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Free events and festivals happening around Vancouver in August

Free events and festivals happening around Vancouver in August

Sometimes a night out or day activity is worth every penny (like a concert or fun festival), but sometimes that penny can be better spent elsewhere. Luckily, in a city like Vancouver where rent keeps increasing (including this month too) and budgets keep decreasing, having fun and being thrifty can still go hand in hand. 

Summer is a great (if not the only) time that one can partake in so many activities with zero money required. But if you’re looking for event-specific fun rather than casual activities, here’s a list of several free events happening this month.

Free Public Fashion Show

The free-to-the-public event will turn Robson Square into a runway with local designers and retailers walking the catwalk. There will be a public modelling contest too with luxurious prizes, alongside drag and dancing.

When: August 12 from 5-8 p.m.

Where: Robson Square

Outdoor Movies

Not feeling like paying for popcorn and a movie (even if it’s a panoramic 4D experience)? You can bring your own snacks and blankets to various free movie screenings around the city this summer.

Summer Movie Nights – every Thursday night at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza until August 18 

Evo Summer Cinema – every Tuesday night at Second Beach until August 23

Sunset Cinema – every Wednesday night at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza until August 31

DOXA Outdoor Screenings – on August 12 and 19 at Vancouver Public Library (Central Library Branch) from 9-10:30 p.m.

Monstercat Compound

This free music festival comes with food trucks, a beer garden, street artists creating art on-scene, the Monstercat Street Piano, an air-brush tattoo station and a gaming zone. No registration or tickets are required but those wanting to attend are encouraged to RSVP

When: August 20 from 2-9 p.m.

Where: Monstercat HQ – 380 Railway Street (from Railway to Dunlevy streets) 

Granville Promenade

Every weekend this street party will be taking over two blocks of Granville Street in the downtown core. Each day will have a different theme

When: Every Saturday and Sunday of August from 1-7 p.m. 

Where: Granville Street from Smithe to Helmcken streets

Vancouver Mural Festival

This year’s festival unveils 50 new murals and celebrates Vancouver’s art community with open art studios, mural tours, block parties, and a grand street party finale. The celebrations last over a week long and are free for everyone to join.

When: August 4-14 

Where: The City Centre Artist Lodge will serve as the festival hub but there will be various locations for festival events

Dungeons and Dragons and You

This free event is for fans and newcomers alike. The night will include an introduction to D&D which will teach the basics and let first-timers play a short one shot session. Those familiar with D&D are welcome to join as a player or a Dungeon Master.

When: August 18 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Vancouver Public Library (Central Library Branch)

Brave Boutique

This event is for female-identifying youth aged 12 to 18. The boutique is an annual back-to-school shopping event where attendees can shop for free, book an on-site haircut or hair styling appointment, and receive a free meal. There will be new or gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, hygiene products and cosmetics to look through for a total makeover. Only 75 spots are available and youth can register online for free.

When: August 15 

Where: Central Presbyterian Church – 1155 Thurlow St

Vancouver Black Block Party

Celebrate and embrace Black culture at this free block party which will have dancing, eating and friend-making all day long.

When: August 27 from noon to 9 p.m.

Where: Vancouver Art Gallery (North Side) – 750 Hornby St

Pop Queen Cardio Community Workout

This event is making fitness fun and free. Don’t worry about a lack of dance skills, the cardio workouts dance through about 10-12 tracks each week (the same songs each time) and are easy to follow. The summer series has been sashaying all summer long and will end in August. 

When: August 17 from 6-7 p.m.

Where: Jim Deva Plaza – 1200 Bute St

Pilates in The Plaza

This outdoor pop-up pilates class is open to all levels of experience and will work on core strength, muscular endurance, and body awareness. The event is free but registration is required and is a bring-you-own mat and water bottle (there will be a limited amount of mats available to borrow).

When: August 4 and 11 from 6-7 p.m.

Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place

This article is updated weekly. 

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Toronto Caribbean Carnival is back. Here’s your guide to events happening this weekend

Toronto Caribbean Carnival is back. Here’s your guide to events happening this weekend

Toronto, get ready. The annual Caribbean Carnival is happening this weekend. Whether you’re going out with friends, family or to party, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s festivities:

The Grand Parade

After two years of pandemic-related cancellations, Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade is back this year at Exhibition Place.

The Grand Parade will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. An opening ceremony will kick the day off at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will begin at 10 a.m. Most of the parade will take place along Lake Shore Boulevard. Only registered participants and masqueraders are allowed on the parade route itself, but it’s free for spectators along Lake Shore. You won’t be able to get to the Lake Shore through Exhibition Place, so plan accordingly.

