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What follows are some of the major events in the Vancouver area. Be sure to contact Jim at Getting Away if you have other events you believe should be added to this calendar. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
January -
February
- March -
April -
May -
June -
July
August -
September
- October -
November -
December
January
January 1
If you enjoy a swim in cold water, join the Polar Bear
Swim at English Bay Beach. Thousands of hardy citizens show up in elaborate costumes to take a dip in the
icy waters of English Bay.
Second Sunday in January
Join the Annual Bald Eagle Count in Brackendale. Bald eagles
gather every winter near Brackendale to feed on the salmon. The count starts at the
Brackendale Art Gallery. Meet at 9am at the Art Gallery for a guided tour.
604/898-3333.
February
Late
January or early February
Chinatowns in
Vancouver, Richmond, and Victoria celebrate the Chinese New Year in
either late January or early February. These Chinese communities launch a 2-week celebration, ringing in the new
year with firecrackers, dancing dragon parades, and other festivities.
February 22
The Largest Trade Show on the North Shore will be host to nearly 100 exhibitors
in three themed exhibition areas. Last year over 1500 attendees viewed
businesses. There will be silent auction tables, food and a no-host bar.
Discover how you can "Work, shop and play in your own backyard." For additional
information, call the chamber at 604.987.4488, or email
events@nvchamber.bc.ca. Admission is free. 100 Capilano Road,
North Vancouver, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
March
Late March or early April
Enjoy the International Wine Festival, a major wine-tasting event featuring the latest international vintages. Each
winery sets up a booth where you may try as many varieties as you like, often
accompanied by cheese
and pâté.
April
Mid-April
Baisakhi Day Parade. The
Sikh Indian New Year is celebrated with a colorful parade around Ross Street
near Marine Drive and ends with a vegetarian feast at the temple. 604/324-2010.
Late April
The Vancouver Sun Run is Canada's biggest 10k race, featuring 17,000 runners, joggers, and walkers who
race through 10 scenic kilometers. The run starts and finishes at B.C. Place
Stadium.
May
First Sunday in May
Runners from all over the world gather to compete in a run through
the streets of Vancouver in the Vancouver International Marathon.
604/872-2928.
Mid- to late-May
Professional cowboys from all over North America compete in roping, bull
and bronco riding, barrel racing, and many other events at the Cloverdale
Rodeo. There are pony rides
for kids, great food, and a country fair atmosphere. 604/576-9461.
June
Late May or early June
Activities, plays, music, and crafts for children are featured at
the International Children's Festival held in Vanier Park on False Creek.
640/708-5655.
Early June
VanDusen Flower and Garden Show. Presented at the VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak
St. (at 37th Street). 604/878-9274.
Late June
National Aboriginal Day Community Celebration. This event offers the public an opportunity to learn about Canada's
First Nations cultures. Many events take place at the Vancouver Aboriginal
Friendship Center, 1607 E. Hastings at Commercial Street. 604/251-4844.
Third week in June
Traditional
dragon-boat racing is a part of the city's cultural scene and you can enjoy it
all during the Alcan Dragon Boat Festival. Watch the races from
False Creek's north shore, where more than 150 local and international teams
compete. Four stages of music, dance, and Chinese acrobatics are presented at
the Plaza of Nations. 604/688-2382.
Mid-June
Festival d'ete francophone de Vancouver
is a 4-day festival celebrating francophone music
from around the world. Call 604/736-9806 for information.
Late June/early July
TD Canada Trust Jazz Festival (in Vancouver, BC, Canada) will take
place this year from June 23rd to July 2nd 2006. For additional information,
refer to their website at
www.coastaljazz.ca.
Mid-June to late September
Bard on the Beach-Shakespeare Festival. Some of
the best Shakespeare you will ever see as the Bard's plays are
performed in a tent overlooking English Bay. Tuesday through Sunday. Call the box office
(
604/739-0559 during the performance season or 604/737-0625 from October
to April.
July
July 1
Canada Day This is the big day for all
Canadians and they invite you to join in on their celebration. Canada Place Pier hosts an
all-day celebration that begins with the induction of new Canadian citizens.
Music and dance are performed outdoors throughout the day. There's a 21-gun
salute at noon; precision aerobatics teams perform overhead during the
afternoon; and a nighttime fireworks display on the harbor tops off the
festivities. Other locations that host Canada Day events include Granville
Island and Grouse Mountain.
Also on July first, you can enjoy the Steveston Salmon Festival with a parade, salmon barbecue, special arts and crafts exhibits, and lots of good entertainment. 604/664-9009.
Saturday July 23rd and Sunday July
24th
Caribbean Days Festival 2005 - At Waterfront Park in North Vancouver you
can experience the passion and magic of the Caribbean! Experience the Passion
and Magic of the Caribbean! The Caribbean Days Festival, one of the largest
annual cultural events held in BC, is gearing up for its BIGGEST year ever.
