35 things to do in Vancouver this week: July 30 to August 3

Jul 5 2018, 5:33 am

So long July and hello August. Keep the summer fun going into the new month with these 35 events to check out in Vancouver from Monday, July 30 to Friday, August 3. Free outdoor movies, Pride festivities, and more.

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

Monday, July 30, 2018

Toto

  • What: Grammy Award winners Toto bring their 40 Trips Around The Sun tour to Vancouver. They have celebrated numerous chart-topping hits including “Africa,” “Hold The Line,” “Rosanna,” “I Won’t Hold You Back” and “I’ll Be Over You.”
  • When: Monday, July 30, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts – 777 Homer Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $45-$89

Vancouver Fringe Festival Program Guide Launch

july 30

Vancouver Fringe Festival / Facebook

  • What: A first look at the 100 shows, the lineup for the Fringe Bar, workshops, special events, and more. Enjoy games, prizes, and surprises at the Vancouver Fringe Festival Program Guide Launch.
  • When: Monday, July 30, 2018
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Where: The Backstage Lounge – 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver
  • Admission:  Free

TechVancouver July 2018

  • What: TechVancouver’s Meetup brings together Vancouver’s tech leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. The speakers are highly curated leaders and innovators who share their expertise and experiences through 5 minute TED-style presentations.
  • When: Monday, July 30, 2018
  • Time: 6 pm
  • Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $24

The Alimony Brothers – Summer Residency

  • What: The Alimony Brothers perform forgotten gems and the occasional classic from the golden age of country music every Monday in July. The Alimony Brothers are veterans from the roots and country music scene in Vancouver.
  • When: Every Monday until July 30, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: The Wise Hall & Lounge – 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

The Really Gay History Tour

july 30

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours / Facebook

  • What: Venture into Vancouver’s LGBTQ2+ history this Pride season on the Really Gay History Tour from Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours. You’ll visit the sites of bookstore bombings, police raids, Imperial Court coronations, the “Kiss-Ins” of Granville Street, and the gayest beer parlour in town.
  • When: Daily until Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 2 to 4:30 pm
  • Where: Starts outside of Vancouver City Centre Skytrain Station, finishes in the Davie Street Village.
  • Tickets: Online, $28-$32

Nasty Women Comedy: The Anniversary Show

  • What: Ten feisty feminist comedians making one red-hot show out of improv, sketch comedy and storytelling. Plus enjoy a post-show Spice Girls dance party and cake.
  • When: Monday, July 30, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St. Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $10

AIBC Architectural Walking Tours

  • What: Through its summer walking tour program, the AIBC offers architectural perspectives of six Vancouver neighbourhoods. For locals and tourists alike, these tours are a unique and engaging way to learn more about the history of Vancouver. Vancouver sites include Chinatown, Gastown, Yaletown, Downtown, West End and Strathcona, the first neighbourhood in Vancouver.
  • When: Daily until Monday, July 30, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 12 pm, 1 to 3 pm
  • Where: Various locations
  • Tickets: Online, $10

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Free outdoor movies in Stanley Park – Spice World

  • What: Spice up your life with Spice World at Stanley Park, part of Evo Summer Cinema Series’ 10th Anniversary. Enjoy the film on a four-story inflatable movie screen. 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: Tuesday, July 31, 2018
  • Time: Dusk
  • Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach, Stanley Park
  • Admission: Free

LOLGBTQ! Comedy Show for QMUNITY

  • What: A charity comedy show featuring a lineup of LGBTQ+ performers, with all proceeds benefiting QMUNITY, Vancouver’s foremost queer outreach, support and education centre.
  • When: Tuesday, July 31, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: The Junction – 1138 Davie Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: By donation

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

  • What: A Midsummer Night’s Dream from Carousel Theatre for Young People is one of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays and the perfect introduction for kids of all ages.
  • When: Every day until Saturday, August 11, 2018
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Where: Performance Works – 1218 Cartwright St., Vancouver
  • Admission: Free, though seating is limited and can be reserved for $6

Home Made Home: Lululiving Open House

  • What: As part of the exhibition currently on display at Richmond Art Gallery, Germaine Koh’s newest work, a 160-sq-ft tiny house will be open to the public every Tuesday and Saturday. A fully functioning small home becomes a platform for public dialogue on the locally and globally relevant issues of housing and accessibility.
  • When: Every Tuesday and Saturday until August 25, 2018.
  • Time: 12 to 4 pm
  • Where: Richmond Art Gallery – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
  • Admission: Free

S’more: Pride Edition

  • What: S’more celebrates the return of Brooklyn legend Merrie Cherry and Drag Club Lip Sync Battle Champs Rogue and Molly Poppinz. Also appearing are Brunch, Mimi Anmormi, Tommi Horror, Daphne Doogood, Getta Gripp-Gurl, Cazzwell Van Dyke and Priyanka Chokiya.
  • When: Tuesday, July 31, 2018.
  • Time: Doors 9 pm, Show 10:30 pm
  • Where: Railway Stage & Beer Café – 579 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: $5

