By: Alex Bloom, Melissa Campos, Gabrielle McLaren, Natasha Tar, and Eva Zhu
Welcome to summer, the time of slacking off and generally being lazy. This may be your plan, but if you are thinking of venturing outside of your house in the next few months, consider checking out these incredible arts events that are happening around and outside Vancouver.
Definitely Dali Sculpture Exhibit
May 5–September 1
Chali-Rosso Art Gallery
This exhibit will host pieces ranging from paintings to massive sculptures until September 1. Most of us are familiar with Dali as the father of surrealism, AKA the art of representing how fucked up the mind is through art. However, chances to see his work in person are rare, especially chances that are as close, personal, and free as this exhibit is. Bring your spare change, though, because public donations help bring art to underprivileged kids. – GM
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May 19–20
Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre
VANCAF is one of my favourite comic events of all time. The artists are incredibly friendly, the comics themselves are reasonably priced and gorgeous, and there’s always a few interesting panels. Long story short: it’s a good time for any comic nerd. – NT
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June 6–September 22
Vanier Park
I will never forget watching Puck twerk in a rainbow tutu in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Despite the cost, Bard on the Beach is a worthwhile event, and every year brings something new. This year’s plays are Macbeth, As You Like It, Timon of Athens, and Lysistrata. – NT
June 10
Commercial Drive from Venables Street to Grandview Highway
14 blocks of food, fashion, and fun return to Commercial Drive this year for Italian Day. Past years have featured a variety of Italian performers as well as some of your favourite foods (gelato, pasta, pizza, you know, the good stuff). In the wise words of Mario, “Mamma Mia!” – NT
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Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer Tour
June 12
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Monáe is finally coming to Vancouver! I’ve been wanting to see her live since she released The ArchAndroid, and Dirty Computer is just as strong of an album. If you aren’t able to attend the concert, fear not; you can watch the “emotion picture” — essentially a 48-minute long music video for the entire album. Until then, you can find me blasting “Django Jane” on repeat. – AB
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July 7
West 4th Avenue from Burrard Street to Macdonald Street
Khatsalano is a block party, but better. Not only does it span several blocks, but it also has food trucks (think: perogies, ice cream, pies, things on sticks . . .), live music, and an obstacle course. Additionally, if you want to shop ’til you drop, Kitsilano is known for its fashionable clothing and accessory stores. This feels like a win-win: go to a party with your friends, then lowkey destroy your bank account and gain new clothes. – EZ
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July 14
SFU Burnaby Convocation Mall
Before I went to SFU, I went to Summer Fest. This free event has a cosplay contest and a yukata show, alongside raffles, shaved ice, watermelon smashes, and vendors selling all the anime art you’ll ever need in your life. – NT
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July 21
115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
If you’re into supporting small-scale artists and fandoms, this event is for you! Held near Lonsdale Quay, MiniComi invites everyone from newbies to seasoned pros to table and sell their wares. It’s an anime-focused event, but I got a pretty sweet Dungeons and Dragons magnetic poetry set from there last year. – NT
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July 28, August 1, and August 4
Sunset Beach, English Bay, Second Beach, Vanier Park, and other vantage points
Sometimes I feel like this is the only event (other than 4/20) that really brings Vancouverites together. No matter who you are, staring at fireworks has an appeal that doesn’t seem to get old. Claim a prime spot early in the day, have a picnic, then wait for the colourful explosions to begin. – NT
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Chasing Summer Festival
August 4–5
Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds, Calgary
I would consider myself to be a regular raver, and as such, I am ecstatic about the Chasing Summer Festival. With a lineup featuring DJs such as Dillon Francis, RL Grime, DJ Snake, and Martin Garrix, this festival’s entertainment is hard to top. While there are also several festivals taking place locally, such as Fvded in the Park, I’m excited to escape the town for a while and go enjoy the EDM artists I love in a different province. – MC
