Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (July 1- 7)

A beachy rendition of Hamlet, the return of the Khatsahlano Street Festival and Carnaval del Sol kicks off with a bang.

By Kerri Donaldson /

Here’s your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, add it to our ongoing Vancouver events calendar here!

1. Come Party in the Streets at the Khatsahlano Street Party

July 6

The iconic 10-block festival on West 4th Avenue returns with more live music, local art and food options than ever before. This year, you can enjoy over 50 musical acts and curated art exhibitions for a full day of dancing in the streets.

When: July 6
Where: West 4th Avenue
Cost: Free
More Info: khatsahlano.ca

2. Kick Off Carnaval del Sol at the Opening Night Party

July 5

Enjoy the opening night of this Latin fiesta with some serious spice: live music, dancing and food trucks will keep your summer evening hot, hot, hot.

When: July 5
Where: Jonathan Rogers Park
Cost: From $30
More Info: carnavaldelsol.ca

3. Ride the Waves of Music at the Beach with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

July 4

Enjoy an evening of classical music starting at 7 p.m. as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s annual Symphony at the Beach serenades Vancouver’s best beachy vibes. Bring a blanket, relax and let the beautiful orchestral music wash over you as the sun sets over English Bay—seriously, what could be better?

When: July 4
Where: Sunset Beach
Cost: Free
More Info: vancouversymphony.ca

Bard on the Beach (pictured) Nadeem Umar Khitab as Hamlet. Photo by Emily Cooper

4. Enjoy Some Sun, Sand and Shakespeare with Bard on the Beach’s Hamlet

July 3

If The Lion King was your favourite Disney movie and you love the beach (I mean, who doesn’t?), then you must check out the non-lion, non-singing original Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet, in the least tragic venue: the beautiful Vanier Park.

When: July 3
Where: Vanier Park
Cost: From $26
More Info: bardonthebeach.org

5. Come Get Some Satisfaction With the Rolling Stones at BC Place

July 5

The grandpapas of rock and roll are hitting the stage at BC Place for their only Canadian stop on the tour, bringing decades of classic hits with them. Come see Mick, Keith and the rest of the Stones before Mick’s hip finally gives out.

When: July 5
Where: BC Place
Cost: From $208
More Info: bcplace.com

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson is an assistant editor for Vancouver magazine (and sister mag Western Living) and covers arts and culture, including VanMag’s So Fun City. She’s also a comedian and will proudly overthink almost everything for your benefit. Send her pitches or riff bits at [email protected]