Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for June 8 to 14

Light up the night in Whistler, pay homage to the Purple One + more

1. Music Waste — Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9

Music Waste celebrates its quarter-life crisis (aka 25th birthday) with an ’80s business theme of capitalism and big bucks. The alternative music and art festival will once again take over Vancouver’s DIY venues with a focus on local bands and artists, with music from more than 70 bands, including new, exciting acts such as Akita, Megamall and Debt, and local favourites Apollo Ghosts, Woolworm, Necking, and Devours. Art and comedy shows will also be taking place across the festival.
Various dates, locations and times; Details online

2. Vallea Lumina — From Friday, June 7

After dazzling visitors with a mystical multimedia wonderland last summer, the award-winning Vallea Lumina returns to Whistler’s Cougar Mountain again this season. Created by Montreal-based Moment Factory and brought to Whistler by The Adventure Group, the immersive night walk officially launches on June 7th for the sunny season.
Various times and dates; Tickets from $34.99 online

3. Lost All Day — Saturday, June 8

Part of a six-part series of events, Lost All Day is a licensed outdoor event, featuring your favourite local house, techno and subgenre DJs Joel West, Queensyze, Diana Boss and Nathan Mots in a Groundwerk showcase at The Waldorf.
The Waldorf Hotel, 1489 East Hastings Street; Doors at 2 p.m., with performances from 3 to 9:30 p.m.; 19 and up; Details online

4. Purpleness Prince Day Party — Saturday, June 8

The Fox Cabaret presents a dance party dedicated to the life and legacy of Prince, featuring a two-room party of Prince and Prince-inspired music all night with the Common People DJs. Check out special Prince-inspired cocktails and dress up in your best purple outfits!
Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street, 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; 19 and up; Tickets $10 advance, or $15 door; Details online

5. Aboriginal Arts and Culture Day — Sunday, June 9

In recognition of Aboriginal Awareness Month, Aboriginal Arts and Culture Events—along with the Heritage Abbotsford Society—presents the fourth Annual Aboriginal Arts and Culture Day. Watch local artists create work on site and purchase directly, or enjoy entertainment from storytellers, a children’s tent and food from Stó:l? Bannock Food truck.
Tretheway Heritage House, 2313 Ware Street, Abbotsford; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Free; Details online

6. Italian Day at the Drive — Sunday, June 9

Vancouver’s largest cultural street festival returns for a day of all things Italian on the Drive. Vendors—including lots of yummy food—and community organizations will be hosting 120 stalls with an estimated 300,000 attendees coming to Little Italy to enjoy a 14-block celebration.
Commercial Drive, Vancouver; 12 to 8 p.m.; Free; Details online

7. Mid Main Art Fair — Sunday, June 9

Established in 2010 by artist Enda Bardell to help promote and sell the works of established artists in the Greater Vancouver area, Mid Main Art Fair invites artists to show works produced in a variety of media and styles: abstracts, landscapes, florals, still life and figurative works are rendered in watercolour, oil, acrylic, photography, printmaking and sculpture.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Free; Details online

8. Retro Design and Antiques Show — Sunday, June 9

Explore the weird and wonderful at 185 tables of fabulous finds, ranging from mid-century modernist decor to vintage and estate jewelry, pop culture classics and even funky ’50s kitsch. Find homeware and gifts from all eras, from boho and shabby chic accents to French country design and decorative art pottery and glass.
Croatian Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Tickets $5 (cash only); Details online

9. Trevor Noah — Friday, June 14 & Saturday, June 15

South African comedian and The Daily Show host Trevor Noah is coming to Vancouver as part of his 28-date Loud and Clear Tour. Extra shows have been added and tickets are still available.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street; Vancouver; 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Tickets from $74

10. Velopalooza — Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 30

From bike polo and brewery tours to a Pink Floyd-themed summer solstice ride, Velopalooza is two weeks of two-wheeled fun with a range of events that celebrate the humble bicycle. Join a bike ride—big or small—and enjoy life on two wheels in the city.
Various dates, locations and times; Details online