special events in vancouver, british columbia, canada

May 1, 2011
BMO Bank of Montreal Vancouver Marathon. The Marathon is celebrating 40 years of continued success and we are expecting our number of participants to exceed over 15,000 attendees on May 1, 2011. With this many people we are going to need as much help as we can get! We have numerous opportunities for individuals or groups to come out and help, have fun learning the city and cheer on the participants. https://www.bmovanmarathon.ca

May 1 - 7, 2011
BC Youth Week 2011. Youth Week is an international celebration of youth held annually during the first week of May. It is a week of fun, interaction and celebration intending to build a strong connection between young people and their communities and to profile the issues, accomplishments and diversity of youth across the province. Wherever Youth Week is celebrated, the idea behind it is the same: Young people are important and need to be recognized in a constructive and positive manner. Their contributions need to be acknowledged and celebrated. https://www.bcyouthweek.com

May 1 - 28, 2011
Arts Club Theatre Company presents A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, Arts Club Theatre Company - Granville Island Stage; https://www.artsclub.com/20102011/plays/a-closer-walk-with-patsy-cline.htm

May 1 - 28, 2011
North Vancouver Community Arts Council CityScape Community Art Space, 335 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver; For this exhibition artists have created work that captures the ideal, peaceful cohabitation amongst creatures and the human species. Through contrasting, positive imagery, this exhibition will present humankind living in harmony with creatures that may otherwise be thought of as a threat, a product, an impingement, or seemingly irrelevant to existence. Embracing the ideals of cohabitation, rather than the need to dominate and control, will be examined. This work emphasizes no matter how great the external differences, a balance can always be found. The aim of this exhibition is to be ultimately inclusive despite enormous amounts of versatility and diversity amongst the creatures in the natural world. Artists: David Camisa, Sharon Christian, Olivia Creighton, Gary Eder, Marion Edwards, Zahida Jaffer, Francis Johnstone, Moira Klassen, Sharka Leigh, Bernadette McCormak, Frank Zeidler. 604.988.6844 www.nvartscouncil.ca

May 2 - 29, 2011
Tourism Vancouver's Be A Tourist In Your Own Town! From May 3rd to 29th, B.C. residents are invited to be tourists in their own city by taking advantage of over 30,000 free tickets to participating attractions! Each day, during the 27 days of the promotion, a different area attraction will be revealed as the "attraction of the day" offering B.C. residents a limited number of free admission tickets to their location. Tickets are only valid for one day, but on that day the lucky locals who snag tickets can expect a fabulous day out that will leave them inspired to share their experience with visiting friends and relatives. Many attractions will also offer special events and offers on their free ticket day. https://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/bat

May 4, 2011
MANAGING YOUR CHILDREN’S ANGER with Raj Dhasi. What is the physiology of anger? This session is interactive and will be discussing the best way to support their children and their parents in managing difficult emotions. Anger is a normal emotion, but with certain strategies both adults and children can learn to manage it so that they can engage in productive interactions. Raj has a background as a school counsellor, providing conflict resolution coaching & training. Her strengths lie in her ability to build relationships and assess root causes of conflict. Raj has a Master’s degree in Organizational Conflict Analysis and Management with a specialization in managing power dynamics. Tickets are $5 at the door. Parent Education at Kiddies Korner Preschool. 2211 Prairie ave, Port Coquitlam . 7pm

May 3 - 14, 2011
The World Premiere of Prodigals,By Sean Minogue. Goldcorp Centre for the Arts at SFU Woodward's, Studio T (149 W. Hastings). www.twentysomethingtheatre.com

May 4 - 14, 2011
VIBC's City of Bhangra 2011. VIBC’s City of Bhangra 2011 presents 9 days of drums, dance and discussion from May 4th to 14th. Enjoy a broad range of talent spanning from folk music to rock-inspired bands, Bhangra sounds from the UK to Finland, and dancers from all over North America. Events are ticketed and free to the public. https://vibc.org/city-of-bhangra-2011/

