5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (July 3-9)

Including an album release party at the Fox, a Post-It art festival and the Khatsahlano Street Festival.

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, send an email to kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

 

Ashvini Sundaram and Yui Ugai. Credit: Pierre Tran

1. Move to the Beat at the 35th Annual Dancing on the Edge Festival

July 6-15

Maybe you’re a dancer, a lover of dance or think Dance Moms would be way better if it focused on the dancing and not the drama mamas: here’s a fest you might be into. Come celebrate the heart of Vancouver’s contemporary dance scene at the 35th Annual Dancing on the Edge Festival—serving up a smorgasbord of over 30 dance productions that include world premieres, North American debuts and works-in-progress from some of the most talented toe-tappers in the country. Check out all the performances here and even if you can’t tell a pirouette from a plié, you’re going to have a blast (and wish you would stuck with those dance classes back in the day).

WhenJuly 6-15
Where: Various venues
Cost:
From $20, Pay-What-You-Wish
More Info:
www.dancingontheedge.org

 

From Carnaval del Sol 2022

2. Soak Up the Sun at Carnaval del Sol Festival

July 7-9

Alright, who’s ready for a little slice of Latin America right here in Vancouver? Carnaval del Sol, the biggest Latin festival in the Pacific Northwest, is back and it’s about to turn up the heat. Imagine this: You’re basking in the sun, sipping on a refreshing caipirinha, and swaying to the rhythm of live Latin music. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, at Carnaval del Sol, this dream becomes a reality—a reality full of delicious empanadas and heart-pounding salsa performances. The fiesta kicks off on July 7 with a neon-themed opening night concert that’s strictly for the grown-ups. I’m talking five DJs, a drag show inspired by famous Latin American pop stars and delicious snacks from La Taqueria. Oh, and did I mention the refreshing beverages from Topo Chico and Granville Island Brewing? It’s like a mini vacation, minus the expensive airfare. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Over the weekend, the park will be buzzing with music, food and art. This year, the festival is shining a spotlight on Colombian culture, so get ready to immerse yourself in a world of salsa, empanadas, and artisanal crafts. Let’s live our best vida locas!

WhenJuly 7-9
Where: David Lam Park
Cost:
From $15 (kids get in free)
More Info:
carnavaldelsol.ca

3. Dance at the Fox Cabaret to dwi‘s Newest Album Release

July 8

Hey, music lovers! If you’re into indie/alt hip hop, then you’re in for a treat. Vancouver’s very own dwi is set to perform at the Fox Cabaret on July 7. Known for his unique blend of hip hop and indie rock, dwi’s music is like a breath of fresh air in the city’s music scene—check out this write-up we did on him! This isn’t your typical hip hop gig, folks. dwi‘s music is a mix of personal narratives, innovative sounds and a dash of video game nostalgia. It’s like if your favourite indie rock band decided to have a jam session with a hip hop artist, and they invited you to hang out. Sounds cool, right? See you there!

WhenJuly 8
Where: Fox Cabaret
Cost:
$20
More Info:
foxcabaret.com

 

Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtkgTgivJ-S/

4. Take in Some Art at the 2nd Annual Post-It Art Show: STICKY

July 7-8

Get ready to stick it to the man… or, well, the wall, at the Post-it Note Art Show. This isn’t your grandma’s art show. It’s a wild, sticky, and colorful extravaganza where artists swap canvases for Post-its, creating mini masterpieces that’ll have you saying “Wow, I can’t believe that’s a Post-it!” And the best part? You can snag your own sticky work of art for just a few bucks. So, come on down, unleash your inner Picasso, and remember: in the world of Post-it art, there are no mistakes, only happy little accidents.

WhenJuly 7-8
Where: Burnout Cafe
Cost:
Free
More Info:
instagram.com/stickyshowvan

 

5. Come Dance in the Streets at Khatsahlano Street Party

July 8

This is Vancouver’s biggest free music and arts festival. And this year, it’s going to be even more special with Vancouver’s own Noble Oak releasing his new album “When It Finds You” on July 7th. Now, if you haven’t heard of Noble Oak, his music is like a warm hug on a cold day—it’s comforting, it’s uplifting and it’s the perfect pairing for one of those potato tornadoes. Come celebrate his album release as well as drinking and eating on 4th avenue.

WhenJuly 8
Where: West 4th Ave
Cost:
Free
More Info:
khatsahlano.ca