Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 28 to August 3

This week: take in a Vancouver tradition, find your bliss at a yoga festival, kick-off Pride in style + more

1. Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest – Saturday, July 28

This Saturday, downtown New West is hosting the largest one-day food truck festival in Canada. Columbia Street will be lined with a huge variety of food trucks, refreshing beer gardens and live music specially curated by the Arts Council of New Westminster. In between snacking and sipping, be sure to visit the Artisan Market at the Anvil Centre, which features over 50 artisans showcasing an array of locally made goods.
Columbia Street, New Westminster; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; free to attend

2. Honda Celebration of Light: South Africa – Saturday, July 28 to Saturday, August 4

Is it even summer if you don’t brave the crowds at least once for the Celebration of Light? Over the years, the once humble fireworks have grown to be B.C.’s largest live event—a full-fledged summer festival with music, food and entertainment offerings for the whole family. This Saturday, the team from South Africa will show off their pyrotechnic prowess to compete with Sweden (Wednesday, August 1) and South Korea (Saturday, August 4). Come early to snag your spot on the beach and enjoy the food trucks lining Beach Avenue, or splurge on a buffet at one of the spectacular lounges.
English Bay, Denman Street and Beach Avenue; pre-show entertainment begins at 2 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m.; free to attend; see website for lounge ticket options

3. Richmond Maritime Festival – Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29

Be you a landlubber or seafarer, all are welcome at the family-friendly Richmond Maritime Festival. Celebrating the maritime heritage of Steveston, this festival is a unique opportunity to explore historic wooden boats. Check out the entertainment, including live music and storytelling, as well as artisans, craft workshops, performances, exhibits and food.
Britannia Shipyards, 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; free to attend

4. The Sound Of Chocolate – Sunday, July 29

“Fine chocolate is like music, full of an array of notes that harmonize into a satisfying flavour,” explains the website for The Sound of Chocolate workshop. Everyone from the chocolate curious to hardcore enthusiasts will enjoy this informative event. Participants will eat and analyze chocolates with professional chocolatier and chocolate sommelier, Geoseph Domenichiello while listening to musical pairings.
L’Atelier Vancouver Coworking, 319 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.; tickets $55

5. Nasty Women Comedy: The Anniversary Show – Monday, July 30

Celebrate the first anniversary of Vancouver-based Nasty Women Comedy, a group of 10 feisty, feminist comediennes. Get ready to laugh as Vancouver’s funniest women present their unique mix of improv, sketch comedy and revealing storytelling. This show is for ages 19+ and is followed by a Spice Girls dance party.
Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver; doors at 7:30, show at 8:30; tickets are $10 online, $14 at the door + service fees

6. Vancouver Bach Festival – Monday, July 30 to Friday, August 10

The Vancouver Bach Festival is back this summer for its third and largest-ever year with more than 15 performances taking place at Christ Church Cathedral and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. The West Coast’s top period performers will be joined by gifted artists from Europe to bring the music of  J.S. Bach to the Vancouver stage. Benjamin Alard opens the festival on Monday, July 30 with his exploration of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
See website for festival details and tickets

7. Wanderlust – Thursday, August 2 to Sunday, August 5

Head up to Whistler for a weekend of rejuvenation and soul-seeking at the Wanderlust festival. There are new offerings this year in addition to the usual world-renowned yoga, including HIIT classes, an aerial treetop adventure course, amplified yoga with a live DJ, meditation experiences, L.A.-based FIXX yoga and more. Go for the yoga, stay for the live music and events like the picturesque Farm to Table dinner.
Wanderlust Whistler, 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler; See website for dates and times; Tickets from $100

8. Cedar Weaving with Stanley Park Ecology – Friday, August 3

Join Contessa Brown Qmdmaxl of the Heiltsuk Nation as she teaches foundational weaving techniques using cedar bark, which holds a sacred place in Northwest Indigenous cultures. Make your own rope twist or rose, and connect to the local history and ecology of Vancouver. Materials will be provided for this unique art workshop.
Stanley Park Nature House on Lost Lagoon, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; tickets $28 + service fees

9. Harmony Arts Festival – Friday, August 3 to Sunday, August 12

You won’t want to miss the Harmony Arts Festival, West Vancouver’s celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts. Wander along the Ambleside waterfront and savour the spectacular food as you take in art exhibitions and demonstrations. Check out one of the nightly outdoor movies and browse the Fresh St. Market Art Market on Argyle Avenue, which will be open on both weekends. Experience the unique culinary events, an incredible musical lineup of over 50 performances and the Indigineuos showcase, all at one wonderful waterfront venue.
See website for festival details and tickets

10. Play with Pride Kick Off – Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4

Pride is right around the corner, so get ready to kick off your celebrations in style at the Parq where stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Kim Chi and Pearl will host two days of Pride fun and festivities. Don’t miss the Friday night party on the rooftop patio with DJ Dickey Doo and the Cocktails, Canapes and Queens event on Saturday. A Pride-inspired cake will be available all weekend, as well as a signature Pride cocktail featuring fresh lemon juice, vodka, St. Germain liqueur, champagne and bold fruit caviar.
Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver; see website for full event details; Tickets from $80