Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for June 30 to July 6

This week: celebrate Canada Day, groove to Harlem soul, taste Quebecois craft beer + more

1. David Lam Park Jazz Weekend — Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1

Yaletown’s David Lam Park transforms into festival grounds for a two-day Jazz Weekend spectacular! This event is a summer favourite of locals who attend for the exciting musical lineup, food trucks, beer gardens, market stalls and kids activities. Bring a picnic blanket or even a couple of lawn chairs and find your spot on the grass in front of the outdoor stage.
David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver; 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Free

2. Canada Day on Robson — Sunday, July 1

Robson Street in the heart of downtown Vancouver will come alive with patriotism this Canada Day. Sidewalks from Burrard to Denman will be filled with entertainment, promotions and food. At Robson Plaza, there will be a colourful family lounge area with kids activities like face painting, games and magic. A hidden laneway between CB2 and Shenanigans on Robson will be turned into a hip space, featuring DJs, hip hop performances and art demos.
Robson Street from Burrard to Denman, Vancouver; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Free

3. Mamie Taylor’s RibFest 2018 — Sunday, July 1

Celebrate Canada Day on the eastside at Mamie Taylor’s RibFest. This epic BBQ battle will see chefs and master grillers from Vancouver’s top restaurants competing for the coveted RibFest Cup. Snag a judging ticket to sample the ribs cooked on outdoor grills and vote for your favourite BBQ master. You can also try Mamie Taylor’s $15 ribs platter featuring slow-cooked ribs with all the BBQ fixings.
Mamie Taylor’s, 251 East Georgia Street, Vancouver; 2 p.m to 5 p.m.; Tickets $10 available onsite; First come, first served

4. Canada Day on Granville Island — Sunday, July 1

Spend the day taking in the entertainment, artwork and incredible foods of Granville Island this Canada Day. A parade and an official Canada Day ceremony pair with creative workshops, crafts and activities for the whole family. You can’t miss the foods you’ll find here on Canada Day as Liberty Distillery serves craft caesars, Lee’s Donuts unveils their special Canada Day donut, and a fresh lobster cook-out takes place at The Lobster Man.
Various times and locations; Details online

5. Richmond Canada Day in Steveston Village — Sunday, July 1

Richmond Canada Day is an all-day celebration with a street market, artisan village, food trucks and much more. This festival runs alongside the Steveston Salmon Festival where you can enjoy wild salmon grilled over open fire pits. While in Steveston, visit some of their historic attractions, like the cannery, tram and museum. With live music on eight stages and a fireworks show to finish off the night, this is the ultimate holiday party.
Steveston Village, Richmond; 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Free

6. Underneath the Harlem Moon — Tuesday, July 3

A sultry summer night is the perfect time to head to Guilt and Co. in Gastown for their monthly soul cabaret. The show features spoken word and vocal guests curated by songstress Krystle Dos Santos. The Harlem Moon Band backs the artists all night at this hidden underground tavern.
Guilt and Co., 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver; Doors at 9 p.m., with show at 9:30 p.m.; Admission by donation

7. Brasserie & The Beest — Wednesday, July 4

This exclusive meet and greet with Brasserie Dunham, a Quebecois craft brewery, promises to be a night full of delicious beer. This event takes place in the Underbelly, the secluded underground lair of Vancouver restaurant Wildebeest, and will feature exclusive beers from Brasserie Dunham. The brewery uses classic European traditions to create amazing flavours.
Wildebeest, 120 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets $47.97 plus gratuity

8. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella — Wednesday, July 4 to Saturday, August 18

Theatre Under the Stars in Stanley Park begins its season of summertime musical theatre with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The classic fairy tale gets a musical makeover thanks to the creators of The Sound of Music, South Pacific and Oklahoma! Children and adults alike will adore this crowd-pleasing hit. After the show, be sure to get home before the clock strikes twelve! Alternating with Cinderella this summer is 42nd Street.
Malkin Bowl, 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver; Doors at 7 p.m., with show at 8 p.m.; Tickets from $20

9. Avocado Toast — Thursday, July 5 to Saturday, September 1

Billed as “Vancouver grown, organic, free range comedy”, this show makes light of Vancouver’s many stereotypes. With improv, no two shows are the same, but you can expect them to poke fun at everything from Vancouver’s foodie culture, bike lanes, yoga classes and more. Expect these jokes to really hit home!
The Improv Centre on Granville Island, 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver; 7:30 p.m.; Tickets from $10.75

10. Indian Summer Fest Opening Party — Friday, July 6

The opening party for arts festival Indian Summer Fest is an elegant journey around the world through food and drink. Hosted by Vikram Vij, you can expect delicious food from some of Vancouver’s top culinary artists, plus dancing, music and art all under one roof. Truly one of the best summer parties in Vancouver! The Indian Summer Festival runs from July 5th to 15th.
Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Tickets $125