1. Tempt your taste buds at the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Fest on Saturday, July 28 from 4 to 10 p.m., when more than 90 different food trucks will descend on New West. You’ll also be able to enjoy live entertainment and shopping at this event that’s attended by thousands each year.
2. Head to the Columbia Theatre for A Mid-Summer Nights Bash, featuring musicians playing tunes of some of the most iconic acts in rock including Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, Queen, U2 and more. It’s on Saturday, July 28 (the same day as the food truck festival) from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at 530 Columbia St. Tickets are $35 and available at Eventbrite.ca (search for A Mid-Summer Nights Bash).
3. Watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle at Moody Park, the latest offering in the city free summer outdoor movie series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and some snacks to this family-friendly event on Friday, July 27 at 8:45 p.m. (dusk).
4. Attend the opening reception of GYRE, the latest exhibition at the New Media Gallery in Anvil Centre – including two installations making their North American premières. The exhibition runs July 28 to Sept. 30, but you’re invited to attend the opening reception on Friday, July 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 777 Columbia St. In GYRE, international artists explore “notions of the infinite through spell-binding light and sound”. The New Media Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays).
5. Enjoy an evening of one-act plays with the Vagabond Players this weekend (and next weekend, too). Preview nights of Possible Worlds take to the stage of Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park Thursday (tonight) and Friday, July 27, while Hidden in this Picture by Aaron Sorkin runs Saturday, July 28 to Sunday, Aug. 12 (Thursday to Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.). Tickets are $15 and available at www.vagabondplayers.ca or at 604-521-0412.
6. Release your rhythm at this weekend’s ArtStart’s interactive experience where you’ll enjoy playing percussion instruments from around the world. Two free, all-ages, 45-minute workshops take place at 11 a.m. at 1 p.m. at River Market, 810 Quayside Dr. You’ll want to arrive a little early as this is a popular program. Info: artstarts.com/events.
Email your Top 5 ideas to [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also check out our full arts and events calendar listings on our website's homepage at www.newwestrecord.ca.