It's patio season and yesterday Joe Fortes hosted a tweetup to promote their rooftop patio space. Even the sun came out just in time for the party!

Joe Fortes always throw amazing parties. They have great food that is so delicious and some of the freshest oysters, I've ever eaten!

Wayne Sych, executive chef at Joe Fortes, came up to greet the guests a few times!

Duncan managed the oyster bar the whole evening. I found out today that Oyster Bob, the world's best shucker, is his uncle! He became my new best friend since I kept visiting him! XD He recognized K and me from when we went to Joe Fortes' Happy Hour!

Local beach oysters from Denman Island: Satori and Lighthouse oysters. So fresh and plump! I must have eaten a dozen at least! Joe Fortes always has the freshest oysters!

More oysters with Joe Fortes' special cocktail sauce. Mmmm.

Of course, Joe Fortes is known for it's great seafood! The rest of the yummy food below!

Seafood platter

Insalata Caprese

Lobster shrimp roll

Flat Iron Steak

Miso Marinated Sablefish

Spicy Tuna Cone

Fish and chips

Joe's Shrimp Ceviche

Chicken Waffles

Custard cream puff

Creme brulee

Margaritas

White and Red Sangria

There was a make your own sangria bar! Fun!


Here's the recipes for the red and white Joe Fortes let us take home!

As parting gifts, guests were given house baked cookies!

They were really yummy. Chocolate with white chocolate pieces. Mmmmm.

I realize now that I didn't take a photo of the patio! *fail* D= I'll have to rectify that the next time I go back to visit! It's a really nice space with a fake lawn where people can play bocce ball. There's a bar there too so Joe's Happy Hour specials apply!!! Woohoo!

It was nice to see some familiar faces at the tweetup. Good food, food friends, good times. Thanks Joe Fortes for a great party!

Woah! There's so many events this long weekend that I'm going to have some trouble deciding which ones to go to! All I know is that it's going to be a super fun weekend!

Friday, June 28, 2013

Anime Evolution - $30
starts Thurs at 6pm through til Sun 7pm (1-day pass is valid from 12am - 11:59pm)
University of British Columbia
Vancouver's premier convention celebrating anime, manga, gaming, Japanese pop-culture, and every kind of related fandom. Anime Evolution is proud to announce its return on June 28-30th, 2013 at the University of British Columbia! Not only will this mark the return to the full 3-day format, but this special event celebrates the 10th anniversary of Anime Evolution. Come join the fun!

Vancouver Greek Summer Fest
12pm - 10pm Monday to Thursday 
12pm - 11pm Friday to Sunday
June 27th until Sunday, July 7th, 2013
4641 Boundary Road, Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver Greek Summer Festival ( Now simply known as Greek Summerfest) is an annual celebration of food, entertainment, and family fun — from the famous “Roast Lamb” and “Loukoumades” (a specialty Greek dessert) to the dozens of live singers and dancers on the Performance Stage to face-painting for the children (and adults!).

Saturday, June 29, 2013 

VIVA Vancouver - QR Code Treasure Hunt
10am - 7pm Sat & Sun from June 29 - Aug 25
Granville Street (Hastings to Smithe), Vancouver
The first VIVA Treasure event will open to the public at the end of this month. Sandwich boards with artistic QR codes (Treasure Codes) will be placed around Granville Street, turning it into an interactive game. When a visitor scans a code they will get content relevant to their time and location. They will unlock Granville Street secrets, fun promo content from local businesses, and prizes. In addition, a range of fun offline activities will be available at the VIVA Treasure booth on the 700 block of Granville Street. These may include multiplayer games and a custom postcard station.

Anime Evolution - $30
starts Thurs at 6pm through til Sun 7pm (1-day pass is valid from 12am - 11:59pm)
University of British Columbia
Vancouver's premier convention celebrating anime, manga, gaming, Japanese pop-culture, and every kind of related fandom. Anime Evolution is proud to announce its return on June 28-30th, 2013 at the University of British Columbia! Not only will this mark the return to the full 3-day format, but this special event celebrates the 10th anniversary of Anime Evolution. Come join the fun!

