Mashed Thoughts: June 2014

Vancouver

Canada Day Celebration on Granville Island
9:00am - 8:00pm
1:30pm - 2:00pm - parade starting at Ocean Construction and ending at Ron Basford Park
2pm – 2:30pm official Canada Day Ceremony at Ron Basford Park, Johnston Street
Granville Island, Vancouver BC
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! We’ll be posting all the event details on the website soon, so stay tuned and make sure you save the date; July 1st on Granville Island is an event you don’t want to miss!

Canada Day Run & Celebrate at Wesbrook Village
9:30am - 2:00pm

9:30am -Kids' Zone Opens

9:55am -Singing of National Anthem
10:00am -Canada Day Run, Live music with Johnny Leroux, Outdoor Tai Chi with the UNA, Kids Craft
10:30am -Hot dog BBQ ($2 donation)
11:00am -Outdoor yoga with Hot Box Yoga (limited mats available - bring your own mat and store it in Hot Box Yoga)
12:00pm-Outdoor Zumba with the UNA
1:00pm-Outdoor yoga with Hot Box Yoga (limited mats available - bring your own mat and store it in Hot Box Yoga)
1:45pm-Meet and Greet with 2014 Olympic Silver Medalist and Hot Box Yoga Ambassador, Kelsey Serwa
Wesbrook Village
Celebrate Canada Day with the UNA and Wesbrook Running Room this year! Come for food, live music, free fitness classes, and Kids Zone with bouncing castle, face-painting, crafts, and much more! Don't miss the Hot Box Yoga Grand Opening. The team will be leading free outdoor yoga classes at 11:00am and 1:00pm! If you are looking for a sportier way to celebrate Canada Day, sign up for the Kids Run, 5K Run, or 10K Run through Pacific Spirit Park!

Canada Day at Canada Place 2014
10:00am - 6:00pm
999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
27th Annual Canada Day at Canada Place, presented by Port Metro Vancouver. The largest Canada Day celebration outside the nation’s capital. Join us on July 1 for 13 hours of FREE family fun. From 10:00am - 6:00pm guests will enjoy a wide variety of live performances, breathtaking exhibits and interactive displays at the Waterfront Party. Performances, Go Canada! Sports Zone, Salty’s Market, West Coast Lumberjack Show, Celebration Stage, Canadian Forces Zone, Maple Lodge Farms Community Stage at North Point, Canada Place Way, Subway’s Picnic Plaza.

Vancouver Convention Centre Open House
10:00am - 6:00pm
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver BC, West building
The Vancouver Convention Centre is hosting an Open House in the West building on Canada Day. Explore the world’s first LEED® Platinum certified convention centre that just celebrated its fifth anniversary, learn about our many “unconventional” features and participate in fun family activities. Anniversary Avenue, Busy Bee Block and Community Corner, Photo Contest, Barbeque with a View – Enjoy delicious barbeque fare and beautiful mountain and harbour views on our Pacific Terrace, where you will find Douglas Coupland’s Digital Orca. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from 11 am to 9:30 pm. Cauldron Lighting – In advance of the Coast Capital Savings Fireworks Show, this 2010 legacy will be re-lit from 7 pm to 10:25 pm to celebrate Canada’s birthday. Join us in singing the national anthem at 7 pm!

Crab Park July 1st Festival
1pm - 4pm
Crab Park at north foot of Main Street, Vancouver BC
Crab Park is a spectactular oasis in the Downtown Eastside – and a beautiful venue for some outdoor rock ‘n’ roll! Come enjoy the day at this free annual event organized by Don Larson (Crab Water For Life Society) and Mark Bignell of Radio Band-couver. The first live performance ever in Crab Park was Buddy Selfish and he will be on the stage again this year performing with the Stingin’ Hornets who close the show at 3 pm. The Strange Magic start things off at 1pm followed by Butch Murphy & his Bloody Miracles at 2pm.

Canada Day Parade
7:00pm
West Georgia and Broughton Streets, Vancouver BC
The 6th Annual Canada Day Parade starts at the corner of Georgia and Broughton Streets. This free community event features more than 50 dynamic entries and recognizes diversity, multiculturalism and the special bond that connect all Canadians.

