Families who have lost loved ones to toxic drugs gathered in downtown Vancouver Friday night to draw attention to the overdose crisis plaguing the province.
Moms Stop the Harm hosted a coffin walk, where people carried coffins symbolizing how many people died in each year since the overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2016, shining a spotlight on the number of deaths, which is soaring.
“When my son dies, and more people are dying every day, something needs to change: attitudes need to change and we need a safe supply,” said Matthew Witt, who marched in honour of his 20-year-old son Sebastian.
Sebastian died from fentanyl poisoning in 2015. He was alone in his bedroom when he died.
Witt believes the stigma prevented his son from asking for help.
“He relapsed the first time. He was OK, but he was, I suppose, humiliated, in a way, that he relapsed, and so he hid,” Witt explained.
Earlier this month, the province released the latest statistics on illicit drug toxicity deaths, showing data for the first six months of the year.
B.C. reached a grim milestone, as more than 10,000 people have died since the health emergency as declared six years ago.
“We have to wrap our minds around the fact that the drugs are toxic, and they will continue to kill. So we need to ask the question: What do we do about the deaths? Not what do we do about addiction?” said Deb Bailey, of the Vancouver chapter of Moms Stop the Harm.
Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said on Aug. 16 that safe supply has been slow to roll out due to the reluctance of some clinicians to prescribe drugs, for a “variety of reasons.”
Bailey said it is time to move faster as the number of causalities continue to climb.
“We really need to iron that out: Who can distribute safe supply? Where do people get it?” she said. “We’re just looking for a regulated, safe, clean supply for people – that’s all. We’re not looking to legalize it or anything. We just need to stop the deaths.”
The group will be hosting more events leading up to International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
Since 1995, the City of Vancouver’s Artist Studio Award Program has supported local artists by providing studio spaces and one of this year’s recipients is the first Black artist to receive the award.
Naomi Grace is a multisensory artist and entrepreneur who’s work is “centered around reclaiming sacred medicine in its many forms, which she expresses through painting, mixed media, music, text, culinary arts and sculpture,” reads Grace’s biography on the city’s award recipients page.
“I’m really grateful to have access to this space,” Grace tells Vancouver Is Awesome via phone.
She plans on using the space for an large scale art installation, community arts integrated workshops, pop-ups and events, and intimate concerts and talks. The space will also serve as an order pickup location for her brand Melanin Rising.
To celebrate, Grace is hosting a zero-proof open studio event on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Grace wanted to create a sober social event for several reasons, partially inspired by her own transition to an alcohol-free lifestyle.
“People don’t drink for a number of different reasons. Sometimes it’s because people are pregnant. Sometimes they have friends who just don’t like the feeling of alcohol. Some people are allergic to alcohol. For some people, it’s for religious or cultural reasons. Sometimes people are in recovery,” she tells VIA.
Aside from the non-alcoholic lemonade cocktail bar, she will also be setting up a Melanin Rising pop-up sale.
Organizers have set it up so solo attendees can find groups to play with and try out new games.
Fans of dice, group activities and little coloured plastic things you move over a piece of cardboard, there’s an event coming up just for you.
Shux 2022 arrives at the end of September; the three-day event is put on by Shut Up and Sit Down, a website dedicated to board games.
“We’re the foremost board game reviewers pretty much in the world,” says Lisa Pope, the show manager, adding that board games are now a multi-billion dollar industry with fans and players around the world.
And they’re bringing their games and friends to Vancouver starting Sept. 30 for three days of fun with anyone who wants to join in.
“Stage shows, massive social games, special events, over 50 publishers, 1,000+ Title Game Library, and more open gaming than any other show in Canada make these three days you’ll never forget!” promises the show’s website.
The open games floor is particularly friendly, Pope says.
“You can’t stand in the open gaming area without someone asking you to join a game,” she says, explaining that many people come alone to the convention and just play with strangers, getting to know new people and new games at the same time. There’s also a matchmaking system, so people can find games and people at the same time.
There are also large social games with up to 20 people working together in one game.