Vancouver International Busker Festival
Sat June 29 - Mon July 1
Downtown Vancouver, Granville Street
150 EPIC STREET SHOWS. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. BE THERE!  Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are thrilled to present the second annual Vancouver International Busker Festival on Granville Street this Canada Day weekend. Come out to laugh, smile, ooh, ahh, scream, and cheer. Bring your friends and your camera. And remember: TELL EVERYONE!!

First Gas Station plaque presentation
10am - 11am
930 Cambie St, Vancouver
In 1907, a 13 gallon kitchen hot-water tank, a length of rubber garden-hose, a corrugated tin shed and a barroom chair was all that were needed for Vancouver’s first gas station. The Imperial Oil company’s night watchman, J.C. Rolston was chosen to oversee the operation. Plaque presentation by Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Places That Matter. Presentation begins at 10am at the entrance of the Pacific Landmark condo building, at Cambie and Smithe (930 Cambie St).

Ships to Shore Steveston 2013
Sat, Sun - 10am - 5pm
Mon - 12pm - 5pm
Imperial Landing and Britannia Heritage Shipyards, National Historic Site in Steveston. Just east of Bayview Street and No. 1 Road, along the Steveston boardwalk.
History, adventure and fun will sail back into Richmond for Ships to Shore Steveston 2013 on Saturday, June 29 until Monday, July 1.  For the third year in a row, you can relive the days when Richmond's Steveston Village was a major port-of-call for fleets of sailing ships from around the world.  This year's Ships to Shore event is moving right into Steveston Village. A small flotilla of tall ships and other sailing ships and historical vessels of note will be on display and available for free public boarding at Imperial Landing. Ship boarding is free, but space is limited. 

East side Pride
12pm
Grandview Park, Commercial Drive, Vancouver
East Side Pride celebrates and showcases our amazing community with the Pride Market, stocked with information and goodies from local artisans and community organizations. This event is all-ages fun for the whole family. Community organizations and funky artisans have a village of booths set up and the stage has live entertainment with musicians and dancers.

West Elm Market Vancouver and Stella & Dot Pop-Up Shop
12pm - 5pm
2915 Granville Street Vancouver, BC
Get some private styling featuring the happy and colourful Spring & Summer Colection from Stella & Dot while browsing the fabulous wares at West Elm. You will be sure to find something to give (or get) for someone that appreciates good style!  We will be selling jewelry Cash & Carry and raffling off one special piece of jewelry from all customers that make an SD purchase.

Vancouver Greek Summer Fest
12pm - 10pm Monday to Thursday 
12pm - 11pm Friday to Sunday
June 27th until Sunday, July 7th, 2013
4641 Boundary Road, Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver Greek Summer Festival ( Now simply known as Greek Summerfest) is an annual celebration of food, entertainment, and family fun — from the famous “Roast Lamb” and “Loukoumades” (a specialty Greek dessert) to the dozens of live singers and dancers on the Performance Stage to face-painting for the children (and adults!).

Sunday, June 30, 2013

VIVA Vancouver - QR Code Treasure Hunt
10am - 7pm Sat & Sun from June 29 - Aug 25
Granville Street (Hastings to Smithe), Vancouver
The first VIVA Treasure event will open to the public at the end of this month. Sandwich boards with artistic QR codes (Treasure Codes) will be placed around Granville Street, turning it into an interactive game. When a visitor scans a code they will get content relevant to their time and location. They will unlock Granville Street secrets, fun promo content from local businesses, and prizes. In addition, a range of fun offline activities will be available at the VIVA Treasure booth on the 700 block of Granville Street. These may include multiplayer games and a custom postcard station.
Anime Evolution - $30
starts Thurs at 6pm through til Sun 7pm (1-day pass is valid from 12am - 11:59pm)
University of British Columbia
Vancouver's premier convention celebrating anime, manga, gaming, Japanese pop-culture, and every kind of related fandom. Anime Evolution is proud to announce its return on June 28-30th, 2013 at the University of British Columbia! Not only will this mark the return to the full 3-day format, but this special event celebrates the 10th anniversary of Anime Evolution. Come join the fun!

Farmers Market Kitchen at Kitsilano Farmers Market
11am
2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre
The first installment of Farmers Market Kitchen 2013 starts today at 11am! Join Chef Trevor Bird as he demonstrates a seasonal recipe featuring delicious local ingredients sourced right from the market.

