Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 4 to 10

MEC Paddlefest Vancouver – July 4

Whether you’re already a professional paddler, or you’re looking to make a splashy debut this summer, the MEC Paddlefest is the place to be. Beginners can check out clinics like Intro to SUP, Intro to Sea Kayaking as well as yoga and more. If you already know how to handle yourself on the water, then compete in the Watercraft Race that’s kicking off the festival on Saturday morning. And for all those landlubbers, there will be food, entertainment and kids’ activities ashore.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jericho Sailing Centre, 1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver

East Van Summer Jam – July 4

Come celebrate East Vancouver arts and culture at East Van Summer Jam. The festival features a diverse lineup of local and international acts like The Boom Booms, Mayer Hawthorne, ABSoul and more. Guests can enjoy the entertainment with a cup of craft beer from the beer garden, shop the market or chow on some BBQ.

12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Strathcona Park, 857 Malkin Avenue, Vancouver

Summer Sunday Concerts at Rocky Point – July 5

Rocky Point Park in Port Moody is kicking off a schedule of R&B, soul, funk and blues performances, that you won’t want to miss, for the Pacific Coast Terminals Summer Sunday Concert Series. The first band to rock the Point will be Steelin’ in the Years, a group that pays tribute to jazz rock band Steely Dan. The event is free to attend, but donations to the Crossroads Hospice are appreciated.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Rocky Point Park, 2800 Murray Street, Port Moody

Metrotown LIGHTROOM – Till September 7

Looking to escape the heat? Take advantage of the air conditioning and dive into a sea of twinkling lights in Metrotown’s LIGHTROOM. The room is part of a “digital and visual installation, inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama’s mirrored infinity room and the Social Soul experience at the 2014 TED Conference.” A trip to the LIGHTROOM could also help you win big. Post a pic of the room using #METlightroom and you’ll be entered to win prizes like VIP tickets for Celebration of Light, gift cards or a $1000 shopping spree.

4700 Kingsway, Burnaby

Fresh Air Cinema Summer Series: Sing-along Version of Pitch Perfect – July 7

Beca and the Barden Bellas are coming to the big (outdoor) screen for the opening night of the Summer Cinema Series at Stanley Park. Brush up on your lyrics and warm up your voice because this showing of Pitch Perfect will be all about singing along.

Throughout the summer, Fresh Air Cinema will present a different movie every Tuesday, including crowd favourites like The Breakfast Club, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and more.

Starts at dusk
Second Beach, Vancouver

Science World: The Search for Dark Matter – July 7

Science lovers can come together for the newest chapter of Science World’s Unveiling the Universe series. The Search for Dark Matter will feature a lecture by Dr. Chris Jillings, a scientist who will be shedding some light on scientists’ search for dark matter. The event is free and there will be room for some drop-in guests, but it’s best to get a ticket online to guarantee a spot.

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver

Nooner Yoga – July 8

Vancouver may host more than its fair share of yoga events, but this Lululemon Nooner Yoga extravaganza takes outdoor ohms to a whole new level. Every Wednesday until September 2, yogis from all across town will be heading to Jack Poole Plaza for their lunch hours to take part in free classes led by expert teachers.

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver

Tasting Plates: Olympic Village – July 8

Take a tour of some of the best bites in Olympic Village and explore the culinary scene at your own pace. Richard Wolak, better known as Vancouver Foodster, created Tasting Plates to showcase local restaurants with big flavours. This tour takes guests to five different establishments serving everything from sushi to a killer cup of coffee. The tour begins at Milano Coffee and tickets can be bought online.

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Milano Coffee, 156 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver

Indian Summer Festival – July 9 to 18

The fifth annual Indian Summer Festival is taking over Vancouver for nine days to fill the city with vibrant art and cultural experiences. The festival kicks off with an elegant opening night gala at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre. The gala will be catered by celebrity chef Vikram Vij, who will serve up his personal take on Indian street food. Check online for a schedule of events that includes music, visual art shows, interesting lectures and more.

Times and venues vary, view schedule online

Port Moody RibFest – July 10 to 12

Rocky Point is playing host to another can’t-miss event this summer, and it’ll have you licking your fingers and asking for seconds. The Port Moody RibFest promises to be a meat-filled weekend that includes mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the main event as celebrity judges choose from five competing “Ribbers” to choose the ultimate rib and sauce of 2015.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Rocky Point Park, Port Moody