Now, Now

  • What: Now, Now from Minneapolis, Minnesota stops in Vancouver for their Saved North America Tour with special guest Wens.
  • When: Tuesday, July 31, 2018
  • Time: Doors 8 pm, show at 9 pm
  • Where: The Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $15

Pride at the Pier

Image: City of North Vancouver / Facebook

  • What: Dance along the water to local queer DJs, take in magnificent drag performances, and hit up one of the craft and activity stations. Everyone is welcome.
  • When: Tuesday, July 31, 2018
  • Time: 5 to 10 pm
  • Where: Shipbuilder’s Square, North Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Honda Celebration of Light 2018 – Sweden

Concord Lounge Celebration of Light

Concord Lounge at the Honda Celebration of Light. (Honda Celebration of Light)

  • What: English Bay in downtown Vancouver will once again be showered with fireworks for three nights this summer, as the 2018 Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition returns to the city. Sweden lights up the sky on August 1 and will incorporate the theme of “Love” into their fireworks display and musical accompaniment. Plus enjoy live music during Z Fest and at the Park Stage at Second Beach.
  • When: Saturday, August 1, 2018
  • 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.

Starlight Theatre at Lansdowne Centre – The Notebook

  • What: The Drive-In Movie Series returns to Lansdowne Centre for its third year, presented by Fresh Air Cinema. Enjoy The Notebook 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: Wednesday, August 1, 2018
  • Time: Sunset (gates open at 6 pm)
  • Where: Lansdowne Centre, west parking lot – 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond
  • Admission: Free

Infused Dining Series – Vancouver

  • What: The Infused Dining Series returns to Vancouver for the third time. Enjoy a five-course THC infused menu. The dinner is held at a private residence and each seating has space for 10 spots over the 90-minute experience. Come as a group or come solo and make new friends at their dinner table.
  • When: Wednesday, August 1 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: TBD
  • Tickets: $85 – $107; buy online

Alternative Pride Vancouver 2018

  • What: The 3rd annual Vancouver Alternative Pride Festival is a grass-roots artist-led music and art festival celebrating LGBTQ artists. Taking place over 5 days, the event features 20 unique and diverse events including warehouse take-overs, mystical garden performances and more in support of Vancouver queer charities.
  • When: Wednesday, August 1 to Monday, August 6, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Various locations
  • Tickets: Online

SummerFest – Pier Sweat Wednesdays with Lululemon

  • What: lululemon leads free workout sessions to help you re-energize and rejuvenate after the busy workday. Each week the instructors will teach and guide you through a yoga session on the pier.
  • When: Every Wednesday until August 29, 2018
  • Time: 6 to 7 pm
  • Where: Burrard Dry Docks – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
  • Registration: Online, Free

Pride in Chinatown

  • What: Pride in Chinatown: Gender Roles Playing On Stage features traditional Chinese opera by Hoi Seng Ieoung and Yuk Fung Cheung with contemporary Asian drag by Rose Butch and Maiden China. Hosted by Shay Dior with music by DJ Ian Widgery (Shanghai Divas).
  • When: Wednesday, August 1, 2018
  • Time: Performances at 7:45 pm and 8:30 pm
  • Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $15

Summer Movie Nights on the Square – Moulin Rouge

  • What: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly Vancouver Art Gallery’s North Plaza) hosts Summer Movie Nights on the Square. Watch Moulin Rouge on Fresh Air Cinema’s large, four-storey inflatable screen – just be sure to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets.
  • When: Wednesday, August 1, 2018
  • Time: Activities begin at 5 pm, movie begins at sunset (check sunset times as that will be your best indication of when movies will start)
  • Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (formerly North Plaza at Vancouver Art Gallery) – 850 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place – Mamma Mia!

  • What: Each week at dusk, a large inflatable screen will pop up, creating the perfect environment to take in a flick under the stars, all with the North Shore mountains in the background. Sing along to Mamma Mia, and keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event so neither smoking nor alcohol are permitted.
  • When: Thursday, August 2, 2018
  • Start time: Dusk
  • Where: North Point of Canada Place
  • Admission: Free

Steve Martin and Martin Short

  • What: Comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short are coming to Vancouver on their An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life tour. Featuring a standup show full of film clips and musical numbers.
  • When: Thursday, August 2, 2018
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 600 Block Hamilton St., Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Beast Free Supper Club

  • What: Delicious plant-based dinner hosted at Meet in Gastown. Expect an off-menu, specially crafted dining experience, includes two drink tickets. All attendees will walk away with gifts from some favourite local brands including Juice Truck, Homecoming Candles, Saje Wellness, Eastwood, Blume, Vega, and more.
  • When: Thursday, August 2, 2018
  • Times: 6 to 10 pm
  • Where: Meet in Gastown – 12 Water Street (Inner Courtyard), Vancouver
  • Price: $60; buy online