Depending on which side of Lake Shore you plan to watch from, parks will offer amenities like washrooms and emergency services — on the east side, at Ontario Place; on the west side turn to Marilyn Bell Park where there will also be food vendors.

At Exhibition Place, there is ticketed bleacher seating for viewing the parade. The grounds also offer live music, food vendors highlighting Caribbean cuisine and a beer garden.

Tickets and more information are available online at torontocarnival.ca.

Plan to take GO Transit or the TTC as parking will be scarce.

Some roads will be closed for Carnival from 2 a.m. on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday:

• Lake Shore Boulevard West from Colborne Lodge Drive to Bathurst Street

• Strachan Avenue from Fleet Street to Lake Shore Boulevard West

• Jameson Avenue from Springhurst Avenue to Lake Shore Boulevard West

• Dunn Avenue at Springhurst Avenue

• Dufferin Street at Springhurst Avenue

• Fort York Boulevard between Fleet Street and Lake Shore Boulevard West

• The westbound Gardiner Expressway off-ramp to Dunn and Jameson Avenues (Exit 149)

Pan Alive Steel Pan Showcase

Steel pan is traditionally associated with the Caribbean islands and is a cornerstone of calypso and soca music. Pan Alive, put on by the Ontario Steel Pan Association, will showcase the bright and vibrant sounds of the steel pan at Lamport Stadium on Friday. Tickets are available at torontocarnival.ca.

Party with basketball legends

Toronto, this weekend is your chance to party with two NBA legends.

On Friday, American basketball superstar LeBron James is kicking off Carnival weekend hosting the sixth annual DAYLIGHT party at Lavelle’s rooftop pool and lounge bar. Tickets for the event are available on Ticket Gateway for $200. The event is organized by Toronto Caribbean Carnival and James’ tequila brand, Lobos. The party is from 1 to 7 p.m. at 627 King St. W.

And, fresh off the Warriors’ NBA championship, all-star basketball player Andrew Wiggins is in town hosting a party at Arcane nightclub on Saturday celebrating Carnival weekend. This is the official parade after-party and will go from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at 461 King St. W. Tickets are available on Ticket Gateway for $60.

Drake’s “Road to OVO Fest Tour”

Drake is putting on shows featuring various hip hop and R&B artists in Toronto all weekend as a part of his “October World Weekend Road to OVO Fest Tour.” On Friday, see Chris Brown and Lil Baby perform at Budweiser Stage.

Also at Budweiser Stage, Drake is performing with Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj for a Young Money reunion show on Monday. Tickets are available online at LiveNation.com.

Argonauts Caribbean Carnival Night

BMO Field will be decked out in colourful Carnival decorations for Caribbean Carnival Night. The pre-game party will start at 3:30 p.m. and feature masqueraders, a steel pan band, DJ and lots of soca music to match the vibe.

The Argonauts will take on the Ottawa Redblacks Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets and more information are available online at argonauts.ca/tickets.

Island Soul

Bringing island vibes, music and family-friendly events to the Harbourfront Centre, Island Soul has something in store for everybody. Most of the events are free and run Friday through Monday. Dance at the silent disco in the South Lawn featuring soca, dancehall and reggae, learn dance styles from across the African diaspora at a dance workshop with Afiwi Groove Dance, and enjoy live music from reggae to soca to jazz. Learn more and explore the full program online at harbourfrontcentre.com.

Carnival City at Ajax Downs

Celebrate Carnival in Durham at Ajax Downs. Carnival City’s 12 days of programming runs until Aug. 7. On Monday, celebrate Emancipation Day at Carnival City with live traditional and cultural performances to entertain the whole family. A calypso music showcase is scheduled for 2 p.m. At 4 p.m. take in a theatrical production telling the story of emancipation and the history of Caribbean Carnival through dance and music. And, dance all night to a tribute performance for the late great soca artist Blaxx. Get tickets and more information online at houseofculture.ca.

Bob Marley One Love Experience

In sync with Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival season this month, “Bob Marley One Love Experience” is open at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto. The show features six rooms that showcase art, music, photos, memorabilia and immersive displays. Listen to Marley’s music in a virtual concert experience, view a huge portrait of Marley by artist Mr. Brainwash, and delve into Marley’s personal interests, including his family and football. The exhibit was organized in collaboration with the musician’s family and will run through Aug. 14. Timed-entry tickets start at $20 and are available at bobmarleyexp.com

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Free events happening all summer long in Brampton | inBrampton

Free events happening all summer long at PAMA in Brampton

Published July 21, 2022 at 2:29 pm

Free events happening all summer long at PAMA in Brampton

Summer is here, and PAMA in Brampton is officially celebrating with a range of exciting events that are completely free to enjoy.