It’s the fourth time the convention has happened in person; they started in Vancouver in 2017. The last live convention was in October 2019; since then there have been a couple of digital conferences, but Pope is excited to see people playing in person again.
While the convention is based in Vancouver, she notes there are people coming from around the world to play here; for one, the Shut Up and Sit Down team has people coming from the UK. It helps that the city and convention centre are set up in a beautiful and practical place, Pope explains.
“A lot of our attendees are from outside of Vancouver or even outside of Canada;” Pope says. “We want to share how great Vancouver is to everyone.”
A “last call” from a closed restaurant, some epic collaborations, and your chance to “Summer Like an Italian” in Vancouver
While we might be in the waning days of summer 2022, the many exciting food specials and celebrations going down in Vancouver is enough to fill our calendars and bellies.
Here are some noteworthy food pop-ups, collabs, and events taking place in late August and into September.
Potluck Hawker x Via Tevere: Khao Soi Pizza Sub
Potluck Hawker Eatery (3424 Cambie St) is celebrating its second anniversary with a special collaborative creation with their friends from Via Tevere. Available for two days only, from August 20 to 21, 2022, the Khao Soi Pizza Sub is inspired by the famous chicken curry noodle in Northern Thailand and Myanmar and re-imagined into a fried chicken sub with Via Tevere’s signature wood-fired dough. Guests can now pre-order the Khao Soi Pizza Sub Set ($23) online. The whole meal includes the Khao Soi Pizza Sub, Potluck’s limited-time Truffled Parmesan Malaysian Shaker Fries, and a seasonal summer slushie.
Picnic + Bubbles
Put a little sparkle in your end-of-summer fun while supporting a worthy cause via a new fundraising event called Picnic + Bubbles. Organized by the culinary group Les Dames d’Escoffier’s British Columbia Chapter and taking place on Sunday, August 21, the inaugural ticketed event is a choose-your-own-adventure style experience: You choose the restaurant and its menu of food paired with a bottle of sparkling wine and head to the picnic destination of your choice.
For $150, you’ll receive a multi-course picnic for two with a bottle of specially-chosen bubbles that pairs perfectly with your meal. Picnic + Bubbles is not only a way to get a top-notch meal and wine pairing to enjoy al fresco it’s also a fundraiser: 50% of the proceeds will go to Food Banks BC. Pick-up times for the picnic bundles span from 3 to 5 p.m. (a time must be selected for your tickets). Purchase your picnics online.
Mochido x Boba Run
Mochido and Boba Run have three donuts and two drinks available this month as part of a limited-edition collaboration. Photo courtesy Mochido
Mochi donut biz Mochido is launching a limited-edition special featuring three unique donut flavours and two drinks made in collaboration with Boba Run, a local boba tea shop in Vancouver. Available only for two weeks starting Aug. 24, the donuts are Turtle Chip (inspired by the Korean corn chip snack), Choco pong (made with Korean wheat puff cereal, jolly pong), and Injeolmi (inspired by soybean rice cake). The drinks are a black sesame latte and Korean mango milk. Pre-orders will be available via Mochido’s website starting at noon on Aug. 23, and will also be available for pre-order through Boba Run’s website for pickup one weekday and one weekend time slot at their store.
Beanstock
A two-day festival all about coffee will give Vancouver a shot of delicious and informative fun this month. Beanstock takes place on August 20 and 21 at the Roundhouse Community Centre. It’s “bean” awhile since Beanstock held an event, due to the pandemic. The returning event will feature the opportunity to indulge in unlimited tastes of coffee from Canadian roasters (in your souvenir cup) and watch demonstrations on latte art and barista challenges with off-the-chart skill levels at the Beanstock’s featured Espresso Bar. Naturally, since this is a summertime event, you’ll also be able to stop by the cold brew area for some refreshing chilled pours.
Beanstock will also offer the chance to learn how to up your home coffee brewing game, and to shop from the Marketplace with beans from all the participating roasters for sale so you can take home your festival favourites to enjoy at home.
