July 2 edition: Must-visit African restaurants

Hi there. I hope you had a good long weekend! 

I spent it cat-sitting for a friend. My apartment isn’t pet friendly, so it’s always a treat to get to hang out with some fuzzy little guys.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Contemporary African food is on the rise

Though rarely at the forefront of the local culinary conversation, Black and African diasporic restaurants have a long—and systemically excluded—history in Vancouver. Jamila Pomeroy dives into the city’s current wave of contemporary Afro-food innovation, from classic flavours to fresh fusion.

LIVING

Photos: Looking back on Grouse Mountain’s Blue Tram

After almost 60 years of service, Grouse Mountain’s Blue Tram has made its last journey. The double-reversible tramway helped visitors to the top of the mountain from the mid-60s onward. We take a look back at archival photos of the Skyride and its many decades of service in letting us skip the Grouse Grind.

• The FC21 All World Canada basketball tournament is coming to Vancouver

• This July, experience a movie night like no other! Watch Shrek 2 on the big screen as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra plays the score live to picture.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER CANADIANS

C’s games at The Nat, a hit for everyone

There’s no better way to celebrate summer than at Vancouver’s largest patio: Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium! Catch a Canadians game Tuesday through Sunday every other week until September.

Whether you’re into baseball, spending time outdoors, cold beer, hanging with family and friends, postgame fireworks or simply soaking up the vibes of an afternoon in our fair city, a C’s game has something for everyone. With tickets starting at $20 and food ranging from $7-$17, you can have fun without breaking the bank. 

Ready to play ball? Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday games begin at 7:05 p.m. while Fridays and Sundays start at 1:05 p.m. Get tickets online now or by calling 604-872-5232 today.

ARTS

Gateway Theatre announces 40th season programming

Richmond’s Gateway Theatre is celebrating 40 years of performing art this year. For its ruby anniversary, the venue has announced its mix of shows and one-day events for the coming season—from family musicals to classic romances to mixed-media highlights.

• Fresh Off the Boat writer and comedian Sheng Wang is coming to town

• North Van embraces micro-performances with Culture Paths 

• Vancouver Art Book Fair is going IRL for the first time since 2019

• The Create! Eastside Arts Festival engaging arts event features art workshops, live mural painting, live music and dance performances across Vancouver’s Eastside July 22-28.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY POWELL STREET FESTIVAL SOCIETY

Vancouver's Celebration of Japanese Canadian arts and culture returns this BC Day weekend

Celebrate Japanese Canadian art and culture on August 3-4 at Oppenheimer Park and Paueru Gai (Powell Street area). Experience dynamic live music, butoh dance, and interactive installations. Enjoy panels, movie screenings, martial arts, taiko drumming, and a sumo tournament. Delight in Japanese food, crafts, and fun activities for all ages.

MUSIC

Micah Nelson is staring down the eye of the hurricane

The youngest son of Willie Nelson isn’t a nepo baby. Micah Nelson grew up surrounded by music, touring with his dad’s band with the likes of Bob Dylan and the Dead. So when Neil Young needed a hired gun to replace usual Crazy Horse guitarist Nils Lofgren, Nelson leapt at the chance. “Crazy Horse’s music,” he reflects, “has always been part of my own personal mythology as an artist.”

• Neil Young cancels the rest of the Love Earth tour, including two nights in Burnaby

• Busterfest benefit, for local music vet Clyde Hill, is coming to the Rickshaw

• You Nearly Missed: Noah Cyrus and Orville Peck at Phillips Backyard Music Festival

• Ontario's alternative indie-rock duo Softcult takes over The Pearl on Friday July 5th with special guest Present. Tickets are selling fast!*

*sponsored listing

LIVING

Tour de Concord bike race cycles back around

What is the cycling equivalent of vroom vroom—pedal pedal? Tour de Concord, a family-friendly bike race, is returning to the seawall this year to raise money for St. Paul’s Foundation. Head on down this weekend to prove your cycling speed, or check out the rest of the festival to get your two-wheeler tuned up.

• Steveston has a new spot for fresh BC seafood

• Mark Your Calendar: Portobello West announces a mountain of market dates

SPONSORED BY KHATSAHLANO STREET PARTY

Vancouver's largest free music festival returns July 6th!

The Khatsahlano Street Party returns for its 12th year on July 6th! Spanning West 4th Avenue, the festival features over 50 musical performers, exciting activities, shopping, delicious food, and family fun. Don't miss this vibrant celebration of community and local talent!

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

FOOD & DRINK 
Local chefs join forces for the Taste of the West Collaboration Dinner. (July 3 @ Botanist)

MUSIC 
Punk band PISS headlines a fundraiser for DULF. (July 3 @ Red Gate Arts Society)

COMEDY 
There are plenty of good things in the world, as the Happy Joyful Comedy standup show reminds us. (July 3 @ The Lido)

FILM
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra makes Shrek 2 a work of audio art. (July 3 and 4 @ Orpheum Theatre)

SHOPPING
Metrotown mall hosts its first-ever hawker-style Night Market. (July 4 to 7 @ Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby)

VISUAL ART
Allusive assembles local artists to look at their surroundings. (July 4 to 25 @ Lipont Gallery, Richmond)

LIVING
Oakridge Summer Social opens a downtown patio for cinema nights, tennis viewing, and more. (July 4 to September 2 @ 1067 West Cordova St.)

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

That’s it!

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