THEATRE
ARTS CLUB
-DREAMGIRLS: The rags-to-riches tale of a 1960s girl group. Until July 7 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville).
-AVENUE Q: Sesame Street-esque puppets rub shoulders with humans in the only musical around that comes with a full puppet nudity warning. Until August 3 at the Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston). Story here.
$29-$70 at 604-687-1644 or artsclub.com
BARD ON THE BEACH
Until September 14 at Vanier Park (1695 Whyte Avenue). Story here.
-TWELFTH NIGHT: In the pampered world of a fine European spa, everyone is falling in love with someone who is not exactly who they seem.BMO Maintstage.
-HAMLET: Shakespeares tragic tale about the grieving Prince of Denmark and the doomed souls around him. BMO Mainstage.
-MEASURE FOR MEASURE: This dark comedy about hypocrisy, sexual repression and the true nature of justice unfolds in 1900s New Orleans. Studio Stage.
-ELIZABETH REX: Queen Elizabeth I must reconcile her responsibilities as a leader with her feelings as a woman.Studio Stage.
$25-$43 at 604.739.0559 or bardonthebeach.org
THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
July 8-August 31 at Malkin Bowl (610 Pipeline, Stanley Park)
-LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL: Song-and-dance version of the hit Reese Witherspoon film in which peppy sorority girl Elle Woods shockingly and hilariously takes Harvard Law School by storm. Story here.
-HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING: Frank Loessers enduring 1961 musical comedy about a window washer turned high-powered executive (think Mad Men for the Broadway crowd).
$19-$44 at 604.696.4295 or tuts.ca
THE DIARIES OF ADAM AND EVE: Ensemble Theatre Company presents Mark Twains witty reimagining of the dawn of human creation. July 12-August 1 at Jericho Arts Centre (1675 Discovery). $12.75-$25.75 at ticketstonight.ca.
A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE: Little Mountain Lion Productions presents Martin McDonaghs dark action-comedy about a chopped-off hand deal gone wrong. July 17-28 at Little Mountain Gallery (195 East 26th). $15 at littlemountainlionproductions.com.
THE AMAZING IMPROV SHOW: Fast-paced improv comedy abounds in Vancouver TheatreSports Leagues spoof of The Amazing Race. Until August 31 at The Improv Centre on Granville Island (1502 Duranleau). $10-$12 at tickets.vtsl.com.
BOLLYWOOD WEDDING: An interactive outdoor dance, theatre and comedy extravaganza about the engagement and wedding of two young Indians brought together in an arranged marriage. July 17-24 at the PNE (Hastings Park). $20-$35 at ticketleader.ca.
THE OPPOSITE OF INNOCENCE: A dramatized reading of Roger Blenman's story about three teenagers whose balance of love and friendship is upset when they lure a lonely and naive Randy into their circle. Feedback session to follow. July 27, 8pm, Pal Studio Theatre. $12 advance, $15 door, 1 800 838 3006, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/418458
OPERA
WHEN THE SUN COMES OUT: New lesbian opera explores the oppression that LGBT lovers face in nations where homosexuality is illegal. August 5-9 at Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse). $30-$35 at brownpapertickets.com.
DANCE
DANCING ON THE EDGE FESTIVAL: The self-described little festival that could celebrates its 25th anniversary edition with work from 28 different choreographers and dance companies. Until July 14 at various locations. $22-$28 at firehallartscentre.ca. Story here.
DUSK DANCES: July 4 opening night of DOTE (above) features dances at CRAB/Portside Park with Julia Aplin & Tiger Princess Dance Projects, Eury Chang, Carmen Romera and more starting at 7pm. At 9pm Lara Kramer performs at the Firehall Arts Centre (280 E Cordova).
MUSIC
CBC MUSICAL NOONERS: Free outdoor concert series perfect for workers on their lunch breaks. Line-up includes Shad, Shairah, Jasper Yip, Stephanie Pedrazza, ByStarlight, Kylee Epp, Dave Sinclair & Keith Bennett, and Mazacote. July 5-16 at CBC Broadcast Centre (700 Hamilton).
ENCHANTED EVENINGS: Friday night concert series featuring blues, jazz, fusion, classical piano, Chinese opera, and more. July 5-August 30 at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall). $20-$25 at ticketstonight.ca.
BEBOP AND BEYOND: The Ben Henriques Trio (Ben Henriques, Jodi Proznick and Tristan Paxton) perform toe-tapping bebop tunes from the 1950s. July 11 at Roedde House Museum (1415 Barclay). $12 at brownpapertickets.com.
MID-SUMMER BRASS WORKSHOP: Brass players are invited to hone their chops alongside members of A Touch of Brass Quintet and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Workshop ends with performance in Pyatt Recital Hall. July 15-19 at VSO School of Music (843 Seymour). $240 at vsoschoolofmusic.ca.
VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL: More than sixty acts perform in this three-day festival celebrating folk music from around the world. July 19-21 at Jericho Beach. $40-$80 at thefestival.bc.ca/ticket-information.
