Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 22 to 28

Put on your fanciest hat for a day at the races, celebrate Canada’s indigenous culture, enjoy the cool sounds of Jack Johnson lakeside + more

 

 

1. The Deighton Cup – Saturday, July 22

Vancouver’s most stylish summer event returns to Hastings Racetrack this weekend. Celebrating its ninth anniversary, it promises to be bigger and better than ever before as the entire event becomes a complete VIP experience with access to the lounge of leisure, picnic area, cigar lounge and champagne stage.
Hastings Racetrack; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets $65 early bird, $75 regular price, available online

 

2. Surrey Fusion Festival – Saturday, July 22 & Sunday, July 23

Celebrate 10 years of Fusion at Surrey’s music, culture and food festival. In the global-themed pavilions, you can take a trip around the world; or visit the Canada 150 area to experience Métis culture. To top it off, Nelly Furtado will be performing on the main stage.
Holland Park; free

 

3. The Drum is Calling Festival – Saturday, July 22 to Monday, July 24

Celebrate indigenous culture with nine days of diverse arts and musical performances from icons such as singer-songwriters Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kinnie Starr and Chantal Kreviazuk. Be sure to also check out PowWowStep creator DJ Shub, country star Crystal Shawanda, Ontario rockers Midnight Shine, Juno Award-winner William Prince, rising R&B star George Leach, literary icon Tomson Highway, and emotive spoken word poet Shane Koyczan.
See website for full schedule

 

4. Jack Johnson – Sunday, July 23

Surfer-turned-singer-songwriter Jack Johnson brings his laid-back guitar music to Deer Lake Park for a sold-out gig that is bound to feature favourites such as Better Together and Banana Pancakes.
Deer Lake Park, Burnaby; 5 p.m.; sold out (tickets from $100 on resale sites)

 

5. Bubbles and Bites Wine Dinner at Cibo Trattoria – Wednesday, July 26

Cibo Trattoria wine director Mark Taylor breaks out the bubbly and introduces guests to an effervescent selection of champagne and Old World sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, Lambrusco and Asti Spumante, all paired perfectly with a four-course feast of Pacific Octopus, Pizzetta alla Salsiccia, Seared Scallops and Olive Oil Polenta Cake.
Tickets to Cibo Trattoria’s Summer Wine Dinner Series events on July 26, August 23 and September 20 are available online, $89 per person + taxes and gratuity

 

6. Fort Baron’s Estate Winery Winemakers Dinner at The Salted Vine – Wednesday, July 26

The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar’s co-owners chef Jeff Park and director/sommelier Pat Allan will share the stage with award-winning Fort Berens Estate Winery when the downtown Squamish restaurant hosts a special winemaker’s dinner on Wednesday, July 26.
For tickets, call the restaurant at 604-390-1910; $100, including tax and gratuity

 

7. Bob Dylan – Tuesday, July 25

Living legend (he’s not quite Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door yet) Bob Dylan comes to Vancouver with his folksy American songs such as Blowin’ in the Wind and The Times They Are A-Changin’.
Rogers Arena, 8 p.m.; tickets $112

 

8. Grown-ups Read Things They Wrote As Kids – Wednesday, July 26

Just like the name suggests, this nostalgic night takes a cringe-y look at things we wrote as kids for an open mic evening of book reports, poetry, diary entries and letters from camp.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway; 7:30 to 10 p.m., 19+, tickets (waiting list)

 

9. Robson Bute Plaza – until Monday, October 16

Take a break from shopping on Robson to check out the new temporary Robson Bute Plaza. Created by VIVA Vancouver and the Robson Street Business Association, this tree-lined street has been transformed into a colourful and fun plaza, complete with tables and chairs, umbrellas and a public piano.
800 Bute Street; free

 

10. Dr. Peter Pride Cocktail Crawl Fundraiser – until Sunday, August 6

Bars and restaurants across Vancouver will stand proud and pledge their support to the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation this July and August by taking part in the inaugural Pride Crawl Fundraiser to generate financial support for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. Until August 6th, more than 45 local establishments will offer a variety of signature Pride-themed cocktails with partial proceeds to directly benefit the Dr. Peter Centre.
See website for list of participating venues