From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver from Thursday, June 26th to Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025. Please note that you can now get the Scout List – with a few extra pieces of intel included – sent to your inbox every Thursday. Sign up for your subscription here.

ART | You’ve just moved in, stacked boxes to the ceiling, and the first thing you do before tackling the chaos of unpacking is wander down the street to the local grocery store. It’s an unspoken ritual—picking up a light bulb, some toilet paper, a cold drink, or coffee… the beginning of your relationship with this store. Courtney Caroline’s solo show, “The Local Grocer,” explores that unspoken bond we share with our neighbourhood stores. This series of vibrant, food-inspired paintings celebrates Vancouver’s small, locally-run grocery stores—those quirky, community hubs that feel almost untouched by time. As Caroline puts it “Local grocery stores are the cornerstone of every community. Now more than ever, it’s time to support them.” Love this so much! Swing by Slice of Life Gallery to check out Courtney Caroline’s work during the opening reception Thursday, June 26 6-10pm. The show will remain on the walls until Monday, June 30th. DETAILS

PASTA | Wrap your head around this: beginning on Friday, June 27th until Sunday, June 29th, Pizza Coming Soon – the kooky Japanese restaurant located in Chinatown – is handing over the reins to Chef Christopher Hyde and the rest of the Pasta La Mano crew. Yes, you heard us. For three-nights-only the PCS kitchen will be putting out a special Italian-ish menu of handmade pastas and the like, alongside $8 drink specials. DJ Heebz will also be in the house on the Friday and Saturday only, to provide the soundtrack. It’s a pasta party at Pizza Coming Soon! DETAILS

CONNECT | Flavours of Hope is back with its annual Dream Cuisines event on Friday, June 27th—a one-night-only celebration spotlighting a new group of immigrant and refugee women launching their food businesses in Vancouver. Hosted at And-Co, this pop-up market features dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Nigeria, and Peru, plus returning alumni from Syria, Iran, Mexico, and more. Expect handmade sweets, savoury snacks, and flavours you won’t find anywhere else—cooked and sold by the women behind each venture.  Entry is by donation, with proceeds going straight into the Dream Cuisines program. DETAILS

LISTEN  | Sure, the forecast calls for overcast skies and cooler weather, but that doesn’t mean the vibes won’t be sweet at Throw a Boat Down in the Water at Jericho Beach on Friday, June 27th. Set against the backdrop of the historic Providence tall ship, this floating festival invites you to get on the water with your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe for the best experience. Proceeds benefit RAVEN, an Indigenous-led organization focused on protecting marine ecosystems and Indigenous governance rights. With a funky, soulful lineup from East Van artists, the event is accessible through a sliding scale ticket system: $25 for those financially flourishing, $20 for those doing fine, and $15 for those struggling. So, grab your gear and get ready for a night of music, community, and activism. DETAILS 

CERAMICS  | On Sunday, June 29, head to the James Black Gallery for their annual Pottery Sale and Art Market, where over eight local ceramic artists will showcase everything from sculptural pieces to jewelry and tableware. It’s the perfect chance to find something one-of-a-kind, handmade, and soulful—an absolute win for your home or as a gift. With free entry, you can browse the beautiful works of @amultitudeofthings, @little.sun.studios, @lokurostudio, and others, all while soaking in the good music and great vibes. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that we have a new ceramic market in town? Yes, please. DETAILS

CHILL | If you’re looking to really drop in to the long weekend, Hero’s Welcome is your spot. FThis neighbourhood legion blends nostalgia with a fresh, no-frills vibe and has everything you need for a good time: a piano, dart boards, photo booth, a bank of pinball machines, foosball, pool tables, and even skeeball. Things heat up over the weekend when Phillips Brewing rolls in from Victoria with a two-day party plan: Sincerely Hana & Rhek bring the good music on Sunday, June 29, from 9 PM to 1 AM. Then, Monday, June 30, Bobcaygeon—a Tragically Hip tribute band—hits the stage at 7:30 PM, bringing two sets of classic hits, and probably a solid shot of tear-jerk, nostalgia-inducing nostalgia. Expect $5 Phillips cans and Draught (Hero’s Lager, Dino Sour, Free Ride IPA), plus a $10 Post-Canadians game slice of Pizza & Can of Phillips Tilt Lager. DETAILS

SALMON | Steveston Village hosts the 78th annual Steveston Salmon Festival on July 1st, celebrating Canada Day with a community parade, live music, youth performances, and a variety of food trucks. Highlights include the new Salmon Run Zone, featuring interactive games, a youth-run concession, and a demonstration from the Richmond Sockeyes junior hockey team. Other popular attractions include the Kids Bike Parade, Canada Day Parade, and the iconic Salmon Bake, plus over 20 food trucks to fuel you through the festivities. Keep in mind, this is a very popular event, and the likelihood of finding parking quickly is slim—lower your vehicle expectations and focus on the joy of stretching your legs at the youth-run concession while you wait. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day for the whole family. DETAILS

BASEBALL | The Vancouver Canadians are at Nat Bailey Stadium this weekend playing the Tri-City Dust Devils. Clouds are expected to lift, and temperatures should hover around 19/20°C—just perfect for a ballgame. Nothing says summer like a bag of peanuts, a cold beer, and a baseball game on home field. Games begin at 1 PM over the weekend, so grab a seat and enjoy the action. Tickets will be in the $35ish range. DETAILS

NIGHT MARKETS | Wandering a carnival, festival, or night market on a warm summer long weekend evening can be pure magic. The Richmond Night Market has some 500 food options, over 100 retail vendors, and a zipline. What night isn’t a little bit better after a potato tornado with an ice cream chaser? Add on a new set of cheap socks FTW! DETAILS

FARMERS | Take full advantage of early summer vegetables by getting yourself to a Farmer’s Market this week – now in full swing in various neighbourhoods around Vancouver! Take along your very best reusable carry bags to fill to the brim with leeks, garlic scapes, zucchini blossoms, baby carrots, armfuls of lettuce, and baskets of strawberries. DETAILS

LEARN | This event isn’t until July 10, but we know it will sell out fast, so here’s your nudge to sign up! Embrace the sticky-sweet joy of Japanese cooking and learn to make Daifukumochi—a delightful mochi snack filled with sweet azuki anko (red bean paste). Led by Kimiko Suzuki, who brings the wisdom of her Wakayama upbringing and deep love for simple, locally-sourced dishes, this workshop is a perfect excuse to visit UBC Farm and immerse yourself in its beauty. Fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and a hands-on experience—what could be better? How about tasting your creations with a soothing cup of green tea at the end of the session? Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now. DETAILS