Back for its 10th annual event, the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo brings vendors, artists, music, panels, tournaments, and more to New Westminster on June 24th.
Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $25 (+tax). Kids under 10 are free with adult ticket.
This year, the panels will feature “The Immortal” John Hancock, a long-time collector and YouTuber. Additionally, there will be Improv with The Fictionals, Interactive Trivia, Chiptune, Demoscene, and other informative, entertaining content for fans of all ages.
Throughout the day, musical guests will entertain with retro-gaming themed tunes. Performers include geeky ska-punk band The Wavebirds, rock bands The Koopa Troopas and Shane Steward, groovy folk group Balkan Bleeps, sci-fi synth artist 20SIX Hundred, and more.
There is plenty to see, including the largest dealer hall the event has ever had, a selection of free-play gaming, classic computers courtesy of The Chilliwack Retro-Computing Club. Additionally, mascot characters from Happyland Events, a costume contest, and many other exciting attractions.
A full event schedule and list of vendors is available on the Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo website. For more information, follow their Twitter and Facebook.
Take an otherworldly journey of cosmic camp with the Queer Arts Festival 2023: Queers in Space (QAF) in Vancouver. Enjoy 11 days of multidisciplinary media arts, dance, burlesque, music, literary and drag events, centered around QAF’s signature curated visual art exhibition.
Queer Arts Festival 2023: Queers in Space
When: Select dates June 17 to 28, 2023
Where: Vancouver venues listed below
Admission: Limited quantity of festival passes are available now. Single day tickets are also available via each event’s link on the QAF site.
Futurism and Fantasy have always been pillars of the Queer experience – they’ve empowered, inspired, and provided sanctuary. QAF 2023’s visual art show, bumfuzzled monachopsis: innerspace out curated by Zandi Dandizette explores what happens when Queer and Trans artists come together to claim their Space, free to be their authentic selves.
From now until the festival opening ArtParty! on June 17, you can also enter the prize raffle by donating. Each $10 donation gets one entry into the prize draw. Prizes include festival passes, limited-edition commemorative festival prints, and more.
Event Line-Up
ArtParty! June 17, 7:00pm Gala Opening Reception | Roundhouse Exhibition Hall, 181 Roundhouse Mews QAF 2023 officially launches into orbit at the Roundhouse. Take in the incredible Visual Art Exhibition and enjoy delicious food and drink while gyrating to the spins of the incredible DJ Nea Stone Fox.
June is Indigenous History Month, and Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) is a time all to honour the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis). Seek firsthand experiences and education about living Indigenous cultures and realities, and be inspired to learn beyond the month of June. Here are some ways to connect and engage:
National Indigenous Peoples Day Burnaby will include a a free community celebration at Edmonds Park and Plaza (7433 Edmonds St) from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on June 21st.
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Bill Reid Gallery and enjoy free admission to the Gallery on Wednesday, June 21st. Commemorate this day by visiting the Gallery and learning about the stories of Bill Reid and the other featured contemporary artists in the current exhibitions. A hands-on activity will be available for visitors.
The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is hosting an event from 10:00am to 3:00pm on June 21st at their Drop-In Centre at 302 Columbia with dancing, storytelling, and more.
Centering Indigenous Joy: A Celebration of Literature, Arts, and Creativity will take place June 17th at 312 Main Street. Doors will open at 5:30pm, with vendors’ tables, food, and drinks. This all-ages event will begin at 6:30pm, with Indigenous storytellers and artists performing until 9:00pm. This event is free, but donations to the Urban Native Youth Association are encouraged. Donations directly to UNYA online.
MONOVA (Museum of North Vancouver) has a full lineup of Indigenous History Month events including (but not limited to) Sharing Culture: Beading with Nicole Baker (June 17), A Celebration of Coast Salish Wool Weaving (June 22), and a Bannock Bake Off (June 24).
On Saturday, June 24th, the VSO Indigenous Council and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will host The Path Forward, a free community celebration at the Orpheum. Hosted by Geena Jackson, the audience will enjoy performances from the VSO with special guest artists including DJ O Show and Rhonda Head.
… more to come!
Bright Futures at Bill Reid Gallery. Yolonda Skelton Chilkat Dress and Eagle Train, 2022 Pleated Chiffon and Ponti Dress with Beaver fur trim. Ultrasuede Appliqued Cuffs and Removable Wool Suiting Appliqued Eagle Train Courtesy of the artist. Photo courtesy of the Bill Reid Gallery.
Ways to Honour Indigenous Cultures When Travelling This Summer
Add Indigenous tourism experiences in BC to your travel plans.Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find local tourism operators. Include Indigenous tourism in your travel plans.
Connection to Land, People and Culture. Commit to learning about the land where you live! Start with a tour with Talaysay Tours in Vancouver.
Support Indigenous digital economies. Resourceful entrepreneurs are now serving patrons through online orders, delivery service and virtual events. Shop online for Indigenous fashion, food, wine and art to show your support for Indigenous lands, cultures and businesses.
It’s a staple of summer fun in Vancouver and when it comes to free activities, it’s definitely one of the most popular! Free outdoor movies in Stanley Park at Second Beach return as part of the EVO Summer Cinema Series.
Free Outdoor Movies in Stanley Park 2023
Come and join Evo Car Share and Fresh Air Cinema for an unforgettable movie experience on a massive 40ft screen under the stunning night sky. The movie will start just after sunset so there is a clear enough image on the screen. All events take place in the field beside Second Beach Pool in Stanley Park.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 – Bring it On
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 – The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 – Vote now for: My Best Friend’s Wedding OR the Parent Trap OR 10 Things I Hate About You
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 – JAWS
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 – The Wedding Singer
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 – The Birdcage
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 – Shrek
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 – Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl
Seating on the field is free and it is first-come first-served, so arrive early and enjoy the festivities. Low profile lawn chairs are ok and they sometimes divide the park down the middle: one side for blankets, one side for lawn chairs.
Enjoy the West End on your way to and from the event, and support local business by bringing a picnic. You’ll also be able to get items at the Snack Bar and Second Beach Pool Concession.
Fresh Air Cinema will have more details available soon so follow along on Facebook for the latest updates.
Brought to you by the Merchants of West 4th Avenue, the Khatsahlano Street Party returns Saturday, July 8th between Burrard and MacDonald. Community stapleZulu Records has curated the perfect playlist for the day, filled with something for everyone!
Khatsahlano Street Party – Photo submitted
Khatsahlano Street Party 2023
When: Saturday July 8, 2023 from 11:00am – 9:00pm
Where: West 4th Ave, between Burrard and MacDonald
Admission: FREE
Vancouver’s own indie rock darlings Yukon Blonde will be bringing their unique sonic aesthetic to the Burrard Stage. Pink Mountaintops will be rocking out on the MacDonald Stage and more performance highlights include Tariq Hussian, and artist WALLGRIN, among many others.
Schedule your must-see bands and pencil in a stop (or two) at the Phillip’s Beer Gardens with 4 locations, or check out the Olé Garden for some perfectly balanced award-winning craft cocktails made from natural ingredients. Visit the t Garden for a hint of sweetness or hit the new Tacofino Garden for a fresh marg and taco.
Third Space is excited to announce the installation of a new 9-hole mini golf course within the 4th Ave and MacDonald Community Garden site. This exciting addition will provide families with a fun and free activity to enjoy throughout the summer season.
There are over 50 food truck options, plus all of your favourite West 4th patios and restaurants to choose from along the way. There will be activities, games, and of course some shopping opportunities with local merchants. Be sure to stop by the Host Nations Pavillion at the corner of Yew and West 4th as well.
