Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 20 to 26

Have a picnic in the park, doll up for the Deighton, swim out to a party + more

1. Surrey Fusion Festival — Saturday, July 20

Head to Surrey for a two-day festival of fun that brings together over 50 cultural and community groups from across the globe and features more than 150 artists and performers. In addition to a packed line-up of live entertainment, there will be plenty of food pavilions and interactive cultural activities will keep you busy throughout the weekend.
Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Free; All ages; Details online

2. Deighton Cup — Saturday, July 20

Vancouver’s glamorous Deighton Cup returns with eight horse races, an expanded ‘Style Stakes’ contest, a new food programme catered by Earls Restaurants, including vegan options, charcuterie boards and a decadent selection of Acadian Sturgeon and Caviar and Arc Iberico Importers. The day will also feature bar and table service, as well as after-track DJs from 5:30 p.m., a showcase of supercars and interactive art installations.
Hastings Racecourse, 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $55; Noon to 6 p.m.; Details online

3. Truck Stop Concert Series — Saturday, July 20

Red Truck Beer Company opens up its parking lot for two days of music, featuring 12 bands and plenty of beer. Saturday’s sessions include Becca Hess, Tim and the Glory Boys, The Matinee, JoJo Mason, The Abrams and Devin Dawson.
Red Truck Brewery, 295 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver; Tickets $45, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Details online

4. African Descent Festival — Saturday, July 20 & Sunday, July 21

The African Descent Festival is intended to celebrate the cultural diversity of people of African descent within Vancouver, while recognizing and promoting attitudes of oneness among all ethnic groups and communities. The free festival features Afrobeat entertainment, cultural activities and a Hogan’s Alley tour.
Various times and locations; Details online

5. Picnic in the Park — Sunday, July 21

Hosted by Mr. Gay Canada 2019, Josh Rimer, the event formerly known as the Teddy Bear Picnic celebrates the start of Pride with a host of family-friendly events, from food trucks to ultimate frisbee, drag races, inflatable hockey, salsa lessons and yoga classes. The picnic follows the Pride Run and Walk 2019.
Second Beach, Stanley Park, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Details online

6. Brunch: A Comedy Show — Friday, July 26

Award-winning sketch duo Kerri Donaldson and Allie Entwistle present Brunch: A Comedy Show–The Dog Days are Over?!? Find out what the dog days are at this sketch/improv show from the winners of Vancouver Comedy Awards’ “Best Sketch Group” title.
Little Mountain Comedy Community Centre, 195 East 26th Avenue, Vancouver; 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets $12; Details online

7. Pride Premiere — Friday, July 26

Hosted by Public Disco, Pride Premiere features two stages, a Silent Disco, an outdoor licensed area, drag and dance performances, food trucks, activities, and community resources. Dance to feel good music or grab a pair of headphones and pick a channel to boogie to the Silent Disco from 7-10pm.
Šx????n?q Xwtl’e7én? Square Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza, 850 West Georgia Street, Vancouver; 5 p.m. to midnight; Free; Details online

8. Ali Wong — Wednesday, July 24 to Friday, July 26

Comedy queen and star of the filmed-in-Vancouver Netflix movie Always Be My Maybe, Ali Wong comes to the city on her Milk & Money tour.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m.; Tickets from $99

9. 3rd Annual Floating Dance Party — Friday, July 26

Swim out to the floating dance floor and groove in the waves with VYVE (formerly Party4Health) for an hour of booze-free boogie action.
Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver; 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Free; Details online

10. Playland Nights — Friday, July 26

Every Friday evening in July sees Playland open its gates for some adults-only fun in the form of food, drinks, games and rides that are only open to ages 19 and up. All of the grounds are licensed so you can wander around and check out guest DJs while sipping on Playland-inspired cocktails.
PNE, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to midnight; Tickets from $29; Details online