July 3 2025: Welcome to festival season

Hey there. It’s the first Thursday of the month. You know what that means… new print edition! 

This month is our annual Pride edition. We delve into the city’s drag kings, trans comedians, and pride events—plus we get into all of the local summer festivals that are coming up this month, the rise of wildfire documentaries, and the enduring success of Mother Mother. Find it on newsstands around the city. 

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

Can you keep The Mousetrap’s secret?

The Mousetrap is a classic for a reason. The Agatha Christie whodunit is the longest-running West End show in the world—with twists, turns, and misdirects aplenty. “This experience is watching and going, ‘This guy did it! He’s the killer, and I know it!’” Glover says. “And then another piece of information comes out, and you go, ‘Oh—I was totally wrong.’”

— CITY & CULTURE —

We grade three big contracts given out by the Canucks

The Canucks have mostly finished curating their lineup for next year on the heels of three big moves. But if we had to grade the contracts, how well did they do? Nathan Caddell turns his scholarly attention to Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, and Thatcher Demko.

• An Edwardian mansion is hosting a secret garden party

• Montreal’s Bimbo party makes its Vancouver debut for Pride

• From farm to table, Jordan Wiens delivers fresh, ethical eggs with care. At Border Poultry, good food starts with happy hens and smart farming. Read the full article here.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY

DON’T MISS AGATHA CHRISTIE’S GENRE-DEFINING WHODUNIT

The Arts Club Theatre Company is closing out their 2024–2025 season with The Mousetrap—the longest-running play in history! Step out of the summer heat into a dark and wintry night at the Granville Island Stage, where seven strangers are snowed in at a remote English guesthouse. As news of a murder in London spreads, the sudden arrival of a police sergeant throws the guests into a panic: the killer is in their midst! The game is now afoot as he begins to uncover the unsavoury secrets of the visitors. Which one is the murderer? Who will be the next target? Can you solve this world-famous mystery?

Watch director Stephen Drover speak about the thrill of solving a whodunit. And remember—no spoilers!

— MUSIC —

Run N Gun stays indie after all these years

It’s been 10 years since Joel McCarthy and his friends decided to create a challenge: entirely make a short film in 48 hours. In the decade since, it’s grown hugely—and now, the city’s indie film talent is taking over the Orpheum for a one-night showcase.

• 30 can’t-miss Vancouver events for July

• Celebrate the diversity of performing and visual arts in Vancouver’s Eastside! Art workshops, live music, a beer garden, public art, walking tours of the Eastside Arts District and more!*

• July 11 | S.P.I.T! A Night of: Stories, Poems, Intrigue, & Theatre! Featuring two-time world poetry slam champion JOAQUIN ZIHUATANEJO (NBC, HBO, NPR).*

• Getting Real: The Arc of American Screen Acting. Experience Hollywood’s greatest performances through 30+ films and expert talks. Screenings until 31 Aug —book your tickets.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY KHATSAHLANO STREET PARTY

Khatsahlano Street Party July 5: adventure awaits at Camp Khats!

Get ready to explore, engage, and earn your badges! Khatsahlano Street Party is back on July 5 with a #CampKhats theme. Experience live music, delicious food, inspiring art, and unique activities, all designed to bring the spirit of summer camp to the heart of the city. 

— MUSIC —

cherry pick has finally found her thing

“Guitar is not something I choose to do,” muses Vancouver shoegaze star cherry pick, who’s playing Khatsahlano this weekend. “It’s something I have to do—almost unconsciously.”

• 30 can’t-miss Vancouver concerts this month

• The inaugural Pleasant Day Festival, happening August 9 in the heart of Mount Pleasant, celebrates local culture with free live music, artisan vendors, and food trucks.*

• More than just a music festival, VanFolkFest is a community celebration filled with dancing, storytelling, food, markets, in the stunning setting of Jericho Beach Park.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• Sex//Work: Queer women hire sex workers, too 

• Review: Pixies and Kurt Vile rocked the Orpheum

• West End’s Jungle Room unveils new offerings

• Kits Pool wants your input on the future

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

MUSIC: New Constellations gets ready to sparkle. (July 3 @ Fox Cabaret)

CULTURE: Pop culture podcast Material Girls hosts a one-night live show. (July 3 @ Rio Theatre)

VISUAL ARTS: Rebecca La Marre explores the crossover of art and words in Craft Parlour. (July 3-26 @ Western Front)

FILM: Grab your deckchair for a summer of outdoor sci-fi movie screenings. (July 3 to August 28 @ The Polygon Gallery)

MUSIC: FVDED in the Park returns to shake the bass. (July 4-5 @ Holland Park, Surrey)

CULTURE: The month-long Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Festival kicks off with a plaza takeover. (July 4-6 @ Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza)

SHOPPING: The Fairview Summer Bazaar and Garage Sale is ready for a rummage. (July 5 @ Fairview Baptist Church)

VISUAL ARTS: Sichen Grace Chen considers interconnectivity in Amphibious. (July 5-24 @ Lipont Gallery, Richmond) 

—

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

That’s it!

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