May 5, 2011
6th Annual BC Women in Business Luncheon: Women In Leadership Foundation (www.womeninleadership.ca) will be hosting its 6th Annual BC Women in Business Luncheon: Our Story, Our Success from 11am – 1:30pm , at the Hycroft Mansion in Vancouver , BC. Presented by TD Bank Financial Group, this luncheon is a part of the Women in Leadership National Spotlight Speaker Series, and showcases female role models in business and fosters the expansion of networks. At the annual luncheon, you'll hear leading local women in business share their journeys of success, practical tips and inspiration. Proceeds will benefit the Women in Leadership Mentorship Program (more information at www.womeninleadership.ca).

May 5, 2011
Henry Charles: First Nations Storyteller in Residence. Please join us for the inaugural event by Henry Charles, Vancouver Public Librarys third First Nations Storyteller in Residence. He will be joined by Elder Mary Charles, Carl Point and Christie Lee Charles. Admission is free. Seating is limited. The First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence Program is generously supported by The Vancouver Foundation and the Vancouver Public Library Foundation. Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca

May 7, 2011
5th Annual Spot Prawn Festival. Meet local chefs and fishermen at this fifth annual Spot Prawn boil and watch demonstrations from Vancouver’s top chefs. Dozens of Vancouver’s top chefs, such as James Walt, Araxi Restaurant + Bar; Rob Clark and Lee Humphries, C Restaurant; Rob Belcham, Campagnolo and refuel, Chef Anne Kirsebom; Quang Dang, Diva at the Met; Chris Whittaker, O’Doul’s at the Listel; Julian Bond, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and Mary Mackay, Terra Breads cook up prawns fresh for your plate, while others demo spot prawn dishes for you to try at home. False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf (just west of Granville Island); https://bit.ly/spotprawn

May 7, 2011
7th Annual Turn to the Sun Sunflower Seedling Fundraiser. The 7th Annual Turn To The Sun Sunflower Seedling Fundraiser. All proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation in support of grassroots HIV/AIDS projects in Africa. Over 30 varieties of sunflower seedlings available by donation. Locations include 2133 East 7th Ave, Vancouver, Mission Farmer's Market 33247 2nd Ave Mission, 325 3rd St New Westminster and on the Sunshine Coast at 1163 Cedar Grove Road, Roberts Creek. www.turntothesun.org

May 7, 2011
Burnaby Lake BioBlitz. What's living at Burnaby Lake ? Come out to Burnaby Lake on Saturday May 7th between 10am and 4pm to find out! Help scientists and naturalists as they count all the species of plants, animals and fungi that we can find! Join us for children’s crafts and games, nature programs, and guided walks. Try your hand at scientific species identification, nature journaling, bug hunting, pond dipping and lots more. There will also be a chance to meet some our amazing animals up close and personal in our Nature House! Our final species tallies will be announced at 4pm, but there will be activities going on all day long. There will be lots to do, and we hope that you will join us for this amazing day of science, nature and biodiversity. Free, no registration required. Everyone welcome! Park at the Nature House on Piper Avenue off Winston Street , or park at the Avalon Avenue lot and enjoy a half-hour walk to the Nature House. For more information about the BioBlitz and a schedule of all the fun things that are happening, check out the website at https://burnabylakepark.ca/bioblitz.html or call 604-420-3031.

May 7, 2011
Great Salmon Send Off. he first Great Salmon Send-Off fish release was celebrated beside the Brunette in 1990 and moved to Stoney Creek the following year. Fisheries and Oceans Canada supply the young fish. Chlidren release the fish while their families take in the activities and educational dsplays on the school grounds. This years GSSO will be on Saturday, May 7 from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. on on the north end of the Stoney Creek Community School grounds. 2740 Beaverbrook Crescent in Burnaby, 604-420-0771.

