One of Vancouver's most popular will light up English Bay with an electrifying finale this weekend.
The final night of the Honda Celebration of Light takes place on Saturday, July 27, offering the last call to see the sky afire with a dazzling pyrotechnic display.
Locals can also enjoy checking out the Vancouver Art Book Fair, featuring works from over 80 publishers and artists, or browse sustainable vendors at the Mindful Summer Pop-Up on Granville Island.
The Chinatown neighbourhood will host an outdoor night market and movie night, featuring the cult classic Hong Kong film, Shaolin Soccer.
V.I.A.'s Downtown Centre Weatherhood station shows highs between 21 C and 22 C with mostly clear skies and sunshine through the weekend.
Here are the events you can check out in and around Vancouver this weekend from July 26 to 28.
Honda Celebration of Light
The finale of Vancouver's annual fireworks festival will light up the sky from a barge in English Bay over the weekend.
The final night of the annual Honda Celebration of Light takes place on Saturday, July 27, offering an electrifying pyrotechnic display at 10 p.m.
To listen to the music that goes along with the show, bring a portable radio to tune into CMFI Rock 101 and listen to the live stream.
When: Sat., July 27, from 2 p.m. (fireworks at 10 p.m.)
Where: English Bay - Along Beach Ave between Gilford and Bidwell streets
Cost: Free or starting at $67.84 to enjoy the licensed venues.
Vancouver Art Book Fair
Canada's longest-running international art book fair returns for its 11th edition and first in-person event in five years.
The event's first two days are free and feature over 80 publishers and artists from around the world including China, South Korea, and the United States.
Doors will be open to allow visitors to grab a bite from food trucks at Turntable Plaza and enjoy live DJ performances, weather permitting.
The VABF has collaborated with the Vancouver Art Gallery for their current exhibition Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines to host a co-sponsored panel discussion on zines.
The final night is at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
When: Friday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, July 27 from, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre - 181 Roundhouse Mews | Emily Carr University of Art + Design - 520 E 1st Ave.
Cost: Free.
A Mindful Summer Pop-Up on Granville Island
Five "cool" Asian female-owned local businesses are sharing their love of all things sustainable and community-centred at this unique pop-up on Granville Island's Net loft.
The pop-up will feature brands like Barebone, jewelry combining "modern simplicity with timeless silhouettes," and OHME!, free-dried fruit and yogurt bites that are non-GMO, gluten-free, 100% natural, and free from added sugars.
When: Daily through Sunday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Little Mountain Shop -1666 Johnston St.
Cost: Free to attend.
Vancouver Warehouse Sale event
The Vancouver Warehouse Sale event features a wide range range of products from local blends, marked down by up to 70 per cent off. The event is led by five "prominent Canadian, women-led brands" and will also include exclusive deals.
Featured brands include Lezé (recycled workleisure clothes that feel like PJs), Londre (confidence-inducing swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles), and Poppy Barley (Ethically and sustainably made footwear, accessories, and apparel). Clothing sizes range from XS to 3X and shoes are available in sizes 5-12.
When: Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Werklab Inc - 290 -1275 Venables St.
Chinatown Mini Night Market and Film Night
Attendees get a two-for-one experience at the first Chinatown Together event on Sunday.
You can enjoy a night market and a movie night with the new Chinatown Mini Night Market and Film Night series. The first film this weekend will be the classic cult Hong Kong feature, Shaolin Soccer.
The event will also include live performances, music, a seniors mini market, delicious local food vendors, mahjong, and a Beyblade competition.
When: Sunday, July 28, from 4-9 p.m. (Movie starts at 7 p.m.)
Where: Chinatown Memorial Plaza - 135-137 Keefer St
Cost: Free.
CREATE! Eastside Arts Festival
Returning for the fourth year, Create! Eastside Arts Festival, organized by Eastside Arts Society (EAS), is bringing back its traditional all-day outdoor festivities at Strathcona Park for a week this summer.
From creating stamps and painting pottery to building a puppet, the art festival offers several classes for all ages and abilities from July 22 through 28.
