Hey there. Do you like… rain? Do you like… clouds? Do you like… humidity that fills your sinuses and synapses with the crushing weight of low-pressure meteorological systems? Then you might like summer in Vancouver this year!

I was missing the heat until it hit last week, and I found myself unable to concentrate unless I took multiple cold showers per day. So now, actually, I'm pretty into the grey and gloom: it certainly beats fires, smoke, and stinging eyes.

— V.
Senior editor

We all know Vancouver punches above its weight when it comes to the arts. "Ballet BC is top of the world, selling out houses across Europe; the Vancouver Symphony just went to Salzburg and played in front of full crowds," enthuses Suzanne Anton, chair of the Vancouver Cultural Precinct. But, she says, if we want to keep that level of talent, we need more venues. Check out the plan for Vancouver's potential performing arts district.

Our journalism is only possible because of Straight Insiders. 

In a time when technology is taking jobs, the Straight remains what it has always been: a small team of scrappy journalists, doing our best to cover the stories that matter to the city we all love.

For just $8.25 per month—the cost of one fancy latte—you can help support the 60-year legacy of the Georgia Straight. In exchange for your hard-earned money, we've got a huge range of deals, discounts, and free tickets up for grabs—but only for Insiders. 

Right now that includes a pair of free tickets to Australian star Pete Murray's intimate show at the Biltmore Cabaret; free tickets to Come From Away and The Play That Goes Wrong at the Arts Club; discounts on drinks at Prophecy and Riley's; special deals at Minami and Pourhouse; and much more besides.

Sign up today to help keep Vancouver weird.

If you’re aiming for 10,000 steps a day, here’s a meaningful way to use them.

A 10K equals approximately 13,514 steps, and on Sunday, September 27, 2026, those steps can help support food security in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

PHS Community Services Society's (PHS) Vancouver Food Program delivers 3,900+ meals every day, including 2,000 hot meals, to extremely vulnerable people experiencing food insecurity.

PHS is raising $30,000 to expand this essential program and they need your help.

Take 10,000+ steps for a good cause—Join Team PHS in the Under Armour Eastside 10K or donate to Team PHS.

Code 26PHS = 10% off registration (not donated to PHS)

Nothing says summer like sweating outside. The frustratingly lower-case lululemon is bringing free yoga and pilates classes every week from today until September 8 at the Burrard Dry Dock Pier, in case you want something new to look at while you downward dog.

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The 50th Annual Powell Street Festival will be held August 1 & 2, at Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver's historic Paueru Gai neighbourhood. Celebrating Japanese Canadian arts and culture, PSF50 features music, dance, taiko, martial arts, food, and family activities across multiple stages, all events free, all weekend long.

The Dressing Room combines two of our favourite things: it was made in Vancouver (check) and it's about the arts (double check!) as the show follows the cast and crew of a fictional musical. "Although The Dressing Room is set in the theatre," says co-creator Paul Almeida, "it's really about people."

Mount Pleasant brings local talent and the heart of the community straight to Main Street. Catch four live music stages, five beer gardens, a Kids Zone, local artisans, food vendors, Chapman's Chill Zone, and much more!

Main St (16th Ave to King Ed) | 12PM – 8PM (Free entry!)

The Fraserhood just keeps getting cooler as Maria Celeste, the highly anticipated Portuguese tavern from brothers Justin and Cristian Isidro, officially opens this week. “Growing up in Portugal, tascas were where everyone ended up on any given day because they were all about welcoming the whole community,” says Justin ahead of tomorrow's soft launch.

FILM: Son of Sara, a camp CanCon horror, has a showing followed by a filmmaker Q&A. (July 28 @ Rio Theatre)

MUSIC: Willow Avalon's Pink Pocket Pistol tour shoots straight into Vancouver. (July 28 @ Commodore Ballroom)

MUSIC: Chor Leoni gives its first-ever urban outdoor performance, at a plaza in Yaletown. (July 28 @ Helmcken Plaza)

COMEDY: Comedians give book talks on the worst titles they can find in Say Wha?!. (July 28 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

MUSIC: The UBC Opera Ensemble takes to the great outdoors with Opera Al Fresco. (July 29 @ Thunderbird Crescent)

FOOD & DRINK: Learn how to make a Niçoise salad you'll actually love with this cooking workshop from chef Atifa Prinsloo. (July 29 @ Alliance Française)

VISUAL ARTS: Jeff Wall: Inside showcases three decades of the legendary artist's work. (July 29 to October 3 @ West Vancouver Art Museum)

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

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