Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (May 27-June 2)

Black Music Month in Mount Pleasant, The Wailers at Commodore Ballroom and a comedy show for you and your dog.

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.

Promotional poster for the Black to Da Roots Festival 2024, happening from May 31 to June 2 at City Center Artist Lodge (The Well), 2111 Main St, Vancouver. The poster features the event name in bold red, yellow and green colours with a tree graphic, a QR code for participation and a background image of performers on stage. The event is part of Black Music Month 2024.

1. Join the Block Party Festivities at Black Music Month Vancouver 

May 31 to June 2

Music, market, food—this weekend has it all. That is, if you head to Black Music Month‘s 45th anniversary outdoor party with live performances (from blues to rock, gospel to R&B and soul to live poetry), workshops (learn African dance and yoga with me), and more (think: panels, a BIPOC pop-up market and, of course, food and drinks!) at the vibrant City Centre Motor Hotel turned artist lodge (home to the Vancouver Mural Fest). Not that you should need any more convincing, but this outdoor party is free—see you there?

When: May 31- June 2
Where: City Centre Motor Hotel
Cost: Free
More info: facebook.com

 

Portrait of an older man (Fred Penner) with a grey beard and a hat, smiling warmly. He is wearing a denim shirt and leaning slightly against a wooden surface.

2. Introduce Your Kids to the Canadian Icon Fred Penner at The Vancouver International Children’s Festival

May 27 to June 2

As part of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival (from May 27 to June 2, all over Granville Island and online), take your kids to meet the man, the myth, the legend who brought us such childhood hits as “The Cat Came Back.” Warning: may cause extreme nostalgic joy.

When: May 30-June 4
Where: Revue Stage
Cost: From $16
More info: showpass.com/fred-penner

 

Photograph of The Wailers. Group photo of seven people standing against a brick wall. They are posing together, some with arms around each other, and all are smiling. The group includes men and women, with diverse outfits ranging from casual to semi-formal.

3. Jam to Some Reggae With the Legendary Band, The Wailers

June 1

Hope you like jammin’ too because this concert is bringing the Bob Marley reggae dream team (minus Bob, obvi) for an evening of chill hits on the bouncy Commodore Ballroom that’s sure to be a high point in your weekend.

When: June 1
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $142.80
More info: commodoreballroom.com

 

Event poster for 'Queers & Beers' parking lot party. The poster has a colourful, illustrated background with shades of purple, pink and yellow. It features the event details: '3PM - 10PM, June 1st, The Birdhouse, 19+. Performances by KOTA, FAHBYOH!, EASY BAKE COVEN, PRETTI BOYY.' The poster also mentions 'Local Craft Menu,' 'Food Trucks,' and lists sponsors such as Faculty Brewing Co, 33 Acres Brewing Co and The Parkside Brewery.

4. Indulge in Some Sun and Fun Day Drinking at Queers and Beers

June 1

Nothing says summer like day drinking. Enjoy craft beers, ciders, cocktails, wine and zero-proof options in a tropical parking lot patio with DJs keeping the vibes vibing at the Birdhouse (get to know the Eastside Studio’s party hub here). Play N64 games, yard games (bocce, I hope) and grab bites from local food trucks. The party starts at 3 p.m. and there’s a free afterparty to keep the good times going (that is, if you’re still going).

When: June 1
Where: The Birdhouse
Cost: $11.47
More info: eventbrite.ca

 

Event poster for 'Big Dog Energy: A Dog Friendly Comedy Show.' The poster features a cartoon image of a large dog with a microphone, set against a red circle background. The title 'Big Dog Energy' is displayed in bold, yellow text, with 'A Dog Friendly Comedy Show' in blue text next to it. The overall design has a playful, comic book style.

5. Bring Your Canine Bestie to Watch Some Comedy

May 30

Fact: dogs have a keen sense of smell… but an even keener sense of comedy (well, it could be fact if I had any pull with our universities’ science research departments). Sure, car rides and walks are great, but I bet your dog would really appreciate taking in some local standup comedy with you. Share a laugh with a room full of doggos. (People with allergies: sorry, this is not for you!)

When: May 30
Where: The MOTN
Cost: $19.96 (Dog gets in free)
More info: eventbrite.ca

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]