Catch high-speed racing in Gastown, feast on Greek food, or step into a medieval world with these standout events.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Gastown Grand Prix<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cGastown is central to what Global Relay is,\u201d says Davide Larosa, associate director of business operations,\u00a0in a press release. \u201cOur team loves being here, and our Gastown offices remain the heart of our worldwide operations.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s<\/a> what drivers need to know about the road closures.<\/p>\n When: July 8 | 5 to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Start\/finish line – Cambie Street and Water Street<\/p>\n Tickets: Watch for free | Register here<\/a> to participate.<\/p>\n Vancouver\u2019s Greek Summerfest<\/p>\n Vancouver Greek Summerfest is back for another summer of food, music and cultural events\u2014and to live a day the Greek way.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, tyropita and the always-popular loukoumades.<\/p>\n Festivities begin daily at 11 a.m. and continue into the evening across two weekends.<\/p>\n Check out the full schedule here<\/a>.<\/p>\n When: July 9-12 (continues July 16-19) | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: 4541 Boundary Rd., Vancouver<\/p>\n Tickets: Free<\/p>\n Festina Lente Renaissance & Fantasy Faire<\/p>\n Bring out your armours, fairy wings or pirate outfits.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: July 11-12 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Festina Lente Estate Winery, Langley\u00a0<\/p>\n Tickets: $15.75<\/a>\u00a0on Eventbrite<\/p>\n Carnaval del Sol<\/p>\n \u201cPlay loud, celebrate proud \u2014 together we are stronger.” That\u2019s the theme of this year\u2019s Carnaval del Sol in Vancouver.<\/p>\n Carnaval del Sol <\/a>celebrates Latin American culture from across the Americas through live music, dance, art, f\u00fatbol (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.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n The final day of the festival will also include a colourful Latin American parade.<\/p>\n When: July 10 to 12<\/p>\n Where: Jonathan Rogers Park – 110 W 7th Ave.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Khatsahlano Street Party<\/p>\n