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Cee Lo Green
See way more than slick new rides at Brian Jessel BMW, where R&B megastar, producer and The Voice judge Cee Lo Green is performing as part of Cabriolet, a charity gala for the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation (Saturday).
Russell Peters
He has packed some of the world's largest stadiums – from London's 02 to Australia's Acer Arena – but you can still catch Canadian comedian Russell Peters as he touches down on home turf (at Rogers Arena Saturday). More big laughs? Catch SNL alum Norm Macdonald at Yuk Yuk's (Saturday).
Heritage Vancouver Garden Tour
Stroll through 14 enchanting private gardens, from showy Shaughnessy oases to efficient urban courtyards at Heritage Vancouver's first self-guided garden tour. In Victoria, enjoy garden talks and tours, floral displays, croquet and more at BC Blooms (at Government House Saturday).
Trout Lake Day
Make it into the record books at Trout Lake Day, where you'll find free art workshops, a series of concerts for animals – including an underwater show for the fish – and a Guinness record attempt at the largest number of people holding hands in a circle, all the way around the lake (Sunday).
Hot Docs
See unforgettable documentaries including legendary war photographer Don McCullin's first-person account of covering wars and humanitarian disasters (McCullin), the remarkable story behind 1980s New York HIV/AIDS activist group Act Up (United In Anger), and a poignant portrait of matriarch Ethel Kennedy (Ethel) at the Best of Hot Docs 2012 (at Vancity through Sunday).
Xanadu
Get a generous helping of cheese – on wheels, no less – at the Arts Club's production of Xanadu, a campy and muse-heavy musical that involves gods, disco, roller skates, and a disproportionate amount of satin (at the Granville Island Stage through Aug. 4). For another offbeat musical foray, catch Myths' electronic opera, The Golden Dawn (at SFU Woodward's Saturday).
Surrey Doors Open
Visit more than 30 Surrey cultural hubs including historic sites, parks, places of worship, art galleries, universities, architectural sites and more as they open their doors for free at the first-ever Surrey Doors Open, which also comes with guided tours, kids' activities and geocaching (Saturday)
European Fests
Tour Europe in a single weekend starting with Greek Day in Kits, where you can catch live music and dance, and sample tasty eats from two dozen vendors (Sunday). Then visit a Viking village, try maypole dancing and marvel at the Wife Carrying Contest at the Scandinavian Midsummer Fest. In Coquitlam, watch pipers, dancers and heavy lifters, then kick back with a pint or a wee dram at the BC Highland Games and Scottish Festival (at Percy Stadium), or enjoy all things Italian in East Van at the outdoor Festa Italiana. Then wrap it all up with Euro Cup action on Commercial Drive – Spain vs. France Saturday and England vs. Italy Sunday (11 a.m. both days).
Aboriginal Day
Learn about Canada's first peoples at Fort Langley's Aboriginal Day, where you can taste salmon baked over a fire, and take in aboriginal dancing, drumming and storytelling (Saturday, fortlangley.com) – or enjoy First Nations performances, pick up native crafts, ride the Spirit Catcher Train and maybe even spot a Sasquatch as Klawhoya Village kicks off its second season in Stanley Park.
Jumpship
Watch top stunt riders catch big air – but hopefully not salt water – at Jumpship, where brave mountain bikers fly high above a barge on Victoria's Inner Harbour. More fun on wheels? In Victoria, race through city streets at Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria, or ride in style at the Classic Bike Rally (Sunday). In Vancouver, you can find demos, a bike swap, a stunt show and yoga for cyclists at MEC Bikefest (at the Olympic Athletes Village Saturday); let the good times roll at Velopalooza (until July 2); and join the Canadian Mental Health Association's Community Bike Ride (Sunday).
Shangri-La Farmers Market
Need to refuel? Savour full-bodied flavours on Vancouver's inaugural Caffeine Crawl (Saturday), then hit the Shangri-La Hotel's new farmers market, where you can pick up tasty canapés, B.C. wines, fresh breads, wild salmon and more in a swanky locale (Sunday). Then sate your sweet tooth at the 22nd annual Strawberry Festival (at Barclay Manor Saturday), or chill out at Barbara Jo's free Ice Cream Social.