COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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One Offs & Limited Engagements
Celebrate Canada Day on Robson with the whole family.
CANADA DAY ON ROBSON
Monday, July 1
1 to 5 p.m.
Robson from Burrard to Denman
Free
On Canada Day the sidewalks of Robson Street will come alive with music, entertainment, dance performances, kids’ activities, delicious fare, and business promotions (and that always means lots of swag!).
Canada Day on Robson was a great success … don’t miss this year’s celebration.
Featured entertainment will include Dueling Pianos, Trilojay and Uptight Bass. In addition to the music there will be five separate activation zones, including Bute Robson Plaza, Eihu Lane between CB2 and Shenanigans, the Whole Foods parking lot, as well as Jervis and Cardero Streets, which will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Queer As Funk will be just one of the many performers entertaining at Canada Day on Robson.
At Bute Robson Plaza there will be a fun family lounge area, complete with live music by Michael Avril and Bathtub Sidecar, face painting, balloon twisting, life-sized games to play and a DIY photo booth.
Between CB2 (1277 Robson) and Shenanigans (1227 Robson) is Eihu Lane, which will be transformed for the afternoon to feature music by Queer as Funk and Space Elevator, as well as dance performances by Small Stage. The Buddha-Full Bus will also be on-site serving up fresh, organic plant-based dishes.And don't forget to check out the Instagram wall
Jervis Street is the Hockey Zone, where you can watch local teams compete to win the coveted Timber trophy, put your own hockey skills to the test, win prizes, and get your BBQ fix on.
On Cardero Street, enjoy live entertainment at the G&F Financial Group stage, including Nikki Carter’s TransMission and Bill Costin and Friends, while filling up on Cajun fries, lobster rolls, rice boxes and more from The Holy Crab.
At Whole Foods, the parking lot will become a Family Zone featuring live music performances by Blue Dirt Girl, Tupper Music and Kaushai Deo, as well as interactive games, and a BBQ.
Seven popular food trucks will join the event between Burrard and Jervis Streets, including Arepa, Bandidas, Buddha-Full, Cheezee Does It, Reef Runner, Rolling Cashew and Mini Donuts.
Canada Day on Robson is a joint initiative of the Robson Street Business Association, the West End Business Improvement Association, and Small Stage, the producers of the annual Winter Dance event on Robson.
Granville Island Rain (Acrylic On Canvas (24 x 20 x 1.5 in) by Kathleen Tonnesen.
MOLE GALLERY EXHIBITION
July’s Featured Artist Kathleen Tonnesen
Opening Reception Friday, July 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Gallery Open Every Friday from 1 - 5 p.m.
The rear of 1157 Pendrell / Access from Jepson-Young Lane
Each month during the summer the Mole Gallery, a pop-up gallery at Mole Hill features works by a West End Artist. For June the gallery will feature an exhibition of the works of Kathleen Tonnesen titled “A Gift of Vision.”
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Kathleen immigrated to Canada in 1998 and is now a West End resident. She has developed a professional career as a working artist since 1990 and is dedicated to the enhancement of public spaces with meaningful and thought provoking art. According to Kathleen, “my ultimate goal is to conduct research on the possible effects to be found within brain circuitry, as a direct result of learning drawing skills. This, with the intention of gaining statistical data, in support of my argument pertaining to the educational benefits of including visual fine art instruction in school curriculums.
SUMMER SINGING WORKSHOP
Cheaper Than Therapy, And More Fun!
Tuesday, July 9
7:30 to 9 p.m.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church (1130 Jervis)
$20 per session (cash only)
Pre-register at singcitychoir@gmail.com
Sing City Choir welcomes singers of all levels, from beginners to experienced choristers, to join in the fun. Learn how to harmonize with fun, easy songs and challenging ronds in all styles. Discover new rhythm exercises, games, basic ear training and performance techniques. Come to any single workshop or enjoy the entire series and maybe perform at a pop-up concert. This is a great way to learn more about Sing City, the West End’s popular community choir, and maybe decide if you’d like to join for the season in September. Pre-register so they can send uyou a link to the materials you’ll ned to print and bring with you. Enjoy!
PHILOSOPHERS’ CAFE
Thursday, July 11
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Joe Fortes Library
Free
Author Neil Gaiman once offered this advice: “If you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you’re allowed to do whatever you like.” Is this quote inspiring? Is it reckless? How so? A conversation moderated by Bill Arnott.
