The Cinematheque presents Miyake Sho x 3. | Photo courtesy of The Cinematheque
The summer solstice kicks off on June 21 in Vancouver, marking the official start of the summer this year! Whether you are catching a short film screening, exploring a new sport science exhibit or listening to great music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, indoors and out. With Father’s Day also happening on the same day this year, it’s a great chance to treat your dad to a fun outing at one of these local events!
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VPL’s Indie Film Night
June 9, 6–8 p.m.
https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/69ef9b44bd5c392c7646e39f
Visit the Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch on June 9 for a series of screenings in the library’s Montalbano Family Theatre presented by local indie filmmakers. The Vancouver Public Library is highlighting local filmmakers for its first Indie Film Night. The filmmakers will be in attendance and after the screening of their short films, there will be a talkback session where the audience is encouraged to ask questions. For a complete list of films, please visit the VPL website.
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Science World After Dark: Science Scores
June 10, 6–10 p.m.
www.scienceworld.ca/event/after-dark-science-scores-welcoming-the-world-edition
There’s more to the beautiful game than meets the eye. Discover the technology behind soccer and what it takes to power athletes and non-athletes alike at this sports science-fuelled edition of After Dark. With Vancouver gearing up for the World Cup and the Soccer & Technology feature exhibit in full swing, Science World is transforming the dome into the ultimate playground for the sports-curious adult. Kick things off at their newest feature exhibition, Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum. From the mesmerizing physics of a live freestyle juggling performance to interactive stations hosted by local experts in biomechanics and human motion, you’ll dive deep into the research and innovation that pushes our bodies to the limit. Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or just in it for the halftime atmosphere, check out Science World to explore how science and technology are leveling up the games we play!
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Sophie’s Surprise 29th
June 10–28
https://thecultch.com/event/sophies-surprise-29th
It’s circus. It’s comedy. It’s chaos. It’s Sophie’s 29th birthday party and you’re invited! Featuring world-class circus performers from Cirque du Soleil, La Clique, The 7 Fingers and more, this is circus and comedy disguised as the best house party of your life. Death-defying circus and cabaret feats weaved into a nostalgic 90s house party, set to a pumping soundtrack of old faves. Come and join the party, but remember, don’t tell Sophie! Check out The Cultch’s website for more information.
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Italian Day
June 14, noon–8 p.m.
In Italian culture, Campione, meaning “Champion,” embodies heart, pride and perseverance. It reflects Italy’s passion for sport, art, fashion, food, wine and community – and honours all who rise to the occasion with strength and spirit. Campione reminds us that victory takes many forms and that when we come together as a community, we all win. Home to historic Little Italy, Commercial Drive comes alive in the style of Italy’s vibrant streets and piazzas, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees of all ages and cultures –
becoming Vancouver’s most anticipated cultural street festival. For more information about the day, check out their website.
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ScotFestBC
June 19–20
Looking for something to do between world cup soccer matches in Vancouver on June 20? Take the Skytrain to the Games and catch the skirl of the pipes, the flash of tartan and maybe a wee dram of whisky. The 129th British Columbia Highland Games has it all. It’s the sights and sounds of the Scottish Highlands right here in B.C. The traditional Scottish highland games welcomes everyone to enjoy the best in Pacific Northwest piping, drumming, pipe bands, highland dancing, Scottish Heavy Events, whisky school, kids activities, massed pipe bands, UK & global food vendors, artisans and cultural talks. All taking place in Town Centre Park in Coquitlam. Easy access via Skytrain.
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Miyake Sho × 3
June 19–29
www.thecinematheque.ca/series/miyake-sho
Of those figures leading a new generation of Japanese art cinema – think Hamaguchi Ryusuke, think Hayakawa Chie – Sapporo-born Miyake Sho (b. 1984) appears to be next in line for name recognition following his Golden Leopard win for Two Seasons, Two Strangers (2025). That his latest is also a New Directors/New Films 2026 selection is something of a misnomer: the director has been active since 2012, and his discovery stateside trails years of critical admiration at home. Indeed, each of Miyake’s last three pictures – Small, Slow But Steady (2022), All the Long Nights (2024) and Two Seasons – topped the prestigious Kinema Junpo poll of the year’s best Japanese films, yet North American distribution has, until recently, eluded him. The Cinematheque is proud to introduce Vancouver audiences to Miyake’s work with a program of those acclaimed films, all rendered in graceful minor keys.
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41st Annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival
June 19–July 5
Coastal Jazz is excited to announce the 41st Vancouver International Jazz Festival, taking place from June 19 to July 5 at venues across Vancouver and the North Shore. This year’s festival will feature a mix of free and ticketed performances, including the return of Downtown Jazz – a free concert series taking place outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. Check out the Coastal Jazz website for more showtimes and more information.
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Fragments and Forms: Attending to the Monumental
June 19–August 16
www.belkin.ubc.ca/exhibitions/fragments-and-forms
Fragments and Forms: Attending to the Monumental, on display at the UBC Belkin Gallery, considers the ideological investments and representational strategies of the monument. Three artists – Deanna Bowen, Hazel Meyer and Jon Sasaki – have been invited to critically respond to a statue of King George VI that is held in storage on campus, in conversation with works from the gallery’s permanent collection. Monuments have historically operated as statements of power in public space and the exhibit looks at the entanglements between dominant cultural forms and the articulation of history. The monumental here are a diverse set of cultural practices that artists attend to in response to the social matrix outside of the monument’s terms.
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National Indigenous Peoples Day (in Burnaby)
June 20, 1–5 p.m.
www.burnaby.ca/recreation-and-arts/events/national-indigenous-peoples-day
Recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Honour and recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day by joining the city for a free community celebration at Civic Square. The celebration features activities for the whole family, a variety of performances including dance, live music, fashion, storytelling and an Indigenous artisans market. Burnaby Art Gallery’s BAG on a Bike mobile printing station will also be onsite. Families can also have fun learning Indigenous games or participate in soccer drills with Hope and Health. This family-friendly event is free to attend and everyone is welcome.
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Scandinavian Midsummer Festival 2026
June 20–21
scandinavianmidsummerfestival.com
There are a number of activities going on that you can enjoy during the Midsummer Festival. Among them are two almost full days of live music with a number of individual artists, groups and choirs. There will be performances by the Scandinavian Dancers and the Vikings in the Viking Village, including songs, games and a real Viking raid – beware of the Norse! At the Midsummer Marketplace, you find over 50 vendors with shopping kiosks with lots of exciting products and crafts. There will be cultural displays, kids’ activities, a troll forest and carnival games. For the Midsummer beginner – there are two very popular events during the festival that you may not want to miss! The raising of the Midsummer Pole with dance around takes place on Saturday afternoon. The popular and crazy Finnish wife carrying contest takes place on Sunday.
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