Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for June 29 to July 5

Enjoy the symphony in the park, celebrate Pride in Surrey, head to the circus + more

1. Burlesque Long Form — Saturday, June 29

This is the seventh time that this captivating burlesque show will take place in Vancouver at the Rio Theatre. Five of Vancouver’s most celebrated burlesque performers—including Iva Handfull and April O’Peel—will take part in an artistic challenge where they must please and tease the audience for 10 full minutes. It’s not a PG event… 18 and up for admission and 19 and up for bar service.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver; Doors at 8 p.m.; Tickets $20 in advance, or $25 at the door; Details online

2. Surrey Pride Festival — Saturday, June 29

Check out the 20th anniversary of Surrey’s inclusive LGBTQ+ festival. Find a new favourite local musician, shop from local vendors, and celebrate everything Surrey’s LGBTQ+ community has to offer.
Central City Plaza, 10153 King George Boulevard, Surrey; 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Free; Details online

3. Vancouver International Guitar Festival — Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30

Whether you’ve been playing guitar for years or are just starting to get into it, you’ll want to check out this festival. Expect live music, classes, special events and—of course—the opportunity to marvel at world class instruments and chat with guitar aficionados.
Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets $15-$40; Details online

4. Symphony in the Park — Sunday, June 30

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra has been wowing crowds for more than 30 years in this free outdoor show, this year playing everything from the theme from E.T. to Tchaikovsky classics. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for a summer night of music and fun.
Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn, 6450 Deer Lake Drive, Burnaby; Prelude at 6 p.m.; Free; Details online

5. Granville Flea Summer Drip — Sunday, June 30

Want to update your summer wardrobe for less, support local shops, and prevent clothing waste at the same time? Here’s your chance! Granville Flea is holding its summer vintage streetwear marketplace, with vendors selling clothes, shoes, toys, food and lots more. Extra incentives: there will be prizes and door raffles!
Venue, 881 Granville Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets $6.75; Details online

6. Canada Day Block Party — Sunday, June 30

If a parking lot party with hot tubs, beer gardens and great food sounds like the perfect Canada Day experience, check out this block party. Internationally acclaimed artists (such as Juno-nominated electronic duo Humans) will be performing, and you can play twister, and beer pong, or even try your hand at axe-throwing.
Red Truck Beer, 295 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver; 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Early-bird tickets $19.99 (up to $29.99 for Tier III); Details online

7. Canada Day Silent Disco — Sunday, June 30

Get your groove on this Canada Day—quietly! Dress up, grab your headphones, slip on your favourite shoes, and check out this ‘renegade dance party’ where you can dance, explore, and make new friends.
Vancouver Art Gallery, 850 West Georgia Street, Vancouver; 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Free; Details online

8. Canada Day at Canada Place— Monday, July 1

Canada Day at Canada Place is billed as the largest celebration in the country… next to the one in Ottawa, so you won’t want to miss it. There will be tons of music, a kid zone, food trucks and an awe-inspiring fireworks display at the end of the night.
Canada Place, Vancouver; Noon to 11 p.m.; Free; Details online

9. American Crown Circus and Circus Osario — Thursday, July 4 to Sunday, July 8

Get ready to be entertained by an array of international talent at this animal-free circus, which includes lots of breathtaking stunts by acrobats and magic tricks, plus a music and laser show. The perfect family event to kick off July!
Coquitlam Centre, 2929 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam; 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows; Tickets $20 U.S.; Details online

10. Indian Summer Festival — Thursday, July 4 to Sunday, July 14

This contemporary festival is held to encourage the “transformative power of the arts” and offers experimental and unique experiences in a range of Vancouver venues. This year’s opening event is a glamorous party complete with fortune tellers and jugglers—tickets always sell out, so get yours soon!—and other events include talks, workshops and performances.
Various locations, dates and times; Details online