Summer Like an Italian: Dining Passport
Eat your way around some of Vancouver’s top Italian restaurants and cafes this August. Photo courtesy Kitchen Table Restaurants
Eight participating Kitchen Table restaurants and caffès (Ask For Luigi, Bacaro, Carlino, Di Beppe, Farina a Legna, Giovane Caffè, Motoretta, and Pizzeria Farina) are encouraging guests to soak up the last few weeks of summer and enjoy a regionally inspired dish that speaks to the story of each location. For their Summer Like an Italian promo, guests are encouraged to pick up a passport from participating locations to use as their guide and collect stamps with each feature dish ordered for a chance to win over $1,000 in gift card prizes.
Participating restaurants and featured menu items are as follows:
Ask For Luigi:Rigatoni alla Bolognese*
Bacaro: Spritz + Chips (made in-house with crispy herbs)
Carlino:Frico (fried montasio, onion & potato)
Di Beppe: Carbonara* (with guanciale, pecorino, egg yolk & black pepper)
Farina a Legna: Cipolla Pizza (onion & calabrian chili sauce, zucchini, sweet peppers, pickled fennel)
Giovane Caffè: Espresso Shakerato (espresso shaken on ice)
Vancouver BBQ truck Rosie’s will take you to Japan by way of Texas with its limited edition katsu-style smoked turkey sandwich, or sando. During August and through Labour Day, Rosie’s will be cooking up a delicious Smoked Turkey Katsu Sandwich inspired the rolling smokehouse’s chef/owner Karl’s memorable culinary explorations of Tokyo. Rosie’s starts by smoking Rossdown Farms turkey thighs, which are finished by being fried katsu-style and served on a potato bun with Japanese mayo, cabbage, and quick Japanese pickles. Here’s where you’ll find Rosie’s in the coming weeks:
Aug. 20-21 – Parkside Brewing, Port Moody
Aug. 22-23 – Batch 44 Brewing, Sechelt
Aug. 27 – Riverside Street Vibe Festival, Vancouver
Aug. 28 – Vancouver Canadians Tailgate, Vancouver
Sept. 3-4 – Jonathan Rogers Park, Vancouver
The Fair at the PNE
You’ll find wild and wacky creations like Cotton Candy Noodles and Pop Rocks Popcorn Chicken at the 2022 Fair at the PNE in Vancouver. Left: Saltspring Noodles/Right: Chicky’s Chicken
It’s that time of year again: The Fair at the PNE runs Aug. 20 through Sept. 5. This year’s food vendor lineup for the annual Fair at the PNE is packed with all things familiar, fusion, and “what the f is that?” When it comes to traditional PNE Fair food staples, 2022 is right on track with its array of tornado potatoes, giant hot dogs, freakishly long fries, cotton candy, pretzels, corn dogs, funnel cakes, burgers, ice cream, lemonade, and slushies. There are over 65 vendors on tap for the 2022 Fair at the PNE, and every year they try to outdo themselves from previous years by coming up with dishes inspired by global food trends that will tempt your tastebuds and fuel your Instagram feed. Here’s a look at some of the wildest items they’re cooking up this time around, like Pop Rocks Popcorn Chicken and Cotton Candy Noodles.
Free coffee from Honolulu Coffee
Great news: Honolulu Coffee is brewing up a third Vancouver location in Olympic Village. While the new Honolulu Coffee won’t be open until sometime this fall, that won’t stop the biz from a little early celebration. All guests at Honolulu Coffee’s two existing Vancouver locations can receive a free drip Kona coffee on Monday, Aug. 22 and Tuesday, Aug. 23 at Honolulu Coffee Downtown (888 Nelson St.) and Kerrisdale (2098 W 41st Ave.).
Pizzeria Farina turns 11
Pizzeria Farina is celebrating their 11th birthday with some terrific pizza specials, including the return of a fan favourite. Photo courtesy Pizzeria Farina
It’s celebration time at Pizzeria Farina, and the iconic 915 Main St eatery (that got a reprieve from clsoing earlier this year, phew!) will be offering two pizza promotions to celebrate its birthday month: the classic Margherita pizzas will be priced at $11 over Farina’s 11th birthday weekend (from August 18 – 21), and the fan-favourite Pistacchio pizza will make a special appearance on the menu from August 18-September 5.