May 7, 2011
Heritage 101. As the core course for the Vancouver Heritage Foundations Certificate in Heritage Conservation, this unique one-day course is designed as a link between the theory and practice of heritage conservation. Using the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, this course will move from principles to practice in three key areas: a values-based approach to heritage conservation; a discussion of the regulatory environment within local government; and the importance of planning prior to undertaking a heritage conservation project.This course will be of specific interest to building contractors, renovators, planners, architects, engineers, interior designers, building managers and inspectors, realtors, local government staff and homeowners. $125 +HST www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org

May 7, 2011
You are invited to The 10th Annual Sea to Sky Heritage Fair, a multi-media education program developed to increase awareness and interest in Canadian History. The Fair encourages students from Grades 4-10 to tell stories and share information about Canadian heroes and stories. A jam-packed schedule of entertainers and events, including live music, arts and craft workshops, and vintage vehicles promises to be a fantastic day of education and free fun for the whole community! North Vancouver Museum and Archives’. For more information please contact Ella McGeough, Heritage Fair Coordinator at 604.99.3700 ext 8008 or by email at mcgeoughe@dnv.org

May 7, 2011
Urban Star Quest. Celebrate International Astronomy Day with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Aldergrove Lake Regional Park. Meet at the Aldergrove Bowl entrance on Lefeuvre Road on the Abbotsford side of the park. Information: 604-530-4983.

May 7, 2011
Canadian Geranium & Pelargonium Society's annual Plant Sale. Rare and unusual varieties of geraniums & pelargoniums for your garden, sundeck and balcony including standards, dwarf, variegated, scenteds, stellars,hardy, ivy, etc. Hourly door prizes. Free Admission. For information contact, Barbara at 604-327-3937 or email info@cdngeraniums.com; VanDusen Botanical Garden, Oak and 37th Avenue, Floral Hal

May 7, 2011
Nature Tea Party. Treat your mom to a special celebration for Mother’s Day! Decorate cookies and enjoy a cup of nature-inspired tea in the forest. Take a walk down a nature trail to finish off your morning. Drop in, all ages. Surrey Nature Centre (14255 96 Avenue, Surrey BC). 604-502-6065.

May 7, 2011
Stone Soup Festival. 16th Annual Stone Soup Festival is a celebration of food, art, environment and community. Includes food vendors, local artists, community groups, talks and workshops, live music, children's activities, free soup and more! Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier St at Commercial Drive; www.britanniacentre.org

May 7, 2011
What: 5km run or 2.5km walk. Queen's Park in New Westminster. All proceeds (100%) will go to support people living with mental health issues. To Register: www.mentalhealthrun.ca OR call 604-612-0856.

May 8, 2011
Critter Capers – Case of More Missing Berries. The Chickadee’s berries have gone missing and she needs your help to find out who ate them! Bring your detective skills to Pacific Spirit Regional Park on Sunday May 8th, between 1 pm and 4 pm and help solve this mystery. Examine the crime scene firsthand, test the DNA of the suspect’s stomach contents and decipher other clues along the trail during this free family event. Ideal for ages six and older. Meet at the 16thAve and Sasamat St. park entrance. Allow 1 hour to complete. Solve the mystery before 4 and receive a reward. Free, no registration required. Info: 604-224-5739

May 8, 2011
Got Craft? Come one, come all to Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair featuring over 55 handmade vendors. Shoppers can expect to find the crème de la crème of indie goods: handbags, ceramics, stationery, jewelry, clothing, kid items, body products and more! There will also be a selection of baked items, gluten free treats and a pakora food truck outside. Swing by the Spool of Thread DIY lounge to create your own projects or be one of the first 45 through the door for a coveted swag bag. Royal Canadian Legion – 2205 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; https://www.gotcraft.com

May 8, 2011
Invasive Plant Removal at Derby Reach Park (Langley BC). Pull invasive plants at Derby Reach Park. This event is in partnership with Metro Vancouver Parks. To become a Lower Mainland Green Team member, to get more information and to register your RSVP for this event please visit: www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/16449596/

