TRAVEL TIPS

Cultural Festivals

January

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival (604/605–8284 www.pushfestival.ca) presents modern, intriguing works that often blur the boundaries of theater and dance.

February

The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (www.vimff.org) is a great introduction to the mountain and wilderness culture of Canada.

Vancouver has one of North America's largest Chinese New Year (www.tourismvancouver.com) celebrations.

At the Vancouver International Wine Festival (604/872–6623 www.vanwinefest.ca), wines from countries around the world are presented.

March

International dance artists perform in various venues during the Vancouver International Dance Festival (604/662–4966 www.vidf.ca).

April

About 40,000 cherry trees bloom from late March into May, and theVancouver Cherry Blossom Festival (604/257–8120 www.vcbf.ca) marks the occasion with a variety of programs and a haiku invitational.

May

The Vancouver International Children's Festival (604/708–5655 www.childrensfestival.ca) is a week of storytelling, puppetry, circus arts, music, and theater.

June

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival (888/438–5200 www.vanjazzfest.ca) takes place the last week in June, in dozens of venues throughout the city.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival (604/739–0559 or 877/739–0559 www.bardonthebeach.org) takes place on the waterfront in Vanier Park. Performances continue until September.

July

Canada Day, on July 1, is celebrated with fireworks at Canada Place, a Downtown parade, and interactive games and displays on Granville Island.

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival (604/602–9798 www.thefestival.bc.ca) welcomes singers and storytellers for three days of performances and children's programs.

Vancouver Pride (604/687–0955 www.vancouverpride.ca) is a celebration of the gay community, with a parade and many parties.

August

The Vancouver Queer Film Festival (604/844–1615 www.queerfilmfestival.ca) is an 11-day showcase of drama, comedy, documentaries, and musicals. There are also plenty of parties around town.

September

The Vancouver Fringe Festival (604/257–0350 www.vancouverfringe.com) is an eclectic mix of about 700 theatrical performances.

September–October

The Vancouver International Film Festival (604/683–3456 www.viff.org) draws 140,000 people to view films from 70 countries.

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