Taste the many food flavours and move to the melodies of the Islands. This is a
weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean
can offer. Saturday July 23rd • Multicultural Street Parade 10:00 AM • Festival
In The Park: Food and Music 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM • Waterfront Outdoor Dance 7:30
PM – 2:00 AM Sunday July 24th • Festival In The Park: Food and Music 10:00 AM to
7:00 PM. For more information please visit:
www.caribbeandays.ca
Early July
Competitors race
sea kayaks in the Georgia Strait's open waters during the Ecomarine Kayak
Marathon. The Jericho Sailing Center (604/689-7575), at Jericho Beach, hosts the race and can provide
details.
Harrison Festival of the Arts. This arts festival in the Fraser River valley, just east of Vancouver, attracts an array of performing artists from around the world.
Early to mid-July
Dancing on the Edge. Canadian and
international dance groups perform modern and classic works at the Firehall
Arts Centre and other venues. Call 604/689-0691 for more information.
Second or third weekend in July
International
folk music is played outdoors at Jericho Beach Park during the Vancouver Folk Music
Festival. Contact the Vancouver
Folk Music Society at 604/602-9798.
End
of July on Saturday
Illuminares. Evening lantern
procession circling Trout Lake with drums,
costumes, and lots of elaborate hand-crafted lanterns.
Various performances start at dusk. 604/879-8611
End of July to mid-August
Festival Vancouver. This is a major music festival to
celebrate the summer of 2000. The 17-day event will present over 90 concerts,
featuring a diverse collection of music--orchestral, choral, chamber, and world
music plus opera and jazz. For info contact tel. 604/228-0611;
festival@skylark-music.com. July 28 to August 13, 2000.
Last weekend of July
An annual festival of Japanese culture, the
End of July through first week in August
Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire.
Three international fireworks companies compete for a coveted title by launching
their best displays accompanied by music over English Bay Beach. The finale on
the fourth evening is the best, so -- Don't miss it! (Note: Because of the crowds, the West End's streets are
closed to vehicles each night.) Other prime viewing locations include: Kitsilano
Beach and Ericho Beach.
August
First Sunday in August
Sponsored by the Vancouver Pride Society, the Vancouver Pride
Parade is colorful gay and lesbian pride
parade covering a route along Denman and Davie streets.
604/687-0955
First week in August
International Comedy Festival.
Comedians from all over Canada and the United States perform at a variety of
venues around town. Call 604/683-0883 for
more information.
Early August
The Chilliwack Exhibition and
Rodeo, in Chilliwack, not far
from Vancouver. This cowboy rodeo has been an annual event for over 125 years.
604/792-2861
Abbottsford International Air Show. Everything from barnstorming stuntmen to precision military pilots flying everything from Sopwith Camels to Stealth Bombers. This is one of the biggest air shows in the world. 604/852-8511
Mid-August
For the ultimate in air racing, come to the Vancouver International Air
Races in White Rock. This is
the ultimate racing event where little planes with big and powerful engines hug the ground
as they race around a triangular course marked by tall pylons. Call 604/946-4232
for additional information.
Mid-August to Labor Day
Pacific National Exhibition. This is one
of the largest country-styles fairs held in North America. Offerings include one of North America's best all-wooden roller coasters, many
other rides, big-name entertainment, and a demolition derby. Special events
include livestock demonstrations, logger sports competitions, fashion shows, and
a midway. Contact the Pacific National Exhibition 604/253-2311 for
more details.
Late August
Greater Vancouver Open (Air Canada Championship). This PGA tour event attracts professional golfers and golf fans from
around the world to the North view Golf Country Club. Call 604/575-0324 for details.
Wooden Boat Festival, Granville Island. Free event for wooden boat aficionados. 604/666-5784
September
Labor Day
I love auto racing, especially CART. The Molson
Indy is the biggest annual event in the streets of Yaletown and False
Creek, attracting more than 500,000 spectators. Contact Molson Indy (604/684-4639) for information or tickets.
Early September
The Fringe-Vancouver's Theatre Festival. Centered on the Commercial Drive area, the
Fringe Festival features over 500 original shows performed
by groups from across Canada and around the world. All plays under
C$10. Call 604/257-0350.
The BCAOMA would like to invite you to our Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This will be a great opportunity to network and enjoy a fantastic day of golf. Please call Christopher for more details: 604-733-9440.
