5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (June 13-19)

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 dwright@canadawide.com.

Read on for this week’s lineup.

Credit: Poster of the film Chevalier directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari

1. Vancouver Greek Film Festival

June 16-19

Vancouver’s first ever Greek film festival starts this week and it’s looking to introduce you to a more contemporary experience of Greek culture. As in, less of a focus on the classics and more of a spotlight on great Greek filmmakers and the contributions they’ve made to film history and culture.

When: June 16-19
Where: The Cinematheque
Cost: $14
More Info: thecinematheque.ca

Credit: Raven Who Kept Walking by Corey Bulpitt

2. True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltel

June 15-March 19

True to Place is a striking group exhibition of ten Northwest Coast Indigenous artists’ work. The exhibition features a variety of different mediums including canvas, wood, paper, sculptural forms, traditional basketry and digital creations. There’s also a series of panel discussions, artist talks, painting workshops and exhibition tours.

When: June 15-March 19
Where: Bill Reid Gallery
Cost: $13
More Info: billreidgallery.ca

3. Marjorie Prime and Pass Over

June 15-July 2

Ensemble Theatre Company’s summer festival is back with two pointed and powerful plays: Marjorie Prime and Pass Over. The former feels very Black Mirror and tells the story of an ailing 86-year-old who spends her last days interacting with a computerized version of her deceased husband. Pass Over confronts racism and police violence by taking Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and transporting it to Chicago’s South Side, where two young Black men wait out the night under constant threat of violence. The festival will also feature film screenings and outreach events.

When: June 15-July 2
Where: Waterfront Theatre
Cost: Single tickets from $25; Festival passes $75
More Info: ensembletheatrecompany.ca

4. 5X Festival

June 11-17

5X Festival aims to highlight the latest and best in South Asian music, art, and culture. On the roster of events are art installations, pop-up dance performances, live music and panel discussions featuring over 50 performers all looking to elevate South Asian youth culture. The week culminates with their 5X wrap party/Pride event with DJ sets from the No Nazar crew and a performance by Desi drag queen Jolene Sloan.

When: June 11-17
Where: Various locations in Surrey
Cost: Varies per event 
More Info: 5xfest.com

5. ScotFest BC

June 17-18

The B.C. Highland games are back! Head out to Coquitlam for this multi-day event featuring pipe bands, caber tossing, dancing, singing, a whisky school and live Celtic music. Not to be missed are the “heavy events” which are a series of nine “feats of strength” competitions. There will also be a bunch of food vendors, including traditional Scottish fare. The fest includes performance from Vancouver’s own Shot of Scotch dancers, a non-profit dedicated to preserving Highland dance tradition. 

When: June 17-18
Where: Town Centre Park
Cost: $21.70
More Info: scotfestbc.com