28 things to do in Vancouver this week: July 15 to 18

July is half over, but the fun has just begun! Here are 28 great events happening in Vancouver from Monday, July 15 to Thursday, July 18, including Common, Playland, and more!

For even more things happening around town check out our events section.

See also

• Squamish Constellation Festival is BC’s first zero-waste music festival
• Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's live Harry Potter concert announces return dates
• Metrotown's Insta-worthy 'Snack 'N Snap' exhibit returns July 11

Monday, July 15

AIBC Summer Architectural Walking Tours

What: Through its summer Walking Tour Program, the Architectural Institute of BC offers stunning architectural perspectives of six Vancouver neighbourhoods. Sites include Chinatown, Gastown, Yaletown, Downtown, West End and Strathcona, the first neighbourhood in Vancouver. For locals and tourist alike, the tours are a fun and engaging way to learn more about the architecture and history of Vancouver. A distance of 3 km is covered over a period of two hours – comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Tours are held rain or shine.

When: Thursdays to Mondays until September 2, 2019
Time: 10 am and 1 pm. Arrive 15 minutes before departure time
Where:  Meet in the lobby of the Architecture Centre – 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Book: Online

Improv Mondays with Michelle at Vancouver TheatreSports

What: Improv Mondays with Michelle – Fake Stories, Real Improvisers is hosted by the character Michelle from the popular web comedic soap opera Michelle’s. The original web series, created by Galanopoulos and fellow VTS ensemble member Andrew Barber, is set in the mythical restaurant Michelle’s in Hope. The first half of the show is comprised of short-form scenarios and the second half of the show will be a mini soap opera – all based on audience contributions. Each scene’s comedic melodrama will be enhanced by live musical underscoring by pianist Matt Grinke.

When: Every Monday
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

CBC Musical Nooners

What: Free, live music concerts will be happening every weekday on the CBC Vancouver outdoor stage. Grab your lunch, your friends, your kids or your co-workers and join the 10th season of CBC Musical Nooners. The opening concert on July 5 features The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer with Dawn Pemberton. Other performers include The Hamiltones (July 18), Jim Byrnes (July 25), Petunia and the Vipers (August 7), and Sister Speak on August 16.

When: Every weekday until August 16, 2019 (no show on BC Day)
Time: 12 to 1 pm
Where: CBC Vancouver – 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Free Outdoor Zumba at Canada Place

What: Take part in a free outdoor Zumba class every Monday at the North Point of Canada Place with ZumbaVancouver.ca instructors. No dance experience or partner is needed for this fun fitness class.

When: Every Monday until August 26, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Where: Canada Place North Point – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Nasty Women Comedy: The 2nd Anniversary Show

What: Nasty Women present a night of fierce and fiesty improv based on impossible true stories, beloved power ballads and audience suggestions. Also featuring post-show ’90s dance party.

When: July 15, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Smash Forward: Official Release Party

What: Join the cast and crew of Smash Forward: Growing the Vancouver Esports Scene for a special engagement at The Gaming Stadium, for a Q&A session as they tell all of the efforts that it took for this documentary to emerge. Bring your own Nintendo Switches and take on the community if you, and then send off into the night in a crew battle hosted by the cast.

When: July 15, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: The Gaming Stadium – 4211 No 3 Rd, Richmond
Tickets: Online, free

Summer Music Vancouver at Robson Square

What: Summer Music Vancouver is Music In The Morning’s downtown summer festival. Summer Music Vancouver includes concert programming, sight-reading parties, a chamber music training institute, and free public performances alongside a bevy of food trucks. Afiara Quartet, Amasirah Trio, Graham Campbell and James Campbell perform free concerts from 12 to 1 pm on July 15 and 16 in Robson Square.

When: July 15 and 16, 2019
Time: 12 to 1 pm
Where: Robson Square – 800 Robson St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Tuesday, July 16

Common: Let Love Have The Last Word Tour

What: American hip-hop artist Common will be bringing his Let Love Have The Last Word tour to Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on July 16. The multi-talented Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Grammy-winning artist, actor, and activist has had a multitude of critically acclaimed, diverse roles, as well as continued success at the box office.

