Vancouver Craft Beer Week (May 31 to June 8, various venues)
Check out the third annual nine-day celebration of fermentation with a record number of participating breweries, events and plenty of fun. This year, there are six special signature events (and tickets are selling quickly). Brothers In Hops ($75) is one worth noting, as is BierCraft’s Belgian Beer Showcase (featuring more than 50 different Belgian-style craft brews). For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click here.
Must-attend: The Art of Beauty at Holt Renfrew (June 4, 2013)
Plan ahead and be sure to grab a ticket to attend this fun, must-do event that will have you in the middle of all the fashionable action at Vancouver’s Holt Renfrew. In support of the Arts Umbrella’s bursary and outreach programs, sip wine while you enjoy a night out with friends, get pampered, and check out the latest trends for summer and score tips and tricks from holistic health coaches and nutritionists. Walk away with a sweet bag of treats (including a $20 Holts gift card) and more. For more info and to purchase tickets, click here. Event takes place at 777 Dunsmuir Street.
Coming up: 10th Annual In the House Festival (June 7-9th, various venues)
It’s the perfect throwback to your high school or college days. Thirteen houses will play host to one giant, conjoined house party, which will include plenty of music, magic, comedy and dance – as well as a touch of burlesque for three consecutive days. Take in shadow puppetry, enjoy a comedy show and groove to the beats of noteworthy DJs and musicians. Fuel up at the community potluck and mingle with new friends. Get the full lowdown by visiting here for details and to purchase your ticket in advance.
Shake it up: City of Bhangra Festival (May 30 to June 8), various venues
Get ready to celebrate the ninth annual City of Bhangra Festival from May 30 to June 8 and welcome back HSBC Bank Canada as the title sponsor of the festival for the second time. The HSBC City of Bhangra Festival is set to be one of the biggest must-see spring events in Metro Vancouver. This year’s festival lineup includes various independent events, hundreds of performers, and international artists from the UK, US and India. The festival will include free outdoor concerts and dance performances, workshops, conferences, and percussion events. For more information, click here.
For Fido: Paws for Hope’s Rock for Paws event (May 31st at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street)
Be sure to support the first annual rock show Rock for Paws in support of Paws for Hope Organization. This event will feature local bands (Eddy Olson Jr. and Duotone, as well as The Off Sales and Bad Wougar), plenty of reasons to party and more. All proceeds from tickets will support Paws programs such as Roxy’s Fund (that helps support homeless, low-income pet guardians as well as the Guardian Angel Fund, which helps provide medical support and more). To learn more visit: www.pawsforhope.org.
Dunbar Block Party (Vancouver’s West Side, W. 39th and 41st avenues)
On Sunday, be sure to ring in the month by heading out to celebrate community at this great event. Enjoy a huge barbecue fundraiser (with proceeds going directly to the Vancouver Food Bank), explore the plethora of local businesses in this quaint neighbourhood and their stylish offerings, and check out the urban market, golf station and live, mural-painting taking place (rain or shine). Live music and plenty of street eats will be on offer to keep you satisfied.
Photo courtesy Vancouver Craft Beer Week