5 Summer Events to Kick off July (July 1-7)

Our days of sunshine are limited—make the most of them.

Fishy Fest

July 1

The Steveston Salmon Festival is worth the trip to the ‘burbs: Richmond residents celebrate Canada Day in the tastiest way possible. Each year, the festival serves up 12000 pounds of fresh Wild Pacific Sockeye barbecued over an alderwood fire. There’s also a parade, Japanese cultural show, volleyball tournament, bullhead derby and fireworks—true patriot love.

When: Monday, July 1
Where: Steveston Village
Cost: Free entry, salmon bbq $16
More Info: stevestonsalmonfest.ca

Midsummer Movies

July 2 – August 20

No need to sneak pocketfuls of candy into the Evo Summer Cinema—the films are all fresh-air friendly and BYOS (bring your own snacks). The starlit cinema opens this Tuesday with Wayne’s World and features one family-friendly movie per week until the middle of August. Make sure to bring a warm blanket and bug spray—the mosquitoes love Shrek (July 16) as much as you do.

When: After sunset (around 9:30 p.m.) on Tuesdays from July 2 – August 20
Where: Second Beach in Stanley Park
Cost: Free
More Info: summercinema.ca

Guac and Choc

July 4

You’ve heard of Kimye and Billary, but brace yourself for the debut of alocal celebrity couple: Tacofino and Beta5 Chocolates. Guests at theselovebirds’ Evening SummerSocial can enjoy a Tacofino taco, brewski from Strange Fellows, and Beta5Freshie ice cream sundae (that’s avocado ice cream with pineapple, Tajín-spicedchurros and condensed milk Chantilly). If the couple name is still up in theair, we propose Betaco5ino.

When: Thursday, July 4 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Beta5 Chocolates
Cost: $29
More Info: betafivechocolates.com

Moonlit Musicals

July 5 – August 17

We know ABBA is at the top of your summerroad trip playlist – experience your guilty pleasures live in everyone’sfavourite three-fathered musical, MammaMia!. Theatre Under the Stars is showcasing both Mamma Mia!and Disney’s Newsies on alternatingnights all summer long. Special events include ABBA Superfan Night on July 21(dust off your sequined spandex) and Date Night on July 17 and 24, where youcan score two-for-one specials with your showtunes sweetheart.

When: Friday, July 5 – Saturday, August 17
Where: Malkin Bowl
Cost: From $30
More Info: tuts.ca

Extreme Art

July 6 – October 27

This week, check out the opening of Vikky Alexander: Extreme Beauty, an exhibit that “interrogates the mechanisms of display that shape meaning, beauty and desire in our culture.” It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your new sophisticated summer self. With more than 80 works to choose from, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you—whether it inspires you to think about the seduction of space or informs your July mood board (or both).

When: Saturday, July 6 – Sunday, October 27
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: From $6.50
More Info: vanartgallery.bc.ca