There’s a full day of kids activities planned at Canada Together, happening July 1st along the waterfront at Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver.
Kids Activities at Canada Together at Canada Place
The Kids Zone will be located in Jack Poole Plaza, next to the Community Zone, and will be hosted by kids party DJ Rachel from Rock’N’Beau. The stage will host an array of family-friendly performances along with storytelling by representatives from the Host Nations: Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh.
Catch the mascot dance-off, let loose at a Rock’N’Beau Dance party, enjoy some food truck treats at the picnic area, and browse exhibits from Ocean Wise, Minimakers, Golf BC, Brickville Lego, and Fun Gym Bus. There will also be stroller parking available.
Additional Event Lineup
The day will begin with a Citizenship Ceremony (at the North Point of Canada Place) at 9:30am. where Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada will host a ceremony for 30 new citizens as they are welcomed into Canada’s multicultural family.
Then, enjoy incredible performances from acts including headliners Tegan & Sara, The Fugitives, Pat Chessell, and Murray Porter on the main stage. The North Point Stage (at the North Point of Canada Place) will highlight local emerging artists including Bukola, Tayos, Michaela Slinger, and 24 Strings along with a set from the amazing DJ O Show.
Canada Together at Canada Place July 1, 2023
When: Saturday, July 1, 2023 from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Where: Canada Place and surrounding plazas (all outdoors)
Admission: Free!
The second annual Canada Together at Canada Place is one of the largest July 1 celebrations outside of Ottawa! View the full lineup listed by time and stage online here. Follow Canada Place on Facebook for more updates.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of Canada Together at Canada Place July 1st.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Vancouver premiere exhibition of The Art of Dimension, featuring the copper, gold and silver carving artistry of Haida Gwaii’s lauded Skil Xaaw Jesse Brillon, alongside Bill Reid’s own masterful repoussé works. Brillon is widely known for his excellence in specialty precious metals techniques, including repoussé, chasing and lost-wax casting.
Top: Skil Xaaw Jesse Brillon
Laana Tsaadas Clan Copper, 2022
Copper, paint
Private Collection
Bottom: Haayłingtso Marlo Wylie Brillon
K’aaxada (Dogfish Shark) Mask, 2022
Red cedar, paint, fabric
Collection of the Artist
Marlo had the privilege to dance her first mask at her family’s first clan feast in
over 150 years.
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (639 Hornby St, Vancouver)
Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or on site for $6-$13
Free admission on the first Friday of the month, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Free admission for Indigenous Peoples and Gallery Members
The Art of Dimension is a vibrant celebration of Haida metalwork practices, and a powerful artistic affirmation of Indigenous knowledge sharing across generations.
Growing up as a close family friend to Bill Reid profoundly impacted Brillon’s artwork. His first paid commission at age 18 was painting a Bill Reid original, drawn by the artist in the galley of a seine boat. Brillon cites Reid’s immense body of work in repoussé as a major influence in his own metalwork artistry.
The exhibition further honours the roles of mentorship and family connections through the emerging voice and cedar sculptural works of Brillon’s niece and protégé, award-winning Haida and Cree artist HaayłingtsoMarlo Wylie Brillon, who also makes her Bill Reid Gallery debut.
The Art of Dimension features 14 recent elaborate repoussé carvings, along with cedar carvings and painted works by Jesse Brillon. Several modern works by Bill Reid will be showcased to encourage a dialogue between the two artists’ work. Marlo Wylie Brillon’s four featured cedar artworks reflect her close connection to Jesse Brillon, and his important role as a mentor for her artistic development since she was a young child.
Gallery visitors are also offered a rare and personal viewing of special dowry pieces created by Jesse Brillon for the 2022 marriage of his sister, Kalga Jaad Erin Brillon to artist Andy Everson. This was the first clan feast of the Laana Staadas clan in more than 150 years. These pieces include a printed canvas Laana Tsaadas Dance Screen, copper and ermine jihlk’yah (headdress), and a gold repoussé crest pole bracelet with abalone shell inlay. Also featured is Marlo Wylie Brillon’s carved K’aaxada (dogfish shark) mask which was danced at the celebration.
The Art of Dimension premiered at the Haida Gwaii Museum in 2022. Bill Reid Gallery has expanded the original exhibition to include further information about Bill Reid’s artistic influence on Jesse Brillon, a deeper exploration of the history of Haida metalwork, and additional details about the special marriage feast held by the Laana Staadas clan.
A series of ancillary events will support The Art of Dimension, including an opening celebration on Saturday, July 8, several workshops, an artist demonstration, artist talks, and public programs.
Skil Xaaw Jesse Brillon resides in his home village of Skidegate, Haida Gwaii where he balances commercial fishing and a love of the environment with his art career. After high school, he apprenticed with Haida artist Don Yeomans and Gitksan master jeweller Phil Janze. Brillon has achieved a mastery of the form and now creates museum quality pieces individualized by their fineness, boldness, and depth. His works are held in private collections globally and have been exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Vancouver, the Haida Gwaii Museum, and the Comox Valley Art Gallery.
