Out & About, July 31st- Aug 4th 2013

Wow! Can you believe the amazing weather we’re having, mama? With no, ahem, rain in sight, I’ve put together a list of hot choices to give you some ideas to enjoy the summer sun with kiddies in tow.

Honda Celebration of Lights ~ Only Two Nights Left! Wednesday July 31st And Saturday August 3rd 2013

The UK has already put on a spectacular show and with the crowds well behaved and happy, Canada is sure to shine on July 31st with Thailand rounding up the competition on August 3rd.

Fireworks over Vancouver,Alexandre Roschewitz

The Honda Celebration of Lights is one of those events in Vancouver that leaves me with mixed feelings. I love the fantastic displays of fireworks put to music as countries compete for top spot and I look forward to the energy that city vibrates with on these nights. But with child in tow these days, being anywhere near the downtown core on nights when the Honda Celebration of Lights is going on makes me want to cringe.

With that in mind, I thought I’d make some suggestions on how to enjoy the show with the kids without getting anywhere near the downtown area.

Go West Mama and Go Early

Spanish Banks, photo courtesy of mused™

Get your picnic gear together and head down to Jericho, Locarno or Spanish Banks for an early dinner. Bring a shelter for the kids and plenty of shovels, buckets and sunscreen. Set your ‘camp’ up close to the concessions stands as there are bathrooms, showers and food, should you need more. Bring light blankets for the kids to snuggle up under if they prove to be too tired to stay up for the show and don’t forget a flashlight!

Although these beaches are far away from the central celebrations they are still busy on Fireworks nights. You’ll be able to keep an eye on the kids much better in this part of the city and enjoy your time at the beach.

Music

I love the fireworks display on it’s own but with additional element of music it makes the night more memorable and enjoyable. If you don’t have a radio to tune into the musical part of the show you can download the mobile app.

Red Bull Show

July 31st and August 3rd, 2013, 8.20pm

I’m not sure how well you’ll be able to see Red Bull Show from across the water but Canada’s top solo aerobatic performer, Pete McLeod, will be taking to the skies above English Bay before the Honda Celebration of Lights Fireworks displays.

Getting Home

Prepare to take your time getting home afterwards or leave early to avoid the rush.

Follow the Honda Celebration of Lights on Twitter and Facebook!

The Powell Street Festival, August 3rd and 4th, 2013

Powell Street Festival, Presley Perswain

Go on over to Oppenheimer Park in East Vancouver and enjoy this fantastic Japanese Canadian arts and culture programming in its 37th year. This festival weekend includes exciting special dance and musical performances, film, taiko drumming, participatory sumo wrestling, demonstrations, delicious food, unique crafts, displays, tea ceremonies and so much more.

There are also activities at the Children’s tent and balloon storytelling on Jackson Avenue. Whether you are a long time festival goer or are attending the festival for the first time, there is something for everyone.

For complete festival listings, click here.

Follow on Facebook!

Tibet Fest at Van Dusen Gardens, Saturday August 3rd, 2013, 10-6pm, All Ages Welcome!

The Tibetan Cultural Society of BC has hosted Tibet Fest annually since 2010 to draw together local community groups, dharma centres, businesses, artists, and musicians in celebration of Tibet’s cultural heritage. Tibet Fest is the largest Tibetan cultural event held in BC, drawing approximately a thousand people every year. It is the highlight of the society’s activities as it showcases a wide range of creative and artistic talent within the Tibetan community.

Creekside Community Centre Summer Events at the Olympic Village Plaza

View from Olympic Village Plaza

Open Sports on the Plaza, Wednesdays, 4-7pm

Enjoy the view of False Creek and play soccer, hockey, table tennis, progressive hockey and more! It’s fun for all ages!

Ballroom Dancing, Thursday August 1st, 2013, 6-8pm

The Crystal Ballroom Vancouver Dancers will be here to put on a show! Come check out their moves and learn some of your own.

CrystalBallroom.ca

There you have it, mama. A few events to make your summer shine. If you’d like to post photos on Modern Mama’s Facebook page, I’d love to see them!

 

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