Who needs a city council? Apparently not Vancouver!

After taking a five-week break due to the World Cup (during which I'm sure they did lots of hard work and definitely didn't just run AI agents or go golfing in Kelowna), Vancouver's erstwhile politicians decided to use their council meeting this week to cancel the only other planned meeting of the quarter. The July 29 council meeting has been nixed, and there isn't another one in the books until October 27—after the upcoming municipal election. 

Council meetings are far from the only thing that city councillors do… but man, it's not a great look to have had a single meeting between June and October. Is this really the better city we were promised?

— V.
Senior editor

Can you think of a summer day better than one filled with good weather, great music, and gorgeous surroundings? While the Vancouver Folk Music Festival can't control the first, the second and third are always on lock at the yearly hootenanny. We asked the team which artists they can't wait to see at this weekend's beach-based bash.

Hailed as a "sensitive" and "extraordinarily agile" performer, Early Music Vancouver's Artist-in-Residence Marc Mauillon stars as Orfeo in Monteverdi's groundbreaking operatic masterpiece. Experience the role that has earned Mauillon international acclaim when Orfeo comes to the Chan Centre on July 31 and August 2.

Heads up, speed demons: Richmond wants you to slow down. The city is rolling out a new, slower speed limit on around 500 kilometres of residential roadways across the city.

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Richmond Celebrates Soccer closes out the world's largest sporting event with a watch party of the final match-up on July 19. Come for the big screen, stay for the live music by Uncle Strut, soccer played on stilts, and games for all ages. See you at Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park!

If you liked alternative music of any kind 25 years ago, chances are you stumbled upon Jimmy Eat World's Bleed American. The band's silver anniversary tour rolls into Vancouver on Sunday, and drummer Zach Lind is feeling the love. "As you get older, it's easier to tap into the gratitude of the moment," he tells the Straight.

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False Creek Crab Fest returns this summer, and chef Ben Kiely is all about embracing every inch of the decapod crustaceans. Check out his recipes for two seafood-forward dishes you can make at home.

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MUSIC: One of Canada's blues greats, Sue Foley, brings back her axe. (July 16 @ Rio Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: Weaver Khim Mata Hipol explores invisible Filipino labour in Afterhours: Who is Cleaning It? (July 16 to September 14 @ Amelia Douglas Art Gallery, New Westminster)

WORKSHOPS: The Culture Table invites people to connect over free art workshops. (July 17 @ Punjabi Market Plaza)

FILM: Gulf Island filmmaker Avalon Fast plays with teen witch tropes in Camp. (July 17-22 @ VIFF Centre)

LIVING: The Eastside Arts Festival turns six with an expanded mix of artsy events and workshops. (July 17-26 @ various locations) 

CULTURE: Surrey Fusion Festival's "One World, One Game" theme brings the excitement of soccer to the diverse cultural pavilions. (July 18-19 @ Holland Park, Surrey)

SHOPPING: The local animation union is hosting an art market (plus free portfolio reviews, for any aspiring animators). (July 19 @ Russian Hall)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

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