South Vancouver
The annual Vaisakhi Day Celebration is set to paint the town bright orange and blue once again this year on April 11. The day starts early with Kirtan, hymn singing from 7 to 9 a.m. followed by the Vaisakhi parade from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The parade will proceed from the Ross Street Temple at 8000 Ross St.
Vaisakhi is historically a joyous occasion and an important day in the Sikh calendar. It occurs mid-April and traditionally coincides in Punjab with the first harvesting of the crops for the year and marks the establishment of Khalsa, Sikhs who have undergone the Amrit Ceremony initiated by the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. For more information, see kdsross.com.
Oakridge
The sprawling 55 acres at VanDusen Botanical Garden is welcoming kids 12 and under to explore its well-kept grounds for free from March 1 to 31. Find your way through the hedge maze, spot local wildlife, enjoy a family picnic, and discover over 7,000 different plants from around the world. Offer extends to two free child admissions with the purchase of a regular priced adult, senior or youth admission. The same applies to garden members. The garden is open daily in March from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Yaletown
Vancouver Contemporary Art Gallery hosts free family days on the last Saturday of every month. CAG invites all ages to drop-in for short exhibition tours and free art-making activities related to its current exhibitions.
This new initiative is presented in collaboration with ArtStarts on Saturdays. The next free family day will be Saturday, March 28 from noon to 3 p.m. at 555 Nelson St. Visit contemporaryartgallery.ca.
ArtStarts Gallery is featuring From Seabeds to Cityscapes, An Exhibition of Young People’s Art until March 28. The gallery invites you to explore the many ways in which students across B.C. have reflected on their immediate surroundings and examined the concept of dwelling in both human and natural worlds. Investigate how creatures in different habitats interact with the spaces they inhabit, envision the human body as a dwelling space, imagine dwellings for people in the future, and delve into many other creative contemplations. ArtStarts Gallery is located at 808 Richards St.
Kensington-Cedar Cottage
The Kid’s Meditation Class is designed for children ages 4 to 11 on Sundays from 10 to 11:15 a.m. until April 26. It’s a place intended for children and parents to go together to learn how to develop harmony, confidence and methods to help calm their minds and strengthen family relations. Participants learn about giving, sharing and loving. Activities include a spiritual topic, story time, and arts and crafts. Classes are taught by experienced Dharma practitioners.
Parents are welcome to stay with the children or enjoy Prayers for World Peace offered in the adjacent meditation room. There is no charge for this class. Donations are accepted but not expected. The Kadampa Meditation Centre Vancouver is located at 1833 Victoria Diversion. See kmcvancouver.org for information.
Kitsilano
The Kitsilano Community Centre will celebrate the coming of spring with children’s musician Marnie Grey of Music with Marnie.
Get ready to jump in puddles, swing like monkeys and hop like kangaroos. Register for a class at the community centre and see what others have been raving about. Spring break camps run three days in a row.
Marnie’s Regular Spring Session will run 10 weeks and begin the week of April 13. Visit MusicwithMarnie.com for details.
Mount Pleasant
The Mount Pleasant Branch of the Vancouver Public Library hosts Write Now! Creative Writing for Kids on March 18 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Kids from ages eight to 12 with all different writing abilities, from beginners to advanced, are encouraged to start thinking creatively and writing. Activities will include writing stories and poetry. For more information on how to register, call 604 665-3967 or visit vpl.ca/events.
Strathcona
Do you wish you could party with your favourite book characters? The Strathcona Branch of the Vancouver Public Library hosts an Amulet Party March 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. Participants are invited to work on crafts and games inspired by Amulet characters.
Drop in and express creativity with Lego provided by the library at the Lego Block Party for those ages 6 to 12, March 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information on how to register, call 604 665-3967 or visit vpl.ca/events.
For those looking for crafty workshops, the branch will also host a button making class March 20 from 1 to 3 p.m.
