5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (June 26-July 2)

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 kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

1. Dance to Some Korean Pop at KPOP FEST 2023

July 2

Come get your dance on at the Vancouver Kpop Festival 2023. The Korean pop music fest is taking over the Plaza of Nation Complex and includes heart-pounding performances, dance battles and some special guests including Junoflo and DJ Woo. Plus, there’s food, face painting, balloon making and more. All ages are welcome.

When: July 2
Where: Plaza of Nation Complex
Cost: From $17.23
More Info: vancouverkpopfest.com

2. The Indians Who Rocked the World Documentary and Conversation with Pura Fé

June 27

The documentary film RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked The World explores the profound influence of Native American musicians on rock and pop. This award-winning film is showing at VIFF on June 27 and features legends like Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Robbie Robertson. But the party doesn’t stop when the credits roll. Stick around for a post-screening chat with Indigenous singer-songwriter and activist Pura Fé, followed by a reception and performance by the M’Girl singers. It’s a night of music, history, and celebration that’s sure to hit all the right notes.  And be sure to check out the rest of the Talking Stick Festival lineup here.

When: June 27
Where: VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre
Cost: $20
More Info: viff.org

3. True North Turn Up

June 27

From noon till 4 am, don your finest Canadian Tuxedo and come celebrate the home of Celine Dion, ketchup chips and the metric system at The Lamplighter for the Canada Day bash True North Turn Up. You and your plaid-clad besties can enjoy free arcade games, bottomless poutine and a DIY Caesar bar while getting Footloose to live music and a DJ spinning all night long. (Mr. Footloose himself Kevin Bacon is both Canadian AND has the word “bacon” in his name—qualifying this event write-up as CanCon!)

When: June 27
Where: VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre
Cost: $20
More Info: viff.org

4. Watch a Shakespeare Classic on the Beach with Bard on the Beach’s Henry V

June 28- August 13

To beach, or not to beach—that is the question! The answer: Heck yes! (Do not come for me that this is not a Henry V quote, Shakespeare nerds!) Get ready for a royal romp with Shakespeare’s Henry V at Bard on the Beach. This isn’t your typical Shakespearean drama—it’s a tale of war, friendship and love (and of course, some laughter will ensue.) Watch newly crowned King Henry V trades his crown for a helmet and his throne for a battlefield, all while trying to keep his old tavern buddies in line. But hey, who said being a king was easy? Expect a night of laughs, gasps and maybe even a tear or two. And remember, all’s fair in love and war… especially when it’s Shakespeare!

When: June 28-August 13
Where: Bard on the Beach
Cost: From $30
More Info: bardonthebeach.org

5. Enjoy Some Jazz With BADBADNOTGOOD and Special Guests Mary Ancheta Quartet

June 29

Jazz purists, brace yourselves. BADBADNOTGOOD is here to shake things up with their genre-bending blend of ’70s soul-jazz, alternative hip-hop and experimental electronica. Part of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, this Toronto-based group is known for their jazzed-out covers of hip-hop tracks and collaborations with big names like Kendrick Lamar and Ghostface Killah. Their latest album, ‘Talk Memory,’ takes you on a melodically adventurous journey that’s as unpredictable as a Canadian weather forecast. Opening the night is the Mary Ancheta Quartet, bringing their modern take on jazz and electro-funk to the stage. It’s a night of musical rule-breaking you won’t want to miss.

When: June 29
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: From $39
More Info: coastaljazz.ca