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Take transit to these Canada Day events around Metro Vancouver – The Buzzer blog

Streams of people walking on Cordova Street near Waterfront Station, a bus in the background.
Streams of people walking on Cordova Street near Waterfront Station, a bus in the background.

Canada celebrates its 155th birthday on July 1! Communities in Metro Vancouver are hosting free events showcasing the unique qualities of their city and the diverse cultures in our region.

Expect a variety of performances, food trucks, and evening fireworks displays in some locations. To help get you moving, we’ve increased service to summer destinations if celebrating our region’s scenic beauty is more your style.

Since it’s a holiday, you only need a 1-Zone fare to travel across all zones! Learn more about our holiday service and know before you go.

Ready to go? Take transit to these Canada Day events around Metro Vancouver:

Vancouver

Canada Place celebrates Canada Day in collaboration with local First Nations, calling the event “Canada Together”.

Canada Together at Canada Place

  • What: Performances, World Zone (North Point of Canada Place), Kids Zone (Jack Poole Plaza), Canadian Forces displays, and food trucks!
  • When: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Where: Port of Vancouver
  • How to travel by transit: Take the bus, SeaBus, Expo Line, or Canada Line to Waterfront Station. The area is also serviced by many bus routes.
  • More info: https://www.canadaplace.ca/events/canada-together/

North Vancouver

Not only is North Vancouver rich in scenic views, but also of sensational events especially on Lower Lonsdale. This year, Shipyards Live is hosting its acclaimed “North Vancouver’s Biggest Canada Day Celebration”.

North Shore Canada Day 2022

  • What: Live music, The Patio Beer Garden, retro video dance party, face painting, splash park, and food trucks.
  • When: All day
  • Where: Shipyards District
  • Transit mode: Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay or take the bus to the Lonsdale Quay Exchange. Find your best route at translink.ca/tripplanner.
  • More info: http://shipyardslive.ca/

West Vancouver

West Vancouver is rich in scenic views, overlooking Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge along Ambleside Beach. Take a walk in the park admiring some of Metro Vancouver’s tourist attractions from afar and relax while taking in the performances.

Canada Day in West Vancouver

  • What: Performances and kids’ zone
  • When: 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  • Where: John Lawson Park
  • Transit mode: Routes 250 or 257 takes you nearby. Find your route.
  • More info: westvancouver.ca/canada-day

Burnaby

Celebrate Canada Day with art and history!

Burnaby Village Museum

Looking for more? Take transit at Edmonds Plaza and Park for a fun-filled day with kids (11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) and to a StreetFest on Central (7:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.)

Coquitlam

Come to Lafarge Lake for a fireworks display! This Canada Day event starts with a variety of entertainment lined up at Town Centre Park and ends with a fireworks display at 10 p.m.

City of Coquitlam Canada Day

  • What: Performances, family-friendly activities, and the Eat Street
  • When: 12:00 p.m – 10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Town Centre Park
  • Transit mode: Take the Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake–Douglas Station.
  • More info: https://www.coquitlam.ca/789/Canada-Day

Richmond

Celebrating Canada Day in B.C. also means highlighting one of the finest gems in our region. Steveston, one of British Columbia’s best fishing villages, is celebrating its 75th Salmon Festival on Canada Day.

Steveston Salmon Festival

  • What: Live music, Japanese Cultural Show, Sammy’s Fun Zone, and food trucks
  • When: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Where: Across Steveston Village (from Garry Point Park to Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site)
  • Transit mode: Take the Canada Line to Richmond–Brighouse Station then Route 401, 406, or 407.
  • More info: https://stevestonsalmonfest.ca/

New Westminster

The City of New Westminster is hosting a concert in Westminster Pier Park along with free family activities like woodland painting and drumming workshops.

Concert in Westminster Pier Park

Surrey

Showcasing Indigenous and multicultural artists along with dance battles and fireworks!

Surrey Canada Day

  • What: Live music, dance battles, Indigenous workshops, kid’s zone, and fireworks!
  • When: 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
  • Where: Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre, Cloverdale
  • Transit mode: There are many routes that service the area. Check out yours at our Trip Planner.
  • More info: https://www.todocanada.ca/canada-day-surrey/

Maple Ridge

There’s lots of fun-filled action going on at Memorial Peace Park on Canada Day. Expect laser tag, a dog photo contest, mini golf, pony rides, and more!

Canada Day at Memorial Peace Park

  • What: Farmer’s and artisan market, water play area, games, performances, food trucks, and a beer garden
  • When: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Where: Memorial Peace Park & 224 Street
  • Transit mode: Take the Millennium Line to Coquitlam Centre Station then the R3. Find your best route at translink.ca/tripplanner.
  • More info: https://www.mapleridge.ca/1744/Canada-Day

White Rock

Celebrate Canada Day the White Rock way. Stroll around the pier with a bag of fish and chips and enjoy Canada Day festivities on West Beach.

