5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (July 10-16 )

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, send an email to [email protected].

Opera in the Park at Deer Lake Park

July 16

I know this is Burnaby not Vancouver, but I think it’s worth a mention! A dreamy night under the stars serenaded by cinematic opera? I mean, COME ON! What’s not to love? If you agree (and I don’t know why you wouldn’t?!), the Vancouver Opera is bringing back its ethereal Opera in the Park at picturesque Deer Lake. Here’s why you should probably go: it’s free, family-friendly and you’ll get a sneak peek (with your ears) of arias and duets from Vancouver Opera’s upcoming season productions: The Magic Flute, Don Pasquale and Carmen. So pack your picnic blanket, grab some snacks and get ready for an unforgettable evening of music and whimsy—if this doesn’t give main character energy, I don’t know what will!

When: July 16
Where: Deer Lake Park
Cost: Free
More Info: vancouveropera.ca

Get Your Hip Hop On at Rhythm Infinitum: Shabazz Palaces & Sarathy Korwar in Concert

July 13

Get ready to have your musical horizons expanded! Shabazz Palaces and Sarathy Korwar are teaming up to bring you a night of Afrofuturist hip hop and Indofuturist world-building. This is not just a concert, it’s an exploration of time, space and sound (who knows what THAT means?.. but I definitely want to find out!).  And, while you’re at it, check out the rest of the 13th Annual Indian Summer Festival (ISF), which runs until July 16th in venues all over Vancouver, filling our city with amazing talks, concerts, art installations and performances by Canadian, South Asian and Indigenous artists.

When: July 13
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Cost: From $30
More Info: indiansummerfest.ca

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

July 14-16

Fancy a weekend filled with folk music, fun and festivities? The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is back! With a lineup featuring Tré Burt, Jim Byrnes, Calexico and many more, this is one event you won’t want to miss. So dust off your Birkenstocks and get ready to party oceanside to the cool breeze of folk music.

When: July 14-16
Where: Jericho Beach Park
Cost: From $60
More Info: thefestival.bc.ca

Enjoy Some of Our City’s Vibrant Culture at the 21st Annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival

July 15 and 16

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Chinatown at the 21st Vancouver Chinatown Festival! This free two-day event is a celebration of diversity, sustainability and resilience. With live performances, food trucks, walking tours (where my FitBit-ters at!), A PETTING ZOO!!! and so much more. Come meet the legendary Chinatown mascot Van Van and watch me challenge him to a game of MahJong (right before I read this wiki on how to play!)

When: July 15 and 16
Where: Keefer and Columbia Street
Cost: Free
More Info: vancouver-chinatown.com

Come Celebrate Nuba’s 20th Anniversary With a Lebanese Feast and Block Party

July 16

To celebrate turning 20, Nuba is throwing a huge block party this Sunday! From 2 pm-10 pm, expect live DJs (duh! it’s a block party), entertainment and a literal feast of Lebanese foods (I’m talking grilled skewers, braised lamb and some Nuba classics like falafel and iconic cauliflower fave Najib’s Special. (Oh, and there’s also a bar serving up natural wines, craft beers, summery cocktails and fresh-pressed juices—a sneaky way to get those vitamins in!) Entry is complimentary but don’t forget to RSVP—they need to know how much cauliflower to make!

When: July 16
Where: Nuba Cafe (Mount Pleasant)
Cost: Free, food and drink tickets available on-site
More Info: nuba.ca