By Megan Jones
Planning a staycation this summer? There’s no better way to take in the best of your home city – while also experiencing international vibes – than by checking out one (or more) of the many local festivals happening from June through August. Read on for top picks for 2017. [Image credit: iStock.com/jamesvancouver]
May 28–June 4, Granville Island
Vancouver families adore this heartwarming, multi-day event on Granville Island, which offers captivating educational and performance-based experiences for the littlest of festivalgoers. Kid-friendly music and dance shows take place across six indoor theatres, and an arts activity village offers hands-on fun. 2017 performance highlights include awe-inspiring acrobatics from Afrique-en-Cirque, Fred Penner Live in Concert, and Pulse: a fun, brain-boosting workshop for toddlers and families. More information and tickets here.
June 3–4, PNE Centre Grounds
Vancouver’s seventh annual Craft Beer Week kicks off June 3rd with a range of delights for the city’s avid beer drinkers. Spanning a large portion of the PNE Centre grounds, here you’ll find more than 100 craft breweries with more than 300 varieties of beer and cider, stages with live music, food trucks and a games area (because what’s a craft beer barbeque without bocce?). Admission is a reasonable $40 and beers are purchasable (and drinkable) within festival boundaries.
July 13–16, Jericho Beach Park
Think Coachella, but more intimate and beachy, and with melodious folk instead of bumping base – and that’s the Vancouver Folk Festival. This cultural institution takes over the grassy fields adjacent to Jericho Beach each summer, featuring performances by acclaimed folk artists, of course, but also local artisans, food trucks, a charming “little folks village” for kids and much, much more. Past artists have included folk music heavyweights Hannah Georgas, Lord Huron and The New Pornographers.
May 13, False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf
A local delicacy found only in the coastal wilds, BC spot prawns are sought after for their unique, sweet flavour and hardy texture. The Vancouver BC Spot Prawn Festival takes place at the False Creek Fisherman Warf each May. Chefs from across the Lower Mainland serve spot prawns to ticket holders, with proceeds supporting the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia. Featured chefs have included: Darren Brown, Executive Chef at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, and Alvin Pillay, Executive Chef at The Blackbird Public House.
June 29–July 3
Vancouver’s premier food trucks and pop-up eateries congregate for this summertime fest, which also showcases local bands, DJs, a cocktail and beer garden, and the famous Street Food Showdown, where two-bite tasters go for $2.50 and $5. It’s a casual, young-at-heart event that happens over one weekend near Olympic Village. Featured businesses have included: Vij's Railway Express, Rocky Point Ice Cream, and Aussie Pie Guy.
June 17–June 29, The Roundhouse
It comes as no surprise that this annual, multi-disciplinary summer arts festival is recognized as one of the top five festivals of its kind worldwide. Each year, this boundary-pushing, gender-binary-defying festival ties together a curated visual art exhibition, performing arts series, workshops, artist talks, panels, and media art screenings at The Roundhouse in Yaletown. Each year, the festival chooses a unique theme – and for 2017 it’s UnSettled, focusing on the intersection between the Indigenous and queer art milieus. Tickets here.
June 23–July 2, various locations
The West Coast’s biggest jazz festival celebrates its 32nd anniversary in 2017 with approximately 300 concerts in venues across Vancouver: from dark and intimate clubs to wide open green spaces. Award-winning, internationally acclaimed jazz artists, bands and trios will come from all over – and headliners include The Life Aquatic performing a special David Bowie tribute show; the Cyrus Chestnut Trio and legend Branford Marsalis accompanied by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Get your tickets here.
June 30–July 9, Locations Vary
Did you know that for two weeks each year Vancouverites come together to celebrate Latin American culture, both in our city and abroad? Over this festive fortnight, Latin America Days showcases this vibrant culture through music and dance performances, film screenings, foodie events, art exhibitions and much more at venues all over the city. For more information, and to purchase tickets to individual events, visit carnavaldelsol.ca.
July 8, West 4th Avenue
Vancouver’s largest and free music and arts festival is back for another year, taking eclectic West 4th Avenue (from Burrard to MacDonald) by storm with live music, food trucks, local artisan stalls and beer gardens. You’ll be entertained, fed and inspired from 11am til 9pm! Often, shops along the avenue will get in the spirit by hosting giveaways, sales and in-store activities. For more information, visit www.khatsahlano.com.
August 12–13, Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver
Roving performers, a 1,000-foot waterslide the length of Lonsdale Avenue (seriously), stalls manned by local artists, farmers and makers, live music and food trucks, all with a view of North Vancouver’s beautiful seawall – what more could one want in a summer festival? Across the Lions Gate Bridge, North Vancouver’s biggest festival is an ideal weekend event for families and friends alike. Check it out at cnv.org.
From fun family weekends to international folk extravaganzas to queer arts celebrations, Vancouver certainly has a festival experience for everyone in 2017. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as spots sell out quickly for these popular events! Happy festival season!