Shangri-La Farmers Market
every other Sunday, 11am to 3pm from May 19 - Sept 22
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, 1128 W Georgia St Vancouver
Join us in the plaza between the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver and Urban Fare for the Shangri-La Farmers Market. Sample fresh local produce and products every second Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Live cooking demos at 12 noon by Executive Chef Wayne Harris.

Vancouver International Busker Festival
Sat June 29 - Mon July 1
Downtown Vancouver, Granville Street
150 EPIC STREET SHOWS. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. BE THERE!  Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are thrilled to present the second annual Vancouver International Busker Festival on Granville Street this Canada Day weekend. Come out to laugh, smile, ooh, ahh, scream, and cheer. Bring your friends and your camera. And remember: TELL EVERYONE!!

Earth Walks Vancouver: Rocks, Reservoirs and Rainforest - by donation
10:30am - 12:30pm
Queen Elizabeth Park, Ontario and 33rd, Vancouver
A Historical Walk Around Little Mountain" with Celia Brauer. A stroll around one of Vancouver's green gems, talking about the quarry, reservoirs, arboretum and much more. Meet at the water fountains at the top of Little Mountain right next to the Parking Lot at 10:30 AM. Enter at Ontario and 33rd and go up the Mountain to the parking lot at the top. The Parking lot entrance is accross from Seasons in the Park Restaurant.

Ships to Shore Steveston 2013
Sat, Sun - 10am - 5pm
Mon - 12pm - 5pm
Imperial Landing and Britannia Heritage Shipyards, National Historic Site in Steveston, Richmond. Just east of Bayview Street and No. 1 Road, along the Steveston boardwalk.
History, adventure and fun will sail back into Richmond for Ships to Shore Steveston 2013 on Saturday, June 29 until Monday, July 1.  For the third year in a row, you can relive the days when Richmond's Steveston Village was a major port-of-call for fleets of sailing ships from around the world.  This year's Ships to Shore event is moving right into Steveston Village. A small flotilla of tall ships and other sailing ships and historical vessels of note will be on display and available for free public boarding at Imperial Landing. Ship boarding is free, but space is limited.

Vancouver Greek Summer Fest
12pm - 10pm Monday to Thursday 
12pm - 11pm Friday to Sunday
June 27th until Sunday, July 7th, 2013
4641 Boundary Road, Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver Greek Summer Festival ( Now simply known as Greek Summerfest) is an annual celebration of food, entertainment, and family fun — from the famous “Roast Lamb” and “Loukoumades” (a specialty Greek dessert) to the dozens of live singers and dancers on the Performance Stage to face-painting for the children (and adults!).

Monday, July 1, 2013 - Happy Canada Day!

Steveston Salmon Festival
6:30am - 5pm
6:30am - 11:30am - Pancake Breakfast
10am - parade
Imperial Landing, Steveston, Richmond
The day begins at 10am with a parade through historic Steveston village, which features over 100 entries including floats, marching bands, celebrities, politicians, community groups, vintage vehicles & much more. Then, the Festival is officially kicked off at our Opening Ceremonies on the Main Stage at noon with dignitaries, speeches, & the singing of O Canada. After the official opening, the stage bursts with great entertainment all afternoon. Festival highlights include attractions such as the Japanese Cultural Show, Craft Fair, Trade Show, an awesome Children’s Festival, Carnival, Martial Arts Demonstrations, Youth Rock Fest, Food Fair plus an Art Show & Exhibit.  The main attraction is our famous salmon barbecue where over 1200 pounds of wild salmon filets are grilled over open fire pits. This popular treat sells out every year! $15 per plate, cash only.

Canada Day Celebration at Granville Island
all day 7am ~ 7pm
1:30pm – 2pm - Parade, starting at Ocean Construction and ending at Ron Basford Park
Get your flags ready! Canada Day is on its way again and as always we’ll be throwing the best party in the city! With free jazz performances courtesy of Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, face painting, roving characters, tattoos, a parade, and more, this is a birthday bash that everyone can enjoy!

Canada Day at Canada Place
10am - 6pm - Waterfront Party
7pm - Canada Parade
10:30pm - Burrard Inlet Fireworks
Enjoy 13 hours of FREE family fun including music, dance, cuisine, exhibits and displays from across the nation, all in honour of Canada’s 146th birthday. Choose from a wide variety of art, entertainment, activities at our Waterfront Party from 10am-6pm, featuring over 30 bands on three stages. Cap off your day with the Canada Day Parade at 7pm and Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks at 10:30pm.