Event: BCAOMA Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Location: University Golf Club - 5185 University Blvd. Vancouver, B.C.2003
Date: September 5 2003, 12:00pm 62003
Cost: $135.00 per golfer - Includes Green fees, Prizes and a Great dinner
Contact: BCAOMA Office: Christopher - 604-733-9440. www.bcaoma.com
September 17
Shifting Gears - Historical Fashion Show from the
Ivan Sayers' Collection
Saturday September 17, 1 pm - 3 pm, Kay Meek Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave., West
Vancouver
Come see the fashion show in your own vintage outfit! Ivan Sayers presents his
collection of historical clothing. The theme of the show is Transportation to
coincide with the "North Shore Moves: Paddles to Fuel Cells" exhibit. As part of
the North Shore Heritage Weekend special, Heritage Display in the Foyer of Kay
Meek Centre takes place from 12 pm - 3:30 pm.
For tickets and more information: West Vancouver Museum and Archives, 680 17th
Street, West Vancouver BC V7V 2T3, 604-925-7295.
Early to mid-September
The North Shore Heritage Weekend. A full weekend of walking and boat tours,
craft and historic displays, a vintage-car exhibition, and afternoon teas at
various locations.
Canada's Most SPECTACULAR Wedding Event is a celebration of everything a couple needs to make their wedding a memorable experience, including all of the important cultural rituals and products. Date and time: September 17 & 18 from 11-7pm Location: Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Along with the event being held in September in Vancouver, the event will also be held in Toronto and Calgary in October:
Toronto: October 1 & 2, 2005
Calgary: October 29 & 30, 2005
For additional information check the website at www.culturalweddings.com, or contact Wendy, 778-895-7579, wendy@culturalweddings.com
Late September or early October
Cranberry Harvest Festival. This festival to
the little red berry is held at the Richmond Nature Park, 1185
Westminster Hwy. Richmond Nature Park has one of the few
remaining wild patches of the berries that are indigenous to
British Columbia's bogs. 604/273-7015
October
Early October
The highly respected Vancouver International Film
Festival features over 250 new works, revivals, and
retrospectives, representing filmmakers from 40 countries. Asian films are
particularly well-represented. Attendance reaches more than 110,000 viewers, not
including the stars and celebrities who appear annually. Two weeks in
early October. 604/685-0260
Late October
Vancouver Snow Show. This is the place to
be if you are into skiing. The Ski
and Board Show features Canada's largest annual ski show, sale,
and swap. Sporting goods stores unload the previous year's inventory,
and people consign their own skis to raise money for the Vancouver Ski
Foundation's youth programs.
Around Halloween
Parade of Lost Souls, Grandview Park. A bizarre
and intriguing procession takes place around Commercial Drive to honor the dead
and chase away bad luck. For more information call 604/879-8611.
November
November 11
Remembrance Day Celebrated
throughout Canada, this day commemorates Canadian soldiers who gave their lives
in war.
November and December
Christmas Craft and Gift Market, Van Dusen Botanical
Garden. Popular craft and gift market in a beautiful garden setting. For information
call 604/878-9274.
November and December
Festival of Trees, Four Seasons
Hotel.
Every year, the
Festival of Trees transforms the lobby of Vancouver's Four Seasons Hotel into
a forest of wonderfully decorated trees, to raise funds for BC Children's
Hospital. The Festival is open to the public, who are invited to browse
through the festive display and cast a ballot for their favorite tree. This
year's Festival of Trees will be from November 17 to January 3. For more info
visit
www.bcchf.ca/getinvolved/events/festivaloftrees
December
Throughout December
Christmas Carol Ship Parade. Harbour cruise ships decorated with colorful Christmas lights
sail around English Bay, while on-board guests sip cider and sing their way
through the canon of Christmas carols.
Festival of Lights, Van Dusen Botanical Garden. Throughout December the garden is transformed into a magical holiday land with seasonal displays and over 20,000 lights illuminating the garden.
Festival of Trees, Four Seasons Hotel. Every year, the Festival of Trees transforms the lobby of Vancouver's Four Seasons Hotel into a forest of wonderfully decorated trees, to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital. The Festival is open to the public, who are invited to browse through the festive display and cast a ballot for their favorite tree. This year's Festival of Trees will be from November 17 to January 3. For more info visit www.bcchf.ca/getinvolved/events/festivaloftrees
"Nature Comes to Light" - Numerous nature
themed displays and 200,000 lights greet our guests as they take a 15 minute
stroll along the board walk through the Richmond Nature Park. Presented by the
Richmond Kinsmen and Richmond Firefighter’s Society.
Where: Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Hwy. at No. 5 Road
(Richmond is a suburb of Vancouver)
When: December 8 until January 6, except Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec.
31; Weekdays: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Weekends: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tickets: Suggested minimum donation $2 per person, $10 per family
More Information:
www.richmondkinsmen.com
December 31
First Night. The city's
New Year's Eve performing arts festival and alcohol-free party. Vancouver closes
the downtown streets for revelers. Admission to participating nightclubs and
other sites is included in the cost of your ticket.
2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Effective January 8, 2007, all travelers (including United States citizens) will be required to carry current passports to enter or re-enter the U.S. Click here for the State Department Summary. And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry!
