28 things to do in Vancouver this week: July 29 to August 1

Jul 2 2019, 2:16 am

So long July, hello August! Here are 28 fun things to do in Vancouver from Monday, July 29 to Thursday, August 1. Check out Pride on the Pier, Vancouver Mural Festival, and more!

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

See also

Monday, July 29

Summer Movie Nights on the Square – Bohemian Rhapsody

What: Vancouver’s free outdoor movie series in downtown at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza) features Bohemian Rhapsody on July 29. 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 29, 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

The Winter’s Tale: A Teen Shakespeare Production

What: King Leontes and King Polixenes are childhood friends but a tragic misunderstanding drives them apart and thrusts those they love into an incredible adventure. A story of sorrow and joy, regret and forgiveness, and the timeless power of love – a perfect tale to share on a magical starry night outdoors. Come see the stars of tomorrow on Carousel Theatre for Young People’s stage today. All ages welcome.

When: Now until August 10, 2019 (no shows on Sundays)
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Outdoor Stage in Ron Basford Park – 1218 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
Admission: Free, optional premium seating can be reserved online in advance ($6) for those wanting to guarantee seats in the bleachers.

Summer Dance Series with DanZa

What: These free classes with Danza Productions are designed to introduce a variety of Urban and Afro-Caribbean inspired dance styles and rhythms. These beginner friendly classes cater to multiple fitness levels and abilities. Presented by Vancouver Civic Theatres in partnership with DanZa Productions.

When: July 29, August 12 and August 19, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) – 695 Cambie St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

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 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

VanSlam featuring Matt Loeb

What: Vancouver Poetry Slam celebrates its anniversary with featured performer Matt Loeb, a finalist at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam in 2014 and 2017, and is one of only three Canadian poets to complete the “Century Challenge” of writing and performing 100 poems without repeating.

When: July 29, 2019
Time: Doors and sign-up 8 pm, show at 9 pm
Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Admission: $6-$10 sliding scale (no one turned away for lack of funds)

Vancouver Fetish Weekend 2019

What: Vancouver Fetish Weekend is an annual festival that happens to be the biggest kink party on the West Coast. Vancouver Fetish Weekend gives attendees the chance to explore a hidden, hedonistic side of life by meeting, partying, flirting (and maybe more), with hundreds of local and international fetish enthusiasts. Get some decompression time with your new fetish friends on Wreck Beach on July 29.

When: Now until July 29, 2019
What: Various times
Where: Select venues throughout Vancouver
Price: Ticket prices vary — Available via Vancouver Fetish Weekend

Shark Week at Vancouver Aquarium

Blue shark

Blue shark. (Shutterstock)

What: Vancouver Aquarium invites you to learn about the many sharks species, their role in the ocean, and what we can do to protect them. Hear from shark experts, witness a shark feeding, take in a shark puppet show, and more.

When: Now to Sunday, August 4, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 6 pm daily.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Stanley Park
Tickets: Online

Tuesday, July 30

Free Outdoor Movies in Stanley Park – Moulin Rouge

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 Moulin Rouge 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 30, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach, Stanley Park
Admission: Free

Mat Collective Free Yoga

outdoor yoga

Image courtesy of Mat Collective

What: Mat Collective’s 2019 outdoor summer yoga series features free classes at Kits Beach, on Main Street and in East Van throughout the week. In addition, there will be special events held throughout the summer.

When: Mondays to Fridays at Kits Beach, Tuesday to Saturday on Main Street, and Wednesdays in East Van. Until the end of August
Time: Various times, check schedule for details
Where: Classes take place at Kitsilano Beach (1015 Maple Street), Main Street (95 E 32nd Ave.) and East Van (520 East 1st Ave.)
Admission: Free

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats in Vancouver

What: Soulful R&B combo Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will be performing live in Vancouver at the PNE Amphitheatre. The group, consisting of Nathaniel Rateliff, Joseph Pope III, Mark Shusterman, Patrick Meese, Luke Mossman, Wesley Watkins, and Andy Wild, released their self-titled debut in 2015. They have blasted their way through hundreds of shows in North America, England, Ireland, and Australia, and have performed at major festivals including Coachella, Farm Aid, Newport Folk Festival, and the Monterey Pop Festival’s 50th Anniversary. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will be joined by special guests, indie pop band Lucius

