35 things to do in Vancouver this week: June 12 to 16

June is flying by, which means that Vancouver is filled with more fun events to check out! From City of Bhangra to Akon to Science World After Dark, here are our picks for 35 things to do in Vancouver this week.

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

Monday, June 12

Reel Bhangra

• What: This two-hour evening of film will highlight the voice of young South Asians in cinema by showing some several short films. This includes a number of entries from the Global Bhangra Video competition and the world-premiere of Hidden World of Bhangra – a documentary produced by Delhi 2 Dublin and funded by TELUS.
• Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street
• When: June 12 from 7 to 9 pm
• Cost: Online, $14

How Can I Help?

• What: Everyone of us has helped others or been helped by others. Sometimes you will be amazed by how much power these simple four words hold. Join Marpole Community Toastmasters Club to share your stories.
• Where: 8680 Hudson Street, Vancouver
• When: June 12 from 7 to 9 pm
• Cost: Free

Hellyeah

• What: This impressive metal band is back with a new album, UNDEN!ABLE, and its frontloaded with songs that crackle with a “palpable industrial aggro energy.” Here’s hoping their concert in Vancouver is the same.
• Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St, Vancouver
• When: June 12 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online, $29.50

Big Splash Waterpark Grand Opening

• What: The 7-acre water slide park in Tsawwassen features body slides, tube slides and kids friendly slides.  Big Splash will feature newly renovated pools and hot tubs, a new clubhouse, Vegas-style cabanas for private parties, and a Sports Bar and Grill. There will also be a daily complimentary shuttle service to and from Downtown Vancouver.
• Where: Big Splash Water Slide Park – 4775 Nulelum Way, Tsawwassen
• When: June 12 to 23 (Monday through Friday only) – 10 am to 2 pm. June 24 onwards (7 days a week) – 10:30 am to 7 pm.
• Register: Online, Day passes will be $28, with special group and Twilight rates available, and free admission for children aged three or under.

Rhymes of Times: What makes us Canadian?

• What: A guided reminiscing session for adults by Port Coquitlam Heritage and Cultural Society. Share what Canada means to you.
• Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Avenue, Port Coquitlam
• When: June 12 from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm

Reverb Spring 2017: Our Final Event

• What: A poetic extravaganza to celebrate the work, community, and art this series has created over the last four-and-a-half years. Featuring an incredible set of readers who are all Reverb alums, cake and other delights, a photobooth and community feedback station, and emotional speeches.
• Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
• When: June 12 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
• Tickets: $5 at the door, no one turned away for lack of funds

Eight and a Half Inches of Comedy

• What: Alex Nussbaum (winner of Best Comedy Show of the Year in Toronto’s NOW Magazine, Much Video on Trial, Just For Laughs Montreal) headlines Eight and a Half Inches of Comedy. Also featuring Jenny Toews, Luke Syrnick, Kelsey Hamilton and Kevin von Helvete.
• Where: eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge – 151 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver
• When: June 12 at 9 pm
• Tickets: $5 at the door

Tuesday, June 13

About Love Short Play Festival – Tomo Suru Players

Image: Patricia Trinh

• What: Whether you’re new to the theatre world, or if you just don’t have the patience to sit through full-length shows (and we don’t blame you, with summer here), the short play festival “tests the ability to tell stories without the luxury of time.” Sort of like rapid speed dating for theatre, this year’s plays are all themed around a universal topic that never gets old: L-O-V-E.
• Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• When: June 13 to 18
• Tickets: Online; Sliding Scale ($10 min)

Toads Got Talent Lip Sync Battle Round 2!

• What: Steel Toad Brewing Company hosts a Lip Synch Battle every Tuesday night. Pick and song a lip sync for a chance to win $2000! Props and dance moves are highly encouraged.
• Where: Steel Toad Brewing Company – 147 East Pender Street, Vancouver
• When: Every Tuesday stating June 13 from 8 to 10 pm
• Cost: Free

Self-guided tours of the historic Orpheum 

• What: This summer, Vancouver Civic Theatres will be offering self-guided tours of the Orpheum, which also happens to be one of the most beautiful concert halls in North America. If you’re a history buff, or just want to learn more about Vancouver’s landmarks, this summer tour will allow you to wander the historic site for an hour and take all the pictures your heart desires.
• Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
• When: Tours will be available three times per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays starting on Tuesday, June 13.
• Tickets: Available online at orpheumtours.com or in-person at the Tickets Tonight booth located inside the Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre. As the Orpheum is a working theatre, tours, availability and content may vary.

