We’ve outlined a few noteworthy gems to pen into your calendar for this upcoming Canada Day long weekend (technically, we hope you’re getting the Monday off). To add to those listings, we’ve rounded up a few additional happenings that might appeal to the young professional in you as well.
This Friday, kick things off with a trip to one of the local beaches for a much-needed bit of fun in the sun. Live entertainment of the people-watching kind is all-but guaranteed at Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach or English Bay respectively. Upping the appeal is their handy proximity to waterfront patios stocked with ice-cold brew (think, The Galley at Jericho Sailing Club, Cactus Club at English Bay and The Boathouse in Kits).
Feeling social? Then be sure to grab your bike and pedal your way down to 1 West Cordova Street in Gastown for Cycle Chic Social (leave the spandex at home please). This inaugural event starts at sundown (around 9pm) and goes until late, aiming to celebrate the unique style, design and art that gives our city colour. Adding to the eclectic mix, attendees can mingle to local DJ beats; take in art and fashion installations on display and sample snacks, cocktails and more throughout the evening. Tickets will sell out and must be purchased in advance – so don’t wait.
Join a crew of like-minded wordsmiths and head down to Friday’s Geeks After Dark live reading of the much-buzzed about 50 Shades of Grey (our jury is still out on the actual quality of the writing…just sayin’). Event takes place at 8pm with a $5 cover charge to get you in the door to what we think will be a hilarious evening of dramatics.
Start things off Saturday by heading out to explore our city’s many local Farmer’s Markets – seasonally stocked and ready to go. Given that Saturday is the day most markets are open, we think you ought to explore a few newcomers such as the UBC Farm Market, Dundarave Market and West End Farmers Market to load up on farm fresh goodies. For more info, click here.
Get into the swing of things this Saturday and head out for an afternoon or evening on the town by taking in one of the last few days of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. With several dozen acts performing on at more than a dozen different venues around the city, musical variety is the spice of life. One act to catch: Notable YED Jill Barber takes the stage at Granville Island’s Performance Works Saturday night. View the full schedule here.
If you’re still looking for something to sink your teeth into for Canada Day on Sunday, you’ll find plenty to satiate that need by heading to the Waldorf Hotel’s Canada Day Block Party featuring live music, entertainment and food from a handful of popular YVR Food Carts. While you’re scarfing down Mom’s Grilled Cheese, hitting up the Re-Up BBQ Truck or getting your Greek fix at Didi’s Greek, enjoy the live music guaranteed to keep you entertained. Groove to DJs and check out the streetside summer carnival as you party well into the night in honour of our country’s birthday.
You might also want to consider making the relatively short trip out to historic Steveston on Sunday to check out the 67th Annual Steveston Salmon Festival taking place on Canada Day. With more than 70,000 people expected to attend, this is definitely worth noting. With a parade set to kick things off in the early morning, followed by a carnival, food fair, martial arts demos and more, be sure to save room for their always-popular salmon barbecue, a true west coast treat with more than 1200 pounds of fresh wild salmon grilled over the open grill.
Come Monday, if you’ve scored a day away from the office, take it easy and enjoy the sunny forecast and start to a shortened week. Why not grab a few friends and head to the Stanley Park Pitch and Putt for a lazy day on the greens? Post-putting, grab the Aquabus and head over to Granville Island for a leisurely lunch at one of the city’s best patios, Bridges, and take in the scene.
If you’re feeling ambitious post-lunch, try your hand at SUP boarding or rent a kayak for two at Ecomarine and work off the fish and chips before heading home to call it a day. Rentals start from $19 per hour; for info click here.