic and instant recognisability. The new, landmark series Anti-Icon: Apokalypsis, by acclaimed photographer Martine Gutierrez and on exhibit at The Polygon, refuses ready understandings of identity, gender and culture. Across seventeen self-portraits, Gutierrez embodies a pantheon of legendary figures – all female or feminized – from across the world’s legends, histories and myths. Her re-imaginings of such endlessly reproduced figures reference the long visual lineages in which these images circulate – from traditional iconography and Renaissance painting to contemporary fashion editorials and pop media – while offering an interpretation that challenges all these depictions. Through the “anti-icon”, Gutierrez stretches the malleability of the self, and of the social imagination that shapes it.
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Fourth Annual Light Up Chinatown!
Aug. 24–25
The Fourth Annual Light Up Chinatown! is back with a free, two-day outdoor festival featuring live performances, limited-edition food collaborations, hawker street food, lights and colourful lanterns! Come enjoy specialty offerings from Chinatown’s merchants and restaurants while exploring the beloved neighbourhood. Check out the festival’s website for pictures and more information.
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2024 Richmond Maritime Festival
Aug. 24–25, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
www.richmondmaritimefestival.ca
Celebrate Richmond’s diverse nautical history at the 21st Annual Richmond Maritime Festival! Enjoy a vibrant program of free live music, maritime-themed kids activities, a display of beautifully restored wooden boats and ships and much more.
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Fifth Annual Westcoast Comic Con
Aug. 25, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.
The Fifth Annual Westcoast Comic Con is happening at the Maritime Labour Centre on Aug. 25. This mega event will showcase some of the most amazing comics and collectibles rarely seen at local comic cons. You will have an opportunity to see and buy some of the most sought after key comics, toys, anime and other collectibles. Check out the con to meet artists and exhibitors who have the same passion for creating or collecting awesome comics.
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Serbian Days
Aug. 31–Sept. 1
Bring the kids to this family friendly event to partake in the celebration of all things Serbian at the 34th Annual Serbian Days at Saint Sava Church. Learn about the heritage and folklore of Serbian culture, compete in a soccer tournament, enjoy grilled barbequed meats and listen to traditional trumpet and popular music. For a complete list of events and activities, please visit their website.
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Nikkei Matsuri
Aug. 31–Sept. 1, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
This annual celebration of Japanese culture hosted by the Nikkei Cultural Centre since 2013 returns to Burnaby once more, featuring food, performances, games and entertainment. Bring the kids to chow down on a Japadog, play ring toss and mini-golf, dress up in a yukata traditional dress and listen to talented musical and dancing contenders vying for singing glory at the Talent Search.
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Vancouver Fringe Festival
Sept. 5–15
One of Vancouver’s most beloved festivals returns to Granville Island for the 40th time to delight, entertain and inspire independent theatre goers of all ages. From the humorous to the intellectual, the tear-jerking to the naughty, there’s something for everyone. On Sept. 4, the festival will have a two hour preview called Fringe4All, featuring many artists presenting their reason why you should see their show. For more information, please visit their website.
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Place des Arts September Exhibition
Sept. 6–Oct. 23
The Place des Arts Gallery will be currently showcasing three new exhibits in September. Check out Avifauna, printmaking and watercolours by Molly Gray; Eroded Origins: Liminal Illusions Amidst Climatic Transformations, digital photography and videos by Garrett Andrew Chong; and Tetrechromatic Visions, acrylic paintings by Nancy Whiteside. There will be an opening reception for these exhibits at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6. For more information, check out the Place des Arts’ website.
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Tenth Annual Polish Festival
Sept. 7, 1–8 p.m.
Come on down to the Tenth Annual Polish Festival at the Shipbuilders Square in 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. Check out their website for more information.
