Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for June 23 to 29

This week: salsa into summer, party in the streets, join a chocolate tasting tour + more

1. Strathcona Street Party — Saturday, June 23

Bring your budding artist to this family-friendly street party featuring music, art and food trucks in the heart of East Vancouver. Enjoy live painting demonstrations, interactive art and the unveiling of four new street murals ahead of the Vancouver Mural Festival later this summer. There will also be a craft beer garden, an outdoor disco party featuring turntable lessons for kids, colouring contests, kombucha tastings and more!
877 East Cordova Street at Campbell Street, Vancouver; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Free to attend

2. Chris Isaak — Sunday, June 24

“Wicked Game” hitmaker Chris Isaak is coming to the Commodore with guests this weekend. Showcasing music from his recent First Comes the Night disc, recorded in Nashville, this show promises to be full of great blues-y rock ‘n’ roll. Mega-fans can buy tickets to a meet and greet which includes an individual photo op with the singer, an autograph and exclusive gifts.
Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville Street, Vancouver; Doors at 7 p.m.; Tickets from $79.50

3. Greek Day on Broadway — Sunday, June 24

In Kitsilano, Broadway (from Macdonald to Blenheim) is going Greek! Sample authentic Greek cuisine at this festival celebrating Greek heritage month. The event features live music, market vendors and live cooking demos where you can learn to recreate classic Greek flavours at home.
Broadway Street from Macdonald to Blenheim, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Free to attend

4. Seek the Peak — Sunday, June 24

For locals obsessed with Grouse Mountain, the Seek the Peak race is a can’t-miss fitness event. The 13 kilometre route from Ambleside Park to the top of Grouse Mountain takes you 1,400 metres straight up to the best view of Vancouver. By participating in Seek the Peak, you’ll help raise funds for the B.C. Cancer Foundation‘s work battling breast cancer.
Ambleside Park, West Vancouver; Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., Race starts at 8:15 a.m.; Registration from $50

5. Tagliatelle Workshop — Monday, June 25

Learn how to make tagliatelle from Italian chef Sergio Cinti. Italian egg pasta originated in Bologna where Sergio hails from, so you’ll truly be learning from a master pasta maker. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn to make tagliatelle and other kinds of long pasta with scratch-made dough. Bringing a bottle of wine to class is optional but highly recommended. Delizioso!
Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver; 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Tickets $70

6. Public Art Bus Tour — Tuesday, June 26

This art safari takes you through Surrey, North Vancouver and Vancouver to see how art from local and international artists is transforming public spaces. From monumental sculptures to subtle artistic details on everyday objects, you’ll get a chance to see how artists and developers confront challenges and embrace opportunities in our public spaces.
Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Avenue; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tickets $39, including a bag lunch

7. Art Deco Architecture and Chocolate Tasting Walking Tour — Thursday, June 28

Locals and visitors alike will delight in this one-of-a-kind walking tour that combines vintage art deco architecture and chocolate. Led by a professional storyteller, you will hear about the history of art deco design and peer behind the curtain of some of Vancouver’s most-loved buildings, including the Vogue Theatre, the Commodore Ballroom and the iconic Marine Building. You’ll also visit two renowned chocolatiers for special tastings of hand-crafted chocolate made in Vancouver.
Tour begins at the Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver; Every Thursday and Saturday until November, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Tickets $41

8. Chinatown Cocktail Crawl — Thursday, June 28

Vancouver foodies will love this chance to experience historic Chinatown’s creative food and cocktail scene. You’ll receive a cocktail and food pairing at each of the three distinct restaurants and bars that you visit during the crawl: The Keefer Bar, Sai Woo and Black Lounge.
Various venues; 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tickets from $44.95

9. Kitsilano Beach Clean-up — Friday, June 29

Don’t wait until Earth Day to do something kind for the planet. Spend a day at Kits helping to pick up litter as part of the great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up. Create healthy shorelines and oceans for everyone to enjoy for generations to come. Bring the family to pitch in and then plan to spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach that you helped to keep clean. Meet at The Boathouse restaurant and bring everything you need to stay hydrated and sun-safe.
Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver; 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Free to participate

10. Summerfest at Lonsdale Quay Market — Friday, June 29

This Friday is the start of Summerfest at Lonsdale Quay. Expect events like yoga, fitness classes, musical performances, activities and longer market hours all summer long. Summerfest starts off with free outdoor salsa dance classes on Fridays, hosted by Roger from Salsa Studio. It’s an easy and social dance experience that will teach you foundations and get you dancing in no time.
Lonsdale Quay Market, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver; 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Free to participate