Vancouver Convention Centre's Canada Day Open House
10am - 6pm
Vancouver Convention Centre
The Vancouver Convention Centre is inviting people to “hold the world in their hands” at our Open House on Monday, July 1, 2013. The West building will be open from 10 am to 6 pm. We are inviting the local community to tour our West Building, learn about our work and many “unconventional” features, and participate in fun family activities, including: Photo Journey Instagram Contest, Children activities including a colouring station, video screening and more, Cauldron lighting from 12 pm to 6 pm to mark Canada’s birthday. Come re-live Canada’s glory in the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Canada Day at Burnaby Village Museum
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave Burnaby BC
Burnaby Village Museum hosts Burnaby's Official Canada Day celebrations offering visitors the backdrop of its 1920s village streets, multi-cultural family entertainment including a musicians, displays & demonstrations. Admission is free. (Carousel rides are $2.21)  There'll be something for everyone to enjoy: children can join in the heritage games, laugh with children's entertainers, an official parade, the delicious birthday cakes will be served at 3pm.

Ships to Shore Steveston 2013
Sat, Sun - 10am - 5pm
Mon - 12pm - 5pm
Imperial Landing and Britannia Heritage Shipyards, National Historic Site in Steveston, Richmond. Just east of Bayview Street and No. 1 Road, along the Steveston boardwalk.
History, adventure and fun will sail back into Richmond for Ships to Shore Steveston 2013 on Saturday, June 29 until Monday, July 1.  For the third year in a row, you can relive the days when Richmond's Steveston Village was a major port-of-call for fleets of sailing ships from around the world.  This year's Ships to Shore event is moving right into Steveston Village. A small flotilla of tall ships and other sailing ships and historical vessels of note will be on display and available for free public boarding at Imperial Landing. Ship boarding is free, but space is limited.

Vancouver International Busker Festival
Sat June 29 - Mon July 1
Downtown Vancouver, Granville Street
150 EPIC STREET SHOWS. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. BE THERE!  Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are thrilled to present the second annual Vancouver International Busker Festival on Granville Street this Canada Day weekend. Come out to laugh, smile, ooh, ahh, scream, and cheer. Bring your friends and your camera. And remember: TELL EVERYONE!!

VIVA Vancouver - QR Code Treasure Hunt
10am - 7pm Sat & Sun from June 29 - Aug 25
Granville Street (Hastings to Smithe), Vancouver
The first VIVA Treasure event will open to the public at the end of this month. Sandwich boards with artistic QR codes (Treasure Codes) will be placed around Granville Street, turning it into an interactive game. When a visitor scans a code they will get content relevant to their time and location. They will unlock Granville Street secrets, fun promo content from local businesses, and prizes. In addition, a range of fun offline activities will be available at the VIVA Treasure booth on the 700 block of Granville Street. These may include multiplayer games and a custom postcard station.

Reoccurring:

River District Farmers Market
10:00am - 3:00pm every Saturday from May4 - Oct26
Kerr Street Plaza – on Kerr Street, one block South of SE Marine Drive, Vancouver
This one-of-a-kind farmers market is the only riverfront market in Vancouver. Come shop for fruits and veggies, prepared foods, and handmade products produced farmers and artisans. Enjoy the waterfront, playground and pier.


Shop for organic and conventional product, meat, cheese, seafood and plants as well as tasty baked goods, beautiful crafts while being entertained by local musicians. Hot coffee and hot food available on site each week.

Shangri-La Farmers Market
every other Sunday, 11am to 3pm from May 19 - Sept 22
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver, 1128 W Georgia St Vancouver
Join us in the plaza between the Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver and Urban Fare for the Shangri-La Farmers Market. Sample fresh local produce and products every second Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Live cooking demos at 12 noon by Executive Chef Wayne Harris.

Food Cart Fest - $2
12pm - 5pm from June 23 - Sept 22
215 West 1st - between Olympic Village & Cambie Bridge
Food Cart Fest is a gathering of over 20 of Vancouver’s top Food Carts presented by Arrival and The Streetfood Vancouver Society. Join us every week this summer for food, fun, and sun complemented by community markets, live music and DJs, craft food vendors, kids activities, and more. Food Cart Fest launches on Sunday, June 23 and takes place every Sunday from 12pm-5pm until September 22. Admission is $2. Children 13 and under get in free. Max rate for families is $5. Vancity members get in free.

