Vancouver is getting ready for its summer season of events that can also tie into pre- or post-stays for cruise passengers
The summer starts with the Vancouver Marathon on May 5 with more than 18,000 entries from some 140 countries.
Next is the Spot Prawn Festival May 11 where guests can meet some of Vancouver’s top culinary talent, observe cooking demonstrations and sample the foods and local wines.
The Chinatown Night Market runs from May 17 to Sept. 8 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
There is the International Children’s Festival from May 27 to June 2 and the City of Bhangra Festival from May 30 to June 8, including a free concert.
Among the many summer highlights is the 28th annual Vancouver Jazz Festival from June 21 to July 1 with more than 1,800 artists and 300 concerts.
The “largest offshore fireworks in the world” take place on July 27, July 31 and August 3 known as Vancouver’s Celebration of Light.
Aug. 4, the city is the setting for the annual Pride Parade and Festival, celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride. Drawing more than 650,000 spectators annually, the parade showcases floats, rainbow-colored balloons, music, dancers and a big party.
Now in its 103rd year, the Fair at the PNE offers a range of new and classic family entertainment, including more than 55 rides, live performances, food from around the globe, motorsports and more from Aug. 17 to Sept. 2.
Beer lovers will find 140 craft beers on tap in the soon to open Tap & Barrel, Bitter Tasting Room. Nine new and expanded craft breweries are expected to open in 2013, while 2012 saw the opening of three new craft operations. Beer tours are offered.
Vancouver also offers live theater with several performances throughout the year at many different venues. Among the many performances are Les Miserables, June 12 to 23, and War Horse, Sept. 24 to 29. Musicals include Dreamgirls from May 9 to July 7, Avenue Q from June 20 to Aug. 3.
In addition is al fresco theater with Legally Blond and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Just announced is the fact that Vancouver will host the gold medal game of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The city will host an additional eight other matches, joining Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton in staging the largest women’s sporting event in the world.
Running June 6 to July 5, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be Canada’s first coast-to-coast sporting event. Twenty-four national teams will vie for gold, including Team Canada – bronze medalists at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
