Take the one of the most beautiful festivals setting in the world, add in tens of thousands of campers, some of the most talented musicians and artists that span dozen genres, a water slide, long table dinner, food trucks, craft beer, sunshine, and countless flower bandanas and you have a slight idea of the awesomeness that is Pemberton Music Festival. Over 115,000 music fans enjoyed nearly 120 performances by 113 artists from Wednesday to Sunday on 300 acres in an idyllic valley nestled between snow-dusted mountains.

John and I attended on Sunday, capturing the festival as best we could through sharing images and updates on social media. By the fifth and final day of the festival there were sunburns, broken sandals, and some matted hairdos but spirits were as high as ever. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

For the first time in the PNE’s 105 year history, guests will be able to enjoy a wide selection of craft beer at the fair’s new Craft Beer Fest, presented in partnership with Vancouver Craft Beer Week (“VCBW”).

Craft Beer Fest at the PNE

Craft beer is huge in Vancouver and having our local breweries and businesses showcased at the PNE will highlight the industry in this province.

There will be over 50 unique craft beers on tap from 30 BC breweries that will change up half way through the fair to keep the selections fresh and exciting. Favourite picks and summer seasonals will all be available for guests.

Featured Breweries

Craft Beer Fest will be open daily from August 22nd until September 7th at the 2015 PNE, from 2:00pm to 9:30pm along Miller Drive. Admission is $10 per person, per day. Admission includes a 4 oz sampling cup and 2 drink tokens.

Purchase online in advance to receive an additional drink token and access to a pre-purchased ticketholder line. $1.50 for each additional token.

Craft Beer Fest is a 19+ event and two pieces of ID will be required for entry. Admission price does not include PNE gate admission. Pre-purchased ticketholder line will allow guests to bypass the ticket purchase line into the event. If venue is at capacity, a pre-purchased ticket will not guarantee immediate access.

The Honda Celebration of Light is the world’s largest offshore fireworks competition and in Vancouver there’s plenty of action onshore to get crowds pumped for the spectacular displays in the sky. SHOREFEST is returning to English Bay and Sunset Beach, presenting talented homegrown artists in a free concert series on each night of the fireworks.

2015 SHOREFEST Concert Schedule and Lineup

Presented by LG 104.3, with a beautiful west coast backdrop, enjoy over 20 free shows ranging from R&B and soul to blues and rock on Saturday, July 25th; Wednesday, July 29th; and Saturday, August 1st.

Check out the full list along with artist bios online and follow the tag #SHOREFEST on social media.

Photograph by: Rebecca Blissett
Vancouver Courier

The temporary Queen Elizabeth Park zipline opened earlier this month, celebrating the park’s 75th anniversary. Starting from Bloedel Conservatory at the top of Little Mountain Park, it runs 190 meters, offering an over-the-top view of the park’s manicured gardens.

Open daily (weather permitting) between 11:00am and 8:00pm, riders (between 60 and 250lbs) can enjoy the thrill for $12-$20 a ride. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or onsite.

Queen Elizabeth Park Zipline for a Cause

On Saturday, July 25th, the Queen Elizabeth Park zipline is donating proceeds to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, thanks to the Vancouver Park Board and Greenheart, the operators of the zipline.

BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s mascot, Sunny Bear, will drop by during the day to say hi to the kids. Zipline tickets are $14 for youth, $20 for adults and $60 for a family of four. Follow the @BCCHF on Twitter for more information about this special event.

On Friday, July 17th, YVR Airport will host its annual paper airplane competition during its free Take Off Friday event. Aviation fans of all ages are invited to test their paper airplane making skills while YVR ambassadors offer tips on the best folding techniques.

Photo credit: hgz on Flickr

Paper Airplane Competition at YVR Airport

20 competitors will be drawn at random to launch their design down a 32-foot carpet runway. Competitors will be judged on the longest distance, creativity and best aerial acrobatics.

Schedule of Events
Registration 10:00am to 11:00am
Paper Airplane Folding Workshop 10:00am to 11:00am
Radom Draw 20 Contest Participants 11:15am
Paper Airplane Contest 11:30am to 12:00pm

Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for the top three flights:
First place: $1,000 Uniglobe Travel Gift Certificate
Second place: $500 CAD Cash Passport (Mastercard Prepaid Currency Card)
Third place: $250 YVR Bucks

I’ll be one of the lucky judges so I’ll see you on Friday at the YVR Observation Area (in the domestic terminal) on level 4.

Stick around for more Take Off Friday fun every Friday until August 28th. Take transit in on the Canada Line or, if you’re driving, take advantage of a reduce parking rate available for $5 for up to four hours. Vouchers will be available at the Customer Information Counter, International Terminal, Level 3.