Wanderlust Whistler 2018

  • What: Choose your own adventure with multi-level yoga and meditation sessions, mouthwatering local organic dinners, heart-pumping music, inspiring lectures and workshops, and outdoor activities from SUP to world-famous mountain biking.
  • When: Thursday, August 2 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Various venues in Whistler
  • Tickets: Online

A Night of Storytelling 2018

  • What: Five celebrated Queer authors come together in this year’s edition of A Night of Storytelling. Featuring the talents of five Lambda awards-celebrated authors who waved together the authentic voices of queer folks, and made the stories visible. With Amber Dawn, Zena Sharman, Hasan Namir, Ahmad Danny Ramadan and SJ Sindu.
  • When: Thursday, August 2, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: Vancouver Public Library – 350 West Georgia, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Hot Music Roller Disco at Robson Square

roller skate party

Woman roller skating (Giovanni Love/Shutterstock)

  • What: A day to night session of disco and roller skatting at Robson Square Roller Rink with DJ.D.DEE, Daniel R and MY!GAY!HUSBAND! playing the finest disco, boogie and street soul. Bring your own skates or rent them on site.
  • When: Thursday, August 2, 2018
  • Time: 12 to 10 pm
  • Where: Robson Rink – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $10 (bring your own skates) and $20 (with skate rental), plus fees

Joel Kim Booster

  • What: LA’s Joel Kim Booster has been featured on Comedy Central, Conan O’Brien, Clusterfest and more, and he brings the laughs to Pride 2018 at Celebrities Nightclub.
  • When: Thursday, August 2, 2018
  • Time: 8 pm
  • Where: Celebrities Nightclub – 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $15 plus fees

Friday, August 3, 2018

108th Annual Abbotsford Agrifair

Abbotsford

Abbotsford Agrifair

  • What: Enjoy midway rides, showstopping performances, and fantastic music at Abbotsford Agrifair. This year’s event will also feature a number of new performances and attractions. These include the RCMP Musical Ride, the Dock Dog Show, and the Horse Whisperer.
  • When: Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: 10 am to 11 pm daily
  • Where: Abbotsford Exhibition Park – 32470 Haida Drive, Abbotsford
  • Tickets: General admission begins at $12 per day.

OH! Science World Public Light Control 2018

  • What: Vancouver-based experimental design firm Tangible Interaction is teaming up with Science World again to return the ‘OH!’ light control orb to the Olympic Village seawall. The interactive art installation allows participants to control one of Vancouver’s most renowned landmarks by changing the lights on its geodesic dome. Six different animations with variations in colours and patterns, including sparkles, bands, and waves, can be made.
  • When: Fridays: August 3, August 10, August 17 and August 24, 2018
  • When: 9 pm to 11 pm
  • Where: 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver (False Creek seawall across from Tap & Barrel in the Olympic Village)
  • Cost: Free

AniRevo: Summer 2018

  • What: Anime Revolution’s seventh annual event features three days of cosplay, panels, anime, manga, Japanese culture and more.
  • When: Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 5, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online

Pride at Parq

The Brat Pack

  • What: Vancouver’s 2018 Pride Festival is kicking off with a bang at “Pride at Parq,” being held at Parq Vancouver downtown. On Friday night, Drag Race star Kim Chi will emcee an evening party and mingle with guests, while Berlin-based DJ Dickey Doo keeps the music going well into the night. Saturday’s events include a ‘cocktails, canapes, and queens’ afternoon hosted by drag queen and record producer Pearl, who will also be performing a three-hour DJ set. Cocktails, canapés, and a dessert bar will be complemented with a live performance by the Brat Pack.
  • When: Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4, 2018
  • Time: Friday from 8 pm to 2 am, Saturday from 2 pm to 7 pm
  • Where: Parq Vancouver – 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Available online, tickets start at $60

Queer As Jokes Returns

  • What: Queer As Jokes starts with a live DJ to set the mood, then comes a hilarious mix of comedic acts and a show stopper surprise. Enjoy the queer loving energy through stand-up, drag, music and costume changes. Ages +19.
  • When: Friday, August 3, 2018
  • Time: 10:30 pm
  • Where: Yuk Yuk’s Vancouver – 2837 Cambie Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $12

Vancouver Underwear Run and Dance Party

  • What: With support from BN3TH Underwear (formerly MyPackage) and the Vancouver Pride Society, Party4Health’s Undie Run will be kicking off Pride Weekend festivities. Everyone is welcome, including members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and the larger Vancouver community.
  • When: Friday, August 3, 2018
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: Davie Street and throughout the downtown core. Exact stat location will be announced a few days prior to the event.
  • Admission: $3

Guys & Dolls

  • What: He’s a gambler, she’s a missionary worker. Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown are an unlikely match made in musical comedy heaven. Toss in a hypochondriac in Miss Adelaide, a chronic gambler in Nathan Detroit and a host of quirky characters and it all adds up to one of the best musicals of the last century. Directed by Jennifer Suratos, with music director Marquis Byrd and co-choreographers Rachael Carlson and Amanda Lau.
  • When: Various dates from Friday, August 3 to Saturday, August 25, 2018
  • Time: Various times
  • Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online
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