by Gregory Adams
No judgement if you're lounging on the couch right now with a fan going full blast – we could all stand to take a break from the heat – but there's just too much going on in town to do too much lazing around. From seeing world class concerts or some great local street art, to saying cheers with a fresh glass of cider, these are some ways to keep things interesting this August. [Mural by Kashink at Red Truck Beer Company; photo courtesy of Vancouver Mural Festival]
See Lady Gaga kick off her Joanne world tour
Stars don't get much bigger than Lady Gaga, and Rogers Arena will be the first place the mega-famous singer gets to shine on her next world tour. The BC chapter of her loyal fan base of Little Monsters will converge on August 1st to see the singer belt out tunes from her 2016 collection, Joanne, as well as older favourites like “Poker Face” and “Born This Way.” It's a popstravaganza you won't want to miss.
Be humbled by master rapper Kendrick Lamar
Damn, Vancouver is getting spoiled this August. Another big ticket must-see at Rogers Arena is “Humble” U.S. rapper Kendrick Lamar, who will be bringing his conscientious and catchy brand of hip hop to Vancouver on August 2nd. He's also bringing some friends with him. The DAMN. tour will feature opening slots from much-hyped mic tactician Travis Scott and broccoli lover D.R.A.M. before master storyteller King Kendrick stands centre stage.
Take part in the Powell Street Festival
Returning for its 41st year, the Powell Street Festival is a longtime staple of the Vancouver summer experience. The two-day celebration of Japanese arts and culture on August 4th and 5th takes place at Oppenheimer Park and the nearby Firehall Arts Centre. Throughout the weekend music duo George & Nariko will bend the blues with a three-stringed Tsugaru-shamisen, author Sally Ito will read from her latest book, and a group of local vendors will be slinging authentic Japanese food.
Explore the city’s outdoor art gallery
Vancouver's hottest artists will turn our city into one big outdoor gallery this summer as part of the Vancouver Mural Festival. From comic book illustrators to expressionists, over 50 talents will be using walls across town as their own personal canvas. While technically running from August 7th to 12th, centred around various affiliated concerts and art openings, the best part of Mural Fest is that you can enjoy the artwork all year long.
Sip a Sunday Cider in the Saturday sun
What could be more refreshing than a crisp cup of cider on a hot summer day? Checking out the Sunday Cider production space in East Van for one of their Summer Sizzler events is a must if you're looking to pack your day with friends and a few glasses of fresh-pressed cider. The August edition of the family-friendly event takes place on the 12th, with local food vendors and DJs on hand. Don't forget to bring a growler to fill for later.
Cycle up Cypress for cancer awareness
The 10th annual Cypress Challenge is an uphill grind for a good cause. Together, the B.C. Cancer Agency and Pancreas Centre B.C. are seeking cyclists willing to ride on August 13th for cancer awareness. You can tackle either a 5 km or 12 km trek solo, or as part of a team of four, with monies raised going towards pancreatic cancer research.
Tube through Lower Lonsdale
An epic twist on the Wet Banana, North Van's Slide the City event transforms their downtown core into a slide you need to slip on. Taking place on August 12th and 13th as part of the 2017 Fun City Festival, Slide the City sets up a portable, 1,000-foot long inflatable track along a three block stretch of Lower Lonsdale. After you whip past people on the slide, enjoy the rest of the festival's live music and food carts. The festival itself is free, but you may want to get a ticket for Slide the City before all those spots dry up.
Check out a summer favourite
There may be no greater Vancouver summer tradition than the Pacific National Exhibition. The two-week summer close out, running August 19th to September 4th, has been going strong since 1910. Families can take in a mix of fan favourites and new exhibits. What would a visit to The Fair be without strolling through Playland's many midway games, or rooting for those talented pro pups, the SuperDogs? This year you can also check out Mother Mother and ZZ Top as part of Summer Night Concerts series, get a creepy-crawly science lesson through the animatronic Xtreme Bugs experience, or brush up on your hockey history at the Garden Auditorium's Hall of Fame exhibit.
Learn some devilishly derelict local history on B.C. Day
The B.C. Day long weekend is a perfect time to get acquainted with how gorgeous Vancouver is, and while you should definitely fill the day basking in the beauty of Third Beach and Stanley Park, you can also celebrate the seedier side of the city's history at night with the Prohibition City downtown walking tour. Your old-timey host will spill all the dirty secrets on long-gone opium dens and speakeasies, bad cops and bootlegging. Afterwards, you can celebrate the lesson nearby with a perfectly legal drink.
