The Vancouver Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (June 16)

Welcome back to the Vancouver Group Chat, your go-to for some of the week’s biggest updates. With FIFA season in full swing and the summer solstice coming up this weekend, there’s a lot to take in, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. All we know is, we’re dedicated to going to as many free events around the city as possible!

If that sounds like your cup of tea, you’re going to want to keep reading.

What’s new, Vancouver?

Weekend one of FIFA recap

Whew, we made it through weekend one, everyone! The streets were flooded with fans post-match, whether you were along the new-and-improved Granville Street or on Pacific Boulevard. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back for making it out alive, because the city was truly overcome with people, flags, costumes, and chants. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen in our 11-some years in the city, though some have been comparing it to the craze of the 2010 Olympics.

Vancouver craves community

It really makes you think (or at least, makes us think) that what Vancouver craves most is community. Neighbours connecting over their favourite team, people heading to free events across the city, match attendees spilling into the streets after the game is over, instead of just booking a ride home. Just having space to exist.

That’s why having third spaces like patios and pedestrian zones is so important; they give us the physical space to safely gather, the opportunity to connect with each other, no strings attached, and the freedom to explore what the area has to offer, be it a craft beverage, a bite from a food truck, or a song by a local artist. Maybe it’s a conversation with that familiar face in your neighbourhood that you never introduced yourself to, or maybe it’s a catch-up session with a longtime friend.

So all that being said, here are some free outdoor events to check out during FIFA season:

Not everyone in Vancouver is in FIFA mode, however. Local street artist Lupo recently put up another thought-provoking guerrilla sculpture, this time adjacent to Science World’s giant soccer ball.

While the sculpture has since been taken down, it raises an important question (whether you interpret the bloody ball as referencing the FIFA World Cup or not): what is our lasting legacy as humans on Earth, and what kind of world are we going to leave behind for future generations?

Garbage galore

On a different note, a slew of kind volunteers (adults and children!) were spotted cleaning up Dunsmuir Street after last Saturday’s World Cup game between Australia and Türkiye. Not all heroes wear capes — oftentimes, they’re wearing gloves and sporting trash bags.

Speaking of trash, a garbage truck exploded on Hemlock and 12th a couple of days ago, which is making its rounds on Reddit. Apparently, it’s not an isolated incident, with a wave of garbage trucks catching on fire in the past month alone, including another recent one in Gastown.

If you’re heading out for a match or watch party this upcoming week, make sure you’re not littering, and keep those around you in check!

Your sign to do something random

The longest day of the year is coming up this weekend, so don’t take these glorious late sunsets for granted! Check out an art show, put your dancing shoes on, or check out a single night at an art gallery. Vancouver is your oyster.

• Put yourself out there at a queer-friendly singles night at Slice of Life Gallery this Thursday.
• Learn to salsa at Sun Hop Park on June 5, 12, 19, and/or 26.
• Learn the art and practice of journaling at this workshop at Perfect Match Book Shop this Thursday.
• Celebrate the opening of a sun-themed art show at Slice of Life Gallery on Friday.
• Peruse a pop-up market at the 8th and Main Street plaza on Friday and Saturday.
• Hit the beach and check out over 40 makers and food vendors at this special summer market on Saturday.
• Enjoy a full day of free live music at the Kamloops Plaza in East Village on June 27.
• Tour a historic jazz venue in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant on June 30.

That’s a wrap on some of this week’s biggest hits. It’s time to spread the word to your group chats, and stay tuned for next week.

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