The Top Things to Do in Vancouver July 20 to 26, 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009 – Eagles of Death Metal

American rock band The Eagles of Death Metal are at the Commodore tonight. Always a charismatic show, EoDM call their music a mix of "bluegrass slide guitar mixed with stripper drum beats and Canned Heat vocals." Get tickets at Vancouver.com.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 – Chapter Two

Fight Like A Girl Productions stages Neil Simon's Chapter Two at the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr. in Port Moody), a play about novelist George Schneider, who is struggling to recover after the love of his life dies. His brother Leo introduces him to soap opera actress Jennie Malone, who is also starting a new chapter in her life. A whirlwind romance ensues, all told through classically witty Neil Simon dialogue. Tickets are $15/$13 at the box office: 778-217-0435.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 – HSBC Celebration of Light

Tonight is Canada's night to shine at the HSBC Celebration of Light, a world-renowned fireworks competition. Next is South Africa on Saturday, July 25, the UK on Wednesday, July 29, and China on Saturday, August 1. The fireworks begin at 10:00 pm. Find info at Celebration of Light.

Thursday, July 23, 2009 – The Cold Reading Series

Today, August 20 and September 10, it's the Cold Reading Series at the CRS. Actors are cast in brand new scripts, then perform them in front of a live audience. It's a casual spot for artists in Vancouver to meet, greet, share and create. Afterwards, you can enjoy a cold beer and meet up with other artists at the Gallery party. Admission is by donation, doors open at 7:15 pm, casting at 7:30, and curtain at 8:00. You can find out more about CRS 2009 at  the Evolving Arts Collective. If you're an artist wanting to submit your work, email lori@evolvingartscollective.com.

Friday, July 24,  2009 – BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders

Watch the BC Lions take on the Calgary Stampeders at BC Place. Get BC Lions tickets.

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Honeybee Centre Annual Summer Festival

Have you ever seen a live bee beard? You can at the Honeybee Centre Annual Summer Festival, which features 20 local artists and crafters each day, interactive displays and demonstrations from local organizations like ShaRP (Salmon Habitat and Rehabilitation Program) and OWL (Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation), and an educational beekeeping demonstration. There will be food, carnival games, facepainting and entertainment. Admission is free, but donations to the Burns Bog Conservation Society. The festival takes place today and tomorrow from 10 am to 4 pm at Honeybee Centre (7480 176th St. in Surrey).

Sunday, July 26, 2009 – All Over the Map

The Thai Dance Company, a Vancouver-based troupe that celebrates the Thai culture through dance, presents All Over the Map. Dedicated to Thai tradition, this performance is a beautiful showcase of theatrical Thai dance forms with live percussion and elaborate costumes. The performance is free at Ron Basford Park at Granville Island.