Editor's Note: Globe B.C. has joined forces with Scout Magazine to give you the best of what's happening in Vancouver this weekend. For a full week's worth of listings, head over to the complete Scout List, updated each week.
SHOW BOAT
Take a seat on the bleachers and enjoy the view as you listen to a variety of musical acts at the Kits Show Boat. This Friday, Vancouver Dorfmusik plays. When was the last time you sat down to enjoy some live Swiss "village" band tunes? They're followed by Hawaiian Wailele Wai Wai. On Saturday, the "atmospheric indie funk rock" band Penton's Alley gets busy. Expect a crowd, however, as the Celebration of Light takes place the same night.
Until Aug. 16 | 7 p.m. | 2300 Cornwall Ave. at Kits Beach www.kitsilanoshowboat.com
FESTIVAL
The Powell Street Festival goes down this weekend. This annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, culture and heritage that usually takes place in and around Oppenheimer Park is relocating due to protests against homelessness in the park. You'll find the main stage on Alexander Street between Princess and Dunlevy, with festivities taking place in the surrounding four blocks of Japantown. The community festival features dance, music, martial arts demos, craft vendors, traditional Japanese food and a sumo tournament. In its 38 years, the festival has grown from a small community event to a full-blown arts and culture festival attracting thousands of visitors.
Friday, Aug. 1 – Sunday, Aug. 3 | 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Japantown | Free | www.powellstreetfestival.com
FIREWORKS
Japan will light up the skies in the last of the series of pyrotechnic displays for the 2014 Celebration of Light. Plan accordingly, which is to say don't try to drive through the West End while this is going down.
Sat., Aug. 2 | 10 p.m. | English Bay | Free | www.hondacelebrationoflight.com
HARMONY ARTS
The quaint seaside village of West Vancouver launches its annual 10-day arts and culture festival this weekend. Scoot over the bridge for a cold lemonade and a wander through the craft market showcasing loads of one-of-a-kind pottery, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and glass designs all made by locals. Hang around after the sun goes down for outdoor movies and concerts.
Aug. 1-10 | Ambleside, West Van | Free www.harmonyarts.ca
LUMBERJACK LOVE
Squamish Days and the awesome Loggers Sports Festival kick off with the Loggers Sports Beard Pageant on Thursday, followed by the Campfire Showdown (teams of two race to build a fire that can successfully boil a can of water). Friday sees bed racing, chair carving and the Cleveland Avenue Street Party. On Saturday there will be axe throwing, tree topping and something called the Loggers Stomp Dance. On Sunday, there will be pancakes and a parade. And on Monday there will be a community picnic.
July 31 – Aug. 4 | All over Squamish www.squamishdays.ca
POP UP
A collection of cool Vancouver-based businesses are bringing their products together in a West End pop-up that marries hip teahouse with surf shack. Oollo Tea, Lemonni (simple, modern textiles), and Forest & Waves (textiles and prints) are using the space at Production Road to showcase some of their collective brilliance. You'll find fancy fanny packs, tea and tea-infused chocolates and candies, fresh tea towels and textiles, pillows, and cards. The opening night party goes down the evening of Saturday, Aug. 2.
Aug. 1 – Sept. 14 | Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | 990 Nicola www.westendgeneralstore.tumblr.com