Citywide

Indian Summer Festival 2012 has a lot going on now through July 15.

This is the second annual Indian Summer Festival, an international celebration of arts, ideas and, most importantly, food.

The festival includes top talent from South Asia showcasing music, dance, literature, film, visual arts, cuisine, yoga and wellness.

There are too many events to list here, but some of the highlights include the panel discussion “Who Do You Think You Are?” July 15 when three of B.C.’s most celebrated writers discuss how their distinctly different heritage and upbringing influence issues of identity, location and language.

Meanwhile the Well Being Weekend July 7 and 8 offers talks on health and nutrition, as well as workshops in yoga postures, meditation and pranayama. Participants make their own schedule.

Love everything Bollywood? Free dance classes are being offered through Bollywood Grooves and Bhangra Moves at W2 in the Woodward’s Atrium July 6 to 8 and 13 to 15.

As well, the Delhi-based world music band Mrigya presents a “mystical” concert July 13 at the Fei and Milton Wong Theatre.

Foodies won’t want to miss Dinner by Starlight July 7 at a secret Vancouver location, where world-renowned chef Vikram Vij will host a “rare and exclusive” five-course dinner reception with guest of honour Sharmila Tagore, an icon of Indian cinema. For a complete list of events, schedules and tickets, visit indiansummerfestival.ca.

Gastown

The Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix takes place Wednesday, July 11, beginning with an opening ceremony at 5:45 p.m.

The race is an opportunity to watch some of the top cyclists in North America race wheel-to-wheel through the streets of Gastown’s thrilling 1.2-killometre course, including the dreaded hairpin corner.

The race is part of B.C. Superweek that offers independent cycling events across the province from July 6 to 15. For more information or to volunteer visit globalrelayggp.org.

Granville Island

All Over the Map is a series of free cultural events taking place at Granville Island July 8, 15 and 22 in Ron Basford Park from 1 to 3 p.m.

This ninth season of the All Over the Map dance and music series begins Sunday with a performance by Vancouver Cantonese Opera. This year’s lineup also includes Kokoma African Heritage Ensemble and Dancers of Damelahamid. For more information visit newworks.ca.

South Cambie

As residents of a real estate-crazed town, you won’t want to miss a free tour of a home under construction that will one day create as much energy as it uses.

The “Net-Zero” home, located at 650 West 18th Ave., is equipped to help residents use 75 per cent less energy for heating and hot water than a conventional home built to today’s standards. With the addition of photovoltaic (solar) panels, this house will produce as much energy as it consumes.

The open house takes place while the home is under construction, integral to educating visitors about the technologies used, which will eventually be hidden behind walls.

This is the first of two events—the second taking place once the home is complete. The public tours take place Friday, July 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. and July 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

sthomas@vancourier.com

Twitter: sthomas10