An exciting line-up of summer festivals awaits fun and culture seekers in Vancouver this season. As the temperature rises, the artistic and cultural focus of the city shifts outdoors with festivals and events happening almost every week from May through September. Audiences can experience everything from waterfront performances of Shakespeare to jazz, folk music and fireworks. Tickets for many of the paid events are available through Vancouver's community box office, Tickets Tonight.
www.ticketstonight.ca
Vancouver International Children's Festival
May 12 - 19
Packed with music, theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and lots more, the Vancouver International Children's Festival embodies the spirit and endless curiosity of children. Delighting young audiences since 1978, this year's festival includes the rock 'n' roll circus of "The Perfect Unknowns", the King of Zydeco music, Terrance Simien in "Creole for Kidz", and the mind-blowing visual and musical extravaganza of "BIG NAZO Intergalactic Creature Show". Tickets sell out quickly so be sure to book early.
www.childrensfestival.ca
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
May 29 - September 27
With open-air tents in Vanier Park, set against a natural backdrop of sea, sky and mountains, visitors and locals can enjoy four of the Bard's performances this summer: Twelfth Night, King Lear, The Tempest and Titus Andronicus. Tickets start at $18 for matinees with performances Tuesday through Sunday.
Special events include "Bard-B-Q and Fireworks" (a play and BBQ followed by Celebration of Light fireworks - July 23, 26 and 30, August 2), "Celebrating Red & White" (a play plus a wine tasting - August 16), "Opera and Arias" (Vancouver Opera Orchestra and UBC Opera Ensemble featuring a performance of Don Giovanni - August 25 and September 1 and 8), "Chatterbox Tuesdays" (a pre-show primer and a post-performance Q&A - June 17 through August 26) and for the kids, "Young Shakespeareans" (workshops for youth aged 8 to 18).
www.bardonthebeach.org
Vancouver International Jazz Festival
June 20 - 29
For 10 musical days, the TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival brings some of music's edge-pushers, mainstayers and international ambassadors in a city sweep that keeps the focus on the music and vitality of Canada's West Coast. Each day from noon to the wee hours, jazz of all styles and stripes resonates from venues across the city. This year's ticketed events include headliner Herbie Hancock, along with the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Pink Martini, Cowboy Junkies and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis. There are also several free events. The full festival line-up will be announced on April 23.
www.coastaljazz.ca
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July 18 - 20
The Vancouver Folk Music Festival characterizes the laid back attitude and style of the West Coast. Now in its 31st year, the festival brings some of the finest folk and roots musicians from around the world to Jericho Beach - a stunning outdoor venue complete with sunsets, food vendors and an art market. A schedule of performers will be available in June, but tickets are on sale now. It's a good idea to get a full weekend pass so you can come and go as you please.
www.thefestival.bc.ca
Celebration of Light Fireworks Competition
July 23, 26 and 30, August 2
The HSBC Celebration of Light is Vancouver's annual international fireworks competition and brings together talented pyro-technicians from three countries (Canada, the US and China this year). Teams light up the sky over Vancouver's downtown core and English Bay with an amazing show choreographed to music. These incredible displays draw crowds of more than 1.5 million people over the four-night celebration. Be sure to get to the beach early to reserve your plot of sand, pull up a blanket and enjoy a picnic during this free show. Best viewing locations are at English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, Vanier Park, Jericho Beach and West Vancouver. All performances begin at 10pm. (Don't forget to tune into 101.1 FM for the music simulcast).
www.celebration-of-light.com