Residents are invited to visit the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives and check out their packed schedule of events: New art gallery exhibits, tours, outdoor banners, beautiful sculptures, and more fun family activities.

Not only are these events free, there are also prizes up for grabs every week as part of the PAMA Museum Detectives Summer Challenge.

Here’s what’s happening at PAMA:

PAMA Museum Detectives Summer Challenge
Thursdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25:
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Earn your badge as a PAMA Museum detective this summer – complete a series of activities each Thursday and enter each time to win mystery prizes.

Program is subject to change due to COVID-19 community guidelines. Recommended for children ages 4-12, guardians must accompany children.

Forest Bathing with Sock Gee Gan
July 21, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. & August 13:
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Discover a practice that brings people closer with nature and supports healing and wellness through natural environments. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” Experience the benefits of slow-paced wandering in nature with a trained forest therapy guide on this guided journey.

Participants of all ages are welcome to join. Pre-registration is required.

A number of brand new exhibitions have also made their way to PAMA this summer:

Peter Powning: A Retrospective
On now to Oct. 30
Curated by John Leroux

This major display of New Brunswick ceramist and sculptor Peter Powning covers a remarkable 50-year career. His exploration includes a wide variety of materials such as his early functional pottery to glass, clay, cast bronze, stone and steel. The superior quality of his work and his commitment have earned him a unique place in the Canadian art scene. In 2006, the Canada Council for the Arts awarded him the Saidye Bronfman Award-the highest distinctions for excellence in fine craft in Canada.

This exhibition was organized by the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

REGALIA: Indigenous Pride
On now to Oct. 30

Photographer Roland Lorente and writer Aline Saffore travelled nearly 10,000 kilometres through Eastern Canada to attend over 20 powwows. This exhibition is the result of their time spent photographing and interviewing dancers at each powwow.

22 vibrant photographs capture the movement and beauty of powwow dances and through personal stories, visitors hear directly from dancers about the importance of powwows and the regalia.

Stories of Home
On now through Summer

Have your say on PAMA’s new exhibition, called Stories from Home, when the museum side re-opens. Visit the Community Feedback Station on-site at PAMA and at select special events in the community to share your feedback on exhibitions.

“Nothing About Us, Without Us” is central to the future of PAMA. To ensure that the new exhibition’s content is relevant and representative of the people living in Peel today, the Exhibitions Project team wants to gather content directly from Peel’s communities by way of a community outreach campaign. Throughout the summer of 2022, PAMA is asking visitors to share their feedback to help shape PAMA’s new permanent exhibitions opening in 2023.

For more information on these events and the many special events PAMA will be participating in around Peel Region, check out PAMA’s calendar.

PAMA has long been one of the Region’s premier centres for culture and the arts, hosting a variety of events and exhibits all year round. Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington Street East in Brampton.

Keep up with PAMA via their website, Facebook and Twitter.



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Some Events Happening This Weekend in the Cariboo : My Cariboo Now

Some Events Happening This Weekend in the Cariboo : My Cariboo Now

Quesnel is having its Billy Barker Days, which started yesterday with its 2022 crash to pass, and more.

Today, the event will have its rodeo, which goes until Sunday, and the kids day in the park that’ll have activities and games.

Tomorrow, the Billy Barker Days parade will take place in downtown Quesnel at 10:00am, along with stock car racing at 5:00pm, and the rodeo.

Sunday will have laser shows, and the 2nd annual Billy Barker Days pickleball tournament. Sunday will also be the final day for the Quesnel rodeo.

In Williams Lake, Park Play Days will be taking place in Kiwanis Park. The first session began at 10:00am and will conclude at 12:00pm. The second session will go from 12:30 until 2:30.

Park Play Days will be held across the Cariboo region all week, from Monday to Friday until the end of August.

The Cariboo Motorcycle Association is hosting its 2022 Toy Run this Saturday. The run will start at the Williams Lake Visitor Centre, and will conclude at the Wildwood Fire Hall. A barbecue will also be at the finish as well.

The event will go from 2:00pm until 4:00pm.

