Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks For July

From Pride celebrations to art in the park, July brings festivities both in-person and online

 

1. Indian Summer Festival – Until July 17

Shapeshifting is the theme of the 11th edition of Indian Summer Festival (ISF2021), which features a range of experiences from online events you can watch on demand, to a self-guided walking tour, an immersive ‘sound bath’ experience, and door-delivered food. You can also enjoy virtual concerts, literary conversations, and short films from local and international artists. 
Details online

 

2. Hawaii From Above – Until August 15

Borders are still closed, but you can take a virtual flight to Hawaii at FlyOver Canada’s Chase the Wind: Hawaii from Above feature, which takes passengers on an epic flying ride across the islands. 
Canada Place; $29; Details online 

 

3. Playland – Until September 11

Playland is back for summer adventures! Now open on weekends (Thursday to Sunday), with limited capacity and enhanced cleaning. 
Book in advance for a time slot; Details online

 

4. Outdoor pools – Until September

Keep cool with a pre-booked dip in one of Vancouver’s outdoor pools at Kits Beach, Second Beach, and New Brighton pool. Bookings open on a rolling basis for the next two days, so plan ahead for a visit. 
Details online 

 

5. Ballroom Talks – Saturday, July 3, 10, 17 & 24

In the run-up to the POSH Ball on Saturday, July 31, Van Vogue Jam is presenting a series of free (by donation) Ballroom Talks. From how to make a sickening bazaar look with Passa Flora, to a conversation with Legendary Dj MikeQ about ballroom music. 
Details online

 

6. National Fried Chicken Day – Tuesday, July 6

Get your fried chicken fix at local restaurants such as Roost, Juke, or Downlow Chicken, or  grab a plant-based treat at West End hotspot Beetbox, which is marking the occasion by offering its signature fried chick-un sandwiches in Classic or Nashville flavours for half-price ($5) with a limit of 10 sammies per guest. The team at Beetbox will also be announcing a new ice cream sandwich collaboration with Rain or Shine. 
Details online

 

7. Dancing on the Edge – Thursday, July 8 to Saturday, July 17

Celebrate contemporary Canadian dance at the annual Dancing on the Edge festival, that features more than 30 online and live stage performances by leading artists from all across the country. Look out for specially curated digital programming with recorded online performances, premieres of dance films, dance discussions, and limited outdoor live performances in the Firehall Courtyard. 
Details online 

 

8. Granville Flea Market – Saturday, July 10

Shop an all ages flea market with a range of vendors selling plenty of vintage and consignment clothing, toys, and shoes. Plus, a 19+ beer garden and food from Downlow Chicken.
926 Main Street; $6 entry; 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Details online

 

9. Shop the Block – Friday, July 23 & Sunday, July 24

Shop the block and pick up treats from favourite food trucks such as Tacofino, Aloha Poke, Mom’s Grilled Cheese, Dos Amigos, Old Country Pierogi, and many more. Engage with art installations by three VMF artists – iheartblob, Yuan Zhang, and Ngô K? Duyên aka Jo – and bring each colourful piece to life using augmented-reality or check out the pop-up art gallery hosted by Benjamin Lumb Art House | BLAH.
2150 Alpha Avenue, Burnaby; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, & 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; Details online

 

10. Paint in the Park – Tuesday, July 27

Get your creative juices flowing with an evening of painting in the park. Paints and supplies are included, and bring your bubble pals for an al fresco art experience. 
Trout Lake; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; $50; Details online