Besides handcrafts, this annual art event also features live music and dance performances, a beer garden, public art activations, and an art shop for art lovers.
When: July 22-28,
Where: Various locations in Vancouver
Cost: $35 for Workshops ($20 for flamenco and children’s workshops; $20 for Create! Concert Festival Pass (Workshops not included. Entry for kids under age 12 is free); $55 for Brewery Tour Fundraiser (19+ Event)
Rose Disco
Queers & Beers Sunday Special presents an indoor makers market and outdoor patio party featuring DJs, vendors, food trucks, patio games, and an all-day $5 craft beer menu.
The event will be held in the Birdhouse, Vancouver's only queer and trans-run venue dedicated to harm reduction night events. It will feature an outdoor patio party with fun activities and entertainment.
Food options include S for Skewers and Midnight Joe’s food trucks.
When: Sunday, July 28, from 1 - 7 p.m.
Where: The Birdhouse - 44 W 4th Avenue
Cost: $4.99 plus fees.
Posh Ball
Van Vogue Jam is announcing the return of the Posh Pall on Saturday night at the Sheraton Wall Center. The event promises to be an "unforgettable evening of ballroom culture and creativity"
Trans, Queer, Black, and Latinx communities used ballroom culture as an act of defiance to exclusion in the 1960s. Today's popular Ballroom style pop was pioneered by the first Black and Brown Drag pageants led by Crystal LaBeija.
Posh Ball is a platform for QTBIPOC individuals to showcase their talents and build community. Participants compete across categories, from OTA Runway to OTA Bizarre, embodying the spirit of extravagance and creativity that defines Ballroom culture. This event honours the legacy of its founders by spotlighting performers, emcees, and DJs who are integral to its vibrant tapestry.
When: Saturday, July 26, open at 5 p.m. - midnight
Where: Sheraton Wall Center - 1000 Burrard St
Cost: From $38.61. Get tickets.
Ongoing
The stage at the Kitsilano Showboat
The historic Kitsilano Showboat stage has reopened following a fire and will host over 40 performances to ring in the summer.
Shows are free on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m. through July 28.
Performances this weekend kick of with Rock, Paper, Moon and Dunvegan Dance Academy on July 12, followed by Halau Kia'I Ka Hula and Ho'Kani on Saturday evening and the Delta Concert Band on Sunday.
When: Every weekend until July 28, starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Kitsilano Showboat - 2300 Cornwall Ave.
Cost: Free
Richmond Night Market
The annual Richmond Night Market invites attendees to enter the enchanting world of “Summer Sweet Dragon" at the largest night market in North America.
Visitors can enjoy over 600 international food options and 110 retail booths featuring trendy fashion, unique finds, and artisanal crafts.
Live performances include musicians, dance troupes, martial arts demonstrations, and more.
When: April 26 to Oct. 20, Fridays through Sundays
Where: 8351 River Road – One block from Canada Line's Bridgeport Station, Richmond
Cost: General admission: $8.50; Zoom pass (fast pass): $40. Seniors and kids under seven are free.
Junction Public Market
The city has a new waterfront container market to enjoy drinks, eats, shopping, and live music over the summer.
Food options include everything from Bao Buns to Focacciaza, Meiggo Eggo to Yo-Bones BBQ, and more.
When: June 28 through Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Where: Granville Square - 200 Granville St
Cost: Free
Bard on the Beach
The Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival’s 35th season kicked off this week in Vancouver and will run into the end of summer with daily performances.
The festival's white tents house guests in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park where they can see a few of the Bard's most beloved plays, including Twelfth Night, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, and Measure for Measure.
The festival will also feature special events, including family nights, Wine Wednesdays, Talkback Tuesdays, a Relaxed Performance, and more.
When: Daily from June 11 - Sept. 21
Where: Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park - 1695 Whyte Ave
Tickets: Regular prices range from $30 to $88 but cost more for special events. Get tickets.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross, Brendan Kergin, and Prisca Tang.
