June 19 2025: America sucks, but do Americans?

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— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

Golden Plates 2025: Sons of Vancouver embraces whisky business

Sons of Vancouver first made a name for itself with made-in-North Van amaretto, but that was never the end game. “Where I always saw an amazing opportunity,” says founder James Lester, “was to create a new category for rye whisky.” Since then, the award-winning distillery has expanded—and brought a new kind of hard liquor into the Canadian market.

— LIVING —

What’s it actually like to cross the U.S. border right now?

A lot of people don’t feel good or safe going to the States right now (yours truly included)—but for Mike Usinger, the trip south showed how much Americans miss Canadians.

• Hockey watch: Buffalo’s Bowen Byram wants to come home

• Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*

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SPONSORED BY CONCORD PACIFIC DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Vancouver's ultimate summer festival arrives TOMORROW!

Summer starts this weekend on False Creek- and the Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival's set to launch it's biggest event ever. Best of all- everything's free to attend! ☀️

The world's coming to town: 200+ teams from 13 countries are set to face off at the continent's biggest race. Or, catch Lights and Felix Cartal headlining the TD Main Stage alongside an entirely local lineup. And, with an expanded Concord Community Stage and Zone program, alongside cultural pavilions, there's something for visitors of all generations to enjoy.

Need to fuel up? Support local and visit one of 20+ food trucks or 40+ local craft vendors- all on the city's biggest waterfront licensed patio. Get set to kick start summer- and it all starts tomorrow night!

— ARTS —

Angela’s Shadow uncovers colonialism’s ghosts

Jules Arita Koostachin’s latest feature film follows a 1930s socialite discovering her Cree ancestry and the spiritual power of ceremony. “It’s really a statement about what is happening,” says the Vancouver-based director. “People are disconnected from their communities, systematically.”

• Eyes of the Beast showcases the human pain of climate disaster

• Theatre Under the Stars presents Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde: The Musical. June 27 to August 16 in Stanley Park!*

• Dancing on the Edge brings a vast and varied lineup of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing contemporary dance to Vancouver - June 12 to 21!*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Celebrate the Best in Contemporary Folk

The 48th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival returns July 18-20 at Jericho Beach Park. Take in touring artists with Bab L’ Bluz, Ruthie Foster, Margaret Glaspy, The Heavy Heavy, The Milk Carton Kids, and Watchhouse, who are joined by Canadian artists Haram, Elisapie, Ocie Elliott, and many more.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Golden Plates 2025: Juke Fried Chicken keeps the cheep cheap

“Since day one, people have told us our prices are too low,” says Juke co-owner Justin Tisdall. “Fried chicken is a communal food—we want to be a part of peoples’ daily, weekly, and monthly lives.”

• DownLow Chicken has popped up in Kits for the summer

• Mateina’s low to no-sugar Yerba Mate beverages offer steady energy without the unwanted crash or jitters. Get 15% off Mateina's Energy Brews while supplies last.*

• The staff at Between 2 Buns would like to thank our patrons for voting us Best Food Truck and Best Burger! We are now open for lunch on weekends!*

• Thierry - a renowned patisserie, chocolaterie, and cafe offering exquisite desserts, handcrafted chocolates, and expertly made coffee in three Vancouver locations.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY

Run for community

Help PHS Community Services Society reach their $25,000 fundraising goal in the Under Armour Eastside 10K.

Use 25PHSfor 10% off your registration. Join or donate to Team PHS here.

PHS provides supportive housing, meals, healthcare and harm reduction to thousands of marginalized people in Vancouver every day. Your support is needed.  

— ICYMI —

• We spitball names for BC Ferries’ made-in-China ships

• Nelson is a small town with a big personality

• Kulinarya is Vancouver’s favourite Filipino spot

• How the Flamingo Room helped Havana endure

• Want more Golden Plates content? Check out all out here

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

TALKS: Find out more about the Christian and pagan midsummer traditions of Ukraine. (June 19 @ Secret Lantern Society)

MUSIC: Hip-hop greats the Pharcyde stop by. (June 19 @ Hollywood Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: Amanda Wood and Val Loewen explore sense and texture in (re)patterning. (June 20-8 @ THIS Gallery)

MUSIC: The Vancouver International Jazz Festival hits a cool 40. (June 20 to July 1 @ various locations)

FILM: A day of free film screenings marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. (June 21 @ H.R. MacMillan Space Centre)

FOOD & DRINK: Jay Nok launches a new monthly R&B brunch event, Hey Haaa. (June 22 @ Jay Nok Modern Thai)

FILM: Drag web series Long Live Kings has a screening as part of Queer Arts Festival. (June 22 @ SUM Gallery)

—

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

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