Chinatown Night Market
6pm - 11pm Fri, Sat, Sun May 17th to Sept 8
Keefer Street between Main & Columbia, Vancouver
This summer, the Chinatown Night Market is bringing a heady mix of time-honoured tradition and new school flavour to the festivities on Keefer Street. Live music, storytelling, and Mahjong; new vendors, more food, and some other stuff that wasn’t here last year like outdoor classic movie screenings and epic ping pong tournaments. See some photos from last year here.

Richmond Night Market - $2
Fri-Sat  7PM - 12AM 
Sun & Stat Holidays  6PM - 11PM 
Sat (Jul & Aug) 7PM - 1AM
8351 River Road, Richmond BC
Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. $2 fee for regular admission (Subject to changes). FREE admission for children 10 & under and FREE admission for Seniors 60 & up. $10 and $20 Zoom Passes are available for purchase. Check out my photos from last year here.

International Summer Night Market
7pm - 12am Fri, Sat, Sun, May 10 - Sept 8
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond BC
6th annual Summer Night Market in Richmond starting May 10, 2013! Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. Check out my photos from this year here.

Last week, I had the chance to preview the new FlyOver Canada ride at Canada Place thanks to Virgin Radio and all I can say is WOW. It was AMAZING. The show lasts about 30 minutes, which includes the Uplift! By Moment Factory pre-show (where some Canucks make an appearance i.e. Burrows!) and the FlyOver Canada ride. The ride is where the real magic happens.

You sit safely buckled in with your feet dangling in front of a huge 20m spherical screen. When it starts, the seats will move outward so that it's like you are suspended in air. Starting from Eastern Canada, you make your way across country, flying through gorgeous vistas and breathtaking scenery, finally ending up in the beautiful Vancouver! It was like I was really there! The film lets you get so close it sometimes it feels like you could just reach out and touch the water or horses you fly past. It was truly breathtaking. There were a few time that I could see the edge of the screen near the ceiling which kind of ruins the effect but those moments were few and far in between. Adding to the experience, subtle shifts in temperature, wind, mists and smells make the ride more real. Ah! I can't sing enough praises about this experience!

This ride has renewed my interest in traveling in this beautiful country!

FlyOver Canada was created by Andrew Strang and Stephen Geddes with the help of the Aquilini Investment Group. After over two and a half years in development, FlyOver Canada is finally ready to open its doors! It will be open to the public on June 29th and tickets can be purchased online ($18.95 Adult) or at FlyOver Canada ticket booths located at Canada Place ($19.95 Adult).

EVENT: FlyOver Canada Opening Day
DATE: Saturday, June 29, 2013
LOCATION: 201 – 999 Canada Place (Entrance on upper level, North end of Canada Place)
TIME: 10am- 9pm

Vancouver's largest sustainable lifestyle event, the annual EP!C Sustainable Living Festival will be on July 6th & 7th! Entering its 7th year, this is the event to learn about organic, sustainable and local products. This year it is going to be bigger and better with EP!C moving to a different venue: the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Gardens! Yes, the festival is going to be an all out outdoor summer festival celebrating sustainability, culture and community!


Festival Details:
Dates and Times:
Saturday, July 6 from 10:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, July 7 from 10:00am – 9:00pm

Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC

Experience all these and more at the festival:

• Live musical performances
• Food Truck Alley
• Gardening Workshops
• Sip & Savour Garden
• Sustainable Living Marketplace
• Kid Zone

New this year includes live musical performances all day with plenty of room for dancing, a Food Truck Alley for satisfying your munchies and Gardening Workshops to learn from the pros on how to get started growing your own food! Plus you get wander the VanDusen Botanical Gardens with the price of your ticket!

Purchase tickets on the EP!C website or why not WIN a pair?

EP!C is generous to offer two pairs of tickets to my readers to this year's festival! Enter below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on Wednesday, July 3rd, 11:59pm. I'll randomly select the winner and notify the winner by email the next day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Farmers Market Kitchen is BACK again this year starting Sunday, June 30th! This monthly cooking demo was started last year and featured local chefs making dishes containing fresh seasonal produce found right at the market.

