Make Music Vancouver (Friday, June 21)
Head to Gastown after work on Friday and get a chance to check out more than 100 different entertainment and musical acts street-side. Water Street will be transformed into one giant, continuous stage, putting spectators front and centre for this 3rd annual celebration that will see upwards of 25,000 people out and about. Stroll your way through the eclectic mix of sounds, grab a drink or bite at participating vendors, and enjoy the celestial start to the season (it is officially Summer Solstice after all).
Beggars Banquet returns (June 21 to 22)
Head down to 211 East Georgia and take in the latest crop of offerings at the city`s ultimate pop-up vintage market that consistently sees top-notch offerings from some of the best boutiques and curio vendors in Vancouver. Enjoy sleuthing through the larger venue space and perusing the eclectic collection of retro accessories, locally produced treats and plenty more. It`s like a classy flea market on steroids. What`s more, grab a beverage from the cash bar to help start the shopping. Find all the details here.
Get Groovy: Vancouver International Jazz Fest (June 21 to July 1)
All but taking over the city is the return of Vancouver`s International Jazz Fest, which will see hundreds of artists playing various venues around town for nearly two weeks. Get your music, art, culinary and cultural fix as you take in the crooning and musings of notable talents such as Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Nikki Yanofsky, Gregory Porter, Macy Gray and many more. Tickets can be purchased individually or as part of a bundle by visiting www.northerntickets.com. For added convenience and connectivity, they`ve even added an app. Download it here.
18th Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival (June 22 to 23)
Unleash your inner Viking and head out to Burnaby this weekend to check out this weekend-long celebration. Take in all the sights and sounds (including cultural displays and shopping kiosks) and even a wife carrying contest and Paavo Nurmi Run. Make an obligatory stop at the beer garden and fuel up on traditional Scandinavian foods such as waffles, pastries, Swedish meatballs and Smørrebrød (Danish open-face sandwiches). Hungry for more details? Click here.
Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival (June 21 to 23)
Back for its 25th Anniversary of fierce competition is this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, which always draws a huge crowd. Make your way down to False Creek where all the action unfolds, rain or shine. Take in the World Beat Stage, check out Reggae on the Rocks, Madskillz and Orquestra Goma Dura`s live musical performances while you cheer on paddlers. To celebrate the 25th year of competition, there will also be a BBQ and party taking place at the Creekside Community Centre with silent auction, fire and acrobatic shows, and more. Learn more about the festival here.
Plan ahead: Famiglia Supper Series at La Pentola (June 30)
If you`re in town for the upcoming Canada Day long weekend, you might want to consider shelling out a mere $55 toward the tantalizing Chef menu as part of La Pentola`s Famiglia Supper Series. The next communal dinner welcomes all to more than 10 courses of divine culinary treats (courtesy of Chef and part owner Lucais Syme). Enjoy the organic focus as you taste your way through each expertly prepared plate. To grab your seat and learn more, click here.
Photo courtesy Vancouver International Jazz Festival