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What’s happening at the Stittsville Library – Stittsville Central – Local News, Events and Business

What's happening at the Stittsville Library - Stittsville Central - Local News, Events and Business

The staff at the Stittsville Library told Stittsville Central, “We’re really happy with the busyness in our branch one week into school holidays, many new people coming in to get library cards and children’s programs are well attended”.

Stittsville Library is busy this summer with branch programming and children signing up for the Summer Reading Club. All children are welcome to drop in and join the Club whether they attend programs or just keep track of their reading. There is a prize draw from submitted ballots each week.

Teen interests include Staycation Summer Bingo with chances to win a prize. https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/program?f%5B0%5D=field_age_group%3A1152&f%5B1%5D=field_cat
egory%3A47019&f%5B2%5D=field_series_1%3A50525
.

At Stittsville branch teens can also find craft kits and other activities to take home or do in our branch. https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/program?f%5B0%5D=field_age_group%3A1152&f%5B1%5D=field_cat egory%3A47019&f%5B2%5D=field_series_1%3A50525.

Future teen authors can take advantage of our Stittsville Creative Writing Teen Group. https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/event/stittsville-creative-writing-group-youth-program.

Ask the staff for more information on all of the summer programs on your next visit to the library.


SUPPORT LOCAL STITTSVILLE


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Plenty of Activities and Events Happening in The Cariboo : My Cariboo Now

Plenty of Activities and Events Happening in The Cariboo : My Cariboo Now

The Williams Lake Stampede, and Canada Day events are back in full swing this year after the events have been held off due to the pandemic.

Today (June 30th), the Stampede will be having its first rodeo which will be at 6:45. There will be different presentations and an opening ceremony to kick things off. Once those have concluded, there will be professional rodeo events, mountain race, wild horse race, and wild cowgirls race. From 9:30pm-2:00am, there will be performances from Chad Brownlee, and Karen Lee Batten.

On to Friday, Canada Day events will be taking place at Kiwanis Park, where the City will be teaming up with the Williams Lake Farmers Market. The story with what will be taking place at the event, can be found here.

The Williams Lake Rustlers will have there rugby games start at 9:30 am, and will go until 4:00pm.

There will also be racing at Thunder Mountain Speedway. Gates will open at 2:00pm, with the races starting at 6:00pm.

For the Stampede, the Grandstand gates will open at 12:00pm, with the second rodeo performance happening at 1:45pm. At 9:00pm, Karen Lee Batten, The Tumblin’ Dice, and Dakota Pearl will be performing. That’ll go until 2:00am.

Looking into Saturday, The third rodeo performance will be happening at 1:15pm. The 2020-2022 BC Cowboy Hall of Fame Recipients will be presented, with the rodeo events and races happening after. The Musical performances will be the same as Friday.

It’ll be day two for the Williams Lake Rustlers, which will be going from 9:30am-4:00pm.

Thunder Mountain Speedway will have more races that will have qualifiers at 5:00pm, and the race starting at 6:00pm

For Sunday, at 1:45pm, the BRC bull riding will be taking place, along with the mountain race finals, and wild cowgirls race final buckle. Musical performances will be the same as Friday and Saturday.

Thunder Mountain Speedway will have their Qualifiers begin at 12:00pm, with the races starting at 1:00pm.

You can find the full list of Stampede events and times on their website here.

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What’s happening around Lethbridge this week, June 26, 2022

What’s happening around Lethbridge this week, June 26, 2022

Have fun at one of the many events happening around Lethbridge this week (Photo: LNN)

By Drew Stremick

Jun 26, 2022 | 6:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The events taking place around Lethbridge this week have something for everyone. You can dance, listen, learn, and celebrate all week.

For those with rhythm or who like to dance like no-one is watching, you can check out the Outdoor Social Dance. Starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 27, the Swing Bridge Dance Community (SBDC) will be playing classic swing tunes during a free dance event at the Legacy Park ampitheater, near the cross street of 40 Avenue North and 13 Street North. This is the first public event being hosted by SBDC, and although masks are not required, they are welcomed at the event, and the group asks individuals in attendance to please respect an individuals choice on the matter.

If you’d rather watch someone dance than participate yourself, head over to The Slice on Thursday, June 30, for Jukeboxx Rock n Roll Burlesque. Doors open for the event at 7 p.m. and feature 8 performers from the group Cabaret Calgary. Tickets can be purchased at the door or can be bought in advance on Showpass.

Need something heavier for a Thursday night? Rock out and get loud for Rebel Priest and Deadwolff and Hell Diablo at Theoretically Brewing. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are available at the door. This concert is part of the Rebel Wolff Tour, as it makes its way through Western Canada.