Nancy Go Yaya one-day “Last Call” pop up
Singaporean restaurant Nancy Go Yaya broke a few hearts in June when they announced their permanent closure. Now, for one day only — Sunday, August 21 — fans can experience their famous kaya toast and laksa marinated chicken wings for one final time at a special pop-up. Beverage add ons (iced Milo and teh tarik) are also on the advance menu to complete your perfect Sunday picnic. Limited tickets for pre-order are available via Resy.
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.
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
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)
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
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)
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
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.
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).
2022 is an eventful year for Korean music fans in Vancouver. After a two-year hiatus, Korean music concerts are returning to Vancouver in full swing.
If you have missed Eric Nam’s tour and Epik High’s concert earlier this year, don’t worry, we rounded up a list of upcoming Korean music events in Vancouver so you can plan when to catch some top musical artists.
BTS Club night
If you are into K-Pop, you must know BTS, the seven-member group that achieved worldwide success over the past few years.
Last month, the group announced an “indefinite break” to focus on their solo projects. The heartbreaking news left millions globally in tears.
Instead of indulging in sadness, why not dance it out to your favourite BTS’ songs and express your love for the group with your fellow ARMYs through the night?
Featuring all things BTS, Vancouver’s first BTS Club Night offers a curated playlist full of hits, fan favourites and solo tracks, as well as BTS-themed drinks, giveaways and photo station.
When: July 24 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Levels Nightclub, 560 Seymour St, Vancouver
Seventeen’s “Be the Sun” Tour
Seventeen, a popular 13-member K-POP boy group known for their world-class synchronization and powerful choreography, is coming back on stage after a two-year long break, with Vancouver being their first North American stop.
In May, the lead single “Hot” in the group’s new album, Face the Sun, garnered 1.74 million pre-order sales in the first week after its release. Fans are guessing “Hot” will be at the top of the group’s concert song lists.
Prior to the concert, fans will also gather outside to participate in a random play dance event to show their love and support for the group and get themselves into the mood and warmed up for the concert.
Carats, are you already excited to see Seventeen hit the stage?
K-R&B fans, don’t worry, you’re not missing out! Korean-Canadian singer-songwriter Junny will finally be returning to his hometown after over three years to grace us with his captivating vocal powers.
Named after his upcoming album “blanc”, the tour will reflect Junny’s diverse music style, from the upbeat track “Color Me‘‘, to the suave atmospheric tunes of “Get Ya!“
The soloist explained the title “blanc” as a metaphor for his experience — looking back at life, the singer always felt like a blank canvas, coloured by people who are around and inspire him every day.
When: Sep 8, 2022
Where: Harbour Event & Convention Centre, 750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
K-Pop queen Sunmi is set to make her big comeback to the stage and bring some hot summer vibes to Vancouver with new singles “Heart Burn” and “Childhood.”
After the band version of ‘Heart Burn’ was recently released, fans were thrilled to watch Sunmi playing bass again after a long time. Sunmi disclosed that knowing how fans appreciated the band version, she plans to spoil fans by performing while playing bass during this world tour.
Got those lightsticks ready? Catch Sunmi take it all out and “go mad” at her “Good Girl Gone Mad” show.
When: Sept. 15, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver
GOT7 fans, don’t miss your boys too much, because they’re coming back!
Although the globally popular K-Pop boy group announced their departure from JYP Entertainment after seven years of being together, the group kept their promise to fans and made a comeback earlier this year, with their EP “GOT7”. The members then went on to embark on their solo projects, making their fans well-fed.
Taiwanese-American member Mark Tuan is also diligently promoting his solo music as he officially announced his first solo tour “The Other Side” happening in North America, with Vancouver being one of his stops.
Lengthy lines, tech meltdowns, and limited access to water (for a fee) were a few of the many complaints
A month ago, organizers of the popular Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW) festival sent out a media release spotlighting how the 2022 event promised to set itself apart from past iterations of the beloved tasting.
