20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: July 10 to 16
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Summer is rolling along in Vancouver, and this week is filled with fun events you need to add to your calendar! What will you get up?!
From Chinatown Festival to Greek Summerfest, Opera in the Park, and more, here are 20 fantastic things to do in Metro Vancouver from July 10 to 16.
And for more fun things happening around town be sure to check out our Listed section.
Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2023
Vancouver Chinatown Festival (Vancouver Chinatown BIA/Submitted)
What: The 21st Vancouver Chinatown Festival is happening on Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, with a variety of activities and live entertainment highlighting the historical neighbourhood.
This year’s celebration features an eye dotting and lion dance by the Mah Society, a Vancouver Aquarium display, market vendors, and an opportunity to go on a special Historial Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour hosted by Bob Sung from A Wok Around.
When: July 15 and 16, 2023
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Columbia Street and Keefer Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
ISF2023: Punch Up
What: The 13th annual Indian Summer Festival invites you to a night of standup, pointed rants, witty satire, and comedic reflections. The showcase at Performance Works features performances by Joanne Tsung, Tin Lorica, Sasha Mark, Savannah Erasmus, and Kamal Pandya.
When: July 12, 2023
Time: 8 pm
Where: Performance Works – 1218 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $30 plus fees, purchase online
Vancouver Canadians
What: Baseball is Back #AtTheNat! Join the Vancouver Canadians all season long and cheer on the future of the Blue Jays. You can enjoy the game while enjoying hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and all other ballpark favourites along with a cold beer. Plus don’t miss the exciting theme nights.
The Vancouver Canadians are taking on the Eugene Emeralds from July 14 to 16, highlights include Fortis BC Friday, a Fireworks Extravaganza presented by Encorp on Saturday, and A&W Family Fun Sunday with a Bucket Hat Giveaway.
When: July 14 to 16, 2023
Time: Gates open at 6 pm, first pitch at 7:05 pm (Friday and Saturday), Gates open at 12 pm, first pitch at 1:05 pm (Sunday)
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Start at $20 and can be purchased online at CanadiansBaseball.com, over the phone at 604-872 5232, or in person at the Nat Bailey Box Office
Vancouver Greek Summerfest
Greek Summer Fest on Boundary/Facebook
What: Vancouver Greek Summerfest, happening at Boundary Road and East 29th Avenue on the Burnaby border, features eight days of jam-packed action including live bands, cultural performances, and more.
And yes, there will be a ton of mouthwatering Greek food to discover.
When: July 6 to 9 and 13 to 16, 2023
Time: 11 am to late
Where: 4541 Boundary Road, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Cool off at Cultus Lake Waterpark
What: A mere 90-minute drive from Vancouver, Cultus Lake Waterpark will start welcoming guests for the 2023 season.
Cultus Lake opened in 1984 and is locally owned and operated. With numerous waterslides, several splash pads, a lazy river, and even hot tubs, the park is the perfect way to enjoy a summer day.
When: Now until September 4, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Cultus Lake Waterpark – 4150 Columbia Valley Highway, Cultus Lake
Cost: Various, purchase online
Board Games & Tea Community Games Day
What: Board Games & Tea hosts a Community Games Day fundraiser for Port Moody Station Museum on July 16. Get ready to roll the dice with some friends as there will be a variety of tabletop options to choose from.
When: July 16, 2023
Time: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Where: Port Moody Station Museum – 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody
Cost: $15 donation per person for two-hour blocks and $20 donation per person for special three-hour games. Reservation details online
Red Truck Beer Company’s Truck Stop Concert Series
Red Truck Beer Company
What: Country music lovers will want to saddle up and ride on down to Red Truck Beer Company next week.
The popular Truck Stop Concert Series continues with an epic outdoor show on Saturday, July 15, with live performances, delicious food and drinks, and the perfect atmosphere for a summer party. Add in a country music lineup full of can’t-miss local and international stars, and this party is sure to have you shouting, “Yeehaw!”
When: July 15, 2023
Time: 4 to 10 pm
Where: Red Truck Beer Company, 295 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting from $60 plus fees, purchase online
The Comedy Tent
What: Enjoy a hearty serving of laughs with a side of Pho. The Comedy Tent presents headliner Larke Miller and a lineup of hilarious local talents to keep the summer funny going in East Van.
When: July 10, 2023
Time: 7 pm
Where: 2077 Dundas Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $10 plus fees online or $15 at the door, purchase online
Coquitlam Pride
What: Coquitlam’s first-ever Pride Celebration takes place at Evergreen Cultural Centre. The fun begins with a free family-friendly party filled with craft activities, storytime, Pride history, artists, and more from 12 to 5 pm.
The all-ages excitement continues with Cirque de Coquitlam – A Drag Circus! at 7 pm, followed by a 19+ Pride After Dark shindig that starts at 9 pm. Evening events are ticketed and are on sale now.
