Dog Days, Comedy Queens and More Fun Things to Do This Summer in Vancouver

All’s Well That Ends Well at Bard on the Beach

Date  June 26 to August 11
Venue  Vanier Park  
Price  From $26
bardonthebeach.org

Bard on the Beach is famous for staging tradition with a twist—and this season’s production of All’s Well That Ends Well is packing a political punch. The complex comedy is set in 1940s India, with British occupation dwindling and Indian independence on the horizon. Audiences will have no trouble making connections between the problem play’s themes (as in the patriarchy sucks) and present problems: “Shakespeare’s writing can illuminate modern dilemmas,” says co-director Johnna Wright, “at the same time as these modern contexts and interpretations can shed new light on Shakespeare.” Co-director Rohit Chokhani hints at the show’s “bold and risky choices”—to see if all really ends well, you’ll have to snag a ticket. 

Rugged Maniac

Date  July 13
Venue  Cloverdale Fairgrounds
Price  From $59
ruggedmaniac.com

You’ll be rewarded for getting down and dirty in this 5K obstacle race (which includes fire, barbed wire and a whole lot of mud) with a cold beer and a 5,000-person after-party.

Bianca Del Rio “It’s Jester Joke” Tour

Date  July 19
Venue  The Orpheum
Price  From $63
thebiancadelrio.com

Swipe on some waterproof mascara before you clown around with esteemed comedian and decorated drag queen Bianca Del Rio.

The Vancouver Open Volleyball Tournament

Date  July 12 to 14
Venue  Kits Beach
Price  Free
beachtourbc.com

Enter and compete with pro volleyballers for a $30,000 prize—or watch for free from the comfort of your own
beach towel.

Carnaval del Sol

Date  July 6 and 7
Venue  Concord Pacific
Price  $2
carnavaldelsol.ca

This sunny celebration is the largest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest and features soccer tournaments, live music and food and beverage vendors, from across Latin America.

Stef Chura

Date  August 1
Venue  Biltmore Cabaret
Price  $13
biltmorecabaret.com

Detroit-born indie-rock warbler Stef Chura’s new single, “They’ll Never,” sheds a defiant light on a dilapidated building she once lived in—and challenges what it takes to make a home. 

Pet-a-Palooza

Date  August 25
Venue  Yaletown
Price  Free
petapaloozawest.com

The dog days are just beginning—this furry and fabulous Mainland Street takeover has puppy yoga, bulldog races and dog-friendly trick-or-treating.

The Mac and Cheese Festival

Date  August 9 to 11
Venue  Concord Pacific
Price  Free
themacandcheesefestival.com

This national mac-and-cheese fest is finally making a stop in Vancouver. Loosen your belt buckle for creative concoctions like mac-and-cheese-y hot dogs, tacos and waffles.