May 8, 2011
What: Mother's Day Tea on the Train - Enjoy tea and scones on our 1920s rail car while listening to the music of the 1940s. While you wait, visit the Museum to do our Memories of Mother tour and make a clothespin doll. Port Moody Station Museum (2734 Murray St., Port Moody); www.portmoodymuseum.org

May 8, 2011
Silver Harbour Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast. Our wonderful annual tradition is back! Join us for our very popular Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast, an event where everyone enjoys a delicious plate of pancakes, sausages and fruit salad, all while celebrating mothers in our lives. Invite your families and friends! Thank you to Pacific Arbour Retirement Communities for sponsoring the cost of the food and entertainment for this event. Silver Harbour Seniors’ Activity Centre, 144 East 22nd Street, North Vancouver; www.silverharbourcentre.com

May 12, 2011
Multicultural Evening at Maillard Middle school. Come join us for a fun filled show with performers from different cultures. Thursday May 12th at 6:30 - 8:30pm. Doors open at 6pm. 1300 Rochester Ave., Coquitlam, BC. Tickets are $5.00 and all proceeds go towards helping build Maillard Middle's sister school in Africa. It's a great family night for less than a night out at the movies. For more information please call 604-307-3715.

May 12 - 15, 2011
Journey to Lost Lagoon: A Stanley Park Circus Adventure. CircusWest is proud to present, "Journey to Lost Lagoon: A Stanley Park Circus Adventure", a magical and mystical circus tour through Stanley Park over the last 125 years. The show will chronicle the journey of Lord Stanley and guests as they travel from major Park landmarks along the Seawall path and interact with animals and supernatural forces along the way. CircusWest is pleased to present this original circus production to celebrate Vancouver's 125th Anniversary and the unique artistry of CircusWest youth. Witness as totem poles, park animals and statues come to life. The show includes Acrobatics, Aerial Fabric Routines, Human Pyramids on Unicycles, Human Contortion and Swinging Trapeze! Showtimes are 12:45pm and 7pm daily (except Sunday, May 15, 12:45pm only). For tickets, please visit our website at www.circuswest.com

May 12 - 21, 2011
Shades of Gray - World Premiere. Original Canadian stage production presented by Self Preservation Productions. Partial proceeds benefit the Canadian Red Cross. Written to engage your mind; directed to capture your emotions. Studio 1398 on Granville Island (1398 Cartwright st). May 12 - May 21, 8pm. Sat. matinees May 14&21, 2pm. Tix $15-30 www.ticketstonight.ca. 'Pay What You Can Preview' May 11. Info 604.684.2787, www.spp-shadesofgray.com

May 12 - 14, 2011
Yayoi Theatre Movement Society Presents Identity – Ancestral Memory. Arts Club Revue Stage. www.vancouvertix.com 604-629-8849

May 13, 2011
The Vancouver Waldorf School Annual Fundraising Gala and Auction. Shakespearean themed ? Spring Soiree? Renowned and emerging artists will delight and entertain guests for a truly memorable evening. Canapes, Live Entertainment, Live& Silent Auction, Cash Bar. For more information call 604.689.1463 or visit www.vws.ca

May 13 - 15, 2011
EPIC: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo. The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo is Western Canada's largest sustainable lifestyle show and eco-marketplace. Join this annual celebration of planet-friendly living and surround yourself with over 300 green companies, inspiring ideas, exciting entertainment, and smart shopping in one jam-packed weekend. Vancouver Convention Centre; https://www.epicexpo.com

May 14, 2011
Salvage Sale! This is a great day to get bargain-priced doors, sinks, lumber, hardware and any house part you can think of for your restoration or art project! Salvaged items for sale are all from local homes and buildings donated by the owners. Photos of some of the items can be viewed below. If you have any items from your old house or neighbourhood that you would like to donate to this sale, please contact us or send us photos! Salvaged items, can either be delivered to our Richmond warehouse or picked up by our team of operation salvage volunteers by appointment. Items we are seeking are vintage door and window hardware, light fixtures, furniture, cabinets, flooring, clocks, sinks, art glass windows, doors, columns, wrought iron gates, signage and house numbers, tiles, mouldings and more! 7011 Elmbridge Way (unit 133), Richmond; 604-264-9642;