When: July 16, 2019
Time: Doors open 8 pm, show starts 9:30 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street
Price: $65 — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Free Outdoor Movies in Stanley Park – Shrek

What: One of the most popular summertime events in the city is back as free outdoor movies return to Stanley Park this summer. The Evo Summer Cinema Series this week features Shrek on a four-story inflatable movie screen. Be there before dusk and take part in the many fun pre-show activities, including games, prizes, and giveaways, as well as the weekly offering of food truck fare and classic movie treats.

Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs and, since it’s a family-friendly event, smoking or alcohol is not permitted. Moviegoers are encouraged to walk, take transit, or bike to Stanley Park for the shows  – there will be a bike valet service offered on site each night too.

When: July 16, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach, Stanley Park
Admission: Free

Playland

What: If you’re ready to reacquaint yourself with the rolls, drops, spins, and thrills that only Playland can offer, then you’re in luck! The always-popular amusement park located in East Vancouver is open for another fun year. In total, there are 35 rides and attractions to enjoy, 14 of which offer an extreme experience for those who dare to ride them.

When: Open daily
Time: 11 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday), 10 am to 3 pm (Monday to Friday)
Where: Playland at the PNE – Hastings Street just off Highway #1 West – Exit #26
Tickets: Available online

Snack ‘N Snap 2019 at Metropolis at Metrotown

What: Snack ‘N Snap is an exhibit featuring tons of food and huge displays of sweets and snacks at Metropolis at Metrotown Grand Court from July 11 to 28 this summer. Take a break from shopping to admire, Snapchat, Instagram, and drool over the ginormous food displays that will be there like a giant pink donut, ten-foot lollipop tree, cupcake house, eight-foot pretzel, and huge melting popsicles.

There will be free samples from sweet and savoury food retailers, pop-up treat carts, and ‘Workshop Wednesdays’ to make DIY your own treats. Then try your hand at the Guess The Jellybeans contest. Put in your estimate of how many jellybeans are in their display case and you could win a $1,000 shopping spree.

When: July 11 to July 28, 2019
Time: Mall Hours
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown Grand Court – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Admission: Free

VCC Chef’s Table Pop-Up Restaurant

What: Vancouver Community College’s Culinary Arts program presents the next edition of their pop-up restaurant The Chef’s Table. Enjoy a five-course, fixed menu with optional wine pairings served in an intimate setting with only 20 seats available per night.

When: Tuesdays to Thursday to July 17, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Community College – Downtown Campus JJ’s Restaurant – 250 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $22-$55

Avengers: Infinity War to Endgame. An Evening with Jan Philip Cramer

What: Join the VES Award recipient Jan Philip Cramer for an inside look into the creation of THANOS for Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. The talk focuses on Avengers: Infinity War; explaining machine learning, showcasing character development, presenting the Philosopher short film as well as breaking down shots.

When: July 16, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Langara College – T Building – 100 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, free

Harry and the Potters

What: Harry and the Potters are the first wizard rock band, playing songs exclusively about the Harry Potter books. They recently released Lumos, their first full-length album in over a decade and are touring libraries across North America. All ages welcome.

When: July 16, 2019
Time: 6 to 7 pm
Where: Vancouver Public Library – Central Branch – 350 West Georgia, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Wednesday, July 17

Jon Bellion

What: Rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer Jon Bellion is touring in support of his new album, Glory Sound Prep. He performs at Queen Elizabeth Theatre on July 17.

When: July 17, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Summer Movie Nights on the Square – Zoolander

What: Vancouver’s free outdoor movie series in downtown at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza) features Zoolander on July 17. Fresh Air Cinema’s large four-storey inflatable screen will pop up, creating the perfect urban environment to take in a flick surrounded by the concrete jungle — just be sure to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets.

Hosted by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, each night will have special activations for the public to enjoy, including photo booths, light displays, food trucks, and more.

When: July 17, 2019
Time: Movie begins at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly North Plaza at Vancouver Art Gallery) – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Sounds of Summer Music Series

What: Surrey’s free Sounds of Summer concert series brings toe-tapping tunes to beautiful park settings. Bring blankets or folding chairs to enjoy each performance. Parking will be limited at some locations.

When: July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 16 and August 21, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm on Wednesdays, 1 to 2:30 pm on Fridays
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

Sunset Cinema – Crazy Rich Asians

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres invites all movie lovers to Sunset Cinema, a free outdoor movie series on šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Bring your blankets, chairs, and pillows, and enjoy Crazy Rich Asians on the huge inflatable screen under the stars. Movies begin at dusk, weather permitting, but arrive early to save your spot. Four-legged friends are welcome.

