Top 5 Things to do Today

Ooops! Just as the weather was luring us into a false sense of sunny security, the forecast this weekend is calling for clouds and occasional rain. But don't let that dampen your spirits. There's plenty of fun to be had to today, from cross-cultural celebrations to bargain shopping. Here's our five suggestions for a great day.

1. African Peace Forum

   Connect with Mother Africa and your fellow man this weekend, at the third annual Africa Peace Forum, at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews). Happening from noon to midnight, the party/educational forum/ concert will feature an African market, music, food, fashion, dancing, art, and performances by Jacky Essombe, Lazare, the Ogedengbe Drummers, Kutapira, Ezeadi Onukwulu, Joe Amouzou, Ndidi Cascade and more. Tickets are $5-20 at the door. Visit www.africapeaceforum.com/ for more info.
   

2. 3^rd Annual Canada Cup of Beer

   If you're the type of athlete whose only ever had a six pack inside your stomach, this event might be right up your alley. From 1 pm – 7pm at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium, the Canada Cup of Beer will host over 30 vendors offering more than 150 beers to sample. In addition to demonstrations by brewmasters, there will be an opportunity for participants to vote on their favourite brews, with categories for best lager, best ale, best microbrew and more.Tickets are $20 at the door, and include 5 sample tokens. Minors are not permitted, so bring ID, and please, drink responsibly. Visit http://www.canadacupofbeer.com/ for more info.

3. Mintage Vintage Back Alley Sale

   This will be a barn-burner for local vintage clothing enthusiasts: from 10 am – 5pm, head to Mintage's back door, pay $5 for a bag, and have at 'er, filling it up with as much as . Of course, we assume you'll have to