Thousands of people gather on shore and on boats during the annual Celebration of Light over English Bay in Vancouver. China, Spain and Canada are competing against each other in this annual three-day fireworks competition.ANDY CLARK/Reuters
MUSIC: Chill out with an Enchanted Evenings Concert Series show at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden this week. Enjoy live music by Canadian folk-jazz trio the Jessica Stuart Few. Book a seat and make a night of it by ordering a gourmet picnic dinner ($10-$24). Garden doors open at 7 p.m. Pre-ordered picnics will be served between 7 and 8 p.m., and the concert begins at 8.
Thursday, 7 p.m., 578 Carrall St., concert $25, picnic extra, vancouverchinesegarden.com
ART: Make your way to Kimoto Gallery this Friday for the opening night of the second annual Summer Mix Group Show. The South Granville gallery will showcase the works of 24 Vancouver artists. You can expect everything from paintings on canvas, panel and paper to photography, sculpture and mixed media. Of particular interest: Jay Senetchko's Best of Life series – large-scale oil paintings based on collages of clippings from his grandmother's Time Life magazine collection – and new works by the always playful Rebecca Chaperon. The show runs through Aug. 15.
Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., Kimoto Gallery, 1525 West 6th Ave., kimotogallery.com
COMMUNITY: Grab a few lawn chairs and some snacks and head over to the Mount Pleasant Park Festival Saturday night. It's a western theme this year, and the highlights include a photo booth, music, a petting zoo and an outdoor screening of the animated film Rango, which starts at dusk. Cowboy attire encouraged!
Saturday, July 25, 6 to 10:30 p.m., Mount Pleasant Park, Ontario Street and 16th Avenue, Free, www.vancouver.ca
EXHIBITION: Artist Dylan Humphreys has his first solo gig at the Initial Gallery this week. A Good Day Above Ground is a series of paintings inspired by the time Humphreys spent as an industrial painter inside hydroelectric dam tunnels. The show runs July 25 to Aug. 15, with an opening reception on Saturday.
Saturday, July 25, 3 to 6 p.m., Initial Gallery, 2339 Granville St., www.initialgallery.com
EAT: The highly anticipated izakaya-style, pan-Asian eatery Torafuku is now open at 958 Main St. This is the first weekend for the food truck-turned-restaurant concept, so expect crowds. Try the "rye so messy" chicken wings with ramen crumble!
Torafuku, Tuesday through Sunday, 5:30 to 11 p.m., 958 Main St., www.torafuku.ca
FIREWORKS: The Celebration of Light starts Saturday. First to represent with amazing pyrotechnics is China (July 25), followed by Brazil (July 29) and finally Canada (Aug. 1). Viewing options range from a "business-class cabana" (which will run you $5,000) to an old-school log on a beach (free but with partially obstructed views in a potentially oppressive crowd of strangers). For the best of both worlds, consider the Aug. 1 fireworks at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, complete with barbecue, complimentary drink, a cash bar, music and a great view for $120.
July 25 and 29 and Aug. 1, 10 p.m., English Bay, Free with some cash options, www.hondacelebrationoflight.com
PRIDE: Vancouver Pride is gearing up. The main event, the parade, takes place next Sunday (Aug. 2), but between now and then there are numerous events to take in. This weekend watch for the Pride Run & Walk and Picnic in the Park at the Brockton Oval in Stanley Park. It's a family-friendly event that includes everything from volleyball and a tug of war to a drag race.
Now through Sunday, Aug. 2, Various times and locations, www.vancouverpride.ca
MEAT FEST: Brewery & the Beast takes place this Sunday. Don't get too excited, as the yearly festival of hormone-and-antibiotic-free, ethically raised meats and top-notch local beer is predictably sold out. Still salivating at the thought of a day filled with sausages, smoked, cured and barbecued meats and crisp, cold beer? Craigslist has a few tickets kicking around – but move fast!
Sunday, July 26, 1 to 4 p.m., Concord Pacific Lot (88 Pacific Blvd.), $120+, www.breweryandthebeast.com