When: July 15, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre – 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free and ticketed events
Theatre BC Provincial Mainstage 2023
What: Theatre BC, the parent association for community theatre in the province, presents the annual Mainstage Festival at Surrey Arts Centre this month. Enjoy unique performances from theatre companies across BC and the Lower Mainland, including The Exquisite Hour by Stewart Lemoine (presented by Stage North), Butterflies are Free by Leonard Gershe (presented by Pivot Theatre), The Half-Life of Marie Curie by Lauren Gunderson (presented by Nanaimo Theatre Group), and more.
When: July 11 to 15, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Surrey Arts Centre – 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Various, purchase online
Playland Singles Night
PNE Playland/Instagram
What: If you’re ready to get off the bumper cars of singlehood and ride the roller coaster of love, make plans for Playland’s Singles Night on July 15 from 6 to 11 pm. It will be filled with fun activities to help spark a connection.
Thrill rides will be operational, delicious food and drinks will be available, and all members, including the LGBTQ2S+ community, can mix and mingle with individuals of interest. You may even get a chance to participate in Playland’s speed dating rounds that will take place throughout the evening.
When: July 15, 2023
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: Playland — 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cost: $33 to $45, purchase online
Chow Down Chinatown
What: Chow Down Chinatown, presented by local funk rockers Son of James and Chinese Cultural Centre, takes place at the outdoor courtyard of the centre’s David Lam Hall.
The free celebration encourages foodies to order their favourite takeout from the many neighbourhood restaurants and shops and enjoy it with live concerts and Kung Fu films.
When: July 14, 2023
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Outdoor courtyard of David Lam Hall, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver – 50 East Pender Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
The Vegan Market
What: Canada’s first and only 100% plant-based night market has a busy summer season ahead, and foodies and shoppers will want to join the fun.
The Vegan Market are food-fuelled parties that invite guests to enjoy a drink while shopping from local businesses, makers, and brands. From plant-based cheese to handmade ceramics, delicious spreads, and upcycled clothing, the markets are packed with unique items for all shopping needs.
When: July 13, July 27, August 3, August 17, August 31, 2023
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Waldorf Hotel, 1489 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, plus a location to be announced.
Tickets: Minimum donation of $4 or canned goods, clothing, or pet food. Children are free
Nuba’s 20th Anniversary Block Party and Lebanese Feast
Nuba/Submitted
What: Nuba’s 20th-anniversary celebration on July 16 will take over on East 3rd Avenue between Main and Quebec from 2 to 10 pm. Entry is complimentary and guests will enjoy live DJs, a bar, and a scrumptious Lebanese menu. Food and drink tickets will be available on-site.
When: July 16, 2023
Time: 2 to 10 pm
Where: East 3rd Avenue between Main and Quebec
Admission: Free; food and drink tickets will be available on-site. RSVP online
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
What: Music lovers, rejoice! One of the city’s most popular summer events is officially back on for 2023.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival has an international flair in 2023, with performers coming from Cameroon via France, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, Iran, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and across North America to perform at Jericho Beach Park.
When: July 14 to 16, 2023
Time: Various times
Where: Jericho Beach Park, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix
What: If you feel the need, the need for speed, then hit the streets of Vancouver on Wednesday, July 12 for the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix. North America’s top professional cyclists will race wheel-to-wheel, tackling Canada’s most famous annual criterium bike race – and you’re invited to line the route for free.
When: July 12, 2023
Time: Youth race at 5:30 pm, opening ceremonies at 5:55 pm, women’s race at 6:15 pm, men’s race at 7:30 pm, awards ceremony at 9 pm
Where: Start/finish line at the corner of Cambie Street and Water Street. Spectators can also line the route along Richards, West Cordova, Columbia, and Powell streets.
Cost: Free
Rocket & Roll Drag Night at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
What: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre’s Rocket & Roll Drag Night is touching down on Thursday, July 13 starting at 6:30 pm.
The after-hours celebration is open to all ages and promises to be a perfect mix of music, astronomy and drag artistry.
When: July 13, 2023
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre — 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $20 plus fees, purchase online
Fish & Sips at the Vancouver Aquarium
What: Get ready to drink with thousands of aquatic animals at the Vancouver Aquarium with their new, adults-only social event series this summer.
Fish & Sips is an after-hours, behind-the-doors mixers night, complete with delicious drinks, snacks, and live entertainment without any youngsters.
When: July 14 and 21, 2023
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, event finishes at 9:30 pm
Tickets: $55, purchase online
Honeybee Festival
What: The Honeybee Centre’s annual Honeybee Festival features amazing and educational entertainment for the whole family. There will be beekeeping demos, an artisan market, the famous bee beard, and of course, delicious honey.
When: July 15 and 16, 2023
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: The Honeybee Centre – 7480 176th Street, Surrey
Cost: Free, RSVP online
Opera in the Park
Vancouver Opera/Facebook
What: Vancouver Opera and the City of Burnaby present the return of Opera in the Park on Sunday, July 16, at Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park.
The family-friendly event will give attendees an unforgettable preview of Western Canada’s largest opera company’s upcoming season of The Magic Flute, Don Pasquale, and Carmen.
When: July 16, 2023
Time: 3 pm (pre-show family activities), 7:30 pm (concert begins)
Where: Deer Lake Park — 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free; seating is first-come-first-served