This is the beginning of the rest of July. Take a break from the heat with some air-conditioned art, or soak up the rays with outdoor festivals.

Chinese and Western Paintings: Exhibition of a Private Collection: To July 9 @ Lipont Gallery, Richmond 

Shanghai-style contemporary works on rare display. 

Abstracted Identity: To July 18 @ Vancouver Jewish Community Centre 

Brian Bleckman reflects on Jewish identity through abstract and representative canvases.

Terrain: Westcoast Views: To July 28 @ Ferry Building Gallery, West Vancouver 

A dozen artists capture the beauty of BC’s natural bounty. 

Shades of Brown: Defying Racial Categories: July 4 @ Museum of Vancouver 

Chris Patterson and three storytellers get deep on identity-making. 

Indian Summer Festival: July 4 to 14 @ various venues

Talks, comedy, poetry, music, art, and more from the annual Desi celebration. 

An Evening with Dead Weight Citizens Brigade: July 5 @ Arts Umbrella Theatre 

SNL meets Sabaton in a metal-scored night of sketches and songs. 

Carnaval del Sol July 5 to 7 @ Jonathan Rogers Park

Latincouver celebrates the past, present, and future of Latin American culture in BC.

A Smoke Behind the Rope: July 5 to 10 @ Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre 

A new play from Sky Theatre follows two accidental activists in a repressive prison. 

Into the Wild: July 5 to August 9 @ Fjallraven on West Broadway 

Two-dozen local artists riff on a natural theme, displayed between bougie backpacks.

CATS: July 5 to August 23 @ Malkin Bowl

Will this finally be the time Mungojerry makes it to the Heavyside Layer?

Bloodfeud: Stand Up vs Improv: July 6 @ Little Mountain Gallery 

Get the best of both worlds as comics and improvisers battle for silly supremacy. 

Amar Singh’s Comedy Special Release: July 6 @ The MOTN 

The local comedian releases his debut special, Please Don’t Kill Me.

Night at the Theatre: Vintage eveningwear fashion show: July 6 @ Mackin Heritage Home and Toy Museum, Coquitlam

Don your gladdest rags for a night of dazzling theatre-going fashion. 

Weeds & Trees Live podcast recording: July 6 @ Trees Coffee on Davie Street

The Eastside Sisters chat about drag and drugs. C’mon, grass!

Drift: July 6 to 14 @ Ocean Art Works 

Kimira Reddy’s installation creates an ethereal tableau. 

Arthur Erickson’s Centennial Celebration: July 7 @ Robson Square 

Mark 100 years of the city’s most famous architect, in a plaza he designed.

School of Rock: July 7 to August 24 @ Malkin Bowl

Inexplicably, Andrew Lloyd Webber penned the musical adaptation of this screwball movie.

Frozen: The Musical: July 9 to 15 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre 

Presumably, the cold won’t bother you in July.

Gastown Grand Prix: July 10 @ Cambie Street and Water Street

Strong-thighed cyclists race laps of the neighbourhood.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in concert: July 11 to 12 @ Orpheum Theatre

Johnny Depp is (maybe?) still cancelled, but you can’t deny the standout soundtrack—performed live by VSO. 

Vancouver Classical Guitar Festival: July 11 to 4 @ BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts, North Vancouver 

The fifth year of showing off Canada’s finest classical guitarists with concerts and workshops. 

No Gold Star: July 12 @ The Birdhouse 

Alison Ward’s one-person play depicts their late-blooming coming out.

Anti-Icon: Apokalypsis: July 12 to September 29 @ Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver 

Martine Gutierrez’s first major solo show in Canada asks what makes women iconic. 

Fridays on Front: July 12 to August 23 @ Front St Mews, New Westminster 

Enjoy weekly summer block parties with food trucks, vendors, and live music. 

ART PARTY! Closing event: July 13 @ Seymour Art Gallery 

A fundraiser to support local arts and culture, including a silent auction and affordable artworks. 

Vancouver Chinatown Festival: July 13 and 14 @ Keefer Street and Columbia Street

The annual two-day community event shows off the neighbourhood’s magic.

Glitter Crash: July 13 to 14 @ Historic Theatre

Give ableism the middle finger with this showcase of disabled drag and burlesque performers. 

Tanabata Flea Market: July 14 @ Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, Burnaby 

Celebrate the Star Festival at this market and cultural experience. 

Let Me Be: July 15 @ Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church 

Estonia’s Eller Girls’ Choir performs magical harmonies from its latest album. 

Star Trek in concert: July 16 to 17 @ Orpheum Theatre

It’s Star Trek, Jim, but not as we know it: now with VSO backing. 

The Tempest Project: July 17 to 22 @ Vancouver Playhouse 

Be not afeard; the theatre is full of noises. Follow the sound in this roving concert experience from Music on Main. 

Deanne Knight concert and cabaret: July 18 @ Mel Lehan Hall at St. James 

The local vocalist celebrates the release of her sophomore album.

Crossroads Cabaret & Vaudeville: Hot Summer Nights: July 19 @ ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge 

Expect sizzling circus, burlesque, flamenco, and more in this summery variety show. 

Live & Local: Matthew Presidente: July 19 @ Lynn Valley Village, North Vancouver 

Vancouver’s resident piano man tickles the keys. 

Canada Bubble Tea Festival: July 19 to 21 @ Swangard Stadium, Burnaby 

Enjoy all kinds of entertainment, fuelled by boba.

Summer on šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn: July 19 to August 29 @ šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza)

Enjoy free outdoor events, including concerts, dance classes, and film screenings.

That’s Gay! Comedy: July 20 @ Little Mountain Gallery 

It’s okay to laugh at queer people if they’re cracking the jokes.

Comedy writing workshop: July 20 @ Vancouver Central Library 

The 24th annual FunnyFest laugh and learn event will spark your creativity (and hilarity). 

Surrey Fusion Festival: July 20 to 21 @ Holland Park, Surrey

Cultural groups run dozens of pavilions celebrating Surrey’s diverse demographics.

Honda Celebration of Light: July 20, 24, and 27 @ various locations 

Scope out a patio spot or simply look skyward to catch the international fireworks showcase.

All Over The Map: July 21 @ Granville Island Picnic Pavillion 

Catch free outdoor dance performances from V’ni Dansi, Eva Cho, Palak Dhiman, and Afrobeats Van.

Create! Eastside Arts Festival: July 22 to 28 @ various locations 

The fourth-annual festival has discounted workshops, public art, live music, and more. 

Evening at the Museum: July 24 @ Vancouver Maritime Museum 

A night of fundraising for the city’s top authority on all things boaty. 

Cacao Ceremony and Concert: July 24 @ Casa Copal 

Musician and ceremonialist Josii Yakecan leads participants through breathing, meditation, song, and more. 

Jazz in Coal Park Harbour: July 25 @ Coal Park Harbour Park 

Soak up the sounds of Joe Abbott Group in some gorgeous surroundings. 

Jazz Waves 2024: July 25 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre, West Vancouver 

Dynamic trio Musical Breeze performs everything from jazz standards to French pop. 

Ramy Youssef: July 26 @ Vogue Theatre

The Poor Things star is off releasing his new special, More Feelings.

Steveston Grand Prix of Art: July 27 to 28 @ Britannia Heritage Shipyard, Richmond 

The 14th-annual race sees 150 artists working against the clock to complete spectacular pieces.  

John Bishop: July 31 @ Vogue Theatre

The charmingly Scouse comedian always brings a likeable, Liverpudlian patter.