Canada Day Fireworks
10:30pm
Viewable from: Harbour Green Park, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park (Vancouver Rowing Club to the 9 o’clock gun), Along the seawall in between Ambleside and Dundarave, West Vancouver, Lower Lonsdale area, North Vancouver
Vancouver’s only two-barge simultaneous pyrotechnic extravaganza. Watch as the sky lights up in celebration of our nation’s birthday - with Hudson’s Bay starting the show with a bang in green, red, yellow and blue and Coast Capital Savings, the fireworks presenting sponsor, closing the show with a fantastic finale in blue, all synced to a great Canadian soundtrack. Simulcast provided by Classic Rock 101 or download Port Metro Vancouver’s free mobile app for anywhere access. The barges are located in Coal Harbour and Dundarave in West Vancouver.

Burnaby

Canada Day Celebration at Edmonds Park
11am-2:30pm
7433 Edmonds Street, Burnaby, BC
Free Admission. Amazing Multicultural Entertainment. Ever-Popular Bingo. Face Painting. Free Cake. Carnival Games and more... Opening Ceremony & Edmonds Park Plaza Ribbon Cutting 11-11:30am

Burnaby Village Museum
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Burnaby Village Museum 6501 Deer Lake Ave Burnaby, BC
It's a Party! Burnaby Village Museum hosts Burnaby's Official Canada Day celebrations offering visitors the backdrop of its 1920s village streets, multi-cultural family entertainment including musicians, displays & demonstrations. Admission is free. Heritage games, official parade, red velvet cupcakes will be served. Be sure to bring your cameras and pose for a picture at one of our many photo stops or with members of the Burnaby RCMP detachment, in their splendid red serge uniforms.

Canada Day concert at Swangard Stadium
Doors: 5pm, Show: 6:30pm
Free Admission Limited to the first 4200 patrons
Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial Street (Kingsway & Boundary Road) Burnaby, BC
Burnaby’s premier Canada Day concert is coming to Swangard Stadium! The City of Burnaby is excited to bring a free, family-friendly Canada Day concert to Swangard Stadium on July 1. Headlining this new event will be Canadian Folk-Rock legends Spirit of the West. Also appearing will be Dear Rouge and Dustin Bentall and the Smøkes. With stellar local acts followed by a display of fireworks, this free event is the ideal way to celebrate Canada’s 147th birthday.

Richmond

69th Annual Steveston Salmon Festival
6:30 - 11:30 am - Pancake Breakfast
8:30 am - Citizenship Ceremony - Main Stage
9:30 am - Kid's Bicycle Parade
10:00 am - 12:00 pm - Canada Day Parade
12:00 pm - Opening Ceremony
10:00 am - 5:00 pm - various locations - Japanese Cultural Displays, Martial Arts Demos, Art Show, Children's Festival, Craft Fair, Trade Show, Food Fair, Community Information Tables, NASCAR Showcar Tour, Salmon Festival Car Show
11:00 am until sold out - Salmon Barbecue
12:00 - 5:00 pm - Horticulture Show, Youth Rock Fest
Steveston Community Centre 4111 Moncton St, Richmond BC
The 69th Annual Steveston Salmon Festival – “Canada’s biggest little birthday party” – will celebrate our nation’s 147th birthday and the local heritage of the village of Steveston. The Festival’s main attractions are the Canada Day parade, and the famous salmon bake, which serves wild sockeye salmon expertly cooked over open alder wood fire pits. It is a fun filled day of live entertainment, trade, art, craft shows and many fun activities for children and youth. Other attractions include the Japanese cultural show, martial arts demonstrations, food fair, children’s festival, youth rock fest and new this year the Great Clips NASCAR Sprint Cup #5 showcar and a collection of hot rods from the local car club. In addition, Canada Day at the Salmon Festival will welcome 40 new Canadians as we are proud to be hosting a Citizenship Ceremony at 8:30 am at the main stage. The day starts early at 6:30 am with a pancake breakfast. The children’s bike parade takes off at 9:30 am, followed at 10:00 am by the big Canada Day parade which includes marching bands, colourful community floats, decorated vehicles and plenty of pirates!

Ships to Shore Steveston 2014
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Canada Day fireworks show at 10:15 p.m.
Imperial Landing and Britannia Shipyards, National Historic Site in Steveston - just east of Bayview Street and No. 1 Road, along the Steveston boardwalk, Richmond BC
For the fourth 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. The ships will be docked at Imperial Landing and Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. One of Canada’s longest running and most popular Canada Day celebrations, will make Steveston village come alive with free events and activities for the whole family. More than a dozen ships will be on display, including the majestic HMCS Oriole, the Canadian Navy's sailing training vessel and longest-serving commissioned ship, historic schooners Adventuress and Zodiac, and two of the Navy’s Orca patrol ships. Free public viewing, on-board tours and other activities.

