Put These Vancouver Cultural Fests on Your Dating Calendar!
In the summer, I’m a total cultural festival geek. I love the celebration of Vancouver’s diversity, the crowds of happy people that flock to the events, the entertainment, and the absolutely delicious and unique food you can find at them. Plus, they make for great dates in that they’re laid back, inexpensive, and outdoors in the sun (if the weather gods are favourable).
Here are five to look forward to over the next few event-packed months:
Caribbean Days; Photo Credit: VeeSeye Photography
When: June 26, 2016
Where: On West Broadway from MacDonald Street to Blenheim Street
What: Get set for a massive Greek party on five blocks of West Broadway. Presented by the Hellenic Canadian Congress of BC, this event is the largest one-day Greek festival in Vancouver. You and your date can browse the Hellenic Experience Tent, sampling olives, cheeses, and olive oil, before taking in cooking demonstrations and performances on the main and folk stages. Oh, and the food! Expect tons of souvlaki, roast lamb, spanakopita, as well as my favourite, honey-soaked loukoumades (the Greek version of Timbits).
Caribbean Days; Photo Credit: VeeSeye Photography
When: July 23-24, 2016
Where: Waterfront Park, North Vancouver
What: Nobody throws a party like the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC. It kicks off with a lively and highly colourful parade to set the mood for a joyous weekend of dancing, eating, and performing. You and your date can move to the beat of the singers and dancers on the main stage before fueling up on a wide variety of lip-smacking eats and drinks. A visit to Caribbean Days isn’t complete without jerk chicken, oxtail, and Trini roti. There’s also a beer garden where you can wash it all down with Carib beer.
Caribbean Days; Photo Credit: VeeSeye Photography
When: July 30-31, 2016
Where: Oppenheimer Park (400 block of Powell Street) and various venues
What: This year marks the 40th anniversary of this highly creative and delicious fêting of Japanese arts and culture. Due to this milestone, expect a big and especially fun-filled celebration. Performers are always talented and eclectic, such as Australian koto virtuoso Miyama McQueen-Tokita and Chordophone, a violalooping electronica group (Marcus and James Takizawa). The two of you can browse the unique crafts, as well as munch on all sorts of goodies, including takoyaki (octopus balls), ramen, gyoza, and barbecued salmon.
Caribbean Days; Photo Credit: VeeSeye Photography
When: August 14, 2016
Where: Memorial South Park (41st Avenue and Ross Street)
What: The anticipation is already growing for the biggest Filipino cultural event in Canada. This one-day event, showcasing the energy and talent of the Filipino community, features a street parade, as well as a big party in Memorial South Park. Browse Filipino crafts and goods, as well as watch performances by local and international artists. The two of you can gorge on an abundance of Filipino eats, like lumpia (spring rolls), pancit (noodles), inasal (grilled chicken), roast suckling pig (lechon), and my favourite, halo-halo (a shaved ice and evaporated milk dessert). Prepare to leave stuffed!
Caribbean Days; Photo Credit: VeeSeye Photography
When: September 3-5, 2016
Where: Downtown Granville Street as well as various other venues
What: This three-day fest marks a last hurrah before the return to school and fall routine. As an island nation, Taiwan has a history of resourcefulness as well as adaptability to a multitude of cultural influences. TAIWANfest is the ultimate celebration of Taiwan’s past, as well as its rich present and future vibrancy. You and your date can gorge on greats eats, such as oyster omelette and Taiwanese sausage, from the street banquet and vendors. Cooking demos by local and Taiwanese chefs, as well as other artistic performances and displays round out the entertainment.