Food carts will be cooking some tasty treats at this year's Yelp's Food Cart Fest at 1489 E. Hastings St. Photo by Mark Faviell, Flickr
There’s a real August buzz about town so get around this blazing weather and cram in as much summertime culture as you can handle. Choice activities include the massive multicultural Chinatown Festival, Burnaby Blues and Roots, and food van heaven at Yelp’s Food Cart Fest every Sunday . Don’t forget the Kidney Walk later in the month too – even if you’re not up for all that wheeze-filled physical exertion, get along and support those who are. Still not keen? There will be swordfights and bagpipes. No kidding.
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New West Food Swap
Tuesday, August 7
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
River Market,
New Westminster
www.foodswapnetwork.com
frontburner@shaw.ca
Make friends and talk produce with likeminded swappers as you trade your homemade, homegrown, and foraged creations with other participants. Kids and partners welcome to attend. You need to pre-register and a fee of $5 per swap will be charged.
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Improv Musical
Wednesdays from August 8
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
1502 Duranleau St.,
Granville Island
604-738-7013
www.vtsl.com
Every night is a premier as a fearless cast performs improvised Broadway Musicals incorporating audience suggestions. The ensemble will deliver heart-rending ballads and show stopping choruses embracing every last cherished musical theatre cliché in the genre. Tickets: $14.
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West End Cultural Celebration
Saturday, August 11
11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
1000 Block of Broughton St.
604-683-2554
www.gnh.vcn.bc.ca
Presented by Gordon Neighbourhood House, this summer block party will bring live entertainment, a children’s carnival, and a fundraising raffle for the association’s children’s programs. The event will take place rain or shine so get along and help celebrate the centre’s 70th anniversary. Open to the public.
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Burnaby Blues
and Roots Festival
Saturday, August 11
2:00 p.m – 10:00p.m.
Deer Lake Park, Burnaby
604-291-6864
www.burnabybluesfestival.com
The 12th annual outdoor blues and roots festival will feature K.D. Lang, John Mayall, Imelda May and so much more. Pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat when you get there. Be sure to take note of the gate guidelines on the website and get in early to secure a prime spot – gates open at 12:30p.m. Tickets are $65.
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Africa Ekassa Cultural Festival
Saturday, August 11
10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Swangard Stadium Complex, Burnaby
604-802-0116
Learn about different cultures from all over the world through international music, dance performances, international foods, unique arts and crafts, games and engaging displays. Open to the public and donations are encouraged (all money raised goes towards immigrant and refugee settlement and integration programs around Vancouver).
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Yelp’s Food Cart Fest
Sundays until September 2
12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
1489 East Hastings St.
604-253-7141
Following the success of the Canada Day Block Party, every Sunday those same food trucks will fill the parking lot. They’ll be accompanied by community markets, a 19+ beer garden, live music, DJs and other family entertainment. Open to the public.
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Chinatown Festival
Take a look at traditional fashion at the Chinatown Festival. Photo courtesy of the Government of British Columbia
August 11–12
Columbia St. and Keefer St.
604-632-3808
events@vancouver-chinatown.com
Last year about 60,000 festival goers gathered in historic Chinatown to be part of the biggest multicultural summer celebration in town. Enjoy the open-air market, historical and food tasting walking tours, kids’ corner and ongoing live performances. Open to the public.
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Vancouver Queer Film Festival
August 16–26
Various Venues
604-844-1698
www.queerfilmfestival.ca
With 75 films from 16 countries, this year’s festival brings the very best in queer independent cinema from around the world. Over 11 days this celebrated event brings people together to watch outstanding films, talk to filmmakers and artists, engage in discussion and experience unexpected performances. For tickets, previews, parties and more check out the website.
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Woman writes a message on the riot boards last year. Photo by foxtongue, Flickr
Reading the Riot Boards
Until September 23,
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Museum of Vancouver
604-736-4431
museumofvancouver.ca
After the Stanley Cup riots last year, downtown business were boarded up with plywood. What began as a practical reaction to broken windows grew in to open course work of art when thousands of Vancouverites and visitors scribbled messages condemning the violence and professing their love for the city. Entry to museum: $12 adults, $10 seniors/students.
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Fair at the PNE
August 18–September 3
daily from 11:00a.m.
Hastings St. and Renfrew St.
604-253-2311
www.pne.ca/thefair/index.html
Enjoy the best part of summer at the Fair with hundreds of performances and exhibits, more than 50 rides and attractions, and loads of food. Get involved with the new live guest participation show Family Feud and don’t miss the legendary Superdogs. See website for ticket prices.
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Vancouver Kidney Walk
Sunday, August 26
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m
Athletes Village Plaza, False Creek
www.vancouverkidneywalk.ca
604-735-9775
Help the Kidney Foundation raise its target of $50,000 by participating in a run, walk or cycle, or simply get along and cheer the dragonboats down the river. There’s heaps of other entertainment on offer with live music, food, swordfighting demonstrations, bagpipes and the silent auction. Open to the public.
