BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for August 18-24

“Win a house! Win a car!” at Vancouver’s PNE

What to do in BC this week

Attend the Anime Revolution at the Vancouver Convention Centre – August 17-19 
What happens when comic-book geeks grow up? Many of them become anime enthusiasts, a Japanese style of art that features adult-oriented themes. So expect plenty of “graphic” content at the first-ever Anime Revolution at Vancouver Convention Centre (999 Canada Place) from August 17 to 19. Meet and greet fellow anime fans while checking out a wide range of activities, exhibits, panels and performances focusing on everything from comics and costuming to gaming and dance.

See Despicable Me at Movies Under the Stars – August 18 
If you’ve never seen the box-office blockbuster Despicable Me, now’s your chance to see it in a big way on the big screen. Just head to the eighth annual Movies Under the Stars at Holland Park in Surrey for a free screening of this critically acclaimed 3D animated film on August 18, beginning at dusk. But don’t wait till sunset to swing by because the family fun starts at 5 p.m., with games, entertainment and refreshments. The festivities continue next Saturday, too, with a free screening of The Lorax.

Go Wild at the PNE – August 18 – September 3
Like fine wine, the Pacific National Exhibition just keeps getting better with age. Now celebrating its 102nd year, Vancouver’s favourite fair kicks off on August 18 with more than 55 thrilling rides, nightly concerts, international eats and crowd-pleasing performances from motorsports daredevils, Superdogs and racing piglets, along with new features like a Family Feud contest and an interactive Star Trek exhibit. Playpasses are available at the gate or, to save a few bucks, purchase them at 7-Eleven, Safeway or online, until September 3.

Learn about Latin Culture at the Latin Summer Fest – August 19 
Just how authentic is the Latin Summer Fest, taking place August 19 at Trout Lake Park (Victoria Dr and 15th Ave)? Here’s a clue: organizers say it brings together all the sights, sounds and flavours of the world’s Latin communities. And they weren’t joking, either, ’cause the main stage will be hopping with ska and reggae, while the air will be aromatic with Old World eats like Chilean empanadas, Portuguese-style sardines and Nicaraguan stuffed banana leaves, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Get Moving at Way Out West – August 20-24 
Movers and shakers are limbering up for a “wow”-worthy experience this week in the form of Way Out West, a summer dance intensive for students of all levels. You’ll work closely with Vancouver choreographer Jennifer Mascall in this one-week program from August 20 to 24 that includes lessons in technique, improvisation, experiential anatomy, performance and yoga, at Mascall Dance Centre (1130 Jervis St, Vancouver). You can register for individual classes, too, by going online or calling 604-669-9337.

Join the Fun at the B.C. Seniors’ Games – August 21-25 
Toss out any old notions of seniors reclining in rocking chairs because B.C.’s aging baby boomers are proving they’re anything but idle. Need proof? Head to the B.C. Seniors’ Games, held from August 21 to 25 at various Burnaby venues, including Swangard Stadium, Kensington Arena and Central Park Pool. That’s where you’ll see elders aged 55 and over putting their couch-potato counterparts to shame by competing in Olympic-style sports ranging from tennis and track, soccer and swimming to hockey and horseshoes.

Attend Yoga Classes at Wanderlust Whistler – August 23-26 
Wanderlust. It’s not just the name of the latest Jennifer Aniston movie. It’s also the title of the best yoga fest in the west: Wanderlust Whistler, held from August 23 to 26 at B.C.’s most famous alpine resort. Expect over 100 yoga classes led by top teachers such as Baron Baptiste and Janet Stone, along with music by the likes of Michael Franti, Krishna Das and MC Yogi. And don’t forget to check out the wine tastings, farm-to-table dinners, speakeasy talks and Soulful Cinema, too!

Take a Free Dance Class at Robson Square – until August 31
Got two left feet? There’s an easy answer for that: free ballroom dancing lessons at Robson Square (Hornby & Robson streets, Vancouver). On Friday nights starting at 8 p.m., one-hour group lessons are followed by two hours of expert-led demos and social dancing for all. So grab a partner and get ready to go cheek to cheek at this ballroom blitz, taking place until August 31.

Fill up Your Belly on the Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour – every Monday, Friday and Saturday
It’s no secret that Vancouver is considered world-class when it comes to cuisine. You’ll find out why on a Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour, a three-hour eat-a-thon taking place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. You’ll start at Kirin Restaurant (1172 Alberni St, Vancouver) with award-winning dim sum before venturing off to sample some of the city’s finest fare at Sutton Place Wine Merchant, Ensemble Tap, Artisan Sake Maker, ShuRaku Sake Bar & Bistro and Bella Gelateria. Go online to book your spot for $69 per person.

Meet up with Fellow Beer-lovers on the Craft Beer ‘n’ Bites Tour – select dates
You’ll find much more than just the “beer” necessities on a Craft Beer ’n’ Bites Tour, operating on selected dates in Vancouver for $69 per person. Rest assured, you’ll get your money’s worth on this three-hour guided walking tour as you make pit stops at some of Gastown’s best gastropubs. And while you’re filling your belly and your pint glass, you’ll also learn about the history of beer, the brewing process and how to pair it perfectly with food. Book by calling 1-866-736-6343.

Bond with Your Bros at Elkin Creek Guest Ranch – anytime
No women allowed. That’s the only stipulation of the Guys’ Getaway at Elkin Creek Guest Ranch. As long as you’re a dude, you’re welcome to enjoy a special weekend retreat at this Nemaiah Valley “dude” ranch to spend your days trout fishing, horseback riding, hiking or taking roping lessons. Afterwards, you’ll come back for an outdoor barbecue and beer in the hot tub before bunking down for the night in spacious, two-bedroom log cabins. Call 1-877-3-GO-WEST to book.

Raft, Relax, Recharge at the Kumsheen Resort – this summer
The only time it’s good to be up the creek? When you’re talking about white-water rafting, an activity ideally suited to B.C.’s raging rivers. One of the best places to go? The Kumsheen Resort in Lytton, offering adventure packages designed for both the mild and the wild at heart. So, if a trip down a rolling river with rapids named “Hell’s Gate” and “Devil’s Gorge” sounds like too much for your ticker, you can always opt for a safer, slower sojourn aboard a power raft. Book single or multi-day trips online or by phone at 1-800-663-6667.

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.