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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for June

From hip-hop celebrations to live theatre and more, here's what to add to your calendar this month

By Karisa Cheng /

From hip-hop celebrations to live theatre and more, here’s what to add to your calendar this month

1. Giants In The Sky – Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3

Vancouver Performing Stars, a music, theatre and dance training program for budding artists, presents its latest children’s musical, Giants In The Sky. Take the little ones to experience this magical show that “explores the world of giants who live above the clouds… where their job is to keep the sky beautiful.” This performance will entertain and spark the imagination of kids and adults alike.
The York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; Tickets from $20; Details online

2. Mill Bay Community Flower and Garden Show – Saturday, June 3

Want to nurture your green thumb? Mill Bay Garden Club’s 74th annual Community Flower and Garden Show features a flower, fruit and vegetable competition, as well as tasty treats and a silent auction. Looking to get some advice? There will also be expert panels so you can ask all your pressing gardening questions. Proceeds from the show will go towards a bursary to provide financial assistance to local agricultural and horticultural study students.
3550 Watson Avenue, Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island; Tickets $2; Details online

3. Foodstock 2023 – Sunday, June 18

Looking to enjoy some local food and beer? How about listening to live music while supporting a great cause? Foodstock will check all those boxes. Presented by the the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, with partial proceeds going towards helping feed those in need, this 19-plus event features Vancouver-based Juno Award-winning indie rock band Said the Whale as the headliners. There will also be more bands, local vendors, yard games and plenty of food trucks and local breweries serving up fun in the (hopefully) sun.
Swangard Stadium – 6100 Boundary Road Burnaby; Tickets $30; Details online

4. The General – Monday, June 5

As part of Silent Movie Mondays, Vancouver Civic Theatres will be presenting The General at the Orpheum. Set during the American Civil War, this 1926 comedy follows a railroad engineer on his journey to rescue his accidentally kidnapped fiancée. The film will be screened along with live music on a historic Wurlitzer organ, and there will be a discussion hosted by the Vancouver Film School after the viewing for those interested in learning more about the art of silent films. 
Vancouver Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $16.90; Details online

5. Wild Light – Thursday, June 8 to Saturday, June 17

Fraser Valley-based Little Dipper Theatre Co. presents a play inspired by the true stories of British Columbian lighthouse keepers. Wild Light follows a family’s adventures in the wilderness of Lucy Island off the coast of Prince Rupert. Ticket prices are by donation on opening night, then start at $25 for students and seniors, and $34.50 for general admission (the story deals with mature topics and is not recommended for young children).
Bez Arts Hub – #102- 20230 64 Avenue, Langley; Price varies; Details online

6. Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market – Saturday, June 10 to Saturday, November 11

Southlands Tsawwassen Farmers Market kicks off for its season this month and will run until November 11. This market is an open-air hub for local food businesses to set up shop, for gardeners to share their tips, and for families to mingle on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Please note that the market runs every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
6313 Market Avenue, Delta; Free entry, Details online

7. ABRA Cadabra – A Tribute to ABBA – Wednesday, June 14

Vancouver tribute band ABRA Cadabra is bringing the music of legendary Swedish pop quartet ABBA to Surrey this month. The performance features a live band, dancing and will have you singing along to all the hits (time to start brushing up on the lyrics of bangers like Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Waterloo and more!).
Bell Performing Arts Centre – 6250 144th Street, Surrey; Prices vary; Details online

8. Black Culture Celebration Festival – Saturday, June 17

Let your backbone slide and honour 50 years of hip hop at the second annual Black Culture Celebration at Sunset Beach Park. Headlining musical acts include Canadian legends like Kardinal Offishall, Rascalz, Maestro and Choclair.  Check out live performances, BIPOC food vendors, apparel brands, artisans and more.
1204 Beach Avenue, Vancouver; Prices vary, Details online