A trip up the Sea-To-Sky Gondola is just one of this month’s Out-Trips organized by your community centre.
GET OUTA TOWN!
Four July Outings Scheduled
Dates & Times Below
Meet at West End Community Centre / Haro St. Entrance
$99
Your West End Community Centre offers three outings this month. All outings begin and end at the WECC Haro Street entrance, unless otherwise indicated. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before departure. Note that WECC outings are not wheelchair or walker accessible. For further information, and to register and sign the required waiver, check with the information desk. And be sure to register early!
Pender Harbour Boat Cruise / Thursday, July 11 / 8:20 a.m. to 6:20 p.m. / $139. Explore a beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast by boat and enjoy a one-hour narrated boat cruise through P3ndr Harbour and Garden Bay, known as the Venice of the North. Lunch and dessert are served seaside in Sechelt. Register early!
Salt Spring Saturday Market / Saturday, July 13 / 6:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. / $129.00. Ferry through the scenic Gulf Islands to beautiful Salt Spring Island and enjoy the vendors and entertainment of this internationally known artists’ community. Discover the works of potters, jewellers, fiber artists, woodworkers, and other creators and the produce of local organic growers and producers.
Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola & Dinner / Friday, July 19 / 12 noon to 10 p.m. / $142. Ride the Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola, the highest and longest lift of its kind in the world, and enjoy the fabulous views of mountain peaks, glaciers, and forests. Then enjoy a multi-course dinner served on Whistler Mountain at 4,500 feet and visit the Squamish Visitors Centre.
Out For Lunch - Indian Arm Cruise / Tuesday, July 30 / 10 a.m. to 3:15 a.m. / $68. Experience this magnificent coastal fjord right in Vancouver’s backyard. Old growth forests, pristine waterfalls, various wildlife and elegant waterfront homes are some of the trip’s highlights. While onboard the four-hour curise enjoy a catered lunch featuring fresh BC salmon. Note that stairs are required to access washrooms and observation deck.
ROCKIN’ IN THE PARK
Saturday, July 13
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coal Harbour Park
Free
Rain or shine, there’ll be a fun time for the entire family at Rockin’ In The Park. Family entertainment, mini-golf, arts & crafts, youth programs, and a fundraising BBQ will all be waiting for you at Coal Harbour Park, above the Coal Harbour Community Centre.
The Unstoppable Conni Smudge hosts Drag Brunch at the Junction July 13.
DRAG BRUNCH AT THE JUNCTION
A Fundraiser For Positive Living
Saturday, July 13
11 a.m.
The Junction (
By Donation / Register Here
Join Vancouver’s drag community for a fabulous Drag Brunch hosted by the unstoppable Conni Smudge and featuring performances from current Empress of Vancouver Alma B Itches and celebrated drag divas Jaylene Tyme, Sienna Blaze and Carlotta Gurl!
The morning’s wildness will include a surprise drag transformation from the crowd, as well as a homoerotic art silent auction.
All proceeds go to benefit the life changing programs and services that Positive Living BC offers to people living with HIV.
Volunteers work at keeping invasive species from taking over Stanley Park.
JOIN THE ECO STEWARDS
Help Keep Stanley Park Natural
Saturdays, July 13 & 27
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free / Register here
Natural habitats in Stanley Park are being impacted by invasive species. Join the Stanley Park Ecology Society team in the Park to enhance Vancouver’s largest urban forest by removing invasive species such as English ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and yellow flag iris!
By participating in this program, you will learn firsthand about the threat invasive species pose to our native ecosystems, make an important contribution to conservation and restoration in Stanley Park, and work with a great group of like minded volunteers in a beautiful outdoor setting.
A reminder email with detailed information about the day’s activity will be sent to registered volunteers a few days before the event. Volunteers should arrive dressed for the weather with sturdy shoes, and be prepared to work on uneven terrain.
A SUMMER MURDER MYSTERY
Tuesday, July 16
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Barclay Manor / Piano Room
$10
It’s “A Wedding To Murder For” and lovers of Agatha Christie fashioned murder mysteries set in an English drawing room ambience will not want to miss this one. Barclay Manor provides the backdrop for this summer for newlyweds prior to their honeymoon but, alas, all is not well with this marriage with an ulterior motive. Enjoy a professional theatre experience where you may interrogate the characters in an attempt to solve the mystery. Enjoy a table full of summer treats while contesting for boxes of surprises, gifts, and presents. What sort of surprises? Didn’t we tell you, it’s all a mystery!