When: July 17, 2019
Time: Movies begin at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) – 695 Cambie St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

lululemon Nooner Yoga Series at Jack Poole Plaza

What: lululemon’s popular Summer Yoga Series is returning to Vancouver for another summer. Participants of any age or skill level will be able to take part in their classes every Wednesday at noon at Jack Poole Plaza.

When: Every Wednesday until August 28, 2019 (no class August 14)
Time: 12 pm
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Lansdowne Centre Drive-In Movie Series – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

What: The Drive-In Movie Series returns to Lansdowne Centre for its fourth year, presented by Fresh Air Cinema. Enjoy Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on an outdoor screen. Take a drive and cuddle up, or bring a blanket and lawn chair and settle in. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis (first 200 vehicles), and the movie audio will be broadcast over FM radio. Keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event, so smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited.

When: July 17, 2019
Time: Gates open at 6 pm
Where: Lansdowne Centre – 5300 No. 3 Rd., Richmond
Admission: Free

Hood29 Comedy – JFL Montreal preview show

What: Hood29 Comedy presents a preview show featuring Vancouver comics heading to Montreal for Just For Laughs. Guests include Erica Sigurdson, Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle and Jacob Samuel. Hosted by Ron Vaudry.

When: July 17, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Cottage Bistro – 4470 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Thursday, July 18

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place – Crazy Rich Asians

What: During Waterfront Cinema on July 18, a large inflatable screen will pop up to show Crazy Rich Asians, creating the perfect environment to take in a flick under the stars, all with the North Shore mountains in the background. To give your night two thumbs up, do yourself a favour and bring a lawn chair (or you’ll be sitting on the hard ground) and jackets and/or blankets (it gets cold). And keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event so neither smoking nor alcohol are permitted.

When: July 18, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: North Point of Canada Place
Admission: Free

Reception – Patterns – Inhabit – Figurative Body, Literal Mind

What: The Port Moody Arts Centre welcomes three new exhibitions to the gallery: Patterns, a group exhibition by the Garibaldi Art Club; Inhabit by Kwi AM Choi Scholarship Recipient Emilie Nunez; and Figurative Body, Literal Mind by Aimee Risby, another Kwi Am Choi Scholarship Recipient. Artists will be in attendance and refreshments will be served.

When: July 18, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Vancouver Quidditch League – Summer Quidditch

What: Your chance to catch the golden snitch with Vancouver Quidditch League. All skills levels are welcome, beginner to veteran. Participation is by donation.

When: Every Thursday until August 22
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: John Hendry Park (North West Corner), Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Science World After Dark

What: Science World After Dark features all of your favourite activities just for adults. Watch a film on the world’s largest dome OMNIMAX screen, explore six permanent galleries, discover what’s new in the Feature Gallery, and wet your whistle with a cold beer or glass of wine. Then grab your favourite childhood dinner in Triple O’s and experience exciting live science shows at Centre Stage.

When: July 18, 2019
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Bard on the Beach

What: Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Presented in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, the festival offers Shakespeare’s plays, related dramas, and several special events on the BMO Mainstage and the Howard Family Stage from June through September. The lineup this year includes The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare in Love, All’s Well That Ends Well, and Coriolanus.

When: Now to Saturday, September 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Vanier Park – 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dance In Transit: Andy Livingstone Park

What: Join Dance In Transit for this new Vancouver Parks Board activation in Andy Livingstone Park in the heart of Chinatown. There will be music and dancing to tunes from DJ MiXXX, and Juliana Oliveira will lead ZUMBA.

When: July 18, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Andy Livingstone Park – 89 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Tess Liem and Guests at Massy Books

What: An evening of poetry with Tess Liem and guests Brandi Bird, David Ly, and Shazia Hafiz-Ramji. Tess Liem is a queer writer living in Montreal, Tiotia:ke, the traditional territory of the Mohawk nation. She is the author of the chapbook Tell everybody I say hi (Anstruther 2017) and her writing has appeared in Plenitude, Room Magazine, PRISM, Best Canadian Poetry 2018 and elsewhere. Her essay “Rice Cracker” won the Constance Rooke Creative Nonfiction Prize in 2015.

When: July 18, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Massy Books – 229 E. Georgia St., Vancouver
Admission: Free