Photo via Gabriel Martins / VMF
It’s officially the first week of August, which means Vancouver Pride is in full swing and we’ve got tons of sunflower festivals to look forward to. This week? You can get a head start at Lakeland Farm’s Summer Flower Festival, go on a mural tour, catch an outdoor movie, and much more. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (July 31-August 4).
Fans of the beloved Vancouver Mural Festival are in for a treat this year! Not only will visitors get to check out an open-air gallery of new murals across the city, but they’ll get to enjoy a 10-day festival that goes beyond the iconic City Centre Artist Lodge.
From guided walking tours to food trucks to block parties – there will be a little something for everyone. And kicking things off this Friday is the Public Disco Pride celebration ($14.64 per person), and of course, their popular mural tours.
When: August 4th to August 13th
Where: Mount Pleasant
Cost: Free and ticketed events
Starting Wednesday, August 2nd, Sunset Cinema will be back with weekly family-friendly screenings of nostalgic classics like E.T. and newer faves like Encanto. So no matter what you’re into, there’s something on the list for your inner child to enjoy. And this week, you can catch Jumanji (1995) from 9 to 11 pm at The Shipyards.
When: Wednesday, August 2nd
Where: The Shipyards Commons
Cost: Free
Ready for another outdoor movie pick? Deckchair Cinema is back on Cates Deck in North Van, and there are several August dates if you haven’t gotten the chance to check out this year’s series. on Thursday, August, 3rd, Xanadu will be playing at 9 pm, in celebration of North Shore’s Pride Week.
When: Thursday, August 3rd
Where: Cates Deck, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
Did you know that fall is one of the best times to visit a vineyard? Sandy Beach Lodge is a picturesque getaway right beside Okanagan Lake and smack in the heart of wine country. The resort is steps away from fantastic restaurants, artisan distilleries, craft breweries, and – of course – wineries. Leave room in the trunk, you’ll need it for the boxes of vintage you’ll be bringing home.
If you’re ready to enjoy sunflower season a little early this year, you’re in luck. Abbotsford’s Lakeland Farms is officially open for the season, complete with 20 acres of 30 varieties of sunflowers, a u-pick field, and photo spots including raised wagons, frames, canoes, tractors, and swings. As well, there’s an additional 10-acre meadow filled with vibrant snapdragons, Black-Eyed Susans, coneflowers, and Woodland Sage.
Tickets are currently available online for $10 a pop, and every ticket comes with a 5-stem bunch of sunflowers from their u-pick field. The festival will run seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm – including on holidays.
When: Friday, July 21st to September 4th
Where: 3663 Marion Road, Abbotsford
Cost: $10 GA
Thanks to a new partnership with BMO, the Vancouver Art Gallery has launched free admission to the public on the first Friday of every month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The next free Friday night will be on July 7th – so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some after-work art!
When: Friday, August 4th and every first Friday of the month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Vancouver’s legendary LGBTQ band is celebrating its 10th anniversary and Pride with a special concert at the Commodore on Friday, August 4th, so get ready to dance to a tempting mix of soul, Motown, and funk.
When: Friday, August 4th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $53.25
Cultus Lake Waterpark is filled with waterslides, themed tunnels and pools, lazy rivers, and even hot tubs for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to lounge at one of the 150+ picnic areas and let the kids splash around “Pirates’ Cove” or “Tots Castle,” or do some splashing yourself on the waterpark’s “Tubular Terror,” there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy here.
When: Saturday, June 10th to Monday, September 4th
Where: 4150 Columbia Valley Highway, Cultus Lake
Cost: $21-$34
If you’re looking for a way to hang with your friends outdoors in a socially distanced manner then disc golf might just be for you. And what’s even better is that the course at Queen Elizabeth Park is completely free! So grab a frisbee and your friends and try it out.
Where: 33rd Avenue and Cambie Street
Since the beloved outdoor pool at Kits Beach just reopened after a season of repairs, we think a dip or a lap swim is very much needed this month. Folks can view the pool’s schedule and book a time slot here.
When: Open throughout August
Where: Click the link above for more info
So there you have it, Vancouver! Enjoy the first week of August!
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