Summer is officially here and with that comes the anticipated patio season! Joe Fortes held its annual patio party tweetup on Tuesday, June 24th.

Summer wasn't off to a good start and it had been raining earlier in the day but when the event started, sun showed up to the party as well! In fact it was perfect patio weather to enjoy drinks, good eats and mingle.

Guests were invited to make their own Caesar with store bought clamato or house-made clamato and a whole bunch of other optional ingredients.

Here is Joe Fortes' recipe for the Clamato juice and their signature Caesar. Obviously, people were encouraged to deviate from the original and come up with their own creative drink!

One of the ingredients available was CANDIED BACON! I admit I stole a piece later one just to eat by itself. Ha! So good!

Here's the Caesar I made. The glass is rimmed with bacon bits heheh. I used Joe Forte's house made clamato juice and added candied bacon, a celery stick, a cocktail shrimp and a slice of lime. Not too terribly creative. I saw that some people piled up all the ingredients! You had to eat that caesar, never mind drinking it!

Of course, there were a lot of delicious food going around, starting with spicy chicken waffle! Mmmm!

My absolute favourite dish - miso marinated sablefish! Order that next time you visit Joe Fortes. You won't be disappointed!

Fish and chips, oyster po'boy,

buttered prawns, grilled stirloin.

These salmon cakes were new. Pretty delicious bites!

There was a lot to sample, but of course, I couldn't stray far from my first love at Joe Fortes. Oysters! Delicious, fresh, local beach oysters coming from near Vancouver Island. These were juicy and rich creamy tasting.

Sadly, Oyster Bob had retired but Oyster Alex was at the oyster bar shucking furiously all evening to keep up with the fast pace the oysters were being slurped up! I didn't help at all, coming around for seconds, thirds and fourths. lol!

There was also all kinds of dessert including these yummy coconut and chocolate cones.

Raspberry Panna Cotta!

Lemon tarts!

Guests were also playing putt in hopes of winning some lobster oil! It was hopeless for me. XD

Love the Joe Fortes branded golf ball!

It was an amazing party as always! Hit up Joe Fortes for dinner or happy hour (every day from 4 - 6pm). The patio bar is also included as part of happy hour so you can relax on the roof as you slurp up those $1 oysters!

For a parting gift, Joe Fortes gave us planting pots with some seeds! Wonderful, I can put that to good use!

Thanks Joe Fortes for the wonderful time!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Test Drive One Canada Tour
12pm - 3pm, Fri, Sat, Sun
Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Canadians MiLB. Xbox One team is touring Canada with some of the best next-gen games for you to try on Xbox One, June 5th to July 13th! Our Xbox community helped create our route, so check out the list below to find a stop at local summer events and festivals near you.

Greek Summer Festival 2014
Thursday, June 26 to Sunday July 6, 2014
12:00 noon until 10:00 pm Monday to Thursday
12:00 noon until 11:00 pm Friday to Sunday
‎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!).

Northwest Fan Fest - $30 - $55
Friday: 12pm – 2am
Saturday: 10am – 2am
Sunday: 10am – 6:30pm
The University of British Columbia
The biggest geek based fan convention in British Columbia, Canada, brought to you by Anime Evolution, Cos & Effect, and the Vancouver Gaming Expo. Northwest Fan Fest is an all encompassing fandom event, made up of a collection of different conventions and societies, with the goal of making one big summer con in Vancouver at an affordable price.

Sunset Beach Food Cart Festival
5 p.m. until sundown, Friday, June 27, Friday, July 11, Friday, August 15
Sunset Beach (Beach Avenue between Bute and Thurlow Streets)
Food trucks, art market, outdoor roller disco, song and dance routines by drag queens, sand castle competition. nTrust will be giving away up to $10,000 worth of food at the June 27th event. To claim a free meal, Sunset Beach Social goers can sign up for an nTrust Cloud Money™ account beforehand, and pick up their free meal voucher at the event from the nTrust booth.

