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This week: watch as humans defy gravity at Crankworx Whistler, dance at the Edge of the World in Haida Gwaii, take in the arts at the New West Culture Crawl and more
This week all roads lead to the hottest country carnival in town, the Rockin’ River Music Fest at Mission Raceway Park (32670 Dyke Rd). From August 7 to 9, music fans can get their groove on with the likes of Rascal Flatts, Terri Clark, Gord Bamford, The Road Hammers and Kenny Hess, among others. And no need to pack a picnic, either, ’cause the festivities also include a food fair and beer garden.
Birthplace of legends. Evolution of air. Homage to speed. Crankworx Whistler, running from August 8 to 17, has been called all these things and more, including “the most ground-breaking, gravity-fueled mountain bike festival in the history of all things bad-ass.” Over 10 action-packed days, you can catch the sport’s most fearless superstars wage war for freeride glory, as well as enjoy free nightly concerts by the likes of Five Alarm Funk and A Whole Lotta Led, at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Here’s one way to float your boat this weekend: drop anchor at the 11th annual Richmond Maritime Festival, making a splash from August 8 to 10 at Britannia Heritage Shipyard National Historic Site (5180 Westwater Dr, Steveston). Held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., this free, all-ages festival features everything from an art market to a food fair, kids’ activities and live music, including a performance by the Swamp Dogs.
The remote isle of Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlottes, means that the only sounds you’re likely hear are crashing waves, screeching seagulls and chirping crickets. That all changes from August 8 to 10 at the Edge of the World Music Festival, a weekend roundup of local artists playing everything from reggae to rock and folk to funk. Stake out a spot at the campsite and check out a kids’ zone, vendor marketplace and international eats, at Tlell Fall Fairgrounds.
Burnaby may be a green city, but it’s got a big-time case of the blues. That’s the case on August 9, anyway — the date of the 15th annual Burnaby Blues + Roots Festival, taking place from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Deer Lake Park (6450 Deer Lake Avenue). No need to sing the blues when you’ve got the likes of Big Sugar, Wide Mouth Mason, Matt Andersen, Imelda May and The Harpoonist, among many others, doing it for you on two outdoor stages. And while you’re in for a riot, don’t worry; the crowd is far from rowdy as the fest boasts a family-friendly feel complete with kids’ activities and loads of food vendors.
One thing’s for sure: You’ll have a gay old time at the Queer Arts Festival, held from now till August 9 at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown). Forget hiding in the closet, the LGBT community is busting out a showcase of queer culture that features cutting-edge performances ranging from music to dance to theatre.
The New Westminster Culture Crawl on August 9 and 10 gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the arts of the Royal City. Check out the New West 7 Exhibition at the Van Dop Gallery to see new work from world-class artists, or hit up one of the other venues to explore more of New West’s budding talent.
Just how popular is the TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival? To give you a hint, 60,000 revelers turned up for last’s summer’s sidewalk shindig. You should probably expect the same again this year, when Canada’s biggest Chinatown rolls out its 15th annual expo on August 9 and 10, along Columbia and Keefer Street. The festival will include historical walking tours, an open-air market, multi-culti stage performances, kids’ corner, a youth talent contest, Streetfest and, of course, plenty of eats!
Sure, Salmon Arm is a small town, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be the site of one of B.C.’s biggest music festivals. From August 15 to 17, the 22nd annual Roots & Blues Festival brings dozens of world-class artists – Ian Tyson and The Sheepdogs, among them – to multiple outdoor stages at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds. Either cycle to the site or camp out for the weekend, and be sure to check out the artisan stalls, food vendors, kids’ activities and beer garden, too!
You’ve got all year long to curl up on your couch to watch movies. So why not take advantage of these sultry summer nights by checking out the Free-B Film Festival at Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park. On Fridays and Saturdays throughout August, families can stake out a spot in front of Cameron Bandshell to check out free, supersized screenings of PG-rated films, starting at 9 p.m. Bring a blanket, a few snacks, and check out this weekend’s offering of Monster Squad and Logan’s Run.
We’ve only got a few more weeks to make a splash this summer. And an ideal place to do it? Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa (100 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs), offering a variety of summer specials like the Water Park package that’ll delight parents and kids alike, with a daily buffet breakfast and room-service pizza dinner, along with a bumper-boat ride, waterslide passes and unlimited playtime in the hot springs pools. Book this two-night offer, available from $589 until August 29, by calling 866-638-5075.