LETTUCE MEETUP
A Gardeners’ Gathering At Gordon Neighbourhood House
Wednesday, July 17
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Gordon Neighbourhood House (1019 Broughton)
Free / Register at “Get Tickets” Link Here
The West End is home to many gardens and gardeners and Lettuce Meetup, a free networking event for gardeners, community organizers, and neighbours interested in community growing, is a great opportunity to meet fellow plant and nature lovers, and learn what is growing in the community.
Learn about nearby opportunities and organizations, and share skills, knowledge, and information to help each other achieve our community growing and gardening aims. Lettuce Meetup will be hosted by members of the Neighbourhood Granting Committee of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program.
Light refreshments will be served. Email welcome@gordonhouse.org for more information.
The tenth annual West End Community Yard Sale takes place Saturday, July 20.
WEST END COMMUNITY YARD SALE
Saturday, July 20
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Gordon Neighbourhood House (1019 Broughton)
Admission by Donation
It’s one of the largest second hand markets in Vancouver, featuring over 30 vendors with unique items, tools, clothing, antiques, crafts, and much more.
Hosted by the The Attic Thrift Store and The Attic Thrift Store on Davie, this 10th annual West End Community Yard Sale takes place in front of Gordon Neighbourhood House. Your hidden treasure awaits!
Gordon Neighbourhood House operates two Attic Thrift Store locations, one upstairs at 1019 Broughton Street and a storefront on Davie Street between Broughton Jervis. The stores provide West End neighbours with a place to donate and purchase affordable clothing and household goods. The store prides itself on inexpensive items (pants are only $3) and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere (clothing is organized on gender-neutral racks).
All profits from The Attic Thrift Stores and the annual Yard Sale go to support community programs and initiatives.
ARE YOU A HERON WATCHER?
Chicks Are Ready To Fly The Coop
In case you haven’t been watching, this year’s brood of young heron chicks are growing fast and are ready to test out their brand new feathered wings. You can check in on their progress at the Heron Cam. Access the cam and find more information about these Stanley Park residents here.
Once A Month, Every Month …
“TRY IT OUT” OPEN MIC
Every Third Thursday (June 18)
7 to 9 p.m.
Barclay Manor (1447 Barclay)
Free
Got a story to tell, a song to sing, a tune to play? Share your interests and your talent in an informal gathering of friends and neighbours, or just come to listen and enjoy. It’s an opportunity to share music, stories, poems, comedy, interpretive dance, or to just listen and enjoy. “Try It Out “has seen first-time performers as young as five and seasoned performers who are — well, ageless! Everyone gets 10 to 15 minutes (enough time for up to three songs) depending on the size of the group. Sign up at 7, first come, first served. One mic, acoustic guitar amp, and piano provided.
GARDENING WORKSHOP SERIES
Thursday, July 18
6 - 7 p.m.
West End Community Centre / Barclay Room
Free / Registration at 604.257.8333
Join the West End Neighbourhood Food Network at a family-friendly monthly gathering. Bring something tasty, share some good food and conversation with neighbours, and pick up a West End Urban Garden Calendar. You’ll also learn about the many other West End Neighbourhood Food Network events and activities. Each month’s meeting includes a mini-workshop on a different food and/or gardening related topic, and is followed, from 7 - 7:30 p.m., by a meeting of the West End Urban Garden Club (separate registration required) where you can share information, help organize food and gardening workshops, and save and share seeds.
The July 18 workshop is titled “Planting Fall and Winter Veggies.”
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd is The Fireside Book Club’s July selection.
FIRESIDE BOOK CLUB
Fourth Friday of Every Month (July 26)
11 a.m. to 12 noon
Joe Fortes Library / Stanley Court Room
Free
Connect with other avid readers to talk about what you’ve been reading and why you loved it — or didn’t! The July selection is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. From the author of The Secret Life of Bees, this is a novel about two unforgettable American women, Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave in early nineteenth century Charleston, who yearns for life beyond the suffocating walls that enclose her within the wealthy Grimke household, and the Grimke’s daughter, Sarah, has known from an early age she is meant to do something large in the world, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women. The Invention of Wings looks with unswerving eyes at a devastating wound in American history, through women whose struggles for liberation, empowerment, and expression will leave no reader unmoved. Get your copy now, and prepare to for a deep discussion with fellow readers.
