Catch high-speed racing in Gastown, feast on Greek food, or step into a medieval world with these standout events.
If you’re all FIFA’d out and looking for fun things to do around Metro Vancouver, this week offers plenty of reasons to head outside.
From one of the most historic and popular cycling events in North America to a popular Greek holiday tradition and a brand new Renaissance fair, Metro Vancouver has a lot of events celebrating sport, culture and summer.
The Gastown Grand Prix
The streets of Gastown will once again transform into a high-speed race circuit as the 53rd Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix returns on Wednesday.
Canada’s longest-running professional cycling criterium will feature Olympians, national champions and international riders competing for more than $50,000 in prize money. Fans can expect fast laps through Gastown’s iconic cobblestone streets, with Canada’s newly crowned road race champion Jerome Gauthier, defending women’s champion Fiona Majendie, and New Zealand’s Bryony Botha among the headline competitors.
“Gastown is central to what Global Relay is,” says Davide Larosa, associate director of business operations, in a press release. “Our team loves being here, and our Gastown offices remain the heart of our worldwide operations.”
The evening begins with the Youth Race at 5:10 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 5:55 p.m. The elite women’s race starts at 6:15 p.m., while the men’s race gets underway at 7:30 p.m. Awards are scheduled for approximately 9 p.m.
Here’s what drivers need to know about the road closures.
When: July 8 | 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Start/finish line – Cambie Street and Water Street
Tickets: Watch for free | Register here to participate.
Vancouver’s Greek Summerfest
Vancouver Greek Summerfest is back for another summer of food, music and cultural events—and to live a day the Greek way.
The free festival features live bands, traditional Greek dance performances, family-friendly entertainment and one of the city’s most popular summer food lineups. Festival favourites include barbecue lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, tyropita and the always-popular loukoumades.
Festivities begin daily at 11 a.m. and continue into the evening across two weekends.
Check out the full schedule here.
When: July 9-12 (continues July 16-19) | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 4541 Boundary Rd., Vancouver
Tickets: Free
Festina Lente Renaissance & Fantasy Faire
Bring out your armours, fairy wings or pirate outfits.
The first Festina Lente Renaissance & Fantasy Faire will open this weekend, featuring handcrafted meads inspired by folklore with artisan vendors, medieval games, live music and fantasy performers.
Visitors are encouraged to dress as knights, elves, pirates, dragons or other mythical characters while exploring the immersive festival grounds filled with entertainment and photo opportunities.
When: July 11-12 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Festina Lente Estate Winery, Langley
Tickets: $15.75 on Eventbrite
Carnaval del Sol
“Play loud, celebrate proud — together we are stronger.” That’s the theme of this year’s Carnaval del Sol in Vancouver.
Carnaval del Sol celebrates Latin American culture from across the Americas through live music, dance, art, fútbol (a.k.a. football, soccer), cuisine and family-friendly activities, according to a press release. It’s Western Canada’s largest Latin American festival, offering three fun-filled days of celebration.
The festival kicks off with an electrifying concert headlined by legendary Mexican band El Gran Silencio at 5 p.m. With over 30 years of shows under their belt, this marks the iconic band’s first Vancouver performance at the Carnaval del Sol. For unfamiliar folks, they are described as a “fusion of rock, reggae, cumbia and Latin rhythms.”
The final day of the festival will also include a colourful Latin American parade.
When: July 10 to 12
Where: Jonathan Rogers Park – 110 W 7th Ave.
Cost: $15 for a one-day general admission pass (July 11 or 12). Kids and seniors are free. Opening night concert tickets are also available separately for $55 in advance, with advance ticket sales ending June 26. Get tickets online.
Khatsahlano Street Party
With names on the marquee like Random Old Lady and Dumpster Dave, the upcoming Khatsahlano Street Party promises to be nothing if not eclectic.
The annual breeding ground for local talent returns to the heart of Kitsilano on Saturday, July 11, with headlining acts including Uncle Strut, Art d’Ecco, Kimmortal and Brass Camel.
Curated by local independent music staple Zulu Records, this year’s programming takes over 10 blocks of West 4th Avenue, from Burrard to Macdonald streets, under the unified theme of “Khatsahlano Wonderland.”
This year’s party will include all manner of live music, artisan markets, interactive art, patios and businesses that make West 4th tick.
The festival will also include the Khats Kids Zone, community performances, beer and wine vendors, more than 50 food trucks and an anticipated 150,000-plus attendees.
For info on the acts, schedules and more, visit khatsahlano.ca.
When: July 11 | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: West 4th Avenue, from Burrard to Macdonald
Tickets: Free
From celebrating cyclists zipping through corners in Gastown to enjoying a plate of souvlaki or a knighting moment in Langley, there’s plenty of ways to make the most of a summer week. The only difficult decision might be figuring out how to fit everything into one calendar.