Mount Pleasant Park Festival
6:00-10:30pm
Mount Pleasant Park, 16th Ave & Ontario St, Vancouver
Outdoor movie: The Lego Movie (Begins at Dusk), Bouncy Inflatables,Games, Live Entertainment, food carts and more!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Salmon Celebration!
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Trout Lake Farmers Market John Hendry Park
We're celebrating fresh fish at the market! For the first time ever, our fishermen can bring fresh whole fish and fillets in season to the farmers market. Since it's sockeye season, we thought we'd celebrate with a Salmon Celebration! Special Guests: Vancouver Aquarium Oceanwise Program Pacific Salmon Foundation Salmon-Safe Program Activities: Colouring with Fresh Off the Boat Ocean Foods Salmon filleting & smoking demos with Skipper Otto's Community Supported Fishery Skipper Otto's Community Supported Fishery empowers you to master the art of filleting your own sockeye salmon! Come see a highly experienced home fish cutter in action as he demystifies filleting and demonstrates live how to turn a whole sockeye into exquisite fillets. Learn what knives to use, tips and tricks to ensure success, and how you can enjoy every last delicious bite of your fish! Food Trucks featuring fresh sockeye: Creperie La Boheme: Signature buckwheat crepe with Blue Comet Seafoods smoked salmon Feastro the Rolling Beastro: Salmon tacos and onsite smoker

Northwest Fan Fest - $30 - $55
Friday: 12pm – 2am
Saturday: 10am – 2am
Sunday: 10am – 6:30pm
The University of British Columbia
The biggest geek based fan convention in British Columbia, Canada, brought to you by Anime Evolution, Cos & Effect, and the Vancouver Gaming Expo. Northwest Fan Fest is an all encompassing fandom event, made up of a collection of different conventions and societies, with the goal of making one big summer con in Vancouver at an affordable price.

Test Drive One Canada Tour
12pm - 3pm, Fri, Sat, Sun
Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Canadians MiLB. Xbox One team is touring Canada with some of the best next-gen games for you to try on Xbox One, June 5th to July 13th! Our Xbox community helped create our route, so check out the list below to find a stop at local summer events and festivals near you.

Greenhouse Blowout SALE!
12pm - 3pm
28 West 5th Avenue , Vancouver
It’s prime time to get growing! Drop by our GREENHOUSE BLOWOUT SALE for a variety of fresh, organic starts that are ready to get in your garden. We will also have seeds, fertilizer and Victory Gardens gear to help you with all your summer gardening needs. And grab a delicious juice and explore the new Juice Truck storefront space!

Greek Summer Festival 2014
Thursday, June 26 to Sunday July 6, 2014
12:00 noon until 10:00 pm Monday to Thursday
12:00 noon until 11:00 pm Friday to Sunday
‎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!).

POP UP YOGA @ SHOP//TASK
1pm - 6pm
1739 Main St Vancouver
Come join us for a FREE yoga event featuring Danielle Mika Nagel & Phyllis Chan Live music, door prizes for all and good times will be featured throughout the event. ALL ATTENDEES will be entered for a chance to win a FREE 5 DAY WANDERLUST WHISTLER PASS (Valued at $445) This prize will be drawn shortly following the event and posted live on Facebook. Please note that those who pre-register for classes will double their chances to win a ticket.

Vancouver International Busker Festival
Saturday & Sunday
Downtown Vancouver, Granville Street between Smithe and Pender
150 EPIC STREET SHOWS. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. BE THERE! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are thrilled to present the third 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!!

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Chef Tours at Kitsilano - Shopping for Meat & Fish - $5
11:30am
2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre
The chefs from Cooking Journeys are excited to be hosting a series of market tours throughout the summer at Kitsilano. Luisa and Courtney will be your personal guides through the market, focusing on a different topic each month, to help you get the most out of your market experience. They'll show you how to find the best products on offer, use them wisely, stretch your dollar and how to shop like a chef! Tours run rain or shine at 11:30am. Come prepared with comfortable shoes and an umbrella if needed. Save a tree & don't print your ticket - we'll check you in at the Market Information Booth.

Meet Your Maker: Fish! - $5
11:00 AM to 11:45 PM - Fish
12:00pm to 12:45pm - Meat

2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre
If you've ever wondered about the fish you buy at the Vancouver Farmers Markets, this is the tour for you. Our fish vendors will share with you their stories about how their fish are caught, how they are processed, and how they end up at the market. These family fishers know the oceans better than anyone and are happy to answer all of your questions. June is a great month for salmon this year and you'll be able to buy fresh fish at the market! Each tour meets at the Market Information Booth, visits four producers and runs for about 40 minutes. Tours run rain or shine - June 29th @ 11am & 12pm.

