Events

5 High-Energy Events to Attend This Week (July 22-28)

By Alyssa Hirose /

Get pumped for fireworks, cannon blasts, and aguitar samurai.

(Photo Credit: Vogue Theatre.)

Stringed Samurai

July 25

Check out Japanese superstar Miyavi live in concert this week. Fans know him as the Guitar Samurai because of his speedy fingers and unique guitar-slapping style. In addition to being a guitar-armed warrior with a funky fashion sense, Miyavi is also an official Goodwill Ambassador who advocates for refugees – a true guitar hero.

When: Thursday, July 25 7:00 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre
Cost: From $25
More Info: voguetheatre.com

(Photo Credit: Jennifer Strang Photography.)

ShipIt

July 26 & 28

Experience live cannon fire between two tall ships from the comfort of your beach towel at the Battle Sail, the Richmond Maritime Festival’s annual 18th century battle reenactment. Spectators can listen to the cannons in action, as well as watch authentic tall ship maneuvers, while chowing down on food truck spoils – a sensory experience like no other.

When: Friday, July 26 & Saturday, July 28 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Garry Point Park
Cost: Free
More Info: richmondmaritimefestival.ca

(Image Credit: Dancing in the Street.)

DowntownDisco

July 26

Be there or be square: this Friday is yourlast chance to get down and boogie at Dancing in the Street, where free HustleDance drop-in classes will earn you the street cred you desperately deserve.The classes are coached by pros and designed for all levels of dancing, sowhether you’re a disco amateur or aficionado, you can totally dig it.

When: Friday, July 26 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Robson Square Ice Rink
Cost: Free
More Info: vancouvercivictheatres.ca

(Photo Credit: TTCS of BC/Caribbean Days.)

SpiceSpice Baby

July 27 & 28

Add some heat to your weekend with a visit to Carribbean Days, our city’s spiciest street party in celebration of Carribbean culture, cuisine, and rhythm. The fest kicks off with a Parade in the Park, where marchers dressed in elaborate costumes will strut their stuff to the contagious beat of island tunes. Performers include local hip-bop group Cantaloupe Lounge and reggae-blues band X-Kalibre.

When: Saturday, July 27 & Sunday, July 28
Where: Waterfront Park
Cost: Free
More Info: carribbeandays.ca

(Image Credit: Celebration of Light.)

NightLights

July 27

Finish off the week with the Celebration of Light, because nothing brightens up the darkness quite like ooh-ing and ahh-ing with over a million of your explosive-loving neighbours. This year’s participants are India, Canada, and Croatia. If you’re feeling swanky, you can wine, dine and shine at one of many official viewing parties – or grab a seat on the beach just like the olden days.

When: Saturday, July 27 10:00 p.m.
Where: English Bay Beach
Cost: Free
More Info: hondacelebrationoflight.com

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.