Emerging artist HaayłingtsoMarlo Wylie Brillon has studied Haida art from her uncle, Skil Xaaw Jesse Brillon, Kwakwaka’wakw art from Chief Kwamxalagalis Andy Everson, and steam bending to create bentwood boxes from Richard Sumner, a Kwakwaka‘wakw master bentwood box-maker and carver. Marlo was awarded two YVR Emerging Artist Scholarships (2019 and 2020), providing an opportunity to exhibit her work at the Vancouver International Airport and the Museum of Vancouver.
The biggest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest is celebrating 15 years! Enjoy a series of sensational experiences and the popular Carnaval del Sol festival at a brand new location, presented by Latincouver.
Carnaval del Sol 2023
When: July 7 – 9, 2023
Where: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
One and two-day passes range from $15–$30, with FREE admission for kids under 12 and seniors 65+. A two-day VIP Experience Pass for $60 includes access to the Culinary Experience Plaza (with live chef demos), fast-track access to the Beer Plaza, an invitation to the VIP Plaza (where cocktail tastings, private washrooms and optimal main stage views are available) plus other perks.
Festivities kick off with a spectacular opening night concert, exclusively for adults aged 19 and above. This neon-themed party will feature five DJs, a drag show featuring performances inspired by famous Latin American pop stars, delicious snacks from La Taqueria, and refreshing alcoholic beverages from Topo Chico and Granville Island Brewing (including a limited-edition Carnaval del Sol anniversary cerveza!). Tickets from $30 per person (online in advance). 10% of ticket sales from this event will be donated to Latinos y Amigos, an organization dedicated to supporting the Vancouver Latin LGBTQ2+ community.
Throughout the weekend, more than 400 performers will take to the stage, showcasing Latin rock, salsa, merengue and other performances. The festival also boasts nine plazas, each offering opportunities to engage with the culture, and with other members and friends of the community.
In the Food Plaza, indulge in mouthwatering delights from 22 food vendors representing 11 different countries, serving up more than 30 distinct Latin American dishes, including empanadas, tacos, arepas, tequeños, paella, and much more.
In the Market Plaza, browse through an array of products, including traditional spices and delicacies alongside clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and artwork.
In the Kids Plaza, children can take part in music workshops, games, face painting, and more.
Immerse yourself in an evening of passion, rhythm, and cultural fusion on Thursday, July 13th with Tango & Flamenco Moments. Tango Rumba from Montréal and the multiple award-winning Flamenco Rosario will ignite the stage with dance performances that will transport attendees to the heart of the captivating cultures of Argentina and Spain. This festive evening will have delectable gastronomy and handcrafted cocktails at the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay. Completing the sensory experience is a feast of authentic Spanish paella prepared by local caterer Paella Guys, alongside handcrafted Argentinian sangria. The fun begins at 7:00pm.
Win Tango & Flamenco Tickets
We have a pair of tickets to give away to Tango & Flamenco Moments on July 13th. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Welcome to summer in Vancouver! The first weekend of the season has some local staples – like the 35th Dragon Boat Festival and free jazz festival shows – along with new activities and festivities. Find these events and many more things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
Weekend Events in Vancouver Things to do June 16-18, 2023
The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society (VCBIA) presents the 21st Vancouver Chinatown Festival. This free two-day family-friendly community celebration will feature live entertainment, giant mahjong, kids corner with a display by Vancouver Aquarium, artisans’ market, food trucks, and an opportunity to experience a special Historical Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour.
Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2023
When: Saturday, July 15 & Sunday, July 16, 2023 11:00am to 6:00pm
Where: Keefer and Columbia Street
Admission: Free!
The festival‘s new artisans’ market gives space to local arts and crafts makers and food vendors space to showcase their wares. Shop Bon Mano Bon, Doodles by Naomi Studios Inc., Ember Hong Kong Barbeque, Holy Duck Chili, Humblebee Meadery, Minimakers, Inc., Ollie & Co., Sweet U Bakery, and Wisconsin Ginseng Co.
Confirmed live entertainment acts include an eye dotting and lion dance by the Mah Society, with more to be announced. Festival-goers who want to learn even more about Vancouver Chinatown can join its Historical Chinatown Heritage Walking Tour, hosted by Bob Sung from A Wok Around, which will be conducted four times per day on the Saturday and Sunday. First come, first serve.
While guests are encouraged to support the surrounding Vancouver Chinatown restaurants and cafes, for those looking to enjoy something quick and fresh, eight food trucks will be stationed by the main stage at Keefer Street and Columbia. The food trucks this year include Chickpea Food Truck, Hugs Mini Donuts, Indish Foods Inc., Juicy Green Express Inc., Say Hello Sweets, and Tokyo Katsu-sand.
The VCBIA is also bringing back their popular “Where’s Van Van the panda” contest on Instagram, where participants can share photos of where Van Van has been to win prizes. Visit the Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society on Facebook for more community updates.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of the Vancouver Chinatown Festival
