Bubble Bash, Under the Volcano, Rediscover Granville Street, MusicFest Vancouver

This weekend, beat the summer heat by checking out some cool events in Vancouver.  From lovers of bubbles and swing dancing, to classical Chinese music, outdoor festivals and waterfront fresh-air movies.  Read on for the top event picks of the weekend. 

UNDER THE VOLCANO FESTIVAL

WHAT: 20^th Annual Festival of Art and Social change

WHY: 30+ artists, 4 stages, workshops, artisans marketing and more. Great main stage line-up including Delhi2Dublin with their popular bhangra-Celtic-electronica mash-up.

WHEN: August 8, 12 Noon to 9:30 PM

WHERE: Cates Park, North Vancouver

MORE INFO:  General Admission by donation $10 - $20, Low Income admission $5 (main entrance only).  www.volcano.resist.ca

REDISCOVER GRANVILLE STREET 2.010

WHAT: Granville street is turned into a car-free, public space each weekend with a mix of fun activities like a skateboarding competition and swing dancing in the street.

WHY: Have fun taking back the street from cars.  It’s a pilot project for the city, so get out there and use the space, so it may continue year after year.

WHEN:  Every Friday-Saturday-Sunday until September 6, Skateboarding Aug 7 noon – 5PM, Swing Dancing Aug 8 1 - 6PM (beginner swing lesson starts at 1PM),

WHERE: Granville Street, 5 blocks between Smythe & Hastings

MORE INFO: Free. www.rediscovergranville.com

BUBBLE BASH

WHAT: Bubble-lovers unite to create an awe-inspiring bubble experience.

WHY: Join the magic of thousands of bubbles blowing through downtown!

WHEN: August 8, 3 – 4PM

WHERE: Vancouver Art Gallery, on Howe St between Robson & Georgia

MORE INFO: Free.  Bring your own bubble supplies. Official website

ENCHANTED EVENINGS CONCERT SERIES

WHAT: Delight in the sounds of world music performed in an exquisite garden. Each Friday until September 3, a different band, a different sound.  This Friday is: Silk Road Music: A favorite since the series’ inception, this group is now melding classic Chinese music with flamenco.

WHY: Key part of a romantic date night in Chinatown.

WHEN: August 6, 7PM door

WHERE: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall St

MORE INFO: Admission $20.  www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

YALETOWN FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE

WHAT: The free movie, Back To The Future, will start at dusk, but get there as early as possible to ensure a good spot in front of the giant inflatable screen. And be sure to make it dinner and a movie! Check out the 2010 Outdoor Movie Night postcard with a complete listing of all of Yaletown's great restaurants and cafes.

WHY: Flashback to 1985 with McFly and Doc in the DeLorean time machine

WHEN:  August 8, starts at dusk

WHERE: David Lam Park, Yaletown

MORE INFO:  Free. www.yaletowninfo.com/Events/movienight.aspx

MUSICFEST VANCOUVER

WHAT: MusicFest Vancouver bring over 40 classical, world and jazz concerts and events - everything from large ensembles to stellar solo performances – for the 10^th anniversary.

WHY: A feast of classical, jazz and world music presentations

WHEN: August 6 - 15

WHERE: nine Vancouver venues, check festival website for info

MORE INFO: Ticket prices and concert info visit www.musicfestvancouver.ca