what to do, what to do?
Filed Under Events | June 18, 2009
This weekend is jam-packed and includes lots of Father’s Day fun for the whole family. Sunday, the 21st is not just the first official day of summer, it’s also National Aboriginal Day, with events taking place all across Canada.
Vancouver Festival d’ete
Thursday, June 18th – Wednesday, June 24th, various times, Le Centre @ 1551 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver
It’s the 20th anniversary of this festival of all things French, however families will want to mark Saturday the 20th on their calendars as that’s when they’re throwing their Children’s Fete. From 1 pm onwards you’ll find clowns, magicians, workshops of creation and musical showing of The Little Match Seller at 1:30 and 3 pm. It all wraps up with a celebration of Saint Jean-Baptiste day on the 24th: www.lecentreculturel.com
Mindfully Feeding Babies & Toddlers
Friday, June 19th, 10 am – 11:30 am, Cambie Whole Foods Market, 510 West 8th Avenue,
Vancouver
If you haven’t had an excuse to check out the new Whole Foods yet, here’s your chance. Nutritionist Victoria Pawlowski, registered dietician and family counselor, will be introducing you to the basics of feeding your children healthfully. Be sure to register in advance via email: vanessa.pratt@wholefoods.com
World Rose Festival – The Ultimate Rose Experience
Friday, June 19th, 2 pm – 9 pm, Saturday, June 20th, 9 am – 9 pm & Sunday, June 21st, 9 am – 5 pm, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, West Wing, 1055 Canada Way, Vancouver
At first glance this may not seem like a family-friendly affair, but in addition to all things rose you’ll also find a whole Kids Garden designed to be a whimsical place for budding gardeners with interactive stations to help them learn about roses from a pint-sized perspective, face painters and more: www.worldrosefestival.com
Point Grey Fiesta
Friday, June 19th, 3 pm – 9pm, Saturday, June 20th, 9:30 am – 9pm & Sunday, June 21st, 10 am – 6 pm, West 10th Avenue and Trimble Park, Vancouver
This annual festival celebrating the longest days of the year is one of our family’s summer highlights. The rides start on Friday night but the event officially kicks off with a parade on Saturday morning and Saturday ends with the Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile (more on that shortly). There are also sidewalk sales, live entertainment, festival rides and games and lots, lots more: www.pointgreyfiesta.org
Soccer Jam Hastings Bowl
Saturday, June 20th, various times, Empire Bowl (East side of Playland @ corner of Hastings Street and Cassiar Street) , Vancouver
Young footie fans will want to take in this massive soccer jam tourney for kids of five and up. And their parents will appreciate that it’s all put on by Moresports, who provide sustainable sport and physical activity opportunities for children and families living in Vancouver: www.moresports.org
21st Annual Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival [www.dragonboatbc.ca]
Saturday, June 20th, 10 am – 7 pm & Sunday, June 21st, 10 am – 6 pm, Concord Pacific Place, Creekside Park and the waters of False Creek, Vancouver
Admission’s free for this fun event which doesn’t just include 150 teams racing but also live music on the stage, food and children’s programming: www.dragonboatbc.ca
Britannia Community Walking Program Launch and Mini Health Fair
Saturday, June 20th, 11 am – 1:30 pm, Britannia Community Centre,1661 Napier Street, Vancouver
This community walk for all ages will be followed by snacks, entertainment and exhibits at the community centre: britanniacentre.org
Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, June 21st, 8 am – 1 pm, Robson Wholefoods Market, 1675 Robson Street, Vancouver
Take dad out for pancakes along with ham, sausage or bacon, and coffee of course. All for $6.99: www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Free Father’s Day Make’n Take & The Art Zone
Saturday, June 20th, 11 am – 2 pm (Father’s Day Make’n Take) & Saturday, June 20th & Sunday, June 21st, 11 am – 4 pm, Main Floor, Granville Island Kids Market, 1496 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Whether your tot chooses to make a handmade card just for dad at the Make’n Take or decorate something ceramic for him, he’s bound to treasure it forever: www.kidsmarket.ca
Pirate Academy