When: July 30, 2019
Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts 7:30 pm
Where: PNE Amphitheatre — 2901 E Hastings Street
Price: $49.50 — Tickets available via Ticketleader

Westbank Shipping Container Summer Pop-Up Series 2019

What: There are more than a dozen vendors this year at Westbank’s second annual Shipping Container Summer Pop-Up Series and the roster includes notable brands in food, health, and fashion. The container will showcase one vendor at a time and hours will vary by retailer, so be sure to check their social channels and get all the details.

When: Daily from now until September 21, 2019
Time: 10 am to 6 pm (may vary by vendor)
Where: Shaw Tower – West Plaza, 1067 W Cordova Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Twilight Tuesdays at Science World

What: Twilight Tuesdays are back at Science World for the summer! Enjoy extended hours and reduced rates from 5 to 9 pm every Tuesday. Explore the exhibits, catch a live science show, view a larger-than-life OMNIMAX film, or check the feature exhibition, A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature.

When: Every Tuesday until August 27, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Telus World of Science – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Pride on the Pier

pride flag

Shutterstock

What: Pride has come to the North Shore with a free, all-ages dance party hosted by Conni Smudge at the picturesque pier at Shipbuilder’s Square. Dance along the water to local queer DJ’s, be dazzled by daring drag performances, and hit up one of the craft and activity stations. Then play a giant-sized game and visit one of the many food trucks and eat beside the water.

When: July 30, 2019
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Shipbuilder’s Square – Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Cost: Free

Vancouver Bach Festival 2019

What: The Vancouver Bach Festival is one of the largest festivals of its type in North America and runs from July 30 to August 9, 2019. The series of concerts featuring guest artists from all over the world will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Downtown Vancouver and at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on the UBC campus.

When: July 30 to August 9, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Christ Church Cathedral and Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Tickets: Online

Wednesday, July 31

Honda Celebration of Light fireworks 2019 – Canada

Celebration of Lights / Shutterstock

What: The sky over Vancouver’s English Bay will once again be lit up with fireworks for three nights this summer, as the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns to the city. Now in its 29th year, the Honda Celebration of Light features Canada on July 31.

Back again for all three days, the Park Stage at Second Beach is a free, family-friendly festival site featuring live music, food trucks, sponsor activations, and a site-wide liquor license. The event also welcomes back the Red Bull Air Show, a spectacular pre-show performance happening over all three festival nights. Returning this year, radio partner Z95.3 will be presenting Z-Fest on The Keg Lounge stage overlooking English Bay for three nights of music programming before the pyrotechnic displays.

When: Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Time: 10 pm to 10:25 pm (25-minute duration each night). Rain or shine. Music simulcast on radio station LG 104.3 FM.
Where: English Bay, Vancouver
Admission: Free. Reserved seating on sale through the festival’s website.

Proud & Present Vancouver

What: Proud & Present Vancouver is a sweat, music & food collaborative event presented by lululemon Vancouver at The Clubhouse. This event is an opportunity to come together and mindfully experience music, movement and food in a queer friendly environment. Includes a 45-min all-level’s workout led by Johny Dyer accompanied by music by DJ Softieshan, followed a meditation and music led Desiree Dawson and Jody Okabe. Food by Elbo Patties, with beverages and surprises supplied by lululemon. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Rainbow Refugee.

When: July 31, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 9:15 pm
Where:The Clubhouse – 238 East 1st Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, By Donation

Sunset Cinema – Dumbo

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 Dumbo 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 31, 2019
Time: Movies begin at dusk
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (formerly QET Plaza) – 695 Cambie St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Main Street Station Farmers’ Market

Main-Street-Farmers-Market

Image: Vancouver Farmers Market

What: See, taste, and indulge at this bustling weekday market. With vendors lined up on the east side of Thornton Park on the sidewalk along Station Street, the Main Street Station Farmers’ Market is within ideal reach on foot for bus and SkyTrain users.