“With an ambitious new ownership team at the forefront, VCBW returns bigger and better than ever before with a number of new and expanded features,” it begins.
This weekend, after some accounts of ticket-holders having a disastrous experience, organizers of “the Lower Mainland’s largest craft beer festival” are issuing statements and apologies.
Attendees of the Saturday tasting event on the PNE grounds reported a massive line-up for entry, as well as lengthy line-ups at the beer vendor stands.
Guests were required to purchase RFID wristbands and pre-load them with a $50 deposit in order to purchase beers (on top of the admission cost). Organizers explained the cashless wristband system was put in place “due to logistical and health reasons,” and described the process as “easy peasy.”
‘Wasn’t as seamless as we had hoped it would be’
However, some attendees cited problems with the wristband system, including long waits to add funds, being charged multiple times, and usage problems. One frustrated ticket holder said the system was “barely working” in their post-event rant on Reddit.
In an initial statement shared online following Saturday’s event, VCBW organizers said: “Our goal was to simplify the process at the event removing tokens and ensuring all guests would be refunded anything they didn’t spend. We worked with a third party vendor for months, but unfortunately this process wasn’t as seamless as we had hoped it would be.”
On top of lines and payment issues, the biggest complaint was access to water, with attendees outraged they were not permitted to bring in empty bottles for filling with water, and only had the option to buy bottled water at $3 a piece. Many noted the water for purchase – when it was available – was warm Dasani.
“The event doesn’t provide free, accessible water. This is unacceptable for my health. Especially on a sunny day with minimal cover,” said a ticketholder in an email to organizers shared with V.I.A.
“They refuse to let you bring water bottles, and then they charge you for water, the absolute f’ing gall,” described Reddit user arrbos.
“One of my main gripes is with water – in the past attendees could bring a refillable bottle and there were water stations around the event. To limit ticket holders to $3 bottles of water ONLY is ridiculous for a liquor event. Water should be free and free flowing, especially with the heat we had yesterday. Every time we went looking for water there wasn’t even anyone at any of the marked water stations on the map. Incredibly shortsighted in my opinion,” commented Erin Searle (@von_rockinon) on Instagram.
‘Half our workforce didn’t show up’
VCBW attributed some of the issues to staffing problems. “Half of our workforce didn’t show up,” organizers said in a second statement issued late Sunday.
Many, however, felt like the organizers were not adequately taking responsibility, in particular for the no-show volunteers. “If it was due to staff being sick, they shouldn’t throw them under the bus for the issues with their event, citing excuses for atrocious lines with ‘staff that didn’t show up.’ They should instead take ownership for the piss-poor planning and organization. They could have anticipated this, after all, being in a pandemic for 2+ years,” said a Reddit user named f*ckyduck.
“Volunteers are not a ‘workforce.’ You failed to organize volunteers and failed on almost every other aspect. Depriving people of water is inhumane, monstrous behavior. You are greedy, unapologetic monsters,” said Beatriz Rod (@bettyrm90) on Instagram.
Some guests were more understanding. “Though I’m one of the people who was frustrated on Saturday, I am grateful to the volunteers who did show up and the breweries and their staff that kept the beer flowing as fast as they could to serve as many people as they could. I met some lovely folks on Saturday and the overcrowding, line, and lack of water was not their fault!” said Noelle (@dunworrybehoppy) on Instagram.
VCBW organizers said they now know that being understaffed and having wristband tech issues got in the way of showing guests a good time. “Unfortunately, we missed the mark,” they said, inviting feedback to be sent to them via email.
For some, though, the 2022 VCBW was the end of the road. “Never again,” avowed Reddit user caw___caw. “There [aren’t] chill vibes anymore like the previous year. It just feels like a chore having to run line to line to get your next beer. Chasing your buzz.”
Date night with nowhere to go and nothing to do? One of these magical pop up events in Vancouver should do just the trick.
Because why do dinner and a movie when you can play wizard-themed mini golf or sip on cocktails at a Peter Pan inspired bar? You can do it all at Vancouver Alpine Club.