AN ITALIAN RHAPSODY: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs Italian classics and music inspired by Italy. July 25 at Italian Cultural Centre (3075 Slocan). $25 at vancouversymphony.ca.
SHOREFEST 2013: Free concert series at the Honda Celebration of Light. July 27: Dawn Pemberton, Northcote, Buckman Coe, Grapes of Wrath, and Serena Ryder; July 31: Rich Hope, The Good Lovelies, Fred Eaglesmith, The Boom Booms, and Daniel Wesley; August 3: River and the Road, No Sinner, Greg Drummond, Deep Dark Woods, Head of the Herd, and Mother Mother. Sunset Beach and English Bay.
VANCOUVER EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL: The complexity and vitality of early music is celebrated over eight lively performances. July 28-August 10 at Roy Barnett Recital Hall, UBC School of Music (6361 Memorial Road) and Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent). $18-$36 at earlymusic.bc.ca. Story here.
EVENTS
CELEBRATION OF LIGHT: Vancouvers beaches and skies will light up again for the 23rd annual Honda Celebration of Light on July 27 (UK), July 31 (Canada) and Aug. 3 (Thailand). The fireworks competition will begin each of the three nights promptly at 10pm over English Bay, rain or shine.
CYCLE CHIC SOCIAL: No bike is required for this celebration of cycling style, art and design. Join Vancouver Cycle Chic July 5 at Sugar Studios (1635 Powell) for a fashion show, music, video installations, product demos and food trucks. The event has a cash bar; 19+. Tickets are $10 at CycleChicSocial.eventbrite.ca.
KLAHOYA VILLAGE IN STANLEY PARK: Live performances, artisan market, Spirit Catcher train and activities celebrate Aboriginal culture. Until September 2 at Stanley Park Miniature Train site. Free entry; train tickets $5 per ride.
30 CANDLES: BC Place displays 30 giant lit candles on its stadium façade to celebrate 30 years as an event venue. Until July 17 at BC Place (777 Pacific).
VIVA VANCOUVER: An every-weekend event that runs until the end of August, blocking off Granville Street and other major areas such as Robson, Fraser and Mt. Pleasant from cars, providing new spaces for people to socialize, eat and play by incorporating festivals and events and adding chairs, tables and areas to hang out. Story here.
ORPHEUM TOURS: Explore the inner workings of this legendary Vancouver theatre in informative 90-minute guided tours. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until August 31 at the Orpheum Theatre (884 Granville Street).
KITSILANO SHOWBOAT: This live performing arts theatre on the shores of Kits Beach has been a local favourite since 1935. Free dance and music shows every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night until July 27 at 2300 Cornwall.
BUILDINGS AND LAND: Solo exhibition of large-scale graphite and coloured pencil drawings by Canadian artist Itee Pootoogook. Until August 25 at the Contemporary Art Gallery (555 Nelson).
FOOD CART FEST: Vancouvers Food Cart Fest, presented by Arrival and The Streetfood Vancouver Society, is every Sunday from 12-5pm until September 22. More than 20 of Vancouvers favourite food carts come together at 215 W. 1st (between the Cambie Street Bridge and Olympic Village). Along with food carts and trucks, there is live music, DJs, community markets, and entertainment for the whole family. Admission is $2; children under 13 are free.
INDIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL. Showcasing the arts and culture of India through free and ticketed classes, performances, discussions, and an opening gala tasting event curated by Vikram Vij . Until July 13 at Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (149 West Hastings). Story here.
11th ANNUAL BOCCE BY THE BEACH: Bocce tournament featuring round robins and knock-out rounds. Balls provided. July 6 at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak). $50 per team of two at bocce.ca.
FLYOVER CANADA: A spectacular new visitor attraction that goes on an aerial journey from coast to coast is now open daily (10am to 9pm) at Canada Place. The 30-minute experience lifts groups of up to 60 guests at time in front of a large spherical screen, where they will move in concert to a film of stunning birds-eye vistas of Canada.The immersive effect will be complete with the addition of 4D wind, scent, mist and sound elements. Tickets are $19 adult, $18 seniors and students, $15 kids. flyovercanada.com. Story here.
VELOPALOOZA: Two weeks of fun bike rides and events July 25- Aug. 11. Check the calendar at velopalooza.ca for all the action.
SPATIAL POETICS XII: RELEASE ME: Twelfth edition of interdisciplinary series showcases collaborations between dynamic Asian Canadian artists. July 6 at Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (149 West Hastings). $10-$12 at brownpapertickets.com.
CARNAVAL DEL SOL: Two-day celebration of Latin American culture features 60 musical performers on two stages, a mini World Cup, art demos, food tastings, kids zone, zumba and salsa lessons, and more. July 6 & 7 on Granville (between Nelson and Dunsmuir). Free. Story here.
ALL OVER THE MAP: Free performances by world-class artists from an array of cultural backgrounds and artistic traditions. July 7: Rupinder Sidhu (Ruploops) & Guests; July 14: Karen Flamenco; July 21: Silk Road Trio with Wen Wei Dance. Ron Basford Park, Granville Island.