Northwest Fan Fest - $30 - $55
Friday: 12pm – 2am
Saturday: 10am – 2am
Sunday: 10am – 6:30pm
The University of British Columbia
The biggest geek based fan convention in British Columbia, Canada, brought to you by Anime Evolution, Cos & Effect, and the Vancouver Gaming Expo. Northwest Fan Fest is an all encompassing fandom event, made up of a collection of different conventions and societies, with the goal of making one big summer con in Vancouver at an affordable price.

Ships to Shore Steveston 2014
Sunday, June 29 and Monday, June 30: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday, July 1: Noon - 6:00 pm
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 2014 on Sunday, June 29 until Tuesday, July 1. For the fourth 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.

Test Drive One Canada Tour
12pm - 3pm, Fri, Sat, Sun
Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Canadians MiLB. Xbox One team is touring Canada with some of the best next-gen games for you to try on Xbox One, June 5th to July 13th! Our Xbox community helped create our route, so check out the list below to find a stop at local summer events and festivals near you.

Greek Summer Festival 2014
Thursday, June 26 to Sunday July 6, 2014
12:00 noon until 10:00 pm Monday to Thursday
12:00 noon until 11:00 pm Friday to Sunday
‎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!).

Reoccurring Events

Vancouver Farmers Market - Trout Lake

9:00am - 2:00pm every Saturday May 10 - October 18, 2014

North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake, Vancouver

North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake Between Templeton and Lakewood south of the 13th Avenue Alley Please note: There is no parking in the North Lot and no parking on 13th Avenue. Please park away from the area & walk in. Or better yet: walk, cycle or take transit if you can!

River District Farmers Market
10:00am - 3:00pm every Saturday from May3 - Oct18
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.

Kitsilano Farmers Market

10:00am - 2:00pm every Sunday from May 11 - October 19

2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre

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.

International Summer Night Market - $2
7pm - 12am Fri, Sat,
7pm - 11pm Sun, May 9 - Sept 14
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond BC
6th annual Summer Night Market in Richmond starting May 9, 2013! Lots of food, live entertainment and vendors.

Richmond Night Market - $2
Fri-Sat 7PM - 12AM May 16 - Oct 13
Sun & Stat Holidays 7PM - 11PM
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.

Food Cart Fest - $2
12pm - 5pm every Sunday until August 31st
215 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver (between the Cambie Street Bridge and the Olympic Village)
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 in the Summer for food, fun, and sun complemented by community markets, live music and DJs, craft food vendors, kids activities, and more. Food Cart Fest will take place every Sunday in the Summer from 12pm-5pm. Free for Vancity or Car2Go Members or when you bring a non-perishable donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

June is Greek Heritage Month in Vancouver and Greek Day on Broadway is one of the annual festivals that occur this month. For some reason or another, I was always busy on that day, but I finally managed to attend the festival on Sunday!

It was a super sunny day too, so crowds and crowds of people came down to enjoy the weather and the festivities on Broadway between McDonald and Blenheim.

The streets were filled with delicious smelling Greek food. Every single vendor there had a line up.

I met up with W.W. and A.H. and had the Lamb Souvlaki Wrap the Nu Greek booth.

The cooks were busy grilling the meats and pita breads at the back of the booth. It smelled so good!

The wrap was delicious! The pita was so soft and warm and the lamb wasn't gamy at all. It was seasoned well and cooked just right. YUM!

After lunch, we walked around looking at all the booths and watched a Greek dance by the stage.

It's officially Summer this weekend!

Friday, June 20, 2014

Point Grey Fiesta
Friday, June 20, 3pm - 10pm
Saturday, June 21, 8am - 9pm (10 am - Parade on West 10th Avenue - Blanca to Discovery)
Sunday, June 22, 12pm - 5pm
Trimble Park, 2250 Trimble Street and 4300 West 8th Ave, Vancouver
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.

