Happy Thursday, Vancouver! We’ve got a long weekend ahead of us, which means even more time to enjoy all the fun things to do around the city. Relax a little, get outside, enjoy some art… the world is your proverbial oyster, friends.
Here are 10 things to do this long weekend in Vancouver.
The Garden Beer Market
If you’re looking for live music, local brews, and a fantastic setting for any summer evening, then The Garden Beer Market at Cates Deck is your scene. With live music every night it’s open and a menu filled with BC’s best bevies, this waterfront beer garden is only here for the summer, so grab your friends and your pup and check it out while you can!
When: Kicks off July 1st
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Cost: Free to visit
Music in the Courtyard
The Firehall’s Art Centre and the Vancouver Independent Music Centre have come together for a series of in-person outdoor concerts. There will be shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday down there for the next few weeks, and they’ve got a solid variety of genres to show off.
When: Starts Friday, July 30th
Where: 280 E Cordova Street
Cost: $20-$40 per show
Decentralized Pride Parade
Vancouver Pride is winding down, but not without their biggest yet to come! This year, organizers are hoping to show off smaller celebrations around the city by including posts and videos on a live stream. And, they’ve got a few musical guests lined up alongside prizes to be won!
When: Sunday, August 1st, 12 PM-2 PM
Where: Online/Around Vancouver
Putt around a little bit
Mini-golf is a great way to spend an hour or two with some pals, and Vancouver’s got some great options. Whether it’s a zany blacklight experience or a true to form ‘putting course’, the mini-golf scene in Greater Vancouver is honestly better than we thought it’d be.
When: Open throughout the weekend
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Watch a movie
After an extended closure (due to COVID and then for renovations), the refreshed VIFF Centre reopens to the public this week! And, they’ve got a movie lineup to match, ranging from contemporary musicals to a movie about a pig that Paul Thomas Anderson calls “pure cinema”. We’re curious, we admit it.
When: Reopens Friday, July 30th
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Cost: $15
Ride a new Mountain Coaster
Cypress Mountain got a whole lot cooler last month, thanks to a new mountain coaster! The Eagle Coaster zips you down the mountainside at 40 km/h. Add in a vertical drop of about 279m (900 feet), and this coaster becomes fun for all ages.
When: Open throughout August
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $29 for GA (includes lift ticket)
Watch the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
It’s that time again when the world’s best athletes face off in some of the most challenging, interesting, and entertaining events. And whether you want to watch gymnastics, rock climbing and, for the first time ever, skateboarding, you’ll need to find a way to tune in. Luckily, we got you covered! Aren’t we so nice?
When: Streaming throughout the weekend
Where: Multiple streaming options
Cost: Free
Experience some queer art
We’ll go right out and say it: Art makes you smart. And there is a great opportunity to check out some amazing art from queer perspectives this week. The Vancouver Queer Arts Festival is happening all over the city until August 13th! Check out their website and find an event that piques your fancy.
When: July 24 to August 13
Where: All Over the city
Cost: A festival pass is $99 with individual event costs varying
Go check out some beautiful waterfalls
Nothing beats the natural beauty of this province. So, why not jump in a car and check out some great falls across the province? Whether you want to go on a massive road trip or just a quick jaunt, there are some stunning waterfalls to check out in BC.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Get the high culture experience at the Vancouver Bach Festival
If the other things on this list aren’t high brow enough for you, well then let us direct you to a festival dedicated entirely to classical music. You’ll be Bach for more after you check out some of these classic and moving experiences that are taking happening at places like the Chan Centre and the VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
When: July 27 to August 6
Where: Across the city
Cost: Varies per event
Alright folks, that’s what we got in mind for this long weekend in Vancouver! Have fun out there!
