Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 18 to 24

This week: Get multicultural at the Surrey Fusion Festival, combine some sweet symphonic sounds with a night of Shakespeare, explore the finest Art Deco sites in the city + more

White Rock Concerts on the Pier – July 18

There aren’t many places more picturesque than the White Rock pier, and if you add in the sweet sounds of local music, it makes for the perfect evening out. This week at White Rock’s Concerts on the Pier, East Van’s The Boom Booms are taking the stage. This six-piece indie-soul band is in high demand both locally and abroad, and their performance promises to be just as enjoyable as the scenery.

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
White Rock Pier

Fiji Fest – July 18

Take a tropical trip to the islands of Fiji at the 15th annual Fiji Fest at Swanguard Stadium in Burnaby. The festival will feature live entertainment by dancers showcasing the culture of Fiji and other traditional dances from the region. With food trucks, vendors, rides, a fashion show, and a soccer tournament, there will be no shortage of things to do.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby
Admission is free

Surrey Fusion Festival – July 18 to 19

The world convenes in Surrey for the Lower Mainland’s biggest multicultural festival of the year. The Surrey Fusion Festival celebrates countries around the world, from Thailand to Turkey, at this two-day festival. Almost 40 different countries will be represented with their own cultural pavilions where they’ll be running activities and cooking authentic food. Entertainment includes traditional folk dances from around the world, as well as music from some local contemporary artists like The Belle Game, Van Damsel, The Tourist Company, and more.

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Holland Park, Surrey

Flavour of Spain Tasting – July 19

On just about any list of things to love about Spain, food and booze can be found near the top. So it only makes sense that Moonshine Tasting’s next event revolves around the best that Spain has to offer in both of those categories. Grab tickets for the Flavour of Spain Tasting at Calabash Bistro where Corjito Spiritu Santo will be serving up samplings of their finest olive oil paired with alcohol tastings provided by Moonshine Tasting. Tickets include all the tastings, a bottle of olive oil to take home, and a cocktail to kick off the evening.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Calabash Bistro, 428 Carrall Street, Vancouver

The VSO at Bard on the Beach – July 20

Two Vancouver entertainment staples are coming together for an unforgettable night of music and theatre. Members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will be playing at Bard on the Beach for the second time this summer on the BMO Mainstage. This time they’ll be taking listeners on a journey through Baroque music with music by Handel, Bach, and Mendelsohn.

7:30 p.m.
Vanier Park, 1695 Vanier Avenue, Vancouver

Queen of Hearts Tea Party – July 22

Sugar, spice, and everything nice can be found all in one convenient location this week. Queensberry Flower Company and Patisserie Fur Elise are teaming up for the Queen of Hearts Tea Party. The first half of the afternoon is a fun class on flower arrangement where guests will learn about the art of floral design and make their own centrepiece to keep. The second half of the event is a full-service tea party with savoury and sweet treats and your choice of tea.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
847 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Credit: Boulevard

Sunday Seafood Boil Series – Sundays from July 19 to August 31

Take Sunday dinner to a whole new level with Boulevard’s Sunday Seafood Boil Series. Dine on Boulevard’s beautiful patio with an east-coast-style summer dinner. The meal begins with a fresh wedge salad with blue cheese, chives, and cherry tomatoes. After the appetizer comes the main event: the seafood boil. Crawfish, prawns, clams, mussels, crab, potatoes and corn will be piled high and served with your choice of dipping sauce. Be sure to save room for dessert, though, because they’re serving blueberry crumble with elderberry ice cream to finish the night.

Tickets for the July 19 and July 26 events are sold out, so buy your ticket now to make sure you get a spot for one of the other nights.

6 p.m.
845 Burrard Street

All Nations Festival – July 23 to 25

Celebrate Coast Salish culture at Coquitlam’s first-ever All Nations Festival. Enjoy art, music, food, and more at this three-day celebration. Headlining the event is Juno Award-winning musician George Leach, who will be playing at the July 23 opening party. Other live music can be found on the free outdoor stage in Town Centre Park where artists like The Funk Hunters, Doug and the Slugs, and more will be performing.

Times vary, check online for schedule of events.
Events at either Town Centre Park or Evergreen Cultural Centre. 

Circle Craft Summer Market – July 23 to 26

Shop till you drop for some of the most unique goods in town at the third annual Circle Craft Summer Market. Located in scenic Jack Poole Plaza, Circle Craft showcases one-of-a-kind work by local craftspeople and artisans in a fun market environment. This market only runs twice a year, once in the summer and once at Christmas, so visit while you can and pick up the finest in high quality food, art, fashion, and more.

Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Art Deco Photo Walk – Saturdays until September 26

Snap pics like a pro with tips from Forbidden Vancouver’s newest photo walk. The Art Deco Photo Walk takes guests on a historical and artistic tour of the town, and this year they’re focussing on the stories and sites that are significant to the Art Deco movement. The walk starts at the Vogue Theatre and wraps up at the Marine Building, and is intended for photographers of all levels and camera types.

2 p.m.
Starts at the Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville Street, Vancouver