by Michelle Sproule | The main objective of this website is to scout out and promote the things that make Vancouver such a sweet place to be. We do this with an emphasis on the city’s independent spirit to foster a sense of connectedness within and between our communities, and to introduce our readers to the people who grow and cook our food, play the raddest tunes in our better venues, create our most interesting art, and design everything from what we wear to the spaces we inhabit. The Scout List is our carefully considered, first rate agenda of super awesome things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week. From our calendar to yours…

Dig it | The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is still on and we suggest you get busy making plans to attend some of its events. Flip through the long list of what’s going on here. We’re particularly stoked for The Avett Brothers (Tuesday, June 26) and Destroyer (Friday, June 29), but there are so many performances going on at venues all over the city that there is likely something going on in your neighbourhood tonight. So do something about it!
Now – July 1 | Various times and venues | Various Prices | Details

Art | Catch the Defining Moments show at Gallery Gachet. This is a great exhibition to take in just before Canada Day. It’s comprised of works created by youths across the country who wanted to express their identity and experiences living in Canada. We’re talking works of photography, poetry, acrylic and oil painting, installation, video, sculpture and bead-work. Amazing stuff. The show only runs until the end of this week, so get out there, and maybe nip in to the brand new Vicino down the street for a bowl of pasta afterwards.
Now – Sunday, July 1 | Gallery Cachet 88 East Cordova | Free | Details

Shop | Eugene Choo is having their 12th Anniversary party this week. Not only is that a fantastic reason to head to the centre of the Main Street fashion universe, but it’s also the occasion of the official grand opening of the Eugene Choo Annex night door (shoes, shoes and more shoes). Drop in and give a congratulatory handshake, check out all the new summer duds, and chat with well dressed, super friendly people (score 30% off while you’re at it)
Thursday, June 28 | 7-10pm | Eugene Choo + Annex (3683 Main Street) | Free

Create | Looking to spark your creativity? There is a gig going on called Late Nite Art that might be just the ticket. Basically, it’s an evening of facilitated collaborative art-making (lubricated by music, food and discussion). This isn’t your basic still life class. This is art in free form expression. No previous experience needed, just imagination.
Friday, June 29 | Much and Little (2451 Main) | $25 lateniteart.com

Share | Rain City Chronicles goes down this week. What’s that? Why it’s a series of storytelling events that features a diverse roster of Vancouverites who take to the stage and speak to a theme. “From your favourite actress to the guy who sells you coffee, we believe everyone has a great personal story to tell. Our mission is to provide a community space for sharing these stories.” The theme this month is Under The Influence. Storytellers will be Shauna Anderson, Mark Brand, Robert Dall, Jessica O’Neil, Allie Quelch, Steven Rathwell, Karen Ross, Will Woods with Musical performances by Dominique Fricot and Hilary Grist. Hook yourself up with tickets here.
Friday, June 29 | 7pm | WISE Hall | $15

East Side Pride | Celebrate gay pride on the east side over at McSpadden Park this coming weekend. Roughly 2500 other people will be there with you to peruse the Pride Market (made up of wares from over 30 local artisans) and enjoy an eclectic mix of live music and (fingers crossed for sun) chilling on the grass.
Saturday June 30 | 11am to 6pm | McSpadden Park, Commercial Drive | Free | Details

Game Plan | Canada Day is a happy day. Glowing hearts and true patriot love. A party on every corner. What’s not to love? If you’re looking for a really swinging corner, consider heading to Hastings and McLean Drive (that’s the Waldorf Hotel) where there will be lots of attractive and carefree Vancouverites, some fine live music, a carnival, a beer garden and a fleet of Vancouver food trucks (noon-6pm). After you’ve done the block party, head downtown for the Canada Day parade (7pm Begins at Georgia & Broughton Streets, heads east to Burrard Street, proceeds north down Burrard Street with dispersal at West Hastings Street).

Stick around Canada Place after the parade for Vancouver’s Canada Day fireworks, lighting up the sky over the Burrard Inlet from 10:30pm.  The show will be visible from numerous locations (Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, West Vancouver and North Vancouver) for free, but it’ll be crowded.  Save a spot in the reserved area with unobstructed views and easy access to washrooms for $10 | Details.

Footy | Whether the Italians are in it or not (they must first beat Germany on Thursday), a lot of diehard soccer fans will descend on Commercial Drive for the final of the Euro Cup this Sunday. If they lose to Germany, the only place to watch is The Alpen Club.
Sunday July 1 | 11:45am

Eat Local | As always, make sure you grab locally grown produce from good people at your neighbourhood farmer’s market. Good stuff at those markets. We’re going for local garlic scapes, snap peas, Pure Bread, strawberries and Earnest Icecream.
Trout Lake Farmers Market | Saturday | 9am-2pm | Trout Lake | Free
Kitsilano Farmers Market | Sunday | 10am – 2pm | 2690 Larch @ 10th | Free
West End Farmers Market | Saturday | 9am-2pm | 1100 Block Comox | Free
Thornton Park | Wednesday | 3pm – 7pm | Main Street Station at Terminal | Free
Dundarave (West Van) Saturday | 9am – 2pm | Between 24 & 25 on Marine
UBC Farm Market: Saturday | 9-1 | UBC Farm
Oak Street Market | Wednesday | 3-7pm | Oak @ 49th (Unitarian Church) | Free

BBQ | Steveston Salmon Festival is on in…well, Steveston. This is the 67th year that Salmon Festival hits the docks of Steveston and there is a good reason for the longevity of this event. There will be a parade, live music and the biggest, best, most wonderful salmon barbeque you have ever seen.
Sunday, July 1 | All Day | Steveston | Details 

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives in beautiful Strathcona and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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