Canada Day by the Bay

Pitt Meadows

Canada Day in Pitt Meadows is starting off with a pancake breakfast, a watermelon eating contest, and ends with a variety of performances. It also showcases A Place of Reflection on Spirit Square to encourage visitors and residents to take a moment to learn about the history that made the community what it is today.

Canada Day in Pitt Meadows

  • What: Performances, Show & Shine (vintage car show), Artisan Alley, dog show competition, watermelon eating contest, and food trucks
  • When: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Where: Pitt Meadows City Hall
  • Transit mode: Take the Millennium Line to Coquitlam Central then bus route 701.
  • More info: pittmeadows.ca/canadaday

Port Moody

Canada Day takes place at the same time as Port Moody’s very own annual Golden Spike Days Festival. It’s a full day of activities ranging from fitness, arts, and performances, all accessible with an admission by donation.

Golden Spike Days Festival on Canada Day

  • What: Performances, sports and games, arts and crafts, and food trucks
  • When: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Rocky Point Park
  • Transit mode: Take the Millennium Line to Moody Centre Station.
  • More info: https://www.goldenspike.ca/

Canada is known as a multicultural country and it certainly reflects in our region. Every community is unique on its own, so embrace yours and all others by visiting them by transit on Canada Day.

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Indigenous Peoples Day Events around ‘Metro Vancouver’

Indigenous Peoples Day Events around 'Metro Vancouver'

Fraser River Indigenous Society
Where: Memorial Peace Park, 22407 Dewdney Trunk Rd., “Maple Ridge”
When: Saturday, June 18, 10am-2pm
Cost: Free

Join Fraser River Indigenous Society for an immersive day of activities for all ages. Festivities include artists and live musicians, an Elders’ tent, and more.   

The Voice of Virago Nation: A Docu-Strip
Where: York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr., “Vancouver”
When: Tuesday, June 21, 7:30pm
Cost: Regular Tickets $40.25, Generous Rate $50.25, Community $20.25
Age: 18+

“Join Virago Nation, Turtle Island’s award-winning, all-Indigenous burlesque troupe, as they celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st. Witness the rematriation of Indigenous sexuality via stunning live guest performances and screening of their self-produced documentary, The Voices of Virago Nation: A Docu-Strip,” says the events page.

The Voices of Virago Nation: A Docu-Strip is part storytelling, part striptease. The Result is a must-see documentary x burlesque show that will leave you feeling entertained, educated, and empowered,” according to the events page.

Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children
Where: H.R. MacMillian Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut St., “Vancouver”
When: Tuesday, June 21,  7-8:30pm
Cost: $23.23
Age: 13+

“3 Crows Production return to perform their scary multimedia story of Qwalena: The Wild Woman That Steals Children in the Planetarium Star Theatre. Siksika First Nation member Dallas Yellowfly blends his experience in stand-up comedy, music, and filmmaking to create engaging multimedia storytelling performances. In this unique theatrical performance, Yellowfly blends Oral Tradition, multimedia, and a bit of humour to explore the intergenerational impact of Indian residential schools. Qwalena provides an opportunity to bridge Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities by creating awareness and understanding about the problems still faced today by Indigenous Peoples. After the performance, there will be time for questions, and to continue the conversation,” says the event page.

Municipal Events

Surrey’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration & Wellness Event
Hosted By: Semiahmoo First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Katzie First Nation
Where: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd., “Surrey”
When: Tuesday, June 21,  3pm-8pm
Cost: Free

“The in-person event will include cultural sharing from the local First Nations with teachings and practice through art, music, storytelling and dance,” according to the City of Surrey’s event page.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and Wellness Event is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the diverse Indigenous cultures of these lands as well as all others who have made this beautiful part of British Columbia their home,” said Chief Harley Chappell of the Semiahmoo First Nation.

West Vancouver National Indigenous Peoples Day
Where: Ambleside Park, “West Vancouver”
When: Tuesday, June 21, 3:30-8pm
Cost: Free

“Indigenous artists will share traditional art forms with the community. Activities suitable for children will shine a light on languages, cultures, and the immeasurable contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples,” according to the event page. Workshops and activities include wool weaving, wood carving and working and more.

Burnaby National Indigenous Peoples Day
When: Tuesday, June 21, 11am-5pm
Where: Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds St., “Burnaby”
Cost: Free

Join the City of Burnaby for National Indigenous Peoples Day at Edmonds Park and Plaza. “Events include: Indigenous artisan market, storytelling with Squamish Nation Elder Kultsia Barb Wyss and Haida educator and author Kung Jaadee, performances from Tsleil-Waututh Warriors,” according to the event page. The schedule for events can be found on the event page. 

University Events

KPU Indigenous Dialogue Series – Pam Palmater
When: Tuesday, June 21, 12pm-1:30pm
Where: Online  
Cost: Free

Dr. Pam Palmater will be giving a talk on the Perspectives on Reconciliation with Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The event has registration which can be found on the event webpage. Pam Palmater “is a well-known media commentator and public speaker – considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post (2017),” according to the event page.

