Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for August 12 to 18

This week: control the lights on Science World, drink cider for a good cause, stay up late with the sea lions + more

 

1. Blackout: Night Sky Festival – Saturday, August 12

Watch the Perseid meteor shower and do some stargazing at this special festival, which includes lantern-making workshops, interactive art installations and storytelling, as well as food, drinks and late-night gallery viewing at the museum.
Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Drive; 5 p.m. until midnight; $10 (adults, free for youth and students)

 

2. Oh! – Saturday, August 12

Have you ever wanted to control the lights on Science World’s big dome? Now’s your chance! OH!, an interactive art installation from Tangible Interaction, is covered with 240 sensors and LEDs that respond to the movement of people’s hands, altering the lights in real time.
Located outside of Tap & Barrel in Olympic Village, Fridays and Saturdays throughout August, 9 to 11 p.m. 

 

3. Eighth Annual West End Community Yard Sale – Saturday, August 12

Check out one of the city’s biggest community yard sales where 40 vendors will be selling clothing, vintage pieces, art, tools, sporting goods and musical instruments.
Lord Roberts Elementary School, 1100 Bidwell Street; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; by donation

 

4. Vancouver Mural Festival Street Party – Saturday, August 12

Mark the end of the Vancouver Mural Festival with a 10-block street party featuring Yukon Blonde and Louise Burns Music, a flash tattoo pop-up, a graffiti jam, a craft beer garden and the East Van Bazaar.
Main Street between East 12th and East 7th Avenue and the alley between Main and Quebec Street; 12 to 6 p.m.; free

 

5. Fun City/Slide the City – Saturday, August 12 & Sunday, August 13

Slide the City, the record-breaking 1000-foot waterslide, is back for another year of slippery fun in North Vancouver as part of the Fun City festival, which also features Car Free Day celebrations, music, food and entertainment for all the family.
Lonsdale Avenue; 10 a.m.; slide tickets from $30

 

6. Brunch Affair Encore – Saturday, August 12 & Sunday, August 13

Munch on all things brunch at a celebration of the best meal of the day. Try favourites like eggs Benny and veggie hash at the brunch market food stations, then sip a handcrafted cocktail from the mimosa and Caesar bars.
The Pipe Shop Venue at the Shipyards,115 Victory Ship Way, North Van; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $5 entrance at the door (food and drink tokens available in advance), early bird tickets available here

 

7. TD Vancouver Chinatown Festival – Saturday, August 12 & Sunday, August 13

Join in a multicultural celebration on the streets of Chinatown, with entertainment, a day market, historical and food tasting tours, a kids corner, a street festival and the TD Canadian Talent Showdown.
Columbia and Keefer Street; 12 to 6 p.m.; free

 

8. Vancouver Water Fight – Sunday, August 13

It wouldn’t be summer without a water fight and Vancouver’s largest annual super soaking takes place this Sunday in Stanley Park. Bring a water pistol and dress accordingly for the biggest water fight of the year (but leave the messy water balloons at home).
Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park; 1 to 4 p.m.

 

9. First Annual East Van Cider Fest – Wednesday, August 16

Taste local cider, mead and spirits at this B.C. beverage festival in aid of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Tickets include 10 tasting tokens, a welcome cocktail and a keepsake glass.
Wise Hall 1882 Adanac Street; 7 to 9 p.m.; $24.99, plus a non-perishable food donation; tickets are available at all Liberty Wine Merchants locations

 

10. Vancouver Aquarium Extended Hours – Wednesday, August 16

Spend more time enjoying Vancouver Aquarium’s new Steller’s Bay sea lion exhibit with extended summer hours every Wednesday in August. Get hands on with marine invertebrates such as sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, and more in the Wet Lab from 5:20 to 5:45 p.m. daily.
845 Avison Way in Stanley Park; until 8 p.m. every Wednesday in August