Ready for a week chock full of tasty night markets, outdoor shows, and summer vibes galore? Vancouver is set to have a cooler start to the week, but things will heat back up rather quickly – and we’re not just talking about the weather. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (July 17-21).
Watch Whale Rider on Cates Deck
Outdoor movie, anyone? This Thursday at 9:15 pm, you can catch a showing of Whale Rider on Cates Deck thanks to the Deckchair Cinema series in celebration of Squamish Amalgamation Day.
When: Thursday, July 20th
Where: Cates Deck, North Vancouver
Theatre Under the Stars
Theatre Under the Stars has been transforming Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl into a special summer stage for decades now, and it looks like this year is no different. If you haven’t seen at least one of their two iconic shows this year, now’s a great time to head to Stanley Park and enjoy some great music, laughs, and artistry under the night sky.
The company is presenting two iconic shows almost daily: Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical” and Broadway’s musical comedy “The Prom.”
When: July 6th to August 26th
Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
Cost: $45 for GA
Summer Like An Italian
Few summertime experiences can compare to an Italian summer, which is why Kitchen Table Restaurants is bringing back its popular passport program, allowing diners at 10 local restaurants to experience la dolce vita right here in Vancouver.
The Summer Like An Italian Passport invites locals to indulge in regionally curated menus at Ask for Luigi, Bacaro, Carlino, Di Beppe, Farina a Legna, Giovane Caffè (West Cordova or West Georgia Street locations), Mercato di Luigi, Motoretta, Super Veloce and Pizzeria Farina – and passports can be obtained at any of the participating restaurants.
When: July 3rd to September 21st
Where: Kitchen Table restaurants around Vancouver
Cost: Free to reserve a passport
Rebecca Black
Known for her hit 2011 single “Friday,” Rebecca Black has truly blossomed into a pop icon of her own right. The American singer-songwriter and now internet personality gained a rapid amount of unexpected fame (and criticism), but it catapulted her into the public eye, and she’s got even more hits under her belt.
When: Thursday, July 20th
Where: 147 East Pender Street
Cost: $33.11
Vegan Night Market
With several summer markets already under its belt (including the city’s first beachside night market), the Vegan Night Market by Peaces.ca is back and better than ever. Currently, the organizers are gearing up for their last July market on July 20th at The Waldorf.
Note that the final summer market on August 31st will take place at Locarno Beach.
When: Thursday, July 20th
Where: 1489 East Hastings Street, The Waldorf
Cost: $2 minimum donation
Fridays on Front
Fridays on Front has just kicked off in New West, and each weekly market is set to have its own theme, from ‘Bollywood Bash’ to celebrating Pride! Each date will feature a different lineup of food and drink vendors, as well as libations from the fully-licensed Steel & Oak beer + Pacific Breeze Wine.
Each night market will take place from 5 pm to 9 pm.
When: Friday, July 21st
Where: Front Street Mews, New Westminster
Cost: Free admission
Bard on the Beach
Bard’s 2018 blockbuster As You Like It is back onstage with plenty of Beatles hits to go around, accompanied by Shakespeare’s thrilling political drama, Julius Caesar. On the Howard Family Stage, there are two productions you can check out: Henry V, set in a mythical realm, and the interactive ‘Goblin’ comedy, Macbeth, created by an acclaimed team of Canadian theatre-makers.
When: Until the end of September
Where: 1695 Whyte Avenue
Cost: Varies by production
Richmond Night Market
Open every weekend until October 9th, there’s still plenty of time to check out North America’s largest outdoor market. From candy sticks to boba, to customizable noodles, there are plenty of unique eats and drinks to enjoy here. Plus, for the first time ever, the food fair features churros and butter beer, in addition to the debut of foods from Indonesia, Turkey, and Mexico. In total, there are over 110 food booths and a menu of over 600 different treats to choose from.
The market is open from 7 pm to 12 am on Fridays, from 6 pm on Saturdays, and from 6:30 pm to 11 pm on Sundays.
When: Every weekend until October 9th
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Check out a lazy river
BC has a ton of fun to be had by way of lazy rivers. And by lazy rivers – we mean action-packed water activities, as well as lazy rivers in the literal sense. So, whether you want to slowly drift downstream with a drink in hand, or want to have a more adventurous tubing experience, we’ve got plenty of options at the link above.
Where: See our picks above
So there you have it, Vancouver! It’s a weekend full of night markets and summer fun, so let’s make the most of it!
