BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for July 7 – 13

Head to Theatre Under the Stars for a dose of off-Broadway theatrics starting July 8

What to do in BC this week

Catch Altar Boyz at the Revue Stage – July 7
Who says religious experiences need to happen in church? Altar Boyz, a “sinfully funny musical” playing at the Revue Stage (1601 Johnston St, Vancouver), has been said to wash many a hardened critic’s soul clean with laughter. On stage from July 5 to September 1, this multi-award winning musical aims to save souls and raise spirits by “dropping the funk” in infectious five-part harmony. Buy tickets, starting from $25, by calling 604-687-1644.

Celebrate the Arts at Harrison Festival of the Arts – July 7
Restorative waters and sand sculptures are only two of the reasons tourists visit Harrison Hot Springs. Another great reason to go is the Harrison Festival of the Arts, a 34th annual community carnival taking place July 7 to 15. Called “the best little fest in the West,” it lives up to the hype with a hip hodgepodge of theatre, art, literature and music from around the world, held at various local venues including Harrison Memorial Hall.

Take the Family out to Summer Sundays at Civic Square – July 8 – August 26
Nothing exciting ever happens at libraries, right? Wrong! At least if you’re talking about Summer Sundays at Civic Square, where those old “keep it down to a whisper” rules won’t apply at Bob Prittie Library (6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby) from July 8 through August 26. Instead, the grassy grounds will be buzzing with free family fun thanks to everything from playground activities and community art projects to outdoor movies and cultural programming, every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., except August 5.

Head out to Theatre Under the Stars – July 8
In the summer, Stanley Park is beautiful by day, but it’s even more magical by night. That’s thanks to Theatre Under the Stars, which draws hundreds of Vancouver families to the field around Malkin Bowl for a bit of outdoor Off-Broadway. It all kicks off on July 8 with Titanic: A New Musical, a Tony Award-winning show running until August 17, followed by The Music Man on July 9, and alternating nights thereafter, until August 18. Book your tickets by calling 1-877-840-0457.

Get into the Sporting Spirit at the Scotiabank Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship – July 9
Hitting a home run with baseball fans, the 2012 Scotiabank Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship features more than 1,300 athletes from 14 countries pitching a fit — in the best way! — at Cloverdale Athletic Park, Softball City and Sunnyside Park in Surrey, until July 9. And proving that baseball diamonds are a girl’s best friend, the women’s international division will see top-ranked teams come out swinging for the world championship.

See Jerry Springer Host The Price is Right Live – July 12
Did you know that talk-show titan Jerry Springer was once the mayor of Cincinnati? Neither did we, but we do know he’ll be hosting The Price Is Right Live at River Rock Casino Resort (8811 River Rd, Richmond) and Red Robinson Show Theatre (2030 United Blvd, Coquitlam), from July 12 to 21 and July 26 to 29, respectively. Just like the iconic game show hosted by Bob Barker, random audience members will be invited to “Come on down!” to have a chance to win appliances, vacations and even new cars. Call 1-855-985-5000 for tickets.

Groove on at 35th Annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival – July 13
Vancouverites know that big crowds can sometimes equal chaos . . . cough, Stanley Cup riots, cough. But it’s all about love, peace and world-class performers at the 35th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, held from July 13 to 15 at Jericho Beach Park. Every year, former flower children, along with their contemporary counterparts, turn up by the thousands to tune in to dozens of musicians on seven stages, including this year’s headliners Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, K’naan and Serena Ryder.

Take in the Botanical Delights at Butchart Gardens – Saturday nights
Few things can outshine the flowers at Butchart Gardens (800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay), but a cascade of colourful fireworks is one of them. Swing by this world-renowned horticultural haven for the 55 acres of floral displays, then stick around for some early-evening music capped by a fireworks finale on Saturday nights till September 1, starting at 10:15 p.m. And while you’re there, why not unpack a gourmet picnic, complete with wicker basket and checkered tablecloth, from the Dining Room Restaurant, available on Saturdays throughout the summer.

Gorge on ocean-inspired eats at Earls Kitchen & Bar – all aummer 
If you order the same old, same old every time you dine at Earls Kitchen & Bar (various Lower Mainland locations), don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to nosh beyond the norm this summer. That’s because Earls has introduced some new, ocean-inspired eats like tuna poke nachos, Dungeness crab and asparagus linguine, and fish tacos served with grilled lime, mango and avocado salsa. And if you think that sounds refreshing, top it all off with a pineapple-ginger margarita, and you’re guaranteed a meal to remember.

Book a Yoga Package at The Loden – until September 30
Where else but in Vancouver, birthplace of Lululemon, would a haute hotel cater to yoginis? The Loden (1177 Melville St) is doing just that by inviting sun saluters to book the Eat, Stay, Love package, featuring a night in a Garden Terrace room where guests can practice poses on a complimentary mat amid a scenic setting complete with a river-rock reflection pond. The package, starting at $259 and available until September 30, also includes a dedicated yoga channel, unlimited access to an infrared sauna and fresh orange juice delivered to your room each morning.

Go Surfing in Tofino – this summer
Surf’s up! If you want to catch a killer wave, there’s no need to do any California dreamin’. Not when Outside Magazine voted Tofino “the best surf town in North America.” Want to see for yourself? Just head to Long Beach Lodge Resort, offering an Epic Surf Pak that includes full equipment rental, surf lesson, souvenir photo, $50 dining credit, continental buffet breakfast and accommodation in your choice of a beachfront lodge or rainforest cottage. To book this package, priced from $219 and based on double occupancy, call 1-877-844-7873.

See the Queen Charlotte Islands – this summer
Did you know that the Queen Charlotte Islands have been dubbed “the Galapagos of the North”? Or that Anthony Island, one of the most scenic spots in this unspoiled archipelago, has been included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites? These well-earned honours are due to a wealth of reasons —including the region’s rugged beauty, abundant flora and fauna and “the most epic ocean fishing in Canada.” Interested? Book a stay at one of the many inns and lodges, B&Bs and campgrounds, then explore the scenery via kayak, float plane, sailboat or RV — the choice is yours!
 
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.