5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (July 29-August 4)

A free Afro movement class, a psychedelic concert at the Pearl and a weekend-long Pride festival plus more.

Here’s your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, add it to our ongoing Vancouver events calendar here!

1. Celebrate Japanese Canadian Art and Culture at the 48th Annual Powell Street Festival

August 3-4

It’s a free, all-ages outdoor party in historic Paueru Gai with tasty Japanese cuisine, crafts, activities (including a sumo tournament and martial arts lessons!) and highlights like the documentary Between Pictures: The Lens of Tamio Wakayama and music by Ryuho Shakuhachi Kai and Kotojiro.

When: August 3-4
Where: Paueru Gai
Cost: Free
More info: powellstreetfestival.com

(Pictured) Instructor Ingrid Knight-Cohee

2. Take a Free Outdoor Afro Movement Fitness Class at Canada Place

July 30

Don’t mind a public sweatfest? Join Fitness World‘s free MSINGI class, Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. all summer long. Sweat it out to Afro beats while a cruise ship full of tourists thinks you’re part of the local entertainment.

When: July 30
Where: Canada Place North
Cost: Free
More info: eventbrite.ca

3. Get Trippy at JJUUJJUU with Gladfly and La Lune

August 1

Go on a cosmic trip sans mushrooms with JJUUJJUU at the Pearl. With vibrant lights, pulsating psychedelic beats and a trippy soundscape, you’ll take off on an auditory journey where the dance floor is your shaman.

When: August 1
Where: The Pearl
Cost: $20
More info: thepearlvancouver.com

4. Kickoff Vancouver Pride Month in Style

August 1

Follow the rainbow brick road to kick off Vancouver Pride Month at Gastown’s Pride Kickoff Party with live music, drag shows and dancing in the streets with performances by TIKA, Bluee Joy Drag Show and the Bradly/Josh Band. Happy Pride!

When: August 1
Where: Maple Tree Square
Cost: Free
More info: gastown.org/event/pride

5. Spend a Pride-Filled Weekend at The Birdhouse Pride Festival 2024

August 2-4

Pride is here, and The Birdhouse’s biggest festival is the place to be! Over three fun and pride-filled days, choose from nine vibrant events like Boys Boys Boys Pride, Le Hangover, Ricecake: Sweat and Rhythm of the Night. Spread across The Birdhouse and Granville Island’s Under the Bridge, it’s non-stop, inclusive fun that will keep you dancing all Pride weekend long.

When: August 2-4
Where: The Birdhouse
Cost: Varies
More info: eventbrite.com