Photo copyright Mikdam/Dreamstime
Catch a fast-paced Vancouver Whitecaps soccer game at Empire Field this summer. Join in a rousing chant of “We’re blue, we’re white, we’re f***ing dynamite. Vancouver! Vancouver!” as the home team takes on the Columbus Crew (Jul. 6), the Real Salt Lake (Jul. 16) and David Beckham’s LA Galaxy (Jul. 30). On Jul. 18 enjoy the just-for-fun game against the UK’s Manchester City FC.—Jennifer Patterson
Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team. Photo by Bob Frid courtesy Whitecaps FC
This much-anticipated season marks the first time the Vancouver Whitecaps get to play against the best of the best. The Caps now rank as a Major League Soccer (MLS) team, justifying their big move to the impressive new BC Place Stadium later this year. Cheer on captain Jay Demerit and his all-star line-up as they take on the likes of Montreal Impact (May 4), San Jose Earthquakes (May 11) and New York Red Bulls (May 28).—Dylan Martin
BC Lions photo by Caroline Toth
BASEBALL Take me out to the old ballgame: the Canadians wrap up their season at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium (Sep. 3 to 5).
HOCKEY Luongo, the Sedins and the rest of the Canucks return for pre-season games at Rogers Arena (Sep. 22, 25, 28).
SOCCER The Whitecaps men’s team plays two home games at Swangard Stadium (Sep. 5, 24).
FOOTBALL The Lions face their competitors outdoors, in their temporary home of Empire Field (pictured; Sep. 11, 18).—Sheri Radford
Vancouver has a variety of spectator sports during the summer. Photo copyright Ranplett/iStockPhoto.com
Sports fans, get ready to make some noise.
BASEBALL When do these guys sleep? The Vancouver Canadians play 16 home games at Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium this month—plus 13 away games.
FOOTBALL The BC Lions take on the Calgary Stampeders (Aug. 7 and 27) at the Leos’ temporary home of Empire Field. The team’s permanent home, downtown’s BC Place, is closed for renovations while a swanky new retractable roof is installed.
SOCCER The Vancouver Whitecaps men’s team faces the Austin Aztex at Swangard Stadium (Aug. 29).—Sheri Radford
The Word on the Street
SEPTEMBER 27
From tiny tots to great-grannies, readers of all ages enjoy this annual festival celebrating the written word. Meet your favourite author, watch performance poetry and complete a giant word-search puzzle. The best part? The whole day is free—except for all those new books, magazines and comics you’re sure to buy.
Walik/iStockphoto.com
Go, Team, Go!
Sports fans have plenty to cheer about in Vancouver this month.
1 HOCKEY Gearing up for the 2010 Winter Games, women’s teams from Canada, the US, Sweden and Finland compete for the Hockey Canada Cup. Plus, the Vancouver Canucks play several pre-season games.
2 SOCCER The Vancouver Whitecaps men’s team finishes off the 2009 season.
3 BASEBALL The Vancouver Canadians play the last few home games of the year.
4 FOOTBALL The BC Lions take on Montreal (Sep. 4) and Toronto (Sep. 19).
The Canadian Tenors
SEPTEMBER 26
The nattily dressed crooners have entranced the world with their deft blend of pop and classical music. Now the lads are using their talent to raise money for the African town of Bulembu, which has been devastated by HIV/AIDS. Don’t miss their benefit concert at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.
Funny Business
Looking to tickle your funnybone? Carol Burnett, Tom Arnold, Pauly Shore and many other funny folks are appearing at the Global ComedyFest (Sep. 17 to 27). Improv heats up at both the Vancouver International Improv Festival (Sep. 29 to Oct. 3) and Vancouver TheatreSports League (ongoing). Also bringing on the yuks are Wanda Sykes (River Rock Show Theatre; Sep. 4) and Wayne Brady (pictured; Red Robinson Show Theatre, Sep. 18; and River Rock Show Theatre, Sep. 19).
Photo by David Blue
Bard on the Beach
TO SEPTEMBER 26 What do you get when you perform some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays in two tents facing picturesque backdrops? This annual festival, which marks its 20th anniversary by staging Othello (to Sep. 25)—for the first time—and The Comedy of Errors (to Sep. 26) on the Mainstage, and Richard II (to Sep. 18) and All’s Well That Ends Well (pictured; to Sep. 19) on the Studio Stage. Hie, get thee to the theatre!
Photo by Greg Descantes
Gastown Show ‘n’ Shine
AUGUST 16 Fans of choppers, cruisers, vintage bikes and sport bikes all descend on the cobblestone streets of Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest district, for this annual event. Manufacturers show off their wares while musicians perform live. Best of all? Motorcycle parking is free.
Aliencat/Fotolia.com
Maritime festival
AUGUST 8 AND 9 Even if you can’t tell your porthole from your poop deck, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy at this nautical festival marking the 50th anniversary of the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Jugglers, comedians, storytellers and musicians keep everyone amused, while birthday cake provides a sugar rush. Bonus: anyone born in 1959 gets in free.
SPXChrome/iStockphoto.com
Play Ball!
Sports fans have plenty to cheer about in Vancouver this month.
1. FOOTBALL The BC Lions take on Saskatchewan (Aug. 7) and Winnipeg (Aug. 21).
2. BASEBALL The Vancouver Canadians play several home games.
3. SOCCER The Vancouver Whitecaps men’s team has the home-turf advantage four times.
4. HOCKEY Gearing up for the 2010 Winter Games, women’s teams from Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland compete for the Hockey Canada Cup.
– Sheri Radford
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Stay, Dine, Do
