This is simply not the week to stay inside. 

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the air hasn’t yet been darkened by the now-annual forest fires that cast us into a dystopian hellscape every summer, and there are plenty of awesome things going on around the city! 

So get out there and check out any one of these awesome events—a few of which are free, so you’ll be momentarily free from worrying about the crushing weight of the ever-increasing cost of living.

Ain’t life grand? 

Talking Stick Festival 2023

North America’s premiere festival celebrating Indigenous arts and culture, Talking Stick Festival 2023 runs from June 1 to July 2. A variety of performances will wow audiences in film, theatre, dance and music.

Find our coverage here. 

When: To July 2
Where: Various locations around the city
Admission: Free and ticketed

Botanical Drawing and Painting Flowers

Instructed by artist Katharine Dickinson, her demonstrations will guide you through exercises on capturing a flower's identifying features through line, shape, structure and form, and observing critical angles and accurate proportions.

When: June 7, 14, 21, 28
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission: $198

Her Ladyship Sketch Comedy Show

Enjoy an evening of laughs with Her Ladyship, an all-women Vancouver-based sketch comedy group.

When: June 9 and 10
Where: The Nest, 3rd Floor, 1398 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Admission: $25

Japan Market Summer Festival

Japan Market is back at Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza this weekend, with 70+ vendors expected, including some delicious Japanese food stalls. 

When: June 9 and 10
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Vancouver Art Gallery, West Georgia at Howe Street, Vancouver
Admission: $5

Nosh Foodie Fest

This kid-friendly, free outdoor event will feature a wide variety of food trucks, a Good Eats Market, artisanal goodies, and a complimentary tasting lounge.

When: June 10 and 11
Where: Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Want more? Check out the events page on our site to find out what else is going on around the city.