Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 25 to 31

This week: Celebration of Light ignites at English Bay, Hastings Park hosts The Deighton Cup, the North Shore heats up for Caribbean Days + more

Celebration of Light – July 25, July 29, and August 1

The much-anticipated Celebration of Light is about to ignite at English Bay this weekend with the first round of fireworks fun. Kicking off the competition is team China followed by Brazil on July 29 and Canada on August 1. If you’re not a fan of crowded beaches, there are other ways to secure your vantage point. The Keg is hosting a lounge on the English Bay bathhouse roof, or you can reserve a VIP seat on the peninsula of English Bay. If you want the best views, though, grab a seat at the Kitsilano Showboat on Kits Beach where you can enjoy live music before the firework simulcast.

10 p.m.
English Bay, Vancouver

Shorefest – July 25, July 29, and August 1

The fireworks are just part of the fun happening at English Bay this week, and you won’t want to miss the ultimate pre-party. Shorefest boasts the most scenic stages you’ll find at a free, outdoor festival, and a lineup that you won’t want to miss.

Rocking the main Keg Lounge stage on July 25 is Bend Sinister opening for Platinum Blonde; on July 29, Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson kick off the show followed by Randy Bachman; and on August 1, Kuba Oms and Chilliwack perform.

On the Sunset Beach Stage, the music begins at 2 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m., and features a multi-genre lineup of talented musicians. Along with the music, there will be plenty of food, games, and activities to enjoy while you wait for the fireworks to begin.

Starts at 2 p.m.
English Bay, Vancouver

The Deighton Cup – July 25

This vintage-themed event is taking over the Hastings Racetrack for an afternoon of betting on the horses, cocktails, and some spectacular fashion. This year The Deighton Cup has doubled in size with some new ticket options. The most basic will get you seating in the grandstand and a welcome cocktail, while the most luxurious option includes a track-side suite, a private bar, lunch, and snacks for the whole afternoon.

12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Hastings Racetrack, 188 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver

Agassiz Farms Cycle Tour – July 25

A sunshine-filled bike ride already makes for a lovely day, but add in some farm-fresh local foods to sample along the way and it just might be perfection. On the Agassiz Farms Cycle Tour, guests can explore 15 different farms in the Fraser Valley at their own pace on this 30-kilometre loop. At each stop, farmers will be offering samples of local treats like cheese, vegetables, honey, chicken, and much more. You can pre-register online, or sign up on the day of the event.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Begins at the Agassiz Agricultural Hall, 680 Pioneer Avenue, Agassiz

Credit: VeeSeye Photography/Caribbean Days

Caribbean Days Festival – July 25 and 26

Things are heating up on the North Shore with two days of tropical paradise at the Caribbean Days Festival. Catch the colourful multicultural parade along Lonsdale Avenue at 10 a.m. on July 25, and then spend the day at the festival in Waterfront Park. The event features ethnic food, activities, and games that the whole family can enjoy. If you feel like getting your groove on, head to the Tropical Rhythms Sound Stage, where bands will be playing music from around the Caribbean and dancing is encouraged.

Parade begins at 10 a.m.; Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Waterfront Park, North Vancouver

Sculptor’s Society of B.C. 39th Exhibition – July 30 to August 3

VanDusen Botanical Garden is getting even more beautiful with help from the Sculptor’s Society of B.C. Their 39th Anniversary Exhibition is based on the theme of “new and classic” and features work from over 20 artists ranging from up-and-comers to established sculptors. Explore sculptures of all different styles and mediums, and catch daily demonstrations from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver

Wanderlust Festival – July 30 to August 3

A trip up to Whistler for the Wanderlust festival will definitely be relaxing, but it offers more than just meditation. The five-day event celebrates connecting body and mind with yoga, music, art, and more. World-class yoga instructors will lead classes and partipants can try a variety of unorthodox activities, like slacklining, AcroYoga, and hula hooping.

Times and locations vary, check online

Rockin’ River Music Fest – July 30 to August 2

Cowboys and cowgirls from across the province will be flocking to Merritt for the ultimate four-day country music festival. The Rockin’ River Musicfest returns to Merritt this year and promises to be bigger than ever with international headliners like Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, and many more. Camping and glamping options are available, as well as some pretty awesome VIP add-on options.

Merritt Festival Show Site, Merritt

Credit: Karmeller Candy Shop

Karmeller Candy Shop – Now Open

Vancouver just got a little sweeter with the opening of the city’s newest candy store. Yaletown’s Karameller carries special treats inspired by the owner’s childhood in Sweden. Everything in the store is imported from Scandinavia and all of the 100 different types of candy are free from trans-fats and high fructose corn syrup. You can pick up candy in mix-and-match bags, or choose one of Karameller’s themed jars filled with sweet, sour, salty, hard, or mixed candies.

30-1020 Mainland Street, Vancouver

Credit: Mehlhorns

Mehlhorn’s BBQ at Driediger Farm – July 24 to 26 and weekends in August

Tickets for Vancouver’s Brewery and the Beast this weekend may be sold out, but that doesn’t mean you should go without barbecue for the week. Pig out with Mehlhorn’s, the Lower Mainland’s go-to for authentic German-style barbecue. Melhorn’s will be taking over Driediger Farms in Langley this weekend (and every weekend in August) to serve up their delicious roast pork to the hungry hordes of berry pickers and market-goers.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
23823 72nd Avenue, Langley