June 20 edition: Brand-new cafe crushes 😍

Hi there. It’s my duty to remind you that Best of Vancouver nominations are still open—for a limited time only!

Nominations close this Sunday. Don’t miss your chance to tell us about the best parts of your Vancouver.

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Where to shop for vintage fashion in Vancouver

Thrifting in the city can be a game of roulette. Will you find an incredible vintage piece for cheap, or an H&M t-shirt that’s being flogged for $20? There are plenty of benefits to shopping second-hand—sustainability, affordability, and the thrill of the hunt—so it’s no wonder there are so many stores jostling for your attention. Here is our list of where to start.

CITY & CULTURE

Dragon Boat Festival tells stories on the water

North America’s biggest dragon boat festival returns this weekend for another year of high-octane races and community celebration. “It’s not just a sport, or just a culture: it’s in that liminal space between the two that we exist,” explains Dominic Lai, Dragon Boat BC’s senior development, marketing, and operations director. “It’s fun being able to explore in a space where other people aren’t looking and say, ‘There’s this value here.’”

• In “yeah, duh” news: A report calls Vancouver’s housing market “impossibly unaffordable” 

• Dating in Vancouver: How long should you wait to date after a breakup?

• A new board game breaks down truth and reconciliation

SPONSORED BY BARD ON THE BEACH

Don't miss Twelfth Night!

Remember that song? The one you listened to over and over again when you first fell in love? In Illyria, music is the food of love… and so much more. With original music by celebrated local composer Veda Hille, plus fights, pranks, jokes, and miracles, Twelfth Night is both hilarious and profound. It holds a mirror to our folly and reflects how love transforms us, for better or worse. Bard’s big tent is the perfect venue for this carnival world’s poetry and chaos, with “salt waves fresh in love” sparkling in the distance.

Adapted and directed by Diana Donnelly, with music by Veda Hille, Twelfth Night is on now until September 21.

ARTS

SALT seeks hope in a water-starved world

In SALT, choreographer Joshua Beamish asks us to imagine something that feels a little too close to reality: a shortage of fresh water. It was sparked by two things: Mad Max: Fury Road, and staying by a pool on the California coast during a drought. “I’m surrounded by water in a water shortage,” he recalls, “and that got me thinking about this strange thing where our world is going to drown in salt water while thirsting for fresh water.”

• Create! Eastside Arts Festival is back—and bigger

• Western Front is hosting free talks for the Jazz Festival

MUSIC

Temia is that girl

Temia’s new single “Mini” dropped yesterday, ahead of her set at Westward Music Festival this weekend. The song deals with her standing her ground in the face of a toxic relationship—and demonstrates her confidence through easy flow and powerful lyrics. “It won’t knock me down,” the Vancouver-based rapper explains. “I feel exactly the same way as when I met you; I’m going to feel great when I leave.”

• Sounds Good: The “songs of the summer” edition

• Clara Cloud takes us into her whimsical world

• Van Dusen is hosting Sweet Sounds of Summer concerts

• From dance-inducing rhythm-makers to beloved folk/roots songwriters, heart-searing harmonizers to global instrumental aces - and more! The Vancouver Folk Music Festival, July 19-21, Jericho Beach Park.*

• Find Your Folk at Mission Folk Music Festival, July 26-28, Fraser River Heritage Park. Your ticket is your passport to a world of amazing music!*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY SHOWTIME

Kay Meeks Arts Centre, June 27

Showtime presents this spectacular music tribute and full-scale stage production honouring the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Get the full Michael Jackson concert experience with Garth Field – electrifying in his role as Jackson – plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes and state-of-the-art production. Book now!

FOOD & DRINK

New coffee shops to try in Vancouver right now

The thing about coffee shops is that you can never have too many good ones. Whether it’s your neighbourhood java spot, somewhere to grab a drink with friends, or a cute cafe to drop into while you’re browsing a new neighbourhood, more is always better. We’ve rounded up some of the city’s freshly-opened caffeine coordinators so you’ve got even more options for that much-needed (and deserved!) cup of joe.

• Where to get ice cream in Vancouver

• One Great Thing I Ate: Croquettas from Meo

• PSA: Le Crocodile By Rob Feenie opens very soon

• Windsor Meats in Dunbar offers locally raised meat, dry goods, and fresh produce, with dedicated butchers to ready to help you enhance your meals.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY CANADA BUBBLE TEA FESTIVAL

Enjoy the outdoor movie while sipping your bubble tea!

Join us at the Canada Bubble Tea Festival on July 19-21 for a fun-filled celebration of all things bubble tea! Enjoy a variety of delicious flavors, exciting live performances, and outdoor movies. Perfect for families, friends, and bubble tea enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this refreshing summer event!

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

THEATRE
Fall into a burning Ring of Fire with the Arts Club’s Johnny Cash musical. (June 20 to August 11 @ Arts Club Granville Island Stage)

COMEDY 
Moustachioed maverick Marc Maron goes All In on his latest tour. (June 21 @ Vogue Theatre)

AUDIO ARTS
This Is An Emergency Broadcast fills the gallery community radio bulletins, exploring Indigenous resistance. (June 21 to August 11 @ Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery)

MUSIC
La Fête de la Musique puts on an evening of free concerts, including Straight faves Post Modern Connection. (June 21 @ Beaumont Studios)

KIDS’ STUFF 
The 17th annual Teddy Bear Picnic will make magic with stuffed toys. (June 22 @ St. Andrew’s Park, North Vancouver)

SHOPPING
Dozens of local businesses hawk their wares at the Made in the 604 pop-up market. (June 23 @ Heritage Hall)

SPORTS
Get retro with Vancouver’s first backwards race. (June 23 @ China Creek North Park)

VISUAL ARTS
Animation collective Flavourcel leads a guided tour of its Crawl Space exhibition. (June 23 @ Roundhouse Community Arts Centre)

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

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