5 Things To Do In Vancouver This Weekend

There’s so many ways to enjoy your free time. It could mean anything like going for a run or enjoying a nice dinner with friends. And while we certainly won’t judge those who want to cool off from their busy week with a day in bed, this weekend, there are plenty of reasons to strap on your favourite pair of shoes (or, ahem, Birkenstocks) and head out the door. We’re talking about more than boat parties and bar nights catching fireworks in English Bay (though, that’s fine, too!). Here are some events worth your time and attention this weekend in Vancouver.

Vancouver Folk Music Festival

The city’s folk festival is back for its 48th year to present the best of folk and roots music from all over the world. If you’re looking for gorgeous views and a place where music connects with nature, head to Jericho Beach Park for a three-day community celebration with dancing, storytelling and plenty of food. This year’s lineup features 44 artists, including blues band Bab L’Bluz, Montreal Inuk alternative artist Elisapie who sings in her traditional language and American indie-folk duo The Milk Carton Kids, plus workshops that often turn into full-on dance parties. To complement your entertainment, grab Atmosphere Cider’s Purple Rain blackberry cider, Holy Taco’s beef birria taco and find your jam!

Jericho Beach Park, July 18-20, from 2pm on Friday, 9am Saturday and Sunday

Eastside Arts Festival

If you have a penchant for arts and crafts, or simply want to dabble in it, this one is for you. The Eastside Art Festival is opening for its fifth year in East Vancouver. This 10-day long interactive art-making event brings visual artists, musicians (and maybe you) to learn and create alongside the Eastside Art District. This weekend, art lovers can take a stab at eco printing and bundle dyeing at the hands-on botanical workshop, mold their vision into reality at the exploring clay workshop or recreate their favourite spot in Vancouver on the canvas at the mixed media landscape painting workshop. Mason jars have never looked cooler than when felted at the mason jar magic workshop!

East Vancouver, July 18-27

Public Disco Block Party

This Saturday, City Centre Artist Lodge hosts a full-blown open-air block party that will have you dancing the night away. This year’s edition brings the best of North America’s house music with sets from New York’s Soul Clap to Vancouver favourites Max Ulis, DJ dood and Sayang. If you’re over 19, love dance music and connecting with people through sound, that’s the place to be this weekend.

City Centre Artist Lodge (211 Main Street), July 19, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Koolfest Summer by Hot Chocolate Festival

 

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Hosted by the beloved Hot Chocolate Festival, running every January since 2010, this new pop-up festival is here to refresh you with their delicious iced drinks. Everything from chilled chocolate milk, through milkshakes and floats, to slushies and bubble teas can be found at one of their 50 vendors. Try Bella Gelateria’s twist on the Italian classic with their Matcha Affogato, sip on summer with Boba Run’s Watermelon Dreamsicle made with real watermelon juice, treat yourself to the tropical decadence of the coco puffs iced hot chocolate at the Bunny Cafe and sink or swim with Drunken Chocolatier’s ice cream float made with house-made dark chocolate ice cream and a special blend of HK Milk Tea. Grab your straw and run, don’t walk to your favourite cafe for an unforgettable drink.

Various locations, July 19 – August 10 

Bark Park

 

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This one is paws-itively the cutest! This Saturday, Bentall Centre is hosting the ultimate celebration for all things canine with its open-air dog party. Browse over 20 local vendors featuring pet products and treats, stretch and snuggle at the puppy yoga session or make your puppy feel like a star at the PAWshion Show where they can win in categories like most adorable, celebrity status or SuPaw Heroes among others. Sip on a refreshing drink from the FUNK Coffee Bar beer garden, grab a bite of the Wakwak smash burger, test your music knowledge at the FUNK bingo and don’t forget to snap a pic with your pup!

1025 Dunsmuir St, July 19, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.