Sin Peaks: Rome

• What: An improvised soap opera set in the year 1 B.C. The great Caesar Augustus has fallen and the Roman State has plunged into civil war. A struggle for power has broken out – who will ascend to greatness? Who will dine with the Gods? Sin Peaks is there to find out.
• Where: Red Gate Revue Stage – 1601 Johnston Street, Vancouver
• When: Every Tuesday at 8 pm
• Tickets: At the door, $10

Akon

Image: Akon / Facebook

• What: Grammy award-winner and legendary performer
  AKON performs live in concert. He has sold over 35 million albums worldwide and has 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs under his belt. Akon has also made a staggering 300 guest appearances for icons including Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, Lil Wayne, R. Kelly, and Eminem.
• Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
• When: June 13 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online, $35-$85

The Science of Food – AVA Byte Launch Party

• What: Celebrate the launch of AVA Byte, an indoor smart garden that lets everyone grow the freshest ingredients at their fingertips, all year round. Expect an unforgettable night of gastronomy, technology and mixology with the finest chefs, entrepreneurs, food futurists, and influencers.
• Where: Imperial Vancouver – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: June 13 from 7 to 10 pm
• Tickets: Online, $35-$45

JAH9 and the Dub Treatment

• What: Experience the ancient practice of Kemetic Yoga with Jamaican reggae artist Jah9 and her live band, The Dub Treatment. Unroll your mat and unite through slow-tempo dub in this class with asana, song, meditation and reasoning in the modified Fortune Sound Club studio.
• Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 East Pender Street, Vancouver
• When: June 13 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Online, $10-$60

Wednesday, June 14

An Evening With Rupi Kaur

• What: Renowned feminist author, poet, multi-media artist and genuine international phenomenon, Rupi Kaur makes Vancouver her only Canadian stop on a whirlwind 2017 world tour. Called “the voice of her generation”, Kaur’s first book of poetry and prose was on the New York Times bestseller list for over seven months, and she has over 700K Instagram followers. Opening for Kaur’s spoken word performance is Baltimore-based singer, Beya Likhari.
  
• Where: Vogue Theatre  – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: June 14 at 7:45 pm
• Tickets: Online, $30

DisruptHR YVR 5.0

• What: DisruptHR is an information exchange designed to energize, inform and empower executives, business leaders and people in the HR field. Disrupt talks have been given and attended by C-Suite Leaders, Technologists, Restaurateurs, Students, Politicians and HR Professionals.
• Where: Science World – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
• When: June 14 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm
• Register: Online, $40-45

2017 Festival d’été francophone de Vancouver

• What: Le Centre culturel francophone de Vancouver is bringing together some of today’s top francophone artists in one amazing festival. From June 14 to 27, the whole city will be in celebration mode with two weeks of vibrant francophone music. The Festival will welcome performers in various Vancouver venues for an eclectic mix of concerts, with frenzied scat melodies, strains of ukulele (Combustion Lente), a racy interlude of sensuality (La Ceinture de Vénus), percussion galore, all embellished with the rhythms of world music and chords on piano and guitar.
• When: June 14 to 27
• Where: Venues all over Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market

• What: Located just steps away from the Surrey Central SkyTrain station and bus loop Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market is a vibrant gathering place that aims to promote small-scale farmers, food producers, and artisans.
• Where: North Surrey Rec Centre – 10275 City Parkway, Surrey
• When: Wednesdays from 2 to 6 pm until October 4
• Cost: Free

I Heart Yaletown 4th Annual Community BBQ

• What: Take a few minutes out of your day to share the positive Yaletown vibe at the I Heart Yaletown 4th Annual Community BBQ. Connect with neighbours, savour a free BBQ treat (be ready for the line up!), let the kids go for it at the craft table, and check out the musical entertainment.
  
• Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
• When: June 14 from 12 to 3 pm
• Cost: Free

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe EXP Summer Tournament

• What: Head to EXP on June 14th for some Mario Kart 8 Deluxe racing action. Join the tournament or bring a friend and cheer on the racers as they dodge shells of every colour in a battle for top spot.
• Where: EXP Restaurant and Bar – 309 West Pender Street, Vancouver
• When: June 14 at 7 pm
• Cost: Free

Honey, I Shrunk the Chorus

• What: Featuring songs from musicals such as Waitress, Dogfight, and Sister Act, and movies such as Moana and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, this show is sure to delight audience members of all ages and sizes.
• Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
• When: June 14 to 17 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online, $15-$25

Thursday, June 15

Tool

• What: This American alternative metal rock band from Los Angeles are renowned for their visual shows and have won three Grammy awards since the band formed back in the 1980s. Now, after a hiatus, they’re back in Vancouver.
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• When: June 15 at 8 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $75-$125

Making Documentaries with CBC, Bell Media and NFB

• What: Representatives of CBC, Bell Media and the NFB will offer their insights into what they are looking for and the best way to connect with them. Panel includes Sandra Kleinfeld, Senior Director of Documentary, CBC Television; Michele McMahon, Production Executive, Original Programming, Bell Media; and Teri Snelgrove, Associate Producer, National Film Board of Canada. Moderator is Sheona McDonald, Director and Producer
• Where: Top Floor of Mahony and Sons, Stamps Landing – 601 Stamps Landing, Vancouver
• When: June 15 at 6 pm
• Tickets: Free for members of Field and Post, DOC BC and CMPA-BC
  $10 for non-members (at the door)

