Weekendnow

AVancouver-based independent production company is bringing back its long-running laser, light and astronomy shows after a pandemic hiatus at the British Columbia Institute ofTechnology planetarium on Saturday, July 15

At 8 p m on Saturday, the series of light and laser shows will kick off withVidLaser Zeppellin 360 FulldomeVideo, followed by shows drawing from Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and songs by Gorillaz. There is also a free astronomy show, Phantom OfThe Universe the Hunt for Dark Matter, at 7 p.m., with music by Micky Hart of the Grateful Dead and narration byTilda Swinton.

For more information and tickets, visit eventbrite com

WHEN: Saturday, July 15; shows start from 8 p.m. Free astronomy show starts at 7 p m (it is advised to arrive 10 minutes early, and no late entries will be admitted)

WHERE: BCIT Planetarium (3700 Willingdon Ave )

COST: $2 to $30; visit tinyurl.com/ PlanetariumLaserShow

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Celebrate Fiji’s culture and multiculturalism the Fijian way at the annual Fiji festival held in Burnaby this weekend on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The free festival will bring diverse communities together to revel in Fijian traditions including aYagona ceremony.There will be live entertainment featuring performances of Polynesian, Melanesian, Meke, Hawaiian and Bhangra dances.

The festival at Swangard Stadium will also have a soccer tournament, a kid zone, fashion show, live music consisting of folk songs and Indian classical music, and diverse food options.

WHEN: Sunday, July 16; from 10 a m to 6 p m

WHERE: Swangard Stadium (6100 Boundary Rd )

COST: Free

While the Giro di Burnaby, a pro cycling race in Burnaby, was cancelled earlier this year, the City of Burnaby is keeping the spirit alive with its family-friendly Girolino race for kids aged five to 11.

The event will return to Confederation Park this Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.While registrations for riding have closed, spectators can drop by the park to cheer on the young cyclists as they embark on their races.

WHEN: Sunday, July 16, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Confederation Park (250 Willingdon Ave.)

COST: $5 for participants

If you miss Saturday’s Symphony in the Park, worry not Sunday’s Opera in the Park will have you covered.

Revel in music against the backdrop of Deer Lake Park in the series returning for a second year and featuring classics like Habanera from Carmen by Bizet, overture from The Magic Flute by Mozart and So anch’io la virtù magica from Don Pasquale by Donizetti.

Organizers once again encourage using alternative transportation as parking is limited on site, and arriving early to enjoy some free family-friendly activities and food trucks Bring a blanket or chair to make a picnic evening out of it

WHEN: Sunday, July 16, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn (6450 Deer Lake Ave.)

COST: Free For more info see tinyurl com/OperainthePark2023

Burnaby’s monthly drag showcase, hosted byThe Established, Shanda Leer, is back to the Rec Room at the Amazing Brentwood on Sunday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is for ages 19 and over; two pieces of valid ID are required WHEN: Sunday, July 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: The Rec Room at Brentwood (1920 Willingdon Ave.)

COST: $20; for tickets visit tinyurl. com/DragShowcaseRecRoom

Compiled by Abhinaya Natesh

An annual summer tradition for 30 years, Symphony in the Park returns to Burnaby this weekend

Folks from across the region can enjoy an evening of symphonic music in the heart of Burnaby’s beautiful Deer Lake Park at this free, outdoor concert on Saturday, July 15, from 7:30 to 9:30 p m featuring theVancouver Symphony Orchestra

This year’s performance, conducted by David Bui, will include a wide range of film-music classics like Monty Norman’s James BondTheme, Hedwig’sTheme from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the Imperial March from StarWars: Suite for Orchestra and more, transporting you to other worlds

The organizers encourage using alternate transportation as parking is limited on site, and arriving early to enjoy some free family-friendly activities and food trucks Fancy a cozy picnic with orchestral music? Just bring a blanket or chair.

WHEN: Saturday, July 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE: Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn (6450 Deer Lake Ave.)

COST: Free. For more info see tinyurl.com/ SymphonyinthePark2023