One of Kitsilano’s longest-running summer traditions is marking Canada Day with a full afternoon and evening of free family entertainment by the beach.
The Kitsilano Showboat will host its Canada Day celebration on Wednesday, July 1 at its waterfront stage beside Kits Pool, with programming scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This year’s lineup begins with kids activities at 2:30 p.m., including temporary tattoos and games, followed by a series of family-focused performances and activities throughout the afternoon.
Music with Marnie takes the stage at 3:15 p.m., bringing her popular children’s songs and interactive storytelling to the Showboat. At 4:00 p.m., Showboat president Barry Leinbach will host Story Time with Barry, featuring original stories developed with help from the children in attendance.
The afternoon continues at 4:15 p.m. with a kids dance party led by Meike Jeurgens, followed by Kits trivia and prizes with Barry at 5:00 p.m. At 5:15 p.m., Peter and Angela will perform an active music set for kids designed to get families singing and dancing together.
Cupcakes are scheduled for 6:00 p.m., before the evening program begins with official Canada Day ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony is expected to include MP Wade Grant, O Canada, and performances by Maples of the Valley and The Keytones.
The celebration wraps with R Friends Beach Party at 7:15 p.m., a singalong-friendly set led by Kitsilano resident Richard Lowy featuring classic rock covers from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
The Canada Day program is part of the Kitsilano Showboat’s 91st anniversary season, which runs five nights a week from June 17 to August 23. More than 80 groups are scheduled to appear over 50 nights this summer, continuing a tradition that began in 1935.
Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring sunscreen, and check the schedule before heading down, as programming is weather permitting and subject to change.
