5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (June 5-11)

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.

1. Celebrate a Night of Indigenous Artistry at Talking Stick Festival‘s Summer Reverb Gala

June 9

Get ready for a festival that’s got more Indigenous art and performance than you can shake a stick at. It’s the 22nd annual Talking Stick Festival—a vibrant two-week celebration of multi-disciplinary Indigenous arts that takes place all over the city. The fest kicked off June 1, with its “summer reverb” theme, and the festival lineup continues to be stacked—with everything from a documentary screening and burlesque show to an immersive 4D audio performance. And you are cordially invited to the Summer Reverb Gala happening June 9 that features a grand piano jazz performance, masterful jigging and a performance by the Melawmen Collective showcasing their unique blend of contemporary Indigenous fusion of hip-hop, rock, folk and vocal harmonies. 

When: June 9
Where: SFU Woodward’s Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre
Cost: From $15
More Info: fullcircle.ca

2. Feel the Earth Move Under Your Feet at Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

June 8-August 6

If you’re a fan of the theme song to Gilmore Girls, female singer-songwriters or musicals based on inspiring true stories that pass the Bechdel test—then you’ve got a friend in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Witness the rise of Carole King from a teen songwriting duo to a solo artist with the chart-busting platinum album Tapestry. Warning: spontaneous singing and dancing may occur (probably from me.) 

When: June 8- August 6
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Cost: From $43
More Info: artsclub.com

3. Get Some Diamond-Studded Deals and Jewelry Discounts at the Lover’s Tempo Sample Sale

June 8-11

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, this sample sale could snag you a slew of new besties. The Vancouver-based jewelry brand Lover’s Tempo is holding a rare sample sale and with discounts as low as 80% off—you may find yourself with more new pals than you intended.

When: June 8-11
Where: 4166 Main Street
Cost: Free
More Info: loverstempo.com

4. Watch the Theatrical Release for the Powerful Indigenous Feature Film Bones of Crows

June 2

Award-winning Métis/Dene filmmaker Marie Clements’ feature film Bones of Crows is hitting the big screen and it’s a must-see. As told from the perspective of Cree Matriarch Aline Spears as she survives a childhood in Canada’s residential school system, it’s a story that spans 100 years and covers a family’s generational fight against systemic starvation, racism and sexual abuse. There’s also a Q&A with the director and producer Trish Dolman to keep the conversation going. For a deeper understanding of this poignant film that confronts a dark chapter in Canadian history—check out the trailer.

When: June 2
Where: Fifth Avenue Cinemas
Cost: From $11.99
More Info: bonesofcrows.com

5. Celebrate Italian Day on the Drive

June 11

Italian Day is back! The all-day Commercial Drive takeover is like a trip to Italy but without the jet lag and the need to pretend you understand what “al dente” means. With fashion shows, concerts, a pasta-eating contest, and more—it’s the perfect place to live la dolce vita. And let’s not forget the highlights: 160 street participants, 45 Italian food, beverage and product-related merchants and vendors, seven street personalities, six activities for the whole family, five seating areas, four raffle prize opportunities, three music stages, two fashion shows and one unforgettable experience. Now that’s amore!

When: June 11
Where: Commercial Drive
Cost: Free
More Info: italianday.ca