KHATSAHLANO! MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL: Vancouvers largest free outdoor music event features more than fifty musical acts on twelve stages, as well as street performers, artisans, and This Happened Here, an art exhibition showcasing key moments in Vancouver history. July 13 on West Fourth (between Burrard and MacDonald). Story here.
13th ANNUAL MARPOLE SUMMERFEST FESTIVAL: Free family-oriented community celebration features childrens entertainment, rides, art activities, giveaways, sidewalk sales, food tastings, and more. July 13 on Granville (between 63rd and 71st).
SKIN & BONE SALTY SAILOR TALES: An evening of tall tales, history, and tasty treats inspired by the controversial Tattoos & Scrimshaw exhibit. July 18 at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. $20 at skinandbone.eventbrite.ca.
ILLUMINARES LANTERN FESTIVAL: Community festival returns for its 25thand possibly finaledition with a lantern-lit procession around Trout Lake. July 20 at John Hendry Park, Trout Lake.
WALK WITH THE DRAGON: Fundraising walk for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. returns for its 28th year. With stage entertainment, traditional dragon and lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, carnival games, food booths, and 7-km panoramic walk. July 21 at Lumbermans Arch. Register at successfoundation.ca/walk.
YUK OFF COMEDY COMPETITION: Every Thurs. at 8pm. Tx avail. at the door at 7pm. Preliminaries: July 4 - Aug. 8. Semis: Aug. 15 & 22. Finals Aug. 29. 1st Prize: $2,000, 2nd Prize: $500, 3rd Prize: Foot massage. yukyuks.com
EPIC SUSTAINABLE LIVING EXPO: Western Canadas largest sustainable lifestyle showcase. 18 bands, 19 food trucks, 22 wineries and breweries, one good time. July 6 and 7 at VanDusen Botanical Garden. epicfest.ca
OUT-OF-TOWN
WHISTLER SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: An impressive roster of musical acts performs in this season-long series of free outdoor concerts, including The English Beat, The Strumbellas, The Trews, Ache Brazil, Ali Milner, The Lost Fingers, The Boom Booms, Hey Ocean!, Dessy Di Lauro, and Maestro. Until July 27 at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
HARRISON FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: Outdoor market, workshops, exhibits, and free and ticketed performances. July 6-14 at Harrison Hot Springs. $12-$25 at harrisonfestival.com.
THE GREAT GATSBY: Rowenas Inn on the River, a gorgeous estate built in the 1920s out near Harrison, is hosting a Gatsby-themed garden party July 28. Tickets are $25. prettyestates.com
BOWEN ISLAND STEAMSHIP DAYS: For more than 100 years, Bowen Island has been known as Vancouvers playground. Steamship Days, July 10-14, is a tribute to that heritage. Vintage cars, wooden boat show, kids games, performances by Maria in the Shower, Headwaters and more. steamshipdays.com
CATES PARK CONCERT SERIES 2013: Over seven weeks, twenty-seven emerging GVRD-based artists and bands perform free concerts in one of North Vancouvers most beautiful parks. July 6-August 24 at Cates Park.
MOUNT SEYMOUR SUMMER CAMPS: Experiential summer camps for children and youth on Mount Seymour. Eco-Adventure Camp for children ages 5-12; Youth Leadership Program for youth ages 12-15. Various start times/sessions between July 8 and August 23. $250-$375 at mountseymour.com.
WHISTLER CHILDRENS FESTIVAL: Lively weekend of youth-oriented music, acrobatics, theatre, dance and art workshops. July 13 & 14 at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Free.
PARTY-AT-THE-PIER FAMILY FESTIVAL: Annual celebration of North Vancouvers maritime community includes pirate costume contest, petting zoo, carnival games, displays, ship tours, musical performances, and more. July 14 at The Shipyards (foot of Lonsdale). Free.
THE VSO AT WHISTLER: The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs three outdoor concerts featuring light classics, popular favourites, work by Mendelssohn and Dvorak, and the family-oriented Beethoven Lives Upstairs. July 19-21 at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Free.
MISSION FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL: Roots, blues, and other facets of folk music are performed by home-grown, national and international talent. July 25-28 at Fraser River Heritage Park (music camp runs July 22-26). $30-$60 at missionfolkmusicfestival.ca.
SUN PEAKS RESORT: An amazing series of family events has alpine lovers flocking to the resorts lush mountain meadows this summer. July 13 Free outdoor concert ft. Burton Cummings and band. August 2 to 5 Canadas Alpine Blossom Festival. August 16 to 18 Retro Concert Weekend. August 31 Free outdoor concert starring Colin James. sunpeaksresort.com
KIDS
CRAFTERNOONS: Collage Collage offers fun and engaging art camps for burgeoning Martha Stewarts ages 5-8. Kids explore painting, drawing, assemblage, collage, and more. Sessions run weekly from July 2-August 16. $160-$180 at collagecollage.ca.
STRING CAMPS FOR VIOLIN & CELLO: Children and youth learn basic string technique from VSO School instructors. July 8-12 at VSO School of Music. $125-$225 at vsoschoolofmusic.ca.
