by Gregory Adams
Vancouver’s summer season gets into full swing this June – so pack up your raincoats, pick up some sunscreen and get ready for those rays. Whether it’s slipping down a waterslide, seeing the city from the top of the coaster or sipping your new favourite cocktail, these are a few great ways to get your summer going this June. [Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/PNE]
Fill up on local music
There’s going to be plenty of music festivals hitting the Lower Mainland this summer, but arguably none are filled with as much local pride as the uber-DIY Music Waste. Running June 1-4, the 23rd instalment brings 80 independent acts to over 20 venues across town, with artists running the gamut from garage rock to hip hop and everything in between. And with a weekend pass coming in at a meager $15, it’s a low-cost alternative for concert fans used to big ticket prices. Festival alumni include world renowned faves like Japandroids and White Lung, so checking out a Music Waste showcase could be your chance to check out a local band before they break big.
Check out hip hop’s Future, today
Atlanta rap champ Future is hitting Rogers Arena on June 9th, and it’ll no doubt be one of the hottest shows of the summer. As one of the most prolific hip hop artists in the game, Future will be bringing Vancouverites his best hits as part of the “Nobody Safe” tour. Don’t forget to show up early for opening sets from “Bad and Boujee” trio Migos, Toronto rhymer Tory Lanez and trap lord A$AP Ferg.
Kick back with a drink at a cocktail competition
Looking to sip something new and boozy all summer long? Mixologists from ten different local bars will converge on The Cascade Room on June 5th to show off their skills at the second Main Street Cup. This time around, spirits specialists will be tasked with mixing The Botanist Gin with Main Street-sourced ingredients of their choice. Anything goes, whether it’s something picked up on the strip or yanked from a nearby tree. Hopefully you’ll be raising a glass of something special for the craftiest community cocktail maker.
Connect with your community at Car Free Day
There are plenty of places to catch a great fair or festival in the Lower Mainland, but Car Free Day is the one that takes the excitement to the streets. Blocking vehicles from some of our busiest neighbourhoods allows Vancouverites to stroll through a stretch of sectioned-off roadway to watch bands, eat a treat from a food cart and celebrate your community. The West End blocks off Denman on June 17th, Main Street’s festival is set for June 18th and various block parties take place across Kitsilano all weekend long.
Lace up your kicks for a children’s charity
Runners of all ages will be breaking a sweat for a good cause on June 4th, when the B.C. Children’s Hospital hosts its annual RBC Race for the Kids. Head out to Hillcrest Park to rack up numbers on your Fitbit, while raising funds for childhood cancer research and pediatric mental health. Take part in the 2 km Fun Run or 5 km scenic route, and stick around for the celebratory wrap-up carnival in the park. Online registration is on now, but you can also sign up on event day until 8:30 am.
Dive into the Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films
Vancouverites should be packing in plenty of beach days this summer, but the Vancity Theatre will be awash in watery scenes on June 4th for the 8th annual Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films. The seven films being screened cover everything from whale sounds and salmon treks to sustainable global fishing practices to shorts about surfing in Tofino. It’s a great chance to soak in plenty of eco-conscious information, while picking up some B.C. vacation ideas along the way.
Slide down to Big Splash Waterpark
Locals panicked last summer when Tsawwassen’s fabled Splashdown Waterpark drained their pools for the last time, but the revamped and rebranded Big Splash Waterpark is giving waterslide fanatics a new lease on life. The new park opens on June 12th, with the seven-acre property offering lightning quick, looping slides like the Splash Blaster, cascading tube adventures on Eddy’s Eagle Run and more. As the park name implies, it’s bigger and splashier than ever.
Catch the Vancouver Canadians home opener
Who doesn’t love Canadians baseball? Vancouver’s boys of summer will be cranking homers at Nat Bailey Stadium again on June 20th for a home opener against the Everett Aquasox, the first of a three-game stand. There’s nothing quite like submerging yourself in a sea of C’s hats on a sunny day to catch some major action from our minor-league team.
Free Playland rides on Father’s Day
Playland rides are made for kids of all ages, but dads are getting the royal treatment on Father’s Day with free admission. Once you get through the gates, take your old man on classics like the coaster – Canada’s oldest wooden roller coaster – or on brand new thrills like miniature spinner Bug Whirled and the plunging Dizzy Drop. Links-loving dads can also fine-tune their putting skills at Playland’s Pacific Adventure Golf course, which now comes as part of admission all year long. Maybe treat him to a bag of cinnamon-sprinkled mini doughnuts while you're at it.