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Events are back with more ways to share ‘What’s Happening at the Garden!’

Events are back with more ways to share 'What's Happening at the Garden!'

The lush green and dynamic colors at the International Peace Garden are vibrant after all the moisture and sunshine southern Manitoba has had over the past few weeks!

CEO, Tim Chapman, says their flowers beds are shaping up beautifully, this year’s theme focused on music and the Arts to officially welcome the International Music Camp back to the Peace Garden after a two-year hiatus.

To share more of the rich history of the Garden, celebrating 90 years this summer, they have started a new Blog page on their website. 

“It was really a good year to get that going because we just want to share more about the history and what the Garden is all about through our regular updates to our website,” shares Chapman.  “It’s just a fun way to remind people that there’s so much rich history, especially locally.”

“We’ve been spending hours over the past few months going through all the old archives, and what you find is almost everyone around here has a cousin or a grandfather, someone who worked at the Garden going back to the early 30’s when it was first dedicated.”

“So, we can share a lot of fun, little anecdotes,” he adds. “Maybe some people didn’t know how the different parts of the Garden came about.  It’s just a fun way getting the word out more and we have great input both on social media and on our website so we want to make sure our followers and our visitors have something to read every now and then.”

Their most recent event was the annual Fiddle Festival held last weekend  “It was incredible,” shares Chapman.  “People were coming back; a lot of musicians and a lot of folks from the different communities to come and listen to music for the first time in 2 years was really a touching moment!  It felt like we were getting back to normal again.”

For  more information visit their website at www.peacegarden.com where you can visit their Blog page, check out what’s coming up, and sign up for their newsletter which comes out more frequently during the summer months. 

“As the conservatory project finishes up this Fall we’ll be having a lot more going on through the whole 12 months of the year so that’s the way to keep up to date with what’s new at the Garden and what’s coming back!” adds Chapman.

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Here’s what is happening in the Sea to Sky for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

Here’s what is happening in the Sea to Sky for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

Free events in Squamish, Whistler and West Vancouver.

Tuesday, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day

It is a day to stop and purposefully recognize and celebrate “the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples,” according to the Government of Canada.

The federal recognition of the date came in 1996. 

The particular date was chosen because it was on or close to the date many Indigenous folks marked the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

Here’s how the day is being marked in the Sea to Sky. 

In Squamish

•Where: at Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Totem Hall at 1380 Stawamus Road.

What: There will be workshops, vendors, canoe races, dancing and singing and more

Who: Everyone welcome!

When: June 21, From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Cost: Free

 

•Where: Squamish Public Library

What: Indigenous Storytelling by Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People) 

The library says: “Join Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People) Kwa-Kwain-Kwulth-enexw Linda Williams and Khapquolanogh Henry Williams for a morning of storytelling followed by a group discussion.”

Who: Register by email library@squamish.ca. 

When: June 22 at 10:30:am

Cost: Free

 

In Whistler

Where: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) near the Upper Village

What: A celebration of Skw̲xw̲ú7mesh (Squamish People) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat People).

The events are in partnership with Resort Municipality of Whistler

The day will include musical performances by the Spiritual Warriors and the Spo7ez Performance Team and spoken word from SLCC ambassador and hip-hop artist Jay Natrell, also known as The Prophet.

The SLCC’s latest exhibit, Ancient Medicines: From Feast to Famine to Freedom also opens June 21. On the same day, the museum will play host to storytelling, live carving as part of the Community Reconciliation Canoe project, an artist market featuring traditional and contemporary work from Lil’wat and Squamish Nation artists, and activities, as well as a yoga session in Itsken Hall led by lululemon.

When: June 21 for free events. National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations continue until July 3. 

For full programming details, visit slcc.ca/nipd.

Cost: Free on June 21

In West Vancouver

Where: West Vancouver Memorial Library (Reader’s Rooftop on the outdoor patio.)

What: Indigenous Storytelling by Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (The Elders of the Squamish People). 

The West Van library says those who register will join Ta Síiy̓uxwa tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7meshulh (Elder of the Squamish People) 

with Chief Bill Williams Talalsamkin Siyam for a morning of storytelling followed by group discussion.

Williams Talalsamkin Siyam is a Hereditary Chief of Seaichem Reserve in the Squamish Valley. One of 16 Hereditary Chiefs who Amalgamated in 1923 to form what is called Squamish Chiefs and Council.

When: Tuesday, June 28, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Who: Register by filling out the form on the West Vancouver library site. 

Cost: Free

~With files from Brandon Barrett/Pique Newsmagazine