This year, the Market Kitchen will be moving from Trout Lake to Kitsilano Farmers Market (2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre) and will showcase well-known chefs from around Vancouver, with Ned Bell making a return appearance. Here's the lineup:

June 30 - Trevor Bird (Fable)
July 28 - Chris Whittaker (Forage)
August 25 - Ned Bell (YEW Four Seasons)
September 29 - Chef Eric Arrouzé (UBC Culinary Arts)


You can take a look at my posts for Karen Barnaby, Ned Bell, and Angus An from last year's Market Kitchen to give you an idea of how the demo is like.

Usually the demo starts at 11am. There are limited seats but people can stand around to watch. The format is very casual, the audience gets to throw questions at the chef while he prepares his dish. They will give you some insight and tips on how they cook so it is useful to bring a notebook to jot things down!


After, the audience gets to sample the dish the chef has made! Yummy!

 The recipe will also be made available so that you can try to recreate it at home.


And signs around the market will also tell you if an ingredient was featured in the chef's recipe.


I'm excited about the Market Kitchen's return this year and can't wait for it to start!

Please visit eatlocal.org for more information.

Dragon Boat Festival is the biggest event this weekend but food is up your alley then be sure to check out the Food Cart Festival's opening day on Sunday!

Friday, June 21, 2013

National Aboriginal Day at Trout Lake
9:00AM - Pancake Breakfast
11:00AM - Friendship Walk from the Friendship Centre to Trout Lake   
12:00pm - 5:00pm - Celebration at Trout Lake Park
Please join us for our Annual National Aboriginal Day Celebration on Coast Salish Territories at Trout Lake. It’s a community-based full day of events that celebrates the diversity of Aboriginal people from across Canada. First Nations, Métis & Inuit peoples gather to share their experiences, stories, songs, traditional games, dances & spirit with each other & the general community. All events are free, all Aboriginal community members & supporters are welcome.

Point Grey Fiesta
Fri 3pm - 10pm
Sat 8am - ?, 10 am - Parade on West 10th Avenue, Blanca to Discovery
San 10pm - 5pm
Trimble Park 
The Point Grey Fiesta is the community’s annual start-of-summer event for families and friends. Starting with a Saturday parade on West 10th avenue, the Saturday celebration continues in Trimble Park with stage performances, activities and exhibitors. Carnival rides in Trimble Park operate from Friday to Sunday. With the exception of the carnival rides and midway games, Fiesta entertainment and children’s activities are free of charge.

Make Music Vancouver
5pm ~ 10pm
Yaletown & Gastown
Make Music Vancouver is a live, free musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21, the longest day of the year. On that day, all public spaces throughout Yaletown and Gastown become impromptu stages for over 300 free concerts.

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival - Opening Night Celebration
5pm - 10pm
Dock along False Creek near Science World
Opening Night Celebration Party featuring a Fire and Light Finale and BBQ. Come join is for our Opening Night Celebration and BBQ. At 5pm please join us at the Dragon Zone Docks for our Blessing Ceremony. Then enjoy World Beat Stage performances including performances by Kevin Cozmick, aka Rokky Mountain and “The Dragon Boat Song”, Reggae On The Rocks, Orquesta Goma Dura and the Madskillz Fire and Light Finale.  On-water activities to include the Breast Cancer Survivor Flower Ceremony, Fundraising Games and demonstration races. This event is open to the public for free but please also join is for our: 25th Anniversary Celebration BBQ & Party Village Plaza Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver BC June 21st, 2013 6pm to 10pm  $25 per person includes BBQ and and 2 drink tickets for adults or $15 for kids and teenagers.

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival - $10
Fri 8pm - 1am 
Sat 9:30am - 11:00pm 
Sun 10am - 4pm
Scandianavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
18th Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival. Cultural Displays, shopping, dancing, bonfire, beer garden, music, midsummer pole, traditional Scandinavian Foods, Volvo Club, Wife Carrying Contest

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
Sat 8am - 7pm
Sun 8am - 6pm
Dock along False Creek near Science World
Races start at 8 am and all other activities start at 10 am. A spirited summer tradition Creekside Community Centre, Creekside Olympic Village and the waters of False Creek will come alive with the 25th Anniversary of the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, June 21, 22 & 23, 2013. Non-stop entertainment on the World Beat Stage, fabulous food and shopping, and of course, dragon boat racing of the highest caliber.