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
Friday, June 20, 5pm - 6pm
Saturday, June 21, 8am - 7pm
Sunday, June 22, 8am - 6pm
Creekside Community Centre, Village Plaza, near Science World, Vancouver
26th Annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. FREE ADMISSION! Beginning on Friday afternoon with the colourful Eye-dotting Ceremony and evening opening concert, the festival continues with two more days of non-stop entertainment on the World Beat Stage, fabulous food, children’s activities,art installations, the Urban Tea Lounge, shopping, and of course, dragon boat racing of the highest caliber. Admission is free to the general public.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
Friday, June 20, 5pm - 6pm
Saturday, June 21, 8am - 7pm
Sunday, June 22, 8am - 6pm
Creekside Community Centre, Village Plaza, near Science World, Vancouver
26th Annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. FREE ADMISSION! Beginning on Friday afternoon with the colourful Eye-dotting Ceremony and evening opening concert, the festival continues with two more days of non-stop entertainment on the World Beat Stage, fabulous food, children’s activities,art installations, the Urban Tea Lounge, shopping, and of course, dragon boat racing of the highest caliber. Admission is free to the general public.

Point Grey Fiesta
Friday, June 20, 3pm - 10pm
Saturday, June 21, 8am - 9pm (10 am - Parade on West 10th Avenue - Blanca to Discovery)
Sunday, June 22, 12pm - 5pm
Trimble Park, 2250 Trimble Street and 4300 West 8th Ave, Vancouver
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.

South Granville ArtWalk
10am - 6pm
Galleries on Granville Street between 5th Avenue & Broadway, Vancouver
South Granville Street has proudly donned the title of “Gallery Row” since the sixties. his summer, the gallery owners on South Granville in conjunction with the South Granville Business Improvement Association are hosting the 3rd Annual ArtWalk! Vancouverites and visitors are all invited to this fabulous, creative event, where they can wander up and down South Granville Street and partake in artist talks, wine and cheese tastings, and attend over 18 different art exhibitions. With the diverse range of galleries on the row, there is truly a medium, style and artwork for everyone.

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival - $10
Saturday, June 21, 10am - 6pm Festival, 6pm - 11pm Bonfire Dance
Sunday, June 22, 10am - 4pm
Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
A Taste of Scandinavia June 21st and 22nd, 2014 at the Scandinavian Community Centre. Thousands of people visit the Scandinavian Community Centre every year to celebrate the traditions and festivities of Scandinavian Midsummer. In its 18th year, it is a weekend of fun-filled activities, living history and non-stop entertainment for the whole family. Viking Village, Cultural Displays, shopping, dancing, bonfire, beer garden, music, midsummer pole, traditional Scandinavian Foods, Volvo Club, Wife Carrying Contest, kid's activities.

Vancouver Collector Car Show & Auction - $15
Saturday, June 21, 10am - 9pm
Sunday, June 22, 10am - 5pm
PNE Fairgrounds, entrance at Renfrew & Hastings – 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver
The second annual Vancouver Collector Car Show & Auction is rolling into town this weekend, June 21+22, at the PNE Fairgrounds. An incredible collection of over 600 vintage vehicles will be on display all weekend long, including nearly 150 classic rides crossing the Maynard’s auction block.

Cirque du Soleil Fireworks Show
10:30pm
Plaza of Nations in False Creek, Vancouver
To thank Vancouverites for their support, Cirque du Soleil will be hosting a free, stunning fireworks display on Saturday, June 21 after the 8 p.m. performance of TOTEM. The fireworks show will take place at approximately 10:30 p.m. at the Plaza of Nations in False Creek.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
Friday, June 20, 5pm - 6pm
Saturday, June 21, 8am - 7pm
Sunday, June 22, 8am - 6pm
Creekside Community Centre, Village Plaza, near Science World, Vancouver
26th Annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. FREE ADMISSION! Beginning on Friday afternoon with the colourful Eye-dotting Ceremony and evening opening concert, the festival continues with two more days of non-stop entertainment on the World Beat Stage, fabulous food, children’s activities,art installations, the Urban Tea Lounge, shopping, and of course, dragon boat racing of the highest caliber. Admission is free to the general public.

National Aboriginal Day Celebration 2014
10:30am – 4:30pm
999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Join Canada Place and Port Metro Vancouver for the fourth annual National Aboriginal Day Celebration at Canada Place on Sunday, June 22, 2014. Enjoy a wide variety of Aboriginal stage performances, including three-time world champion hoop dancer Alex Wells, as well as drumming and dance workshops, storytelling and artisan demonstrations.

Scandinavian Midsummer Festival - $10
Saturday, June 21, 10am - 6pm Festival, 6pm - 11pm Bonfire Dance
Sunday, June 22, 10am - 4pm
Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
A Taste of Scandinavia June 21st and 22nd, 2014 at the Scandinavian Community Centre. Thousands of people visit the Scandinavian Community Centre every year to celebrate the traditions and festivities of Scandinavian Midsummer. In its 18th year, it is a weekend of fun-filled activities, living history and non-stop entertainment for the whole family. Viking Village, Cultural Displays, shopping, dancing, bonfire, beer garden, music, midsummer pole, traditional Scandinavian Foods, Volvo Club, Wife Carrying Contest, kid's activities.