When: Every Wednesday to October 2, 2019
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: 1100 Station Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Lansdowne Centre Drive-In Movie Series – The Dark Knight

What: The Drive-In Movie Series returns to Lansdowne Centre for its fourth year, presented by Fresh Air Cinema. Enjoy The Dark Knight 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 31, 2019
Time: Gates open at 6 pm
Where: Lansdowne Centre – 5300 No. 3 Rd., Richmond
Admission: Free

Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019

What: Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019 is a grass-roots non-corporate music and art festival celebrating LGBTQ+ artists. Now in it’s fourth year, it takes place over five days, and presents 18 unique and diverse events including warehouse take-overs, unforgettable garden performances, breath-taking city vistas, chic gallery exhibitions, a night of musical theatre, drag brunches in specially curated restaurants, decadent boat cruises, and wild, kinky after-hours, with out-of-this-world main events — all while raising money for some important Vancouver queer causes.

When: Wednesday, July 31 to Monday, August 5, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Online

City Centre’s Concerts in the Park Series

What: Enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts and more in this weekly event at Garden City Community Park. All ages are welcome.

When: Every Wednesday until August 28, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Garden City Community Park – 6620 Garden City Road, Richmond
Admission: Free

Thursday, August 1

After Hours at Vancouver Aquarium for Pride Season

After Hours/Vancouver Aquarium

What: The Vancouver Aquarium has partnered with the Vancouver Pride Society for this 19+ event. Grab a drink from one of the bars scattered around the venue, and learn about the sex lives of animals. Attendees are encouraged to come in drag, or colourful and proud outfits!

When: August 1, 2019
Time: 7 to 11 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Stanley Park
Price: Tickets available at vanaqua.org/after-hours

VMF 2019 Gallery

What: Vancouver Mural Festival celebrates its fourth year with an art exhibition featuring 90+ original works from VMF alumni and other powerful talents from the Lower Mainland. Each original piece of art will be 12”x12” and available for purchase.

When: August 1, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: VMF Gallery – 14 West 7th Avenue (entrance in 7-½ Lane), Vancouver
Admission: Free

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place – Shazam

What: During Waterfront Cinema on August 1, a large inflatable screen will pop up to show Shazam, 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: August 1, 2019
Time: Dusk
Where: North Point of Canada Place
Admission: Free

Neighbourhood Nights

What: Get to know your neighbours at this free family event held at various Coquitlam park locations throughout the summer, with kids’ games, family activities, and light refreshments. Be a part of building relationships, promoting neighbourhood safety and creating a sense of community, while getting out to meet your neighbours and having fun. In the event of rain, the scheduled Neighbourhood Night will be cancelled.

When: Every Thursday until August 22, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival 2019

What: Stroll through more than five acres of sunflowers in bloom. On-leash pets will also be welcome, with a dedicated drinking area and complimentary pick-up bags on-site. Attractions include 20-acres filled with giant sunflowers, a one-acre show garden with 15 varieties of sunflowers, photo-ops with swing sets, lawn games, local food trucks and more.

When: Thursday, August 1 until Sunday, September 15, 2019
Time: Hours of operation vary based on date
Where: 41310 Yale Road, Chilliwack
Tickets: Online

Pride in Chinatown

What: Curated by Paul Wong, and part of Alternative Pride 2019, this is described as a “magical twilight event” featuring Vancouver’s only all-Asian drag family, the House of Rice, and plenty of other talent including hand fighting and sword dancing. Presented by On Main Gallery, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and Vancouver Art and Leisure as part of Alternative Pride Vancouver 2019.

When: Thursday, August 1, 2019
Time: 7 pm to 11 pm
Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Understudy by Theresa Rebeck

What: The Understudy by Theresa Rebeck is a comedy about the intersection between show business and life. Roxanne’s professional and personal life collide when Harry, a journeyman actor and her ex-fiancé, is cast as the understudy to Jake, a mid-tier action star yearning for legitimacy. Now Roxanne has to balance her feelings for both men while working with a stoned lightboard operator, an omnipresent intercom system, and producers threatening to close the show.  Starring Sarah Boes, Michael Germant, and Drew Henderson, and directed by Mel Tuck.

When: August 1 to 3, August 8 to 10, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: PAL Theatre – 581 Cardero Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Daniel ChaiDaniel Chai

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