May 14, 2011
Nature in My Backyard. This spring, join us for family fun as you create stewardship projects that benefit the environment. Discover different trees, plants and wildlife as you make a hands-on project that helps local species, and learn tips and tricks on becoming a family of eco-heros! Suitable for adults and children ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Registration required. Surrey Nature Centre (14255 96 Avenue, Surrey BC). 604-502-6065

May 14, 2011
NNM&HC AUXILIARY SPRING BAZAAR & PLANT SALE. Good quality Japanese style items, Spring Plants and delicious Japanese Food, including fresh frozen mochi. Donations of items in good condition will be gratefully accepted by the Auxiliary on Tuesdays, 10:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M. at the Nikkei Centre. National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre, www.jcnm.ca

May 15, 2011
Invasive Plant Removal at Burnaby Lake Park (Burnaby BC). Invasive plant removal at Burnaby Park! To become a Lower Mainland Green Team member, to get more information and to register your RSVP for this event please visit; www.meetup.com/The-Lower-Mainland-Green-Team/events/16449151/

May 15, 2011
Parents interested in learning about the popular Music for Young Children program are invited to an MYC open house at Place des Arts. Enthusiastic teacher Cindy Sletmoen will be available to answer questions about this unique Canadian music program designed to foster and nurture musicality among youngsters. Registration for 2011-12 classes will be open this day. Call 604.664.1636 for more information.

May 15, 2011
On Sunday, May 15th fifteen Canadian Moms of various heritages will share their cuisine, stories and culture at “Joy of Feeding”, a community cooking event. Organized by (Moms) Meeru Dhalwala (Co-owner Vij’s) and Mary MacKay (Head baker/co-owner Terra Breads), this event is a fundraiser for the UBC Farm and its children’s programs. Tickets $50, includes a booklet with each Mom's story and family recipe. Children under 12 are free (1 per paid ticket). Tickets are on sale now at Lower Mainland Choices Markets or online. Visit https://joyoffeeding.com/ for details and ticket purchase.

May 15, 2011
Wilderness at Your Doorstep. BC Mills House volunteers welcome you to the annual celebration of pioneer history to see relics of the early logging and mining days in Lynn Valley. On site will be: a geologist, a bear awareness expert, archaeology students, hiking and historical experts, and interpretive guides. Families can sign out Discovery Packs to explore the park. Enjoy free coffee and doughnut holes from the Tim Horton's community cruiser. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, 10 am - 2 pm, https://www.metrovancouver.org/region/calendar/Lists/Calendar/DispForm.aspx?ID=1434

May 18, 2011
I Feel Great About My Hands: and other unexpected joys of aging. Please join us Shari Graydon and other contributors to the new anthology, "I Feel Great About My Hands" read stories from remarkable women who revel in the joys of aging. Womens advocate and acclaimed writer Shari Graydon set out to counter the supposed downhill slide-inspired grief by inviting notable women from across Canada all over 50 to provide an alternative perspective. "I Feel Great About My Hands" is a collection of stories, essays and poems embracing the changes, discoveries and wisdom that come with age. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Co-sponsored by Douglas & McIntyre. Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca

May 18, 2011
Chester Brown. Please join us as Chester Brown reads from his new graphic novel, Paying For It, a contemporary defense of the worlds oldest profession. Chester Brown has never shied away from tackling controversial subjects in his work. He calmly lays out the facts of how he became not only a willing participant in but also a vocal proponent of one of the worlds most hot-button topics prostitution. Paying For It offers an entirely contemporary exploration of sex work from the timid john who rides his bike to meet his escorts, to the modern-day transactions complete with online reviews, seemingly willing participants, and clean apartments devoid of cliche street corners, drugs, or pimps. Admission is free. Seating is limited. This event is co-sponsored by Drawn & Quarterly. Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca

