Can I Just Say... 5 Awesome Summer Events in Vancouver

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      By Jamie Kan and Ali Sami

      Although the uneventfuls often regard Vancouver as one of the most boring cities in the world, we like to think that there's actually a lot going on if we get off the couch. Whether you've grown up here your entire life, you've immigrated over from a suburb, or you're even just visiting from a city with more affordable housing, there's no excuse to not experience some of the unique and exciting summer events happening this summer.

      GREEK DAY

      June 26 on West Broadway (from Macdonald to Blenheim streets)
       
      With the sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding officially out, we have been craving Greek food even more than usual. Luckily for us, Vancouver is home to one of Canada's biggest Greek festivals! Greek Day will make you feel horrible for not being Greek. This event showcases the astounding food, music, and performers that our Greek community has to offer. You'll feel especially great watching the belly dancers shake dat while you're stuffed full of roast lamb and tzatziki. If you haven't already, this is where you'll fall totally in love with Greek culture.

      SHIPYARDS NIGHT MARKET

      Friday nights to September 30 at Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

      The Shipyards Night Market is what all night markets should strive to be. Unlike others of its kind, this event does not specialize in glittery Sailor Moon iPhone cases. The Shipyards Night Market is comprised of local vendors that sell artisan products—everything from chili-infused, locally distilled vodka  to Vancouver-made T-shirts that are ridiculously comfortable. The best part is that the array of food trucks, including The Aussie Pie Guys, Vij's Railway Express, and Le Tigre, ensures that there is something for even the annoying picky eater of your group. (Just don't bring along any vegans.)

      CARIBBEAN DAYS FESTIVAL

      July 23 to 24 at Waterfront Park, 200 Block West Esplanade, North Vancouver

      Located at Waterfront Park, Caribbean Days is one of Vancouver's largest and most vibrant cultural festivals. The event, which aims to raise awareness of the Caribbean culture and lifestyle, starts off with a lively and colourful street parade each year. There's no better way to celebrate your failed summer body than to watch gorgeous, half-naked Caribbean women dance in traditional Carnival garb. The festival boasts incredible spicy Caribbean food as well as food vendors from other cultures if you're not so ready to commit. And since you're at Waterfront park, you can end the evening watching the sunset on the beautiful Vancouver skyline across the harbour.

      CARNAVAL DEL SOL

      July 9 and 10 at Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard

      Carnaval del Sol is a full-blown fiesta. This is the last place you want to show up if you're afraid to dance in public. Outdoor salsa and zumba lessons will get you up onto your feet and sweating like a Kardashian in a library. Don't worry about your sober dancing skills: this festival has a 400-seat beer garden to take away your inhibitions. To top it off? One hundred tons of beach sand is being delivered to the event in order to give it an authentic Latin beach-party vibe. Enjoy a night of Latin entertainment and drinks—and, of course, it wouldn't be on our list if it didn't offer up some amazing food, too.

      VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

      July 15 to 17 at Jericho Beach Park, 3941 Point Grey Road

      Because we felt inclined to have at least one music event on our list... Vancouver Folk fest might not include any artists you've heard of before—unless of course your boyfriend is in a really eclectic local band. But, all jokes aside, this event has been around for enough years to have found its groove. Truly, this is where Vancouver's hippie heart beats. An array of artists come together to create an atmosphere unlike anything else our city has to offer. And, whether you are smoking the ganja yourself, or just getting second-hand hallucinations, you're going to be really glad all of the other events on this list are loaded with food vendors—and you might even find yourself doing two events in one night. 

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