Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for July 8 to 14

Rock some tacos, go car free on Commercial Drive, catch a flick al fresco + more

 

1. Taco Fest 2017 – Saturday, July 8

Tacos and rock music? Sounds like the perfect day out! Listen to bands, watch live wrestling and take part in a taco-eating contest at this family-friendly grassroots rock show, which also features local food and craft beers.
Swangard Stadium, Burnaby; 12 to 10 p.m.; tickets $22 including two taco tokens; more info here

 

2. Proud of You Presents: Home Base – Saturday, July 8

Sketch group Proud of You is back with a new show that features the return of the one-man, one-act play, “Call Up Maarten.” The performance also includes a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast the A.V. Club calls “Everyone knows you made this blurb up, Richard” as well as stand-up guests.
Little Mountain Gallery, 195 East 26th

 

3. Khatsahlano Street Party – Saturday, July 8

Vancouver’s largest free music and arts festival, Khatsahlano returns to West 4th with multiple stages showcasing more than 50 of Vancouver’s top musical performers as well as local artisans and street performers. There will also be patios, food and licensed beer gardens along the 10-block strip.
West 4th between Burrard and MacDonald; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; free

 

4. Carnaval del Sol – Saturday, July 8 & Sunday, July 9

Celebrate Latin America with cooking demos, food vendors, fashion shows and a main stage with over 30 performances at Carnaval del Sol, including two sub-stages with DJs and a full schedule to keep the kids entertained throughout both days. A sports tournament with teams from different countries, free Zumba and salsa classes, a 650-seat beer garden, and an art plaza with artists at work add to this fun free festival.
Concord Pacific Place; free

5. Car Free Day on The Drive – Sunday, July 9

Commercial Drive, the birthplace of Car Free Day 13 years ago, gets its own special festival this year with 15 blocks of music, delicious food, entertainment and community activities for all ages—as well as advocacy and activism for providing car-free spaces and green culture for the community.
Venables to North Grandview on Commercial Drive; noon to 7 p.m.

 

6. Free Outdoor Cello Series – Sunday, July 9

Vancouver’s Sidewalk Cellist is back. Clara Shandler can be found playing her cello in public parks, covering everything from Bach to Nirvana, jazz to metal, and everything in between.
McSpadden Park (5th and Victoria); 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; free

 

7. Evo Cinema Summer Series – Tuesday, July 11

Summer’s here and that means it’s time for outdoor movies in Stanley Park. This season’s movies include The Goonies on July 11 and will also feature other classics such as National Lampoon’s Vacation, Jaws and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Every Tuesday at sunset until August 22; free

 

8. Phantom of the Opera – Wednesday, July 12 to Sunday, July 23

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical has been given a ‘bigger and better’ treatment by producer Cameron Mackintosh, with added special effects to help tell the story based on French writer Gaston Leroux’s classic novel. It will be stopping in Vancouver as part of a North American tour.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre; 8p.m.; tickets from $35

 

9. Starlight Theatre – Wednesday, July 12 to Wednesday, August 30

Drive in to Richmond’s outdoor cinema, The Starlight Theatre and enjoy movies such as Beauty and the Beast (July 12), Grease, La La Land, Rocky and Jurassic Park. There is VIP parking for 200 cars and space for pedestrians too!
Landsdowne Centre, Richmond; every Wednesday in July and August

 

10. Central City’s #Canada150 Across the Nation Collaboration Bash – Friday, July 14

Join Central City Brewers + Distillers for beer, BBQ food and brewery tours on an extended #Canada150 celebration and sample all of the 12 collaboration beers from the Red Racer Across the Nation Collaboration.
1411 Bridgeview Drive, Surrey; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Central City Brewers + Distillers