May 18, 2011
Insect-O-Rama. Wiggly, slippery, fuzzy or shiny - how do insects look and feel to you? Learn about the little creatures that call Green Timbers Park home and see some amazing insects up close. Take home a fun “bug” craft too! Registration required, ages 5-12. Green Timbers Park (Parking lot, 14600 block of 100 Avenue, Surrey BC); 604-502-6065.

May 18, June 1, 8, 22, 29, 2011
Learn to Fish at Green Timbers Lake. Join the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. for a hands-on, educational program. Learn about fish habitat and conservation, as well as where, when and how to catch fish! Equipment is provided and each session includes time to fish on the lake. Registration required, ages 5-15. Parent supervision mandatory. 6PM – 8PM. Green Timbers Park (Meet at the white tent near the lake, 14600 block of 100 Avenue, Surrey BC). Suggested donation of $5 per youth; 604-502-6065.

May 19, 2011
What a Girl Wants. Celebrating women who strengthen, heal, protect and empower families, companies and communities. The liver plays a similar multitasking role in maintaining the integrity of the entire body. The Canadian Liver Foundation would like to take the opportunity to highlight the importance of liver health and of women as our health guardians. What a Girl Wants offers you the chance to honour the women you employ; as well as your female customers, supplier, family and friends who ensure that health is the top priority. Pan Pacific, 604-707-6430.

May 20 - 23, 2011
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. The 2011 Cloverdale Rodeo is gearing up for its biggest and best May Long Weekend yet in honour of its 65th anniversary. With some of the world's top cowboys and cowgirls on tap to vie for more than $360,000 in prize money, it's no wonder Cloverdale is such a popular stop for both the competitors and their fans! https://www.cloverdalerodeo.com

May 20 to September 11, 2011
Chinatown Night Market. A shopping extravaganza featuring traditional Asian crafts, fashionable gifts & ethnic foods. The street market contains booths with different merchandises on sale including artistic crafts, creative gifts & decors, modern electronics, fashionable clothes, popular music CD's, VCD's, DVD's, delicious snacks & ethnic food. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 6:30pm to 11:00pm @ Keefer Street/Main Street. https://www.vcma.shawbiz.ca/home_e.htm

May 21, 2011
34th Annual Western Canadian Croatian Folklore Festival. Tamburica Orchestra Kardinal Stepinac is holding the 34th Annual Canadian Croatian Folklore Festival here in Vancouver. A concert displaying traditional Croatian folklore shall take place at the River Rock Theatre in Richmond. Folklore groups from around western Canada shall perform dances and musical pieces for a first hand display of Croatian culture. River Rock Theatre, 8811 River Road, Richmond; jelena@toks.ca

May 21, June 11, 2011
Family Streetwise bike workshop. the VACC is a non-profit cycling organization that works to make the Lower Mainland more bike friendly, and we have responded to demand to create a 4 hour cycling course designed to provide the skills and knowledge that families need to ride together safely on city streets. This fun, family orientated course is for parents who would like to be more comfortable riding on city streets with their children. The goal is to help you as a parent feel more secure riding with your children, and ensuring that they learn the right skills from the beginning. Through classroom and on-road training your kids can learn about the basics of safe road riding, gain confidence with bike handling skills, and about the importance of respecting the rules of the road! As a parent, you’ll gain the ability to ride safely alongside your kids, and you and your children will gain the skills and confidence you needs to enjoy riding in the city together as a family! www.ridelife.ca/streetwise, stephanie@vacc.bc.ca

