July 25 edition: Homegrown Olympians

Hey there. It’s hard to believe July is almost over already. How was the month for you? 

Never fret, though—there’s plenty more summer left. I’m looking forward to more music festivals, more beach hangs, and more ice-cold drinks. Order me an iced oat milk latte if you’re on a coffee run. I’ll get you next time!

— V. 
Associate Editor

FEATURE

BC locals to cheer on at the Paris Olympics

The Paris Olympics begin tomorrow, and Team Canada has plenty of BC athletes making a name for themselves on the international stage. Malin Dunfors introduces us to some local  competitors who are taking part in what are inarguably the coolest sports: breaking, surfing, skateboarding, and climbing.

CITY & CULTURE

Summer road trips that are off the beaten track

Everyone loves getting out of the city for the weekend, but nobody wants to drive for five hours to be surrounded by all the other people with the same idea. So we’ve rounded up some of the in-between spots that are an easy drive from Vancouver but that don’t get as much love as they should. Just, uh, don’t tell your friends.

• SFU researchers have identified a gene that could reverse Parkinson’s disease

• Alliance Française Vancouver unveils its new purpose-built facility

• Canada’s largest street hockey festival celebrates its 20th birthday

• Keep your licence. The experienced lawyers at Acumen Law Corporation will give you the strongest legal defence to keep you in the driver’s seat.*

• Reimagined, now reopened! The beloved Museum of Anthropology at UBC is reopen this summer after major seismic upgrades to its iconic Great Hall.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY FAMILY SERVICES GREATER VANCOUVER

There's More to My Story

Meet Jessie, a survivor of intimate partner violence, who shares her story as a beacon of hope for those going through something similar. Find out how the Project Parent program at Family Services of Greater Vancouver changed her life. Read Jessie’s story and share yours at #MoreToMyStory 

ARTS

Lupo’s Beloved Ghosts are a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the toxic drug crisis

Local street artist Lupo has been turning heads with startling installations. His figures, made of wire and cement, have appeared all over Vancouver since the project began in 2021—often accompanied with signs that mourn people who have died from consuming poisoned drugs. “Part of my intention,” he tells us, “was to respond to that disappearance, to make a visible affirmation of how loved, valued, and important our lost loved ones were.” 

• The Dance Centre announces its 2024-25 season programming

• IDS Vancouver returns to showcase all things design and decor

• Create! Eastside Arts Festival July 27th at Strathcona Park. Buy one art workshop ticket, get the second for 50% off + access to free live music!*

*sponsored listing

MUSIC

Sounds Good: the “still young and cool” edition

Every month, Straight staff get together and share what we’re listening to. Who’s jamming to riot grrrl punk, who’s blasting Brit-hop, and who’s deep in the pop diva mines? Sounds like you might just have a new favourite band to hear about.

• Kehlani is playing Doug Mitchell this fall

• Tomorrow Fort Langley Community Park will rock with FIVE top blues acts, a beer garden, food trucks, a games area, and more! Don't miss out!*

*sponsored listing

FOOD & DRINK

False Creek Crab Fest wants you to fall in love with an oft-overlooked local crustacean

Everyone knows about BC salmon, oysters, and spot prawns. But the humble crab also deserves some love. Ahead of the False Creek Crab Fest this weekend, which serves up crustaceans caught just metres away, William Johnson gets into why we should expand our hard-shelled horizons.

• A barista’s guide to summer coffee in Vancouver

• The team behind Published and Bar Susu are launching a new botanico 

• Juke Chicken is selling $1 drumsticks for its 8th anniversary

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

VISUAL ARTS 
Take Yourself There meditates on memory and possibility. (July 24 to August 18 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

MUSIC
Singer Rachael Ransom hosts an album release party for her throwback debut. (July 26 @ Blusson Spinal Cord Centre) 

BOOKS 
Vancouver Art Book Fair returns for its first in-person market since 2019. (July 26 to 27 @ Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre)

FOOD & DRINK 
Little Engine Wines host a pop-up tasting room experience. (July 26 to 27 @ Leis de buds). 

LIVING 
Lush takes over Celebrities for a day of LGBTQ2S+ fitness, burlesque, drag, and more. (July 27 @ Celebrities)

MUSIC 
One-off fundraiser Busterfest is raising money for local music scene vet Clyde Hill. (July 27 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

FILM 
Bit of a multimedia one: check out this VR installation about the connection between craft and dance. (July 27 to 28 @ Craft Council of British Columbia)

VISUAL ARTS 
Over 100 painters race the clock in the Steveston Grand Prix of Art. (July 27 to 28 @ Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Richmond)

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

That’s it!

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