Saturday, June 20th, 10 am – noon, Vancouver Maritime Museum, 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
Kids from six to nine can get a thorough grounding in the Pirate Code of Conduct discovering how pirates work and live together. Be sure to register in advance: www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile
Saturday, June 20th, 3 pm – 10 pm, 10th Avenue between Alma & Blanca Streets, Vancouver
Here’s your chance to have fun while raising money for the BC Children’s Hospital at this event which includes themed waves of runners – including the Superhero Family Wave which we’ll be “running” in – a pooch parade, and a street party with music from RUN GMC and Daniel Wesley. We’ve got some family-friendly training tips in our blog if you’re taking part. We recommend combining this with a trip to the Point Grey Fiesta (see above): www.chipsnotdeadyet.com
SPLASH BC Family Fishing Day & Watershed Tours Kick-Off
Sunday, June 21st, 10 am – 3 pm, Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve 4400 Lillooet Road, 3km North of Capilano University, Vancouver
Here’s your chance to pick up a free day license and see if you can catch any rainbow trout in Rice Lake, or take a guided tour of the Seymour Valley, make crafts, play games, enjoy a BBQ and more: vangogreen.com
Krinos Foods Greek Day
Sunday, June 21st, 11 am – 9:30 pm, West Broadway between McDonald and Blenheim, Vancouver
This much-anticipated annual one day street festival attracts thousands, known for its food you’ll also find a Kids Zone, storytelling, lots of live entertainment and much, much more. Heck, you can even come in a toga (seriously!): www.greekday.com
Father’s Day Benefit BBQ
Sunday, June 21st, 1:30 pm – 4 pm, Kits Whole Foods Market, 2285 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Celebrate Dad at this BBQ in the courtyard. A minimum donation of $5 gets you salmon, potato salad and water and proceeds benefit the FEED 100 bag program [http://www.feedprojects.org]. Go Daddio!: www.wholefoodsmarket.com
The Farm Team Puppet Show
Tuesday, June 23rd, 3:30 pm, John Hendry Park/Trout Lake , 3350 Victoria Avenue, Vancouver
The Library’s Renaissance Puppetry Troupe returns with a fun show for kids from four to nine. It’s packed with action, laughs and hockey: vancouver.ca
Farther Afield:
National Aboriginal Day Celebration
Friday, June 19th, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 – 88 Avenue, Surrey
Celebrate National Aboriginal Day at this annual drop-in event featuring cultural activities, dancers, drummers and local artists: www.surrey.ca
Langley Children’s Festival
Friday, June 19th, 10 am – 8 pm, Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
Langley will be hopping with kid-friendly fun including sand art, mask making, puppet shows, readings and live performances from the likes of Dina D. and Tina Jones. Email info@langleyartscouncil.com to reserve your tickets: www.langleyartscouncil.com
Father’s Day Open House
Saturday, June 20th & Sunday, June 21st, Noon – 4 pm, The Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Boys of all ages will enjoy the model railroad display including tiny replicas and miniature railroad enthusiasts: www.surrey.ca
Eagle Watch
Saturday, June 20th & Sunday, June 21st, 11 am – 4 pm, Britannia Heritage Shipyard, 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
View a nest of one of Richmond’s pairs of nesting bald eagles from the vantage point of the shipyard. They’ll have telescopes and binoculars available for your viewing pleasure: www.richmond.ca
11th Annual Mission & District Soapbox Derby
Saturday, June 20th, starting at 9 am, beginning at the corner of Prentis Avenue and Stave Lake Street, Mission
Come out and watch the races and cheer for your faves or take part in the hot dog eating contest, limbo dancing contest, tots & parents race and much more: www.missionsoapbox.com
Community Days Parade and Celebration
Saturday, June 20th, Parade @ 10 am, Celebration Noon – 4 pm, Fraser Highway between 200th & 206th Street and Douglas Park, Langley
Start your day off by enjoying the parade which includes parades, marching bands and horses and then spend the afternoon in Douglas Park where there’ll be displays, live entertainment, treats and children’s rides and activities: www.city.langley.bc.ca
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival Date