May 25, 2011
Brown Bag Lunch and Learn: Laneway Housing and Vancouver's Single Family Neighbourhoods. Laneway Housing and Vancouver's Single Family Neighbourhoods. Guest Speaker: City of Vancouver Planning Department. Laneway housing presents single family neighbourhoods with a creative solution to greater density while retaining historic streetscapes. Not all neighbourhoods share the drive to densification. $12 and bring your own lunch. www.vancouverheritagefoundation.org

May 26, 2011
Steve Noyes. Please join us as Steve Noyes reads from his first novel, "It is Just That Your House is So Far Away". Poignant and ironic, and searchingly funny "It Is Just That Your House Is So Far Away" delivers a Beijing love story and a vision of 1990s China on the edge of globalism. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca

May 27, 2011
Critical Mass in Vancouver; Critical Mass is a grassroots reclamation of public space -- a bike ride and skate -- held the last Friday of every month. You are invited to enjoy the safety and comfort in the car-free space that we create by simply riding together! Bicycles, skateboards, rollerskates, self propelled couches, and any other form of human powered locomotion are all welcomed! We ride around the city wherever people want to go - this is decided collectively - the length of the ride depends on enthusiasm and is also collectively decided. No one who comes is forced to or needs to break the law in order to participate. Meet 5 to 5:30 at the Vancouver Art Gallery, leave at 6pm; Critical Mass in Vancouver (https://www.bikesexual.org/cm/)

May 27, 2011
Henry Charles: First Nations Storyteller in Residence. Please join us for a storytelling event by Henry Charles, Vancouver Public Librarys third First Nations Storyteller in Residence. Henry Charles is the last surviving member of the Musqueam Nation to have lived in the endowment lands adjacent to the University of British Columbia. "I gained a rich knowledge of my culture from the time I spent living there with my grandparents", says Mr. Charles whose Musqueam name is tecelgen, which translates as porcupine. Today, Mr. Charles is a Musqueam Speaker and Aboriginal Greeter and he has welcomed numerous visitors and dignitaries to traditional Musqueam territories speaking his native language. Admission is free. Seating is limited. The First Nations Storyteller-in-Residence Program is generously supported by The Vancouver Foundation and the Vancouver Public Library Foundation. Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca

May 28, 2011
2012 & Prophecy: Understanding this time of Transformation. 2012 & Prophecy with John Van Auken. The prophecies of Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus, the Bible and others. Humanity and the planet are experiencing many profound changes, and even more profound changes are coming. Our bodies will change. The people of the earth will be changed. A new world is going to begin, transforming us for the long awaited new age. John Van Auken, author and researcher of such prophecies, will present an in-depth look at what has been predicted for our times and why change must occur. Special Pricing: $50 US including lunch (Normally $80 US - no lunch). www.seabc.org

May 29, 2011
12th Annual PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run. Largest timed 5K race in BC, one of technology industry’s biggest fundraising events. All proceeds to The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment to support the promotion and development of Science Fair programs throughout the province. www.sciencefairs.ca

May 30, 2011
CBC Archives: From the Vault - "Skid Row". With all the negative press the Downtown Eastside gets, what is life in the DTES really like? Two CBC documentaries, Skid Row (1957) and When Im Alone (1968), give historical perspective to life in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside. A panel will shed light on the reality of life in the DTES today and discuss some of the services available to residents of this tight knit community. (Admission is free. Seating is limited. Co-sponsored by CBC). Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch 350 W. Georgia Street, 604-331-4040, www.vpl.ca

May 30 to June 5, 2011
Vancouver International Children's Festival 2011. A world-renowned festival of performing arts for young audiences, the Vancouver International Children's Festival has been educating, entertaining and inspiring young audiences since 1978. Jam-packed with music, theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and much more, the Vancouver International Children's Festival embodies the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children all over the world. Kids of all ages can try something new or just have some fun at one of our more than 20 colourful site activities! https://www.childrensfestival.ca

June 5, 2011
World Ocean Day. Discover the world’s ocean at this free, fun-filled family festival! Enjoy live music, marine touch tanks, nature walks and much more! Hosted by Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society & Surrey Parks, Recreation and Culture. Blackie Spit Park (McBride Avenue & Wickson Road), 604-502-6065.

