Notable Now Vancouver: August 1, 2014

Powell Street Festival (August 1-3, various locations)
This weekend, stay local and check out the annual Powell Street Festival for three days of community-minded fun with a cultural twist. Celebrating Japanese-Canadian arts, heritage and culture, this festival has plenty to offer and is one of the longest running community events in Vancouver. The festival features arts, crafts, food vendors, entertainment, music and plenty more. For details, click here.

Vancouver Pride (to August 3, various venues)
Back to celebrate the unique culture of the city’s LGBT community, don’t miss the Vancouver Pride Society this year. Weekend festivities include the Davie Street Block Party (Aug 1, 4 pm, Davie Street), the Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast (Aug 2, 8 am–12 pm, Bute Plaza), the Sunset Beach Festival (Aug 3, 11 am–6 pm, Sunset Beach), and the 36th Annual Pride Parade (Aug 3, 12–3 pm, the West End). For complete listings and details, click here.

Recently opened: Fashion Cafe (1 West Cordova Street)
Spice things up this weekend and be sure to pop by the recently opened Fashion Cafe for a taste of Jamaica in Vancouver. This hot spot serves up spicy ginger sodas, chai teas and authentic soul food you can enjoy while shopping for clothing and art by local designers and artists. This amazing little charismatic kitchen is headed by long-time local celebrity food artist Lisa Brown of “Kiss Yo Mamma” and features plenty of Caribbean flair. For details and menu, click here.

Honda Celebration of Light (English Bay, August 2)
Don’t miss this weekend’s grand finale fireworks extravaganza with Japan closing out the show. Head down to join thousands of others along the shores of English Bay and get ready for a spectacular evening as the 24th annual international fireworks competition comes to a close. Score a VIP spot in the YVR Observation Deck or Keg Lounge. Find all the details here.

Odlum Brown VanOpen (August 3, Hollyburn Country Club)
Squeeze in some courtside action this weekend and head to West Vancouver’s Hollyburn to catch some USTA Pro Circuit matches. Presented by Tennis Canada, this event attracts 140 players from 40 different countries with prize money at stake. Tickets start at $28 with hospitality packages available. Find details here.

Wanderlust Festival (Whistler, until August 4)
Back for its second year in BC, one of North America’s largest festivals devoted to yoga, food, the outdoors and music is taking over Whistler for an extended weekend. Always a fantastic way to escape the city for a weekend fuelled by healthy living, community and connecting, Wanderlust features guest teachers, speakeasy seminars, social events, an extensive schedule of classes and the perfect opportunity to master your downward dog. For details and to purchase single or multi-day passes, click here.

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Top photo courtesy Celebration of Light