1. Viva East Van

Thursday, June 25 – Thursday, July 16

Catch the national digital premiere of Bella Ciao! this week. The film, directed by Carolyn Combs and starring Carmen Aguirre (both Vancouverites!) follows Constanza, a Chilean refugee, and an ensemble cast of characters in her new home—East Van. Bella Ciao! is partnering with Reel Causes for the release, and a portion of ticket sales benefit Watari (a counselling and support service based in the DTES) and Casa Salvador Allende (an activist grassroots Chilean-Canadian organization based in Toronto).

Cost: By donation, $5 minimum
More Info: bellaciao.ca

2. Vegan Eats

Starting Saturday, June 27

On select Saturdays through September, the Vegan Farmer’s Market is serving up fresh veggies, earth-friendly eats and plant-based comfort food at Concord Pacific Community Park. We’ve got our eye on these cauliflower wings from the Rolling Cashew food truck.

More Info: facebook.com

3. Digital Dance

Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m.

Upintheair Theatre’s annual festival has transformed from Revolver into Evolver, and the curated lineup is the most unique pandemic-influenced extravaganza yet. The fest runs until Saturday (check out the full schedule here) and the last day kicks off with Yard Dances for Joy and Healing, a part-parenting, part-party livestream. Artist and dad Ben Gorodetsky describes it as a mix of “movement, storytelling, improvisation, multi-camera feeds, and pure toddler chaos.” Tune in to see his two-year-old son dance your worries away.

More Info: upintheairtheatre.com

4. Complete the Cycle

All summer

With all large-scale rides canceled due to COVID-19, RBC is inspiring cyclists to keep pedaling with free bike training programs. City, suburban, and stationary bikers alike can sign up for a series of 12-week programs (without the regular $275 entry fee) at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The goal would traditionally be to train for the real-life RBC GranFondo, but this year we’re doing it for bragging rights.

More Info: rbcgranfondo.com

5. Haida Modern

Now streaming

You’re probably familiar with Haida artist Robert Davidson’s work, but perhaps not so familiar with his life story. Haida Modern is an intimate portrait of Davidson and of the impact his work has had around the world. The documentary has interviews with family, fellow creators, politicians, rock stars and the artist himself, and explores his key message of unity as we navigate through complex times. It’s streaming now on Knowledge Network—see if you can spot Vancouver in this inspiring doc.

More Info: knowledge.ca