Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 21 to 27

This week: enjoy homegrown laughs, eat global cuisine, celebrate National Tequila Day + more

1. Electric Harbour e-Tours — Now to Sunday, October 14

Itching to get out on the water this summer? Join Westcoast Sightseeing’s new Electric Harbour e-Tours. Their 100 percent electrically powered boats are the first of their kind in Vancouver. Choose from either Vanier Park or Coal Harbour tours on a whisper-quiet 12-passenger boat. Each of the 45-minute narrated tours explores local history and offers stunning views of the city and mountains.
Coal Harbour Tour departs from the Harbour Cruises Marina, 501 Denman Street, Vancouver; Vanier Park Tour departs from the Heritage Marina, 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver; Various dates and times; Tickets from $30

2. Deighton Cup 2018 — Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21

The tenth annual Deighton Cup is a full day of horse races and events showcasing the best in food, luxury cars and fashion. Expect an amazing array of local food this year including sushi from Minami, tacos from the Pawn Shop, slow-fired BBQ from Dixie’s and more (plus the Cocktail Jockey Mixology Competition takes place Friday at Prohibition).
Hastings Racecourse, 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tickets from $75

3. The Comic Strip at Tyrant Studio’s Summer Lounge Series — Saturday, July 21

Comedian Ivan Decker is bringing homegrown laughs to Tyrant Studios, a hidden gem above the historic Penthouse Nightclub. Decker is a Vancouver native making it big in comedy, with a win for Comedy Album of the Year at the 2018 Juno Awards, an upcoming Netflix special and an a recent appearance on Conan.
Tyrant Studios, 1019 Seymour Street, Vancouver; Doors at 9 p.m., with show at 9:30 p.m.; Tickets $18

4. Kayak to Klemtu — Saturday, July 21

Visit Vancity Theatre for a special screening of Kayak to Klemtu, the winner of the Audience Award at the 2017 imagineNATIVE Film Festival. To testify against proposed pipelines, 14-year-old Ella takes it upon herself to travel the length of the Inside Passage. Fully prepared to face making it in the wild, she finds that her biggest challenge is the dysfunctional family joining her. This screening includes a Q&A with the filmmaker Zoe Hopkins as well as special guests from the cast and crew of the film. Join the post-film reception in the theatre’s atrium, with a performance by the Urban Heiltsuk Dance Group.
Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver; Intro at 5:45 p.m. followed by screening; Tickets $13

5. African Descent Festival — Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22

Celebrate the cultural diversity of people of African descent at this festival, featuring public art installations, modern and traditional showcases, a night market, a craft fair and musical performances. Enjoy and learn about different African cultures, countries and Vancouver’s historic Hogan’s Alley community. This year, the festival features award-winning Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo and Vancouver-based Ezra Kwizera.
Thornton Park at Main Street and Terminal Avenue, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days; Free admission

6. Surrey Fusion Festival — Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22

The celebration at the Surrey Fusion Festival includes amazing pavilions showcasing food and culture from different countries, while six stages feature music, dance and demonstrations. With an incredible offering of global cuisine in one place, this festival is a must for foodies. This could be the only time you can eat macaroni pie from Barbados, chicken tikka from Pakistan and crepes from France all in one place!
Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey; Various times; Free admission

7. Made in the 604 Summer Pop-up Market — Sunday, July 22

Shop local at the Made in the 604 Pop-up Market. This curated marketplace—with a DJ to create those summer vibes—features Vancouver’s best local makers, artists and small businesses, offering handmade and specially crafted jewellery, natural body care products, housewares and clothes. Your ticket by donation (proceeds go to Covenant House Vancouver) permits day-long access, plus the first 50 shoppers get a free swag bag.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Entry by donation

8. National Tequila Day at Tacofino — Tuesday, July 24

As if we needed an occasion to celebrate with tequila, this Tuesday is National Tequila Day. Tacofino will be offering spirited specials at their Gastown, Yaletown, Oasis and Hastings locations. Enjoy $5 shots of El Jimador with casita verdita as well as $8 classic margaritas made with El Jimador Blanco, Cointreau lime, agave and a sumptuous vanilla salt rim.
Various locations and hours; Details online

9. VMO Live Symphony Performance —Thursday, July 26

The fifth annual VMO Live Symphony Performance is a free and family-friendly outdoor concert. The Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra—led by Maestro Kenneth Hsieh—will be performing their programme of classical and pop culture-inspired music. Bring blankets and lawn chairs so you can enjoy this magical evening in more comfort.
Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Free admission

10. Playland Nights — Friday, July 27

This summer’s final edition of Playland’s adults-only night boasts rides all night in a “kid-free atmosphere”. The event features all the midway games, rides and food that comes with your average Playland experience, plus a few extras: sip on Playland-inspired cocktails, take in a burlesque show, try virtual reality racing and more. The VIP Experience gives you express park entry, a “skip the line” feature on many rides and access to the VIP bar.
Playland, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Tickets from $31