Test your putt-putt skills on this crazy golf course inspired by fantasy and fiction. There are nine wand-erful holes, where you’ll find smoking cauldrons, tasty beverages and magical portals along the way.
You may even have to cast a spell or two in order to complete the mystical challenge, before winding down at the bar.
THE IMITATION GAME: VISUAL CULTURE IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Exhibition surveys the extraordinary uses (and abuses) of AI in the production of modern and contemporary visual culture around the world. To Oct 23, Vancouver Art Gallery.
KINKY BOOTS Tony Award–winning musical that celebrates compassion and acceptance. To Jul 31, Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. From $43.
XICANX: DREAMERS + CHANGEMAKERS / SOÑADORES + CREADORES DEL CAMBIO Exhibition showcases, for the first time in Canada, the rich traditions of 33 Xicanx artists. To Jan 1, Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
BEADED NOSTALGIA Exhibition exploring the use of contemporary beadwork as a way of honouring the past. To Oct 23, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
GHOSTS OF THE MACHINE An exhibition about humans, technology, and ecology, curated by Elliott Ramsey. To Aug 14, Polygon Gallery. By donation.
YEOMANS TRILOGY: ENDURING SPIRITS EXHIBITION Multi-media collection of works by Haida artist Don Yeomans, wife Trace (Haida + Ukrainian), and their son Kyran. To Jul 15, Coastal Peoples Gallery. Free.
WE WERE SO FAR AWAY: THE INUIT EXPERIENCE OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS Travelling exhibition uses first-person narratives and archival images to tell stories of the Inuit residential school experience. To Nov 27, Vancouver Maritime Museum. $13.50 adult/$11 senior.
TAPESTRY OF CHANGE: INUIT ART IN CONTEXT An exhibition of Inuit textiles, prints, and flat artwork from the collections. To Oct 2, Vancouver Maritime Museum. $13.50 adults/$11 seniors.
COMMON GROUND EXHIBITION Artists Sara-Jeanne Bourget, Robin Gleason, and Mark Johnsen explore the built-up boundary between body and earth in the urban environment. To Jul 30, Cityscape Community Art Space. Free.
THEATRESPORTS Two teams of improv comedians compete for the laughs and support of audience judges. To Aug 27, The Improv Centre. $24.50-$31.50.
UNINVITED: CANADIAN WOMEN ARTISTS IN THE MODERN MOMENT Major exhibition gathering more than 200 works of art by a generation of painters, photographers, weavers, bead workers, and sculptors. To Jan 8, Vancouver Art Gallery.
TRUE TO PLACE: STÍMETSTEXW TEL XÉLTEL Exhibition curated by artist and muralist Xémontalót Carrielynn Victor (Stó:lō) examines the artistic practice of 10 Northwest Coast Indigenous artists. To Mar 19, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
LOVE YOUR MOTHER: JENNIE THWINGJennie Thwing uses animation, sculpture and installation to create imaginary narratives that reference the confusing world we live in. To Jul 21, Port Moody Arts Centre. Free.
START SOMEWHERE ELSE: WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION Collection exhibition centring around Krista Belle Stewart‘s video installation Seraphine, Seraphine also includes works by Rebecca Belmore, Brian Jungen, and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. To Aug 14, Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery.
QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL 2022: HAUNTINGS Three weeks of dynamic performance, music, theatre and literary events. To Jul 8, various Vancouver venues. Free-$30, festival passes $69.
SUMMER GROUP EXHIBITION Paintings, photography, and limited editions by local and international artists. To Jul 15, 10 am–5 pm, Lipont Gallery. Free.
AROUND US Photography by Olga Abeleva, Rebecca Bair,Dennis Ha, Shizen Jambor, Jake Kimble, Katie Kozak, Sylvain Sailly, and Gloria Wong. To Aug 6, 12 pm–5 am, Burrard Arts Foundation (BAF). Free.
ANYTHING GOES Tony Award-winning musical featuring many of Cole Porter‘s most famous songs. To Jul 10, 7:30-10 pm, Surrey Arts Centre. $25-34.
