New Brighton and Second Beach pools began operations on the May Long Weekend, Kitsilano Pool is set to re-open early June (subject to change), Maple Grove Pool will open on June 15th and Hillcrest Outdoor Pool will open with the indoor pool on July 1st, after their extended maintenance refit.
Update June 5, 2024: Kitsilano Pool Closed This Summer
From the Vancouver Park Board: “We regret to announce that Kitsilano Outdoor Pool will remain closed this summer. This decision was made after careful consideration and will allow staff to address a number of core issues with the pool. Despite repairs made during the off-season, the pool is still losing a substantial amount of water, making it impossible to balance pool chemicals. Vancouver Coastal Health has confirmed that the pool can not be operated safely in its current state.The extended closure will allow staff to fully investigate the ongoing water loss and make the needed repairs to the underground piping and basin required to extend the facility’s useful life. Staff also plan to install a custom liner which is expected to extend the life of the pool.”
Update July 5, 2024: Kitsilano Pool Set to Open After All
Today, Mayor Ken Sim announced that Kitsilano Pool will reopen on August 7th, 2024, pending any unforeseen challenges. From the Park Board: “To address these challenges, repairs are currently underway to extend the pool’s lifespan by approximately two years while plans for a new facility are developed. Mayor Sim highlighted the invaluable contribution of engineer Jeff Stibbart, who he secured to provide pro-bono advice to help implement this short-term solution and ensure the pool’s timely reopening this summer. Last week, Mayor Ken Sim and Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung passed a motion to pave the way for a modernized replacement for Kits Pool. Innovative funding methods, such as a dedicated fund for donations and corporate sponsorships, are being explored to make this crucial project a reality.”
The Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver kicks off the first weekend of summer (June 22-23) with the biggest dragon boat race in North America and so much more! The free festival will feature Vancouver’s first ever public drone show, a 100% local lineup of acts on the TD Main Stage, a new Pride Pavilion alongside Chinatown and Indigenous Pavilions, and a new family programming zone at Concord Pacific Place.
Queer Arts Festival (QAF) returns for its 17th year with a full month of programming. QAF 2024: The Ties That Bind runs from June 1 to 30, 2024 and will showcase a spectrum of events anchored by QAF’s signature Curated Visual Art Exhibition.
The 2024 Queer Arts Festival theme is The Ties That Bind, examining the bonds and complexities of Family, be it blood or chosen, and how queer communities continue to survive and thrive alongside, within, and occasionally despite, traditional family constructs.
Coastal Jazz had announced programming for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival including 20 free shows across the city, the Club Series, the North Shore Jazz Series and more.
The Sanrio icon is here! Hello Kitty Cafe Vancouver opens Friday, May 17th on Robson Street offering up sweet teas and treats, official merchandise, and plenty of photo ops.
Hello Kitty Cafe Vancouver – Miss604 photo
Hello Kitty Cafe Vancouver
Location: 1274 Robson Street, Vancouver
Grand Opening: 12:00pm to 4:00pm Friday, May 17th
Hours of Operation: 12:00pm to 9:00pm Sunday through Thursday; 12:00pm to 10:00pm Friday and Saturday
The two-storey cafe will serve a variety of Hello Kitty-themed crafted beverages, from coffee drinks to an array of iced teas and milk teas. A range of sweets will include delicious Hello Kitty cakes and ice cream. Additionally, exclusive merchandise will include specially designed mugs, t-shirts, baseball caps, keychains, and tote bags.
Hello Kitty Cafe Vancouver Cakes – Miss604 photo
For a limited time, follow and tag HelloKittyCafeVancouver on Instagram for 10% off your purchase.
“We’re thrilled that the highly anticipated Hello Kitty Cafe is finally opening in Vancouver, adding a touch of cuteness and cheer to the city,” said Craig Takiguchi, Chief Operating Officer of Sanrio, Inc. “Hello Kitty has been an ambassador of friendship and kindness for the past 50 years, and this cafe is a wonderful way to celebrate her legacy. We look forward to welcoming the local Vancouver community and sharing in their memorable Hello Kitty-inspired experiences.”
Press image submitted
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, the beloved pop culture icon who inspires happiness around the world. This is the first Hello Kitty Cafe in Canada and the only other locations include Irvine Spectrum, The Park Vegas, and Hello Kitty Cafe Trucks.
Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty® who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My MelodyTM, KuromiTM, LittleTwinStarsTM, CinnamorollTM, PompompurinTM, gudetamaTM, AggretsukoTM, ChococatTM, Badtz-maruTM and KeroppiTM. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages.