Vancouver Community College – National Indigenous Peoples Day activities
Where: Broadway Campus – Building B, Level 1 & Downtown Campus – ​​Gathering Space, Level 1, Room 100m, both in “Vancouver”
When: Monday, June 20, 11am-3pm
Cost: Free

VCC Indigenous Education and Community Engagement department and the Student’s Union of VCC are having a day of events celebrating and recognizing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

UBC – Outdoor Screen: Stories from Musqueam
When: Tuesday, June 21, 11am-5p
Where: Belkin Outdoor Screen, 1825 Main Mall, UBC Point Grey Campus
Cost: Free

“Belkin’s Outdoor Screen will present a selection of videos that feature the work and words of Musqueam artists, cultural knowledge keepers and community members. Highlighting Musqueam, upon whose traditional, ancestral and unceded territory the Belkin is located, the films acknowledge Musqueam’s presence and stewardship of this land for thousands of years through shared stories of listening, learning and relationships that are felt across time,” according to the events page. To see the line-up, head to the event’s webpage.

UBC – Indigenous Peoples Day Film Screenings
When: Tuesday, June 21, 10am-5pm
Where: Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Drive, UBC Point Grey Campus
Cost: $18, but free for Indigenous people

“A selection of short films that feature the work and words of Musqueam artists, cultural knowledge keepers and community members,” according to the events page.

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Canada’s largest South Asian music event announces epic lineup for this summer in Metro Vancouver

Canada’s largest South Asian music event announces epic lineup for this summer in Metro Vancouver

The event promises over eight hours of live music, food, art installations, merchandise, and “the finest brown escapist experience you’ve encountered.”

Canada’s largest South Asian youth event is back this summer and it will be a week full of fun events, plus an epic lineup to vibe to all week long.

The 5X Fest Block Party will be taking place on June 11 at Holland Park in Surrey. The Vancouver-based organization’s Block Party kicks off a full week of yet-to-be-announced arts and culture programming. 

At the Block Party, you can expect over eight hours of live music, various food vendors, art installations, a merchandise area and “the finest brown escapist experience you’ve encountered,” according to a media release. 

The outdoor festival is welcome to all ages, which means no drugs or alcohol allowed. Those 11 years old and under can enter for free but must be with an adult.

“We are building a home full of community, magic, compassion and passion. A home that portals us back into the deep waters of ourselves, because home is more than a foundation and four walls. A home is where creation happens, curiosity happens, joy happens. We are building a world to be bold in. To heal ourselves through art and colour,” share the festival producers.

This year’s lineup includes Canadian artists Ikky, Surrey-based Khanvict, and Vancouver’s BAINS. 

2022 5X Block Party Lineup

Festival tickets are on sale now. Tickets are fully refundable only if the event is cancelled due to public health orders.

5X Block Party

When: June 11, 2022

Where: ​​Holland Park – 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey

Cost: $0-30


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St. Patrick’s Day 2022 events: Parades in Twin Cities metro

St. Patrick's Day 2022 events: Parades in Twin Cities metro

St. Patrick’s Day parade in St. Paul (File photo) (FOX 9)

Minnesota will join the rest of the world in marking St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday.

Parades and other celebrations are planned in the Twin Cities to mark the celebration of Ireland’s most famous patron saint – along with everything Irish.

St. Paul St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Arguably the capitol of all St. Patty’s-related events in Minnesota, the state’s capitol city will once again host a parade starting at noon at Rice Park and traveling down 5th Street, ending in front of CHS Field, a reversal of the parade’s traditional route. 

Immediately after parade-goers can attend the Ballpark Hooley at CHS Field immediately from 12 to 3 p.m., featuring live music, Irish dancers and beer specials. Tickets for the event run $5 if purchased in advance or $10 at the gate.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Landmark Center

The Landmark Center in St. Paul will also hold an event on Thursday to mark the holiday. That celebration produced by the Irish Music and Dance Association will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature Celtic music, dancing, authentic vendors.

The event will also be live-streamed but tickets are required to view the stream.

Proof of vaccination or a recent negative test is required for visitors.

Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The 54th annual Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return to Columbia Heights on Thursday, with a parade set to start at 40th Avenue NE and Van Buren Street at 6 p.m.

The parade will go west on 40th at Van Buren, hang a left on Mill Street NE, and end at John P. Murzyn Hall at 530 Mill Street NE.

At Murzyn Hall, the Blarney Blast, a family-friend celebration, will follow the parade with Irish dancers, live music, Irish food, and more.

World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hopkins

Hopkins will once again host what they say is likely the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The four-block celebration will kick off at 5 p.m. at the American Legion at 10 12th Avenue South in Hopkins and travel east down Mainstreet towards the Elks Lodge at 30 8th Avenue South.

Anyone is welcome to join the festivities.