Theatre Under the Stars presents We Will Rock You at Malkin Bowl.
THEATRE UNDER THE STARS TUTS presents performances of the musicals Something Rotten! and We Will Rock You, running alternate evenings. Jul 2–Aug 27, Malkin Bowl.
ARTS UMBRELLA SUMMER SESSION Summer programs in art, design, dance, theatre, music, and film for young people aged three to 19. Jul 4–Aug 26, Arts Umbrella.
WEST COAST MODERN WEEK A celebration of West Coast Modernism, a distinct architectural style with deep roots in West Vancouver. Jul 5-10, 6-8 pm, West Vancouver Museum. $0-$150.
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT The Vancouver Symphony performs the epic score live with the film. Jul 6, 7, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre. Various.
34TH ANNUAL DANCING ON THE EDGE FESTIVAL World premieres, North American and Western Canadian debuts, and works-in-progress from contemporary choreographers. Jul 7-16, Firehall Arts Centre. $15 to $30.
POLAR OPPOSITESBurnaby Summer Theatre presents a theatre production for young audiences. Jul 7–Aug 25, 12:30 pm, Burnaby Arts Council Deer Lake Gallery. By donation.
KILL THE RIPPER A darkly comic female-led Victorian era revenge-fantasy set during Jack the Ripper’s infamous 1888 murder spree. Jul 7-16, 8-10 pm, Rio Theatre. $25.
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR UKRAINE Classical, choral, and jazz music by Melanie Adams, the Heistek/Plato Duo, Donella & Stephen Robb, Stephen Smith, and Sarah Westwick, with proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. Jul 8, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $10 minimum donation.
SPIRIT OF INDIAShiamak Vancouver presents a celebration of India through music and dance. Jul 8, 7:30 pm, Bell Performing Arts Centre.
THE PRINCESS BRIDE IN CONCERT The Vancouver Symphony performs the score live-to-picture. Jul 8, 9, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre. Various.
CEDAR BRACELET WEAVING WORKSHOP AT KHATSAHLANO Join Rita Kompst for an in-person workshop on traditional Coast Salish cedar weaving. Jul 9, 11 am–12 pm, 1-2 pm, West 4th Avenue. $50 for non-members.
CARNAVAL DEL SOL 2022 Live music, food, arts, and culture. Jul 9-10, 12-10 pm, Jonathan Rogers Park. $11.04-$16.27.
MOZAICO FLAMENCO PRESENTS RUMBA RUMBLEBailaora Kasandra “La China” and Irish tapper Joel Hanna perform in a footwork showdown. Jul 10, 7:30-9:30 pm, Anne MacDonald Studio. $20-25.
BENDELACREME Global drag icon blends burlesque, comedy, and original music. Jul 13, Vogue Theatre. $55.
HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 IN CONCERT The Vancouver Symphony performs Alexandre Desplat’s epic score live-to-picture. Jul 13-15, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre. Various.
MAINALLEY POP UP GALLERY PROJECTReVision (the art of recycling group) and the Sculpture Society of BC present an exhibition highlighting climate disaster. Jul 14–Aug 31, MAINalley. Free.
GLINT The Dance Centre presents new works by Erika Mitsuhashi,Francesca Frewer, and Alexa Mardon as part of the Dancing on the Edge Festival. Jul 14-16, 5-10 pm, Scotiabank Dance Centre. $15~$35.
VANCOUVER METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA The Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra performs classics and popular works at a free concert. Jul 14, 7-9:30 pm, Jack Poole Plaza. Free.
VANCOUVER STORY SLAM Ten storytellers share original short stories. Jul 14, 8 pm, Hero’s Welcome Pub. $6.
Guitar great Robben Ford is among the performers at the Vancouver Folk Fest.
45TH ANNUAL VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL Community-based celebration of folk and roots music features artists from Korea, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, India, Finland, the USA, and Canada. Jul 15-17, 3-11 pm, Jericho Beach Park. $46.97-$221.58.
TD VANCOUVER CHINATOWN FESTIVAL Free, family-friendly event features a variety of multicultural food vendors and performers. Jul 16-17, Vancouver Chinatown Festival .