Saturday, June 20th, 11 am – 8 pm & Sunday, June 21st, 11 am – 4 pm, Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
In addition to a Viking village, a concert by Charlotte Diamond, crafts, food and cultural displays, kids can have fun in the troll forest or partake of carnival games, an amazing Nordic race, storytelling and much more: scandinavianmidsummerfestival.org
Whalley Community Festival
Saturday, June 20th, Noon – 6 pm, North Surrey Recreation Centre, Mosaic Park located beside Sunrise Pavilion (10341 135 Street), Surrey
With heaps of live music – Prism is headlining – craft vendors, a huge Kids Zone, a BBQ, Strawberry Tea and more, there’s bound to be something for everyone in your family: www.whalleyfestival.com
5th Annual Boundary Bay Air Show
Saturday, June 20th, Noon – 4:30 pm, Boundary Bay Airport, 4400 72nd Street, Ladner
In addition to the exciting aerial and static displays you can also enjoy children’s activities, prize draws for free flights and lots more fun: www.corp.delta.bc.ca
Thinking Caps Club: Shields & Swords
Saturday, June 20th, 1 pm – 3 pm, The Surrey Museum, 17710-56A Avenue, Surrey
Kids from six to 11 can get inspired by the museum’s Once Upon a Time exhibit and learn about the shorthand of history including a look at Canada and Surrey’s coat-of-arms. Plus make your own heraldic shield. Pre registration is required: www.surrey.ca
Old Car Sunday in the Park
Sunday, June 21st, 8 am – 3 pm, Fraser River Heritage Park, 7494 Mary Street, Mission
Peruse over 1000 vintage, antique, rods and custom cars and trucks. Plus there’ll be food, fun and entertainment: www.rumbleseat-vintage-cars.com
Sounds of Summer Ford Mustang Show & Shine
Sunday, June 21st, 9 am – 3 pm, Kingsway Corporate Centre, 2071 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam
Celebrate dad’s day and the first day of summer while supporting the Children’s Wish Foundation. Check out the fastest, newest, most powerful and classic Mustangs and enjoy music, entertainment, prizes and more: www.childrenswish.ca
Father’s Day at the Greater Vancouver Zoo
Sunday, June 21st, 9 am – 7 pm, 5048 – 264th Street, Aldergrove
It’s the Zoo’s 3rd Annual Father and Child Mini-Golf competition. Register in person either of the two competition times – 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm – and there’ll also be a bouncy castle on site: www.gvzoo.com
Sunday in the Park – Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, June 21st, 9 am – Noon, Boundary Bay Regional Park, Tswassen
It’s the 9th Annual Father’s Day pancake breakfast served at the playground site at Centennial Beach. Enjoy the sounds of the Celtic band Doghouse, a balloon twister, face painter, juggler and more: www.metrovancouver.org
Bullhead Derby
Sunday, June 21st, 10 am – Noon, Garry Point Park, Steveston
Take dad out for a morning of fishing at Garry Point Park – and why not bring a picnic while you’re at it. There are two categories, kids and 12 and seniors and there are lots of prizes to be won: stevestonsalmonfest.ca
Cancers Below the Waist Strawberry Fundraiser
Sunday, June 21st, 10 am – 6 pm, Emma Lea Farms 2727 Westham Island Road, Delta
Do your part to fight cancers below the waist by enjoying strawberry milkshakes, sundaes, a BBQ and face painting: vancouver.ca
Build a Birdhouse with Dad!
Sunday, June 21st, 10 am – Noon (drop in), Surrey Nature Centre, 14275-96 Avenue, Surrey
Collaborate with dad to build a wooden birdhouse for your garden and when you’re done you can take a birding walk to check out the prospective tenants for your new home: www.surrey.ca
Fathers Day Geocache Event
Sunday, June 21st, Noon – 3 pm, Deas Island Park (at the canoe dock – slough side)
Here’s something a bit different for Father’s Day, take him on a geocaching adventure with a chance to win prizes. You’ll also get to learn about famous fathers in history. Adults are $50, kids are free and pre registration is required. They’ll have GPS units on hand if you don’t have one: www.guideddiscovery.ca
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada – Father’s Day Barbecue
Sunday, June 21st, 4 pm – 7 pm, Fort Langley National Historic Site, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
They haven’t filled in the event blanks yet, but this Father’s Day BBQ is sure to be a great way to celebrate Dad without your having to cook dinner: www.pc.gc.ca
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