BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for July 13-19

This week in BC: Jam out at the Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival, celebrate with the fam at the Whistler Children's Art Festival, bust a gut at the Vancouver TheatreSports League, and more

Credit: Khatsahlano

Atlin Arts & Music Festival — July 12-14

In the very northwest corner of B.C., the tiny town of Atlin swells from 400 people to 2,500 for just three days each summer, when the historic gold-rush community hosts the Atlin Arts & Music Festival. This annual extravaganza features a lineup of musical performers including Harry Manx, Hawksley Workman (shown), The Gibson Brothers and Michelle Wright, as well as First Nations dancers, storytellers and comedians. Buy tickets online or at the gate at Atlin Lake, from July 12 to 14.

Marpole Summerfest — July 13

Thirteen may be an unlucky number, but not for the Marpole Summerfest, a free community carnival taking place July 13 along Granville Street between 63rd and 71st. This family-friendly shindig, now in its 13th year, features fabulous sidewalk sales and gourmet giveaways, while kids can look forward to everything from magicians to balloon artists — and classic-car enthusiasts can get set to admire the offerings at a show ’n’ shine, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Credit: Khatsahlano

Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival — July 13

“Vancouver’s biggest free outdoor music event.” Now that we’ve got your attention, here are more deets on the Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival, a stellar street party taking place July 13 along West 4th Avenue. Stroll the 10-block stretch, between Burrard and MacDonald, and you’ll find no fewer than 12 outdoor stages showcasing more than 50 of Vancouver’s top musical performers, as well as local artisans, street performers, bustling patios and food vendors. Drop by from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., rain or shine.

Whistler Children’s Art Festival — July 13-14

If the Mozart Effect can make kids smarter, we’re guessing the same must be true of early exposure to arts and crafts. Maybe that’s why the Whistler Children’s Art Festival, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, has proven so popular year after year. On July 13 and 14, this kiddie carnival includes everything from roving musicians and interactive games to acrobatics and art workshops, along with shows by the likes of Bobs & Lolo, Charlotte Diamond and Wil Stroet, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Credit: Khatsahlano

Symphony in the Park — July 14

A weekend forecast of sunny skies is the perfect accompaniment to Burnaby’s 25th annual Symphony in the Park. Held on July 14, this free outdoor concert at Deer Lake Park showcases the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performing a program of light classics and toe-tapping show tunes, starting at 7:30 p.m. Come early or take transit because parking is extremely limited.

Credit: Khatsahlano

Vancouver Folk Music Festival — July 19-21

Vancouver is full of fine folk. And the statement takes a literal turn from July 19 to 21, when the 36th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival gears up at Jericho Beach Park. This year’s 66 performers include Natalie Maines, Steve Earle and the Dukes, Loudon Wainwright III and The Waterboys, as well as an up-and-coming crop of indie artists. What’s more, there’s also a vendor marketplace, sponsor giveaways and an international food fair, too! Buy tickets online, at the gate, or by phone at 604-602-9798.

Aldergrove Fair Days — July 19-21

Though urban by anyone’s standards, Aldergrove is set to show off its rustic roots at the 101st annual Fair Days. Held from July 19 to 21, this country carnival unleashes a weekend of fun in the form of an agricultural expo, lawnmower races, antique tractor pull, classic car show and live entertainment. And, upping the fun factor, there’s also a street parade, fireworks, beer garden and midway, with admission by donation at Aldergrove Athletic Park.

Credit: Khatsahlano

Take-Off Fridays — Until August 30

Treat your inner tourist this summer to a trip to Vancouver International Airport, featuring the fourth annual Take-Off Fridays on now through August 30. Enjoy food, fun and free entertainment for the whole family, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Departures Level 3. Park for just $5 for up to four hours, then follow the sound of live DJs to enjoy free samples, exciting prizes, discounts at on-site stores and plenty of kids’ activities.

Vancouver TheatreSports League The Amazing Improv Race — Until August 31

The proof is in the spoof for Vancouver TheatreSports League’s The Amazing Improv Race. Parodying the hit reality TV series, teams of two will follow the audience’s lead on a “race to the punchline” fraught with detours, roadblocks and speedbumps along the way. Check it out Thursday through Saturday nights until August 31 at The Improv Centre on Granville Island.

Credit: Khatsahlano

Earls Kitchen + Bar

If 40 is the new 30, then why can’t Monday be the new Friday? That’s the logic behind Earls Kitchen + Bar’s new T.G.I.M. promotion, featuring delicious deals on light bites and hip sips every Monday throughout the summer. Drop by for fresh-squeezed juice margaritas, Corona beer, tequila shots, prawn tacos and guacamole mixed right at your table, all for just $5 until September 9 at all locations.

Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.