ROBIN HOOD Lakeside Players present a lighthearted adaptation of the Robin Hood tales. Jul 16-23, Presentation House Theatre. $22/$18/$15.
SURREY LATIN FESTIVAL Event includes a tribute to Frida Khalo, live music, Mexican and Latin food, activities for children, and salsa classes. Jul 16-17, 11 am, Surrey Civic Plaza .
VANCOUVER CLASSICAL GUITAR FESTIVAL Classical guitarists and music lovers immerse themselves in a week of concerts, masterclasses, and workshops. Jul 16-21, 2 pm, Vancouver Academy of Music. From $30.
THE VSO AT DEER LAKE The Vancouver Symphony performs a free, open-air concert in Burnaby. Jul 16, 7 pm, Deer Lake Park. Free.
FORT LANGLEY JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL Festival features 60 bands on eight indoor and outdoor stages, plus visual art and kids’ entertainment. Jul 21-24, Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada.
SAL VULCANO American improvisational and standup comedian and actor. Jul 22, Vogue Theatre.
DANCE DANCE DANCE Free outdoor Latin dance classes on Friday nights. Jul 22–Aug 12, 6:30-9:30 pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Free.
MUSIC IN THE SQUARE WITH SANGRE MORENA Latin and flamenco duo Sangre Morena performs in Heritage Square. Jul 22, 7-8 pm, Mackin Heritage Home and Toy Museum. Free.
CREATE! ARTS FESTIVAL The Eastside Arts Society presents a multi-disciplinary and interactive art-making event. Jul 23-24, 10 am, Eastside Arts Society.
RONDEAU Fundraiser for Early Music Vancouver features emcee Bill Richardson, poet Fiona Tinwei Lam, and musicians David Greenberg, David McGuinness, and Lucas Harris. Jul 26, Sage Bistro. $225.
EBB AND FLOW Opening concert of the 2022 Vancouver Bach Festival is a musical celebration of water, featuring the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, Vancouver poet Fiona T. Lam, and artists-in-residence David McGuinness and David Greenberg. Jul 27, 7:30 pm, The Chan Centre. Earlybird $22.50-$60.
MADE IN ITALY The Arts Club‘s musical coming-of-age story about a second-generation Italian teen struggling to find his place in Jasper, Alberta, is back by popular demand. Jul 28–Aug 21, Granville Island Stage. From $39.
A CURIOUS COLLECTION OF TUNES This Vancouver Bach Festival event explores the repertoire of Scottish tunes and their relationship with other traditions. Jul 28, 1 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $15-$30.
HIGH PHRASE LIVEThe High Phrase Podcast hosts a night of live music and standup comedy. Jul 28, 7-10 pm, Levels Nightclub. $20.
RESOUNDING HILDEGARD: ECHOES OF THE ABBESS IN PRESENT DAYEnsemble Arkora explores the connections between past and present with a project of new works by Canadian composers and ancient masterworks. Jul 28, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $18-$75.
THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMEREnsemble Arkora explores the connections between past and present with a project of new works by Canadian composers and ancient masterworks. Jul 29, 1 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $15-$30.
LES NATIONSVancouver Bach Festival concert featuring Contrasto Armonico led by Marco Vitale. Jul 29, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $18-$75.
VANCOUVER STREET DANCE FESTIVAL 2022 (10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY) Free all-day family-friendly outdoor festival features dance battles, performances, workshops, and live DJ and band music. Jul 30, 11 am–8 pm, Robson Square. Free.
ONE NIGHT STAND-UP | VANCOUVER PRIDE FESTIVAL Showcase of Vancouver queer comedians as part of the Vancouver Pride Festival. Jul 30, 8-9:30 pm, Ocean Art Works. Earlybird $20/regular $25.
THE NEXT GENERATION: BAROQUE INNOVATIONS A baroque concert presented by Early Music Vancouver in the historic parlour of Roedde House Museum. Jul 31, 11 am–12 pm, Roedde House Museum. $35.
