Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May 23 to 29

This week: Entertain your kids at the Vancouver International Children's Festival, sip into summer with Vancouver Craft Beer Week, celebrate the art of Bhangra + more

Community Farmstead Day at Roedde House – May 23

Take a trip back in time at the Roedde House Museum’s Community Farmstead Day. The museum will be hosting demonstrations to teach you a variety of sustainable DIY activities. Watch a demo on urban gardening, learn how to keep chickens in your own backyard, peruse an antique photography display and more. Admission to the event is free or by donation.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Roedde House Museum, 1415 Barclay Street, Vancouver

Victoria Baconalooza – May 23

If there is any food that deserves its own day, it’s bacon. You can join in the celebrations at Victoria’s Baconalooza this weekend. There will be live music, craft beer, a bacon-eating contest, and, of course, plenty of bacon treats to chow down on from some of Victoria’s most popular restaurants. The event is open to all ages and kids under 12 are free. You can grab tickets and get more info online.

1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Velox Rugby Field and Clubhouse, 3957 Gordon Head Road, Victoria

Happy Hoopla – May 23

Get happy with the Museum of Vancouver’s Happy Hoopla Family Festival. Kids get in free to this celebration of joy, and it includes entrance to the exhibit Stefan Sagmeister: The Happy Show. There will be a performance by ventriloquist Kelly Haines, face painting, and interactive activities for everyone to explore. The Melt City Food Truck will be onsite serving up grilled cheese sandwiches, and you can cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth with an artisan Johnny Pop popsicle for dessert.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver

Credit: Flickr/C. 

The Monkey King and Other Folktales at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden – May 23

Lose yourself in the magical stories of Chinese folklore at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden. The Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble is teaming up with physical theatre artist Gerardo Avila to present the legend of the Monkey King, as well as other beloved Chinese tales. Audiences will be enthralled through “mime, magic, jokes, stories and music,” all in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown.

3 p.m.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver

Vancouver International Children’s Festival – May 25 to 31

Whether it’s catching a circus performance, dancing the day away to live music or watching a puppet show, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival is sure to keep your kids entertained. If they’re looking to get active, then try out the musical playground, or make some bicycle spin art. This year the festival will also include Pyjama Nights, where families are invited to get comfy in their favourite PJs and enjoy an evening show.

Show times vary, check online schedule for info
Granville Island, Vancouver

Okanagan Spring Brew Master’s Dinner – May 28

Sip your way into summer at Okanagan Spring Brew Master’s Dinner. The event is hosted by Chinatown’s go-to southern food joint, Mamie Taylor’s. The four-course meal will be prepared by Mamie Taylor’s head chef, Tobias Grignon, and expertly paired with beers from Okanagan Springs Brewery by brewmaster Stefan Tobler.

7:30 p.m.
Mamie Taylor’s, 251 East Georgia Street, Vancouver

City of Bhangra Festival – May 28 to June 6

Celebrate the colourful art of Bhangra dancing at the City of Bhangra Festival. With events scheduled at venues in Vancouver and Surrey, the City of Bhangra Festival aims to bring people together through the rhythms and dance that was first made popular by young Punjabi labourers. Enjoy the sights and sounds as over 350 performers show off their moves, ranging from the very traditional to the innovative modern.

Events and venues vary, find more info online

David Suzuki: Letters to My Grandchildren – May 29

Spend an evening with environmentalist David Suzuki as he releases his newest book, Letters to My Grandchildren. Suzuki’s latest is a series of letters to the new generation about living with “courage, conviction and passion.” The night will kick off with a talk from Suzuki, followed by a Q & A, and a book signing.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Old Auditorium, UBC, 6344 Memorial Road, Vancouver

FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour – May 29 to 31

Soccer fans across the city can start getting excited for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Vancouver this summer. To kick off the celebration, pay a visit to the cup itself and get your picture taken on the World Cup Trophy Tour’s stop at Metrotown. The event is free but you still have to grab a ticket, which can be found online.

11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby

Vancouver Craft Beer Week – May 29 to June 7

Throw on your plaid and grow out your beard, because the theme of this year’s Vancouver Craft Beer Week is lumberjacks. With over a week of hoppin’ events, there’s sure to be something on the menu for every beer lover. The festival hits its peak on June 6 and 7 when guests can sample beers, enjoy live DJs and catch the action of the Stihl Timbersports Western Canada Finals.

Events and venues vary