Vancouver has something for everyone this weekend, whether you feel like rocking out, taking a moment to reflect on the human condition, or just hang out with family and friends and be entertained while enjoying this beautiful summer.
MUSIC
Canadian rock doesn't get more classic than this. Prog-rock icons Rush play Rogers Arena Friday.
If rap is your bag, head to the Biltmore Cabaret Friday for EL-P And Killer Mike, American musicians touring new album "Run The Jewels".
Hailing from Poughkeepsie, NY, Alex Goot is a genuine Internet star, having built his career in large part through his YouTube channel. Check out his original songs and covers at the Rio Theatre, Friday night.
MOVIES
The International Buddhist Film Festival is taking place in Vancouver this weekend, its first time to be hosted in Canada. The schedule includes films from China, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Argentina, the USA, GB and Canada and includes eight Canadian premieres and one World premiere. Both documentary and dramas, favourites from the festival's archives, and even Johnny Depp feature in the festival which runs from Friday through August 1 at the Vancity Theatre.
Cult fans will not want to miss this screening of Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato's "Party Monster", late night Friday at the Rio Theatre. Starring Macaulay Culkin as the infamous New York clubs promoter Michael Alig, the movie is based on the book "Disco Bloodbath" by James St James, who not only stars in the flick, he'll be live on stage to take questions.
COMEDY
U.S. comedian Adam Carolla , famous for his hugely successful weekly podcast, takes to the Commodore Ballroom stage Friday, in hopes of making you laugh in person.
ART
What better way to enjoy great art, than on a summer evening with a glass of wine in your hand? The Flats Block Party offers you just that opportunity on Saturday, as you stroll between Monte Clark Gallery, Equinox Gallery, Macaulay & Co., and Winsor Gallery, taking in their latest shows.
Sunday night, Queen Elizabeth Park will be transformed as resident artists LocoMotoArt light up the night with an evening of digital eco-art. Attendees are asked to wear flat, comfortable footwear and assemble outside the Bloedal Conservatory at 9.15 p.m.
EVENTS
The annual Vancouver fireworks contest Celebration of Light kicks off Saturday night, with the U.K. leading the pyrotechnical charge. Go early to find your spot close by, or head to a hill and watch from afar. If you do hit English Bay in readiness, there's plenty of pre-show entertainment, not least two free music stages. Saturday night's headliner is Serena Ryder.
Interested in meat-free living? Veg Fest Vancouvertakes over Granville Street between Dunsmuir and Smithe Saturday, with lots of food and festivities to warm your cruelty-free heart.
Check out a slideshow of Vancouver events July 26 -28:
