Cities/YVR

July 2022
Some events free; shows priced individually
Various locations and streaming

There are tons of fun nights out to choose from if you want to participate in Vancouver’s many Pride festivities, whether that’s by going to the annual parade or partying at celebrations like Man Up Pride (Fri., July 29), POSH BALL 2022 (Fri., July 29) or the Sober Lounge @ Vancouver Pride (Sun., July 31).

Also worth considering is Pride Happy Hour (Fri., July 29 )at Container Brewing, complete with live DJs and pole dancers, and Ricecake Pride (Sun., July 31). Also gush-worthy is a brand-new drag show by DJ Bella and Skim called Magic Dykes is happening at The Boxcar (Wed., July 27)!

If you happen to be in the mood for club-hopping near the end of the month, make sure you go for a walk down Davie Street, where the community tends to gather even more frequently near the end of the month. It shouldn’t take long to find a party.

Cafe Deux Soleils Open Mic Night
Every Thursday, signup at 8 pm, show 9 pm – 11:30 pm
Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Dr.
Free for performers, $5 for attendees

Every week, talent from around the city gathers at Cafe Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive for its legendary open mic night. Music of all genres, poetry, comedy and more are welcome at this eccentric, charming spot and both alcohol and coffee stays flowing all night long.

Mighty, Always! Fest – A benefit for BC Cancer
Sat., July 30
Korean Community Centre, 1320 East Hastings St.
$20 Presale, $25 at the door

A longtime Vancouver music community member is recovering from cancer and to wish them well and raise money for BC Cancer, this event full of local bands is coming together. Tickets are reasonably priced but donations are encouraged at this friendly fundraiser.

Powell Street Festival
Sat., July 30 and Sun., July 31, 11:30 am – 7 pm
Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell St.
Free

Cherished as a community get-together in the Downtown Eastside, the Powell Street Festival exists to celebrate Japanese Canadian art and culture. There’s always a wide array of things to do, eat, drink, learn and see.

This show made me gay!
Sat., July 30, 8 pm – 11 pm
$30 – $40

Headliners Draco Boyesque and Ginger Femmecat, plus many more, are ready to dance and dazzle the house down for this fun event at The Rio. You can drink there, too, and they have plenty of snacks to munch on as the night hosted by the Geekenders unfolds.

Jurassic Park – Evo Summer Cinema Series
Tue., July 26, 9 pm –11 pm
$23.14

Life finds a way. In this case, it found a way to get to viewers outdoors in Vancouver, thanks to this free outdoor movie as part of the Eco Summer Cinema Series. It’s finally back, complete with jurassic creatures and Jeff Goldblum, no less.

Windborne: Call of the Canadian Rockies
FlyOver Canada
Until Sun., Sept. 25
$26 – $32

Snowcapped peaks, fantastic forests and much more are in store for anyone interested in FlyOver Canada’s newest screening, which takes visitors on a “flight ride experience” in front of a massive screen. It really feels like you’re flying above the mountaintops!

Fri., Aug. 12, 10 pm until Mon., Aug. 14, 10 pm
Ambleside Park, 1150 Marine Dr.
$99 – $525

This three-day music festival will take you to picturesque West Vancouver to soak up the sun (hopefully) and enjoy some live tunes.

Multiples dates until late September
$27 and up
Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park, 1000 Campbell St.

Every year, stellar actors perform Shakespeare on Vancouver beaches as part of this whimsical annual play series. This year, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet and Harlem Duet are on, plus fireworks shows on select days. Ticket options range from single-show options to season packages, so choose based on how much you want to see.

Fri., July 29
Havana Theatre, 1215 Commercial Dr.
$24.50

If you’re looking for a laugh, head to this intimate gem on the Drive. Hosted by comedians Nancy Ho and Arash Narchi, it promises to bring you the best of the best in the city. That includes both newbies and seasoned pros.