Vancouver Collector Car Show & Auction - $15
Saturday, June 21, 10am - 9pm
Sunday, June 22, 10am - 5pm
PNE Fairgrounds, entrance at Renfrew & Hastings – 2901 East Hastings Street Vancouver
The second annual Vancouver Collector Car Show & Auction is rolling into town this weekend, June 21+22, at the PNE Fairgrounds. An incredible collection of over 600 vintage vehicles will be on display all weekend long, including nearly 150 classic rides crossing the Maynard’s auction block.

Hillcrest Community Summer Festival
11am to 2pm
Hillcrest Park (parking lot South side of Nat Bailey Stadium)
Fun, FREE family activities. There will be carnival games and bouncy castles, balloon animal artists, pony rides, and balloon rides!! Look for stage performances from local performing artists, dancers, musicians and martial artists! Feed your face and your soul with local food vendors serving burgers and hotdogs, gourmet coffee, seafood and local sandwiches, classic perogies, and even handheld pies!

Greek Day on Broadway
11AM - 9PM
Broadway between MacDonald St and Blenheim St, Vancouver
FREE ENTRY, award-winning family-friendly event, open to all Attracting nearly 100,000 attendees from across the Lower Mainland. Serving authentic Greek food and much more! Discover treasures, trinkets, and more. Folkloric performances, official welcome ceremony, live music, Greek dance lessons, evening concert & Raffle draw.

Food Cart Fest - $2
12pm - 5pm every Sunday until August 31st
215 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver (between the Cambie Street Bridge and the Olympic Village)
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 in the Summer for food, fun, and sun complemented by community markets, live music and DJs, craft food vendors, kids activities, and more. Food Cart Fest will take place every Sunday in the Summer from 12pm-5pm. Free for Vancity or Car2Go Members or when you bring a non-perishable donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Point Grey Fiesta
Friday, June 20, 3pm - 10pm
Saturday, June 21, 8am - 9pm (10 am - Parade on West 10th Avenue - Blanca to Discovery)
Sunday, June 22, 12pm - 5pm
Trimble Park, 2250 Trimble Street and 4300 West 8th Ave, Vancouver
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.

Reoccurring Events

Vancouver Farmers Market - Trout Lake

9:00am - 2:00pm every Saturday May 10 - October 18, 2014

North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake, Vancouver

10:00am - 2:00pm every Sunday from May 11 - October 19

2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre

I'm back from vacation! I'm so glad to be back in Vancouver. We have the nicest weather! It was way too hot and humid in Asia. Phew!

Few things happening this weekend. Soccer, fishing, drawing events. And car free day! Also don't forget about Dad this Sunday! Have a great weekend!

Friday, June 13, 2014

Saturday, June 14, 2014

CIBC Soccer Nation
Friday, June 13, 2014 - Spain vs. Netherlands: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on - match starts at 12 noon at
Commerce Place, 400 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC V6C 3A6 (Burrard & W Pender St.) Saturday, June 14, 2014 - England vs. Italy: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - match starts at 3 p.m. at
Victoria Park, 1425 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 2Y9
The CIBC Soccer Nation Tour is a cross-country mobile soccer festival, featuring games broadcast outdoors live on the big screen along with fun activities for fans and families, including a Cheer Booth, footballing tips and demonstrations from ‘Masters of Ball Control’ freestyle soccer players and much more.

Super Smash Bros. Smashfest @Bestbuy
12pm - 5 p.m
4805 Kingsway, Burnaby 10025
King George Blvd, Surrey
2220 Cambie Street, Vancouver
In partnership with Best Buy, Nintendo will offer players a chance to go head-to-head with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U before it launches in stores later this year. Select Best Buy stores will host “Super Smash Bros. Smash-Fest @ Best Buy,” an event that features the same demo version of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U that people will get to play at the E3 2014 video game trade show in Los Angeles. The four-player demo of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U lets players battle it out against one another using their favourite characters from fan-favourite video game franchises like Pokémon, Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, Sonic the Hedgehog and The Legend of Zelda. First 35 people will get the Super Smash Bros. limited edition gold-coloured coin.