June 9 - 12, 2011
THREE DAYS OF CELEBRATION! Russian Culture Festival “Russia Day” . ussian Community Centre - 2114 West 4th Ave, Vancouver; More information: https://www.russiaday.com/?lang=en

June 15 to October 31, 2011
Maan Berry Farms Abbotsford. Come visit award winning Maan Farms and start your new family tradition! In Summer enjoy U-pick/We pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, plus local veggies, corn, 100% fresh berry pies & ice cream. In Fall, try your luck at Papa Jo’s corn maze. We also feature wagon rides, a pumpkin patch & farm animals. Family fun on weekends from - mid June to Oct 31. School & group tours by pre-bookings. Mon-Sun 9 - 6 at 790 Mckenzie Rd. 604-852-5722 |www.maanfarms.com

July 8 - 10, 2011
The Tour de Delta is a community event held in North Delta, Ladner and Tswassen over the weekend of July 8,9 and 10 2011. New this year! The MK Delta Land Criterium! Dhol Nation will open this exciting new event featuring a 1.3km criterium loop around the Social Heart area of North Delta where riders travel in a pack, reaching breakneck speeds and fighting it out for cash prizes. Spectators will experience the thrill of competition as riders reach more than 70km/hr! This event will also feature entertainment and fun for the entire family with Purple Pirate and lots of fun and games for children in the adjacent Richardson Elementary. For more information visit us at www.tourdedelta.com

July 8 - August 19, 2011
CircusWest Summer Camps at Bayview. Week long camps running from July 8 - August 19. Ages 7 & up. At the Bayview Community School, 2251 Collingwood St. Extended hours are available until 5:00pm at an additional cost for $15.00 per week, per student. Children will learn unicycle, juggling, acrobatics, trapeze, mini-tramp and more. Every Friday afternoon the kids will demonstrate their new skills by performing in a showcase for friends and family. https://www.circuswest.com/class-openings#CampsClasses

July 23 - 24, 2011
Each July, the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents the Caribbean Days Festival. This family event draws a crowd of exuberant fun-lovers to North Vancouver's Waterfront Park for a weekend of parading, dining and dancing in the sunshine. This is a weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer. Over the years, the Festival has grown into the largest Caribbean event on the local calendar, drawing tens of thousands of attendees; it is among the very largest cultural events in BC, Canada. For more information please go to www.caribbeandays.ca .

August 20 - 21, 2011
The 2nd Annual LIVE at Squamish music festival. Rock out in the outdoors! LIVE at Squamish is back and bigger than ever. With a line-up boasting some of the best names in music, LIVE at Squamish is slated to be this summer’s most unforgettable music experience. Hendrickson Fields & Logger Sports Ground. More information: https://www.liveatsquamish.com

Ongoing to September 25, 2011
Playland at the PNE. Playland offers rides to match the most extreme thrillseeker to the slightly queasy stomach fairgoer. If it's games you seek, Playland's midway games section will keep your brain and hand/eye coordination busy. Interested in an adrenaline rush? Check out the Climbing Wall, Pacific Adventure Golf, Glass Maze or the Haunted Mansion. Need a break from all the excitement? Grab a tasty treat from any of the different food venues at Playland. There's something for everyone. Sit back and let the good times roll! https://www.pne.ca/playland

Ongoing
MR DANCE in Vancouver - Social and ballroom dancing every Sunday and Tuesday. We are teaching dancing since 1991. Admission: $10 for a group lesson and a dance. No partner required. No membership. FREE ADMISSION EVERY TUESDAYS IN APRIL - FREE DANCE LESSON & DANCE - APRIL 5, 12, 19 & 26. Location: Vancouver, Astorino's Hall, 1739 Venables Street. Visit www.MrDance.ca or call Esie at 604 436 4436 for more information.