Saturday Farm Market at UBC Farm
9:00am-1:00pm, every Saturday from June-Oct
free 30 minute public tours at 11:00am
UBC Farm, 3461 Ross Drive, Vancouver
Opening Day! Since 2001, the on-site Saturday Farm Market has provided a unique venue for experiential education and student research, including everything from agricultural business management and marketing to nutritional analysis. Individuals are also welcome to volunteer at the Saturday markets.  In addition to farm-fresh veggies, fruits, herbs, flowers and free-range eggs from the UBC Farm, the Saturday Farm Market also features a variety of other local growers, bakers, craftspeople, prepared food, and live musicians.

Flower Festival and Urban Picnic
10am - 4pm
Victory Square Park, Vancouver
Ever heard of Lazy Fun? Come experience it firsthand on June 22nd when several community groups and businesses will be filling Victory Square Park with a variety of flowers, arts and crafts and edibles for the first annual Flower Festival and Urban Picnic. There will be live music from a selection of professional and student performers and food trucks to compliment the broad range of local restaurants and cafés that will be offering discounts to picnic goers. Picnickers are encouraged to either bring food from home or pick something up from nearby vendors.
 
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival - $10
Fri 8pm - 1am 
Sat 9:30am - 11:00pm 
Sun 10am - 4pm
Scandianavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
18th Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival. Cultural Displays, shopping, dancing, bonfire, beer garden, music, midsummer pole, traditional Scandinavian Foods, Volvo Club, Wife Carrying Contest

Point Grey Fiesta
Fri 3pm - 10pm
Sat 8am - ?, 10 am - Parade on West 10th Avenue, Blanca to Discovery
San 10pm - 5pm
Trimble Park 
The Point Grey Fiesta is the community’s annual start-of-summer event for families and friends. Starting with a Saturday parade on West 10th avenue, the Saturday celebration continues in Trimble Park with stage performances, activities and exhibitors. Carnival rides in Trimble Park operate from Friday to Sunday. With the exception of the carnival rides and midway games, Fiesta entertainment and children’s activities are free of charge. 

Strawberry Festival
1pm - 4pm
Barclay Manor (1447 Barclay St.) and Barclay Heritage Square 
Please join us in celebrating the start of summer. Stop by at 1pm to catch some bargains and grab a seat in front of the band or wander in later in the afternoon with your family to take in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy a piece of strawberry shortcake and buy some raffle tickets before the draw! This event will feature: live music, bazaar and flea market, BBQ and bake sale and other activities!

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
Sat 8am - 7pm
Sun 8am - 6pm
Dock along False Creek near Science World
Races start at 8 am and all other activities start at 10 am. A spirited summer tradition Creekside Community Centre, Creekside Olympic Village and the waters of False Creek will come alive with the 25th Anniversary of the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, June 21, 22 & 23, 2013. Non-stop entertainment on the World Beat Stage, fabulous food and shopping, and of course, dragon boat racing of the highest caliber.

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival - $10
Fri 8pm - 1am 
Sat 9:30am - 11:00pm 
Sun 10am - 4pm
Scandianavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
18th Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival. Cultural Displays, shopping, dancing, bonfire, beer garden, music, midsummer pole, traditional Scandinavian Foods, Volvo Club, Wife Carrying Contest

National Aboriginal Day Celebration at Canada Place
11am - 5pm
Canada Place, 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Join Canada Place and Port Metro Vancouver for the third annual National Aboriginal Day Celebration at Canada Place on Sunday, June 23, 2013. Enjoy a wide variety of Aboriginal stage performances, including three-time world champion hoop dancer Alex Wells, as well as drumming and dance workshops, face painting, storytelling and artisan demonstrations. The celebration kicks off with a traditional Coast Salish welcome by Larry Grant of the Musqueam First Nation.