Vancouver Draw Down
multiple times and locations 9am - 9pm

Vancouverites of all ages are invited to take part in FREE hands-on drawing workshops, across the city in community centres, museums, art galleries, and on the street! Workshops, developed and led by professional artists, offer the opportunity to rediscover drawing in everyday life. This day-long, city-wide celebration focuses on the process, pleasure and diversity of drawing, rather than on skill and technical ability.

Vancouver draw down Closing party - RSVP
6pm – 9pm
Contemporary Art Gallery, 555 Nelson Street
Everyone involved in the 2014 Vancouver Draw Down is invited to a special closing party! Come wind down after a day of drawing with some cold drinks and an interactive performance by The Drawing Salon titled Bring us your protests. RSVP here.

Sunday, June 15, 2014 - Happy Father's Day!

Car Free Day
Celebrate with your neighbours at one or all of the festival sites: Commercial Drive, Main Street, West End and Kitsilano (Kits block parties take place Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th). Commercial Drive – Sunday, June 15th, Noon-7pm from Venables to Grandview on The Drive: Roller disco, parading drummers, healing gardens, DJs spinning beats, and all your friends and neighbours hanging out.
Main Street – Sunday, June 15th, Noon-7pm from Broadway to 30th on Main Street: Mini-festivals, community-supported stages with dozens of bands, multiple kids zones, artisan markets, roller derby, skateboarding, parkour and more!
West End – Sunday, June 15th, Noon-6pm from Davie to Robson on Denman Street: Fun for young, old, families, couples and single folks, which includes acoustic music, a kids zone, non-profits, local politicians, artists and artisans.
Kitsilano – Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th: Block parties by and for local residents and their neighbours.

Reoccurring Events

Vancouver Farmers Market - Trout Lake

9:00am - 2:00pm every Saturday May 10 - October 18, 2014

North Parking Lot of John Hendry Park at Trout Lake, Vancouver

10:00am - 2:00pm every Sunday from May 11 - October 19

2690 Larch Street at 10th Avenue, Parking Lot of Kitsilano Community Centre

Sorry for the sparseness of the events. I'm on vacation right now! Will be back to normal next week. Have a great weekend!

Doors Open Richmond Opening Event
Friday, June 6th, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Road, Richmond
Everyone is Welcome Join us on Friday, June 6th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Road for the opening event of Doors Open Richmond. Enjoy a free and family friendly evening of live music, heritage tours, kids crafts and a barbeque as we celebrate the best of Richmond culture.

Vancouver Mini Maker Faire - $14
Saturday, June 7th & Sunday, June 8th, 10am - 6pm
PNE Forum (View) 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1
The fourth annual Vancouver Mini Maker Faire returns to inspire DIY enthusiasts at Vancouver's biggest show and tell. At this family-friendly event, diverse Makers come together as a community to share what they have made and learned with interactive displays, demonstrations, and Making opportunities relating to art, electronics, robotics, music, crafts, kinetic sculptures, fire art, computer hacking, quilting, farming, engineering, and everything in between.

Doors Open Richmond
Saturday, Sunday June 7-8, 2014
Enjoy a diverse mix of arts, culture and heritage at the 7th annual Doors Open festival. Up to 50 sites in Richmond will be free for the public. Indulge in art and history with access to artists, museums, aboriginal groups, religious institutions, parks and other public and private arts, culture and heritage sites. Take in interpretative and intercultural performances, story-telling, demonstrations and tours at this one-of-a-kind event. For further information on these events visit www.richmond.ca/doorsopen.

Annual Flüff Garage Sale
Saturday, June 7th
1363 McLean Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 3N7
It's official! The date for the much anticipated Flüff Garage Sale will be on SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014. Furniture, art, accessories, pillows, and more! All inventory is gently used. SIGN UP NOW to receive the exclusive invite to the sale: bit.ly/fluffsale2014 You will receive an email notification with all of the information soon. Don't miss out!!

Italian Day: Made in Italy
Sunday, June 8, 12pm to 8pm
On Commercial Drive between 3rd Avenue and Parker St.
Celebrate Italian culture and the contributions made to this city by Italian immigrants and subsequent generations of Italian-Canadians. With a rich history of over 50 years, Commercial Drive’s Italian heritage is reignited and The Drive is transformed into a vibrant street festival. Share the spirit and all that is Italian with Vancouver’s multi-cultural community, showcasing food to performing arts, fashion, exhibits and activities.