Summertime in Vancouver means beautiful sunny weather, long afternoons at the local beaches, BBQs, summer hikes, and awe-inspiring fireworks in English Bay.  With the beautiful weather on the west coast, it’s hard not to want to spend every waking moment outdoors. Summertime in Vancouver also means the return of many much loved community markets, including the newly revamped Chinatown Night Market.

 

 

The Vancouver Chinatown Night Market is an 18-year-old tradition for many Vancouverites and tourists alike.  This year, the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association has teamed up with local filmmakers, Ken Tsui and Tannis Ling, owner of an already essential Chinatown staple, Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, to revitalize and breathe new life into the much-loved summer market.    

 

Together, Tsui and Ling have put together a program which promises to not only keep Chinatown’s heritage and traditional roots that the market was built on but also infuses a contemporary flavor with new events and vendors reflective of the neighbourhood’s exciting revival period over the last few years.

 

 

Located on the 100 to 200 block of Keefer Street between Main, Gore and Columbia, this year’s night market will blend together a healthy mix of old-meets-new, with familiar knick-knack and trinket stands fixed next to amazing vintage and artisan vendors, record stands and other diverse offerings.  Some exciting new features to check out include Storytelling Nights by Rain City Chronicles, Chinatown Outdoor Cinema, Sonic Boom! The Street Fighter II Tournament, Chinatown Mahjong Social, Hip-Hop Karaoke and even epic Ping-Pong tournaments.  There will also be family-friendly workshops available for kite-making and calligraphy lessons.  Check out their full schedule online.

 

 

Bao Bei will be hosting a Dumpling Cook-Off, and the growing Vancouver food-truck movement also joins the excitement with a number of different vendors showcasing both traditional and contemporary delicacies.  These, as well as many fresh produce and food stands promise to offer plenty of delicious treats to please any taste bud.

 

Although it had a soft launch on May 17th, the Chinatown Night Market will have its official grand opening on June 1st.   The market will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6pm to 11pm, and runs until September 8th.  Grab your family, friends and neighbours to eat, play and enjoy one of Vancouver’s must-see events of the summer. 

It’s no secret that summer is one of the best seasons to visit Vancouver. With endless list of outdoor activities available, both locals and tourists alike can’t help but soak up the rays in Canada’s most beautiful city.  Whether it’s hitting the beach, lazing around under a tree in Stanley Park, or enjoying a drink on one of the many stellar patios about town, there are several fantastic ways to spend your summer afternoon in Vancouver.

 

Not only is Vancouver home to some of the most picturesque summer days, but it’s also best place to some of the greatest live music venues in the country.  Bands and artists from all over the world make sure to include Vancouver as one of their mandatory pit stops on their cross-North American tours.  Whether it’s an electronic show at Venue, a sit down concert at the Orpheum Theatre, or a rock and roll gig at the Commodore Ballroom; Vancouver’s music scene offers a little something for everyone.

 

 

To add to the already stellar selection of live music hitting Vancouver this summer, the 2013 TD International Jazz Festival is kicking things off once again this year.  Produced by the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society, the festival runs from June 21st - July 1st and will be filling the city streets with a plethora of internationally renowned jazz artists and their music.  The Jazz Fest showcases incredible talent from a wide range of musical and artistic backgrounds and promises not to disappoint.  On top of ticketed venue shows, there will also be free concerts ongoing throughout the festival. This year’s exciting lineup includes Herbie Hancock, Dr. John & the Nite Trippers, David Murray Infinity Quartet featuring Macy Gray, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic theme song vocalist, Nikki Yanofsky and many more.

 

 

Music will be in the air no matter where you turn; the difficult part will be selecting which shows to watch and put on your dancing shoes for!  Get your planning started early with your official Festival Guide & Map and The Official Jazzfest Calendar details where, when, what and who will be playing.

 

 

Advance tickets are available online and through the respective participating venues.  In-person tickets can be purchased at the Vogue Theatre box office, located only a few blocks from our Granville Street location.  Be sure to pick yours up early, as they’re sure to sell-out fast.  We promise, you won’t be disappointed.