Trout Lake Day
2pm - 6pm
Trout Lake, 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
2 pm: MUSIC ENHANCED PICNIC Bring your picnic lunches and blankets down to the beach at our beloved Trout Lake. We suggest you wear light colours or an animal costume. There will be live music, theatrical happenings, dance, fish, birds and anything you want to bring….Come as a superhero, organize a flashmob, bring a frisbee, bring your marching band….Your imagination is welcome. 2:30, 3:00, and 3:30 pm: THEATRICAL BIRD WATCHING TOURS Join one of these tours that leads you to special performances in the trees on the east side of the lake.
4 pm: HANDS AROUND THE LAKE
We will endeavour to set a world record of folks holding hards around a lake. Imagine that!? Help make last year’s Artist in Community Anthony Schrag proud.
5 pm: CAKE TIME

Point Grey Fiesta
Fri 3pm - 10pm
Sat 8am - ?, 10 am - Parade on West 10th Avenue, Blanca to Discovery
San 10pm - 5pm
Trimble Park 
The Point Grey Fiesta is the community’s annual start-of-summer event for families and friends. Starting with a Saturday parade on West 10th avenue, the Saturday celebration continues in Trimble Park with stage performances, activities and exhibitors. Carnival rides in Trimble Park operate from Friday to Sunday. With the exception of the carnival rides and midway games, Fiesta entertainment and children’s activities are free of charge.

Greek Day
11am - 9pm
West Broadway between Blenheim and MacDonald 
The day-long event takes place on West Broadway between Blenheim and MacDonald from 11am to 9pm. It includes a Main Stage with musical and dance acts, secondary entertainment areas, a Kids Zone, a Cooking Demonstration Tent, and various activities and presentations showcasing Hellenic culture, Greek tourism, and Greeks in Vancouver. Of course we offer several food tents with delicious Greek food, and refreshments. And to round things off, we have an Agora (marketplace) where merchants sell and haggle their wares. 

Food Cart Fest - $2
12pm - 5pm from June 23 - Sept 22
215 West 1st - between Olympic Village & Cambie Bridge
Food Cart Fest is a gathering of over 20 of Vancouver’s top Food Carts presented by Arrival and The Streetfood Vancouver Society. Join us every week this summer for food, fun, and sun complemented by community markets, live music and DJs, craft food vendors, kids activities, and more. Food Cart Fest launches on Sunday, June 23 and takes place every Sunday from 12pm-5pm until September 22. Admission is $2. Children 13 and under get in free. Max rate for families is $5. Vancity members get in free.

Reoccurring:

River District Farmers Market
10:00am - 3:00pm every Saturday from May4 - Oct26
Kerr Street Plaza – on Kerr Street, one block South of SE Marine Drive, Vancouver
This one-of-a-kind farmers market is the only riverfront market in Vancouver. Come shop for fruits and veggies, prepared foods, and handmade products produced farmers and artisans. Enjoy the waterfront, playground and pier.


Shop for organic and conventional product, meat, cheese, seafood and plants as well as tasty baked goods, beautiful crafts while being entertained by local musicians. Hot coffee and hot food available on site each week.

Chinatown Night Market
6pm - 11pm Fri, Sat, Sun May 17th to Sept 8
Keefer Street between Main & Columbia, Vancouver
This summer, the Chinatown Night Market is bringing a heady mix of time-honoured tradition and new school flavour to the festivities on Keefer Street. Live music, storytelling, and Mahjong; new vendors, more food, and some other stuff that wasn’t here last year like outdoor classic movie screenings and epic ping pong tournaments. See some photos from last year here.

Richmond Night Market - $2
Fri-Sat  7PM - 12AM 
Sun & Stat Holidays  6PM - 11PM 
Sat (Jul & Aug) 7PM - 1AM
8351 River Road, Richmond BC
Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. $2 fee for regular admission (Subject to changes). FREE admission for children 10 & under and FREE admission for Seniors 60 & up. $10 and $20 Zoom Passes are available for purchase.  Check out my photos from last year here.

International Summer Night Market
7pm - 12am Fri, Sat, Sun, May 10 - Sept 8
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond BC
6th annual Summer Night Market in Richmond starting May 10, 2013! Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors. Check out my photos from last year here.

Hordes and hordes of people streamed down to Main Street from 30th to Broadway on Sunday June 16th to take in the Car Free Day festivities!

Everywhere you looked it was a sea of people! The weather was cooperating and attendees got to enjoy a walk in summery weather. 



 Every few blocks where was music playing from live bands or buskers.






 As well as people dancing!





There was free ice cream, popcorn and cotton candy given out at various stalls.




 And so many other things to eat, see and do!