WEST END GAMES NIGHT
Last Friday of very month (June 28)
7 - 11 p.m.
Gordon Neighbourhood House (1019 Broughton)
Free
Looking for a spot to play board games with friends? Or do you want to meet neighbours and learn new games? Join the fun at the West End Games Night, hosted by Young Ideas and Gordon Neighbourhood House. If you arrive solo, the friendly hosts can help form groups, and teach you new games.
Rishima Bahadoorsing will be at the Labyrinth July 26.
IN THE LABYRINTH
Music In The Labyrinth
Last Friday of Every Month (July 26)
St. Paul's Anglican Church (1130 Jervis)
7 to 9 p.m.
By Donation
The Labyrinth at St. Paul’s Anglican Church is a full 13-metre replica of the medieval labyrinth laid in the stone floor of the 13th-century Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Chartres. It is laid on the hardwood upper floor of St Paul's Church Hall. The Labyrinth is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The last Friday of every month the Labyrinth experience is accompanied by a local musician or group. Music on this last Friday, will be by Rishima Bahadoorsing, drawing upon her unique Indo-Trinidadian roots to accompany your time at the Labyrinth with traditional Indian devotional vocals and music of harmonium and tanpura.
Click here to learn more about the St. Paul's Labyrinth.
Once A Week, Every Week …
DANCE AT DUSK … Mondays June 17 through August 19 you are invited to join in (or just enjoy the spectacle) the Royal Scottish Dance event, with dancing to pipes, drums, accordions and fiddles. On Tuesdays it’s the Vancouver International Folk Dancers turn, with line and circle dances from Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. No dancing July 1 and 2 or August 5 and 6. Visit www.rscdsvancouver.org or vcn.bc.ca/vifd for more information.
COMMUNITY LUNCH ... Mondays through Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. at Gordon Neighbourhood House. An opportunity for community members to enjoy a meal together, meet new people, and catch up with friends in a casual environment. On Mondays it’s a pay-what-you-can (suggested donation $2) vegan hot dish. For Tuesdays and Thursdays, it’s a delicious three-course menu for $5. Wednesdays there’s a a pay-what-you-can Nourish Bow. For more information contact welcome@gordonhouse.org or 604.683.2554.
FAMILY STORY TIME ... Tuesdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Joe Fortes Library, join this program for parents and caregivers with young children. Songs, rhymes and stories are shared. Suitable for pre-schooled and toddlers of all abilities to enjoy and learn together.
WEST END FAMILY PLACE … This successful program has now been expanded. West End families can play, learn and grow at Gordon Neighbourhood House. West End Family Place is a drop-in program for children and their parents or caregivers, featuring activities that promote healthy child development, including circle time with songs and stories, free play, and arts and crafts. Mondays everyone is welcome from 9 to 11:30 a.m. On Tuesdays it’s families only from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays are also everyone welcome from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with a families only afternoon session from 2 to 4 p.m. Fridays it’s families only from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with a monthly breakfast served the week that EA cheques are issued. And the first Saturday of each month is families only from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
WEST END WRITER’S CLUB … Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Barclay Manor. West End writers gather to share and critique their work. Includes all genres. Members don’t have to read at every meeting, just enjoy and participate in the discussion. Three free visits, after which there is an annual membership fee is $20.
FRIDAY NIGHTS FOR TEENS from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Coal Harbour Community Centre (Multi-Purpose Room). Every week it’s something different, with activities for youth 13 - 18. Upstairs in the Multi-Purpose Room. Info at 604.718.8222.
PRE-TEEN NIGHT … Fridays from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the West End Community Centre. A free program for youth ages 9 to 12. Participants are asked to fill out a waiver, which can be picked up at the WECC front desk.
NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP … Fridays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Barclay Manor (Piano Room). A gathering for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone near and dear. Confidentiality and anonymity are respected.
WEST END FARMER’S MARKET … Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m through Oct. 1.. 1100 Block Comox, between Bute and Thurlow. More than 30 farmers, producers, vendors, and food trucks on hand to replenish your depleted larder with fresh fruit, veggies, baked goods, and other locally grown goodies.
