Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for June 6 to 12

This week: Catch a flick at the Rio Theatre, dip into some summertime BBQ fun, hit the refresh button with yoga at Kits Beach + more

Credit: Rio Theatre

Italian Day Film Festival at the Rio Theatre – June 6 to 13

If you just can’t wait for Commercial Drive’s Italian Day Festival then Vancouver’s favourite funky theatre, Rio Theatre, has just the event for you. The Italian Day Film Festival is an eight-day extravaganza of classic Italian flicks from all different decades and genres. Options range from the definitive spaghetti Western, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly to the coming-of-age story of Cinema Paradiso. You can see all eight films with a festival pass for only $50, available online.

Times vary.
Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver 

Railtown Tailgate Summer Barbecue Series – starting June 6

Prepare for a meal that’ll have you licking your fingers – no napkins required. The Railtown Tailgate Summer Barbecue Series is serving a full spread of barbecue favourites including 35-hour Texas-style beef brisket, Applewood-smoked pork shoulder, beer-brined chicken, bratwurst and a selection of delicious side dishes on select Saturdays this summer. They’ll have a little help from their friends with local breweries like Postmark Brewing, Driftwood and Red Truck who will be pouring cold beers to round out the perfect summertime feast.

4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Railtown Cafe, 397 Railway Street, Vancouver

Hats Off Day in Burnaby Heights – June 6

Burnaby is tipping its hat to community at its most popular annual festival, Hats Off Day. It’s the perfect event for families to explore the neighbourhood and enjoy a full day of excitment. The day kicks off with the Family Fun Dash, where families dash down Hastings Street in a three-block race, followed by a 10-block Hollywood-themed parade. After the parade, there will be no shortage of things to enjoy including live music, performers, fun activities, a vintage car show and some tasty food.

Family Fun Dash – 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Parade – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Street Festival – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hastings Street between Gamma Avenue and Boundary Road, Burnaby

World Oceans Day at the Vancouver Aquarium – June 6

Vancouverites are known for loving their beaches, so show the sea a little extra love this weekend for World Oceans Day. The Vancouver Aquarium will be celebrating with a full slate of activities that promise to be as informative as they are fun. There will be cooking demonstrations to teach guests about sustainable seafood, presentations by aquarium staff, exhibits about ocean conservation and more.

Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver 

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire – June 6 to 7

At the 5th annual Mini Maker Faire, a festival of inventors and inventions, there’s something for everyone: exhibits, handcrafted pop culture memorabilia and robotics demonstrations. The event is family friendly and perfect for inspiring little makers with workshops and activities that are designed to inspire. There are lots of free activities, but be sure to check the website for the list of workshops that require booking.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PNE Forum, 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver

Dora The Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys – June 7

Dora The Explorer Live! follows Dora on her quest to the City of Lost Toys to retrieve her teddy bear. Add in a couple mishaps to the adventure and you’ve got yourself a show that promises to have audiences singing, dancing and helping Dora on her journey.

Show begins at 1 p.m.
The Orpheum, 884 Granville Street, Vancouver

Tasting Plates Cambie Village – June 10

Presented by Vancouver Foodster, writer and editor Richard Wolak, takes attendees on a foodie tour around Cambie Street to taste some of the best bites in the neighbourhood. Tasting Plates brings you to six different restaurants where tasting plates and drinks await your arrival. This Cambie restaurant crawl includes stops at Rain or Shine Ice Cream, U and I Thai, The Edge Cafe and more.

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Meet at U and I Thai, 3364 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Kits Space Beach Yoga – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until August 31

The mountain, the beach the ocean and now free yoga? How can you stay away from Kits beach this summer. Kits Space Beach Yoga is offering free yoga lessons (although tips are encouraged) three times a week until the end of August. All you need is a mat or towel, your best downward dog and maybe a friend or two.

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kits Beach between the pool and the tennis courts

FIFA Women’s World Cup – June 6 to July 5

The global spectable that is the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 has come to Canada, and Vancouver is not only hosting to nine matches, but the championship match will be played at BC Place on July 5. To celebrate the event Vancouver is setting up a Fan Zone just outside of BC Place starting on June 6 and running on select days until the final. Festivities include live music, a viewing tent and food and drink vendors.

Times vary.
BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver (Fan Zone at Larwill Park)

#PopUpPatio at the Westin Grand – Open Thursdays and Fridays All Summer

Kicking back for happy hour just got a little more luxurious with the #PopUpPatio at the Westin Grand. The poolside urban oasis will feature a live DJ, soft seating and green gardens, creating the perfect place for a fun and relaxing evening. Chef Chris Savino has cooked up a summer-inspired menu that includes dishes like baby back ribs, prawn salad, quinoa sliders and more. You can wash it all down with a refreshing blueberry ginger mojito, or keep it classic with great deals on beer and wine.

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Westin Grand Hotel, 433 Robson Street, Vancouver