Tarrus Riley

• What: Tarrus Riley is among the leading ambassadors of modern day Reggae Music in Jamaica; his commanding vocals, intuitive lyrics and vibrant personality have combined to create a formidable artiste with authentic credentials in Reggae music.
• Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St, Vancouver
• When: June 15 at 9:15 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $32.50

Bhangra: WE

• What: Join a panel of artists, musicians, and writers of all genders, as they discuss and explore the complexity of their identities as young South Asian change makers. This follows the success of last year’s panel Bhangra: SHE. Part of City of Bhangra Festival.
• Where: Kwantlen Polytechnic University- 12666 72 Avenue, Surrey
• When: June 15 from 6 to 9 pm
• Cost: Free

Art in the Park

• What: A traveling Canada 150 exhibition that provides an opportunity for connection with the natural and cultural history of Glacier National Park. Featuring Pure Colour by Roberta Coombs and Ancestral Drift by Tiki Mulvihill.
  
• Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
• When: June 15 to July 16
• Cost: Free

CINERAMA – Fight with a Stick Performance

Image: Natalie Purschwitz

• What: A play that isn’t really a play, CINERAMA defies expectations by making the stage the backdrop of Spanish Banks. Wear your sensible sandals out for this jaunt along the beach at low tide, as the production company plays with movement among the tides, in the backdrop of Supernatural BC, featuring those menacing oil tankers.
• Where: Spanish Banks Beach – 4801 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver
• When: June 15 to 18 and 21 to 30 – check website 24 hours before performance for updates
• Tickets: Online, $20

Night At The Aquarium 2017

• What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary at Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre’s Night at the Aquarium. The festivities begin with the Taittinger Champagne Reception and delectable canapés amidst the stunning backdrop of aquatic creatures followed by a collaborative Ocean Wise four-course dinner prepared by Vancouver’s top chefs, paired with premier wines and spirits. All proceeds directly support the Acquarium’s ocean conservation, education and research initiatives.
  
• Where: Vancouver Aquarium
• When: June 15 at 6 pm
• Tickets: Online , $350

Friday, June 16

UBC Botanical Garden’s Garden Days

• What: Tour the Garden, learn about pollinators, celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a maple tree hunt, and sip some tea made from plants grown right in the Garden. Join the birds, bees and butterflies to celebrate nature and the great outdoors!
• When: June 16 to 18 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Special Garden Days activities from 12 to 3 pm
• Tickets: 2-for-1 admission, plus half price on the Greenheart TreeWalk canopy walk adventure. More info online.

Slurpee Crazy Hair Day

• What: Take part in Slurpee Crazy Hair Day by heading into participating locations across Canada with wild hair and you’ll receive a free medium-sized Slurpee. Mohawk, unicorn colours, glitter, crazy wigs, or funky braids – all it takes is a little colour or imagination with your locks, and bam! You’ve got a free slurpee in your creative and capable hands.
• Where: Participating 7-Eleven stores across Metro Vancouver and Canada
• When: June 16
• Cost: Free

BC Lions vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders

• What: CFL is finally back as the BC Lions host the Roughriders at BC Place.
• Where: BC Place
• When: June 16 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Online

Il Mercato Italian Market

• What: This market brings together the tastes of Italy with fresh produce grown locally, in addition to delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef and handmade products from local artisans.
• Where: Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre – 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver
• When: June 16 from 5 to 9 pm
• Cost: Free

Science World After Dark: Made In Canada

• What: Play like a kid without the kids in our newest original feature exhibition. Tinker and test inventions of your own creation, at Science World’s adults-only evening. Plus enjoy a screening of MacGillivray Freeman’s latest film on the amazing feats of human engineering and design, Dream Big.
• Where: Science World
• When: June 16 from 7 to 10 pm
• Tickets: Online, $24-$30

Point Grey Fiesta

• What: This year’s festivities kick off Friday afternoon with bike decorating hosted by UBC Bike Coop and carnival rides from Shooting Star Amusements in Trimble Park/ Saturday morning the parade and street acts take over West 10th Avenue, followed by activities in Trimble Park including local businesses, artisans and local acts performing under the big tent. Carnival games and rides run until Sunday afternoon.
  
• Where: Point Grey, Vancouver
• When: June 16 to 18
• Cost: Free

Victoria Aboriginal Cultural Festival 2017

• What: Featuring an array of entertainment, culture and knowledge sharing. Among the attractions are a guided totem pole walk led by artist Andy Everson of the K’omoks Nation, a performance by Māori dancers from New Zealand, and a smudge ceremony overseen by Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte Indian Band, which is based in the Shuswap region of BC. In total, more than 45 performances are scheduled for the festival’s main stage.
• Where: The event, hosted in the territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, takes place outside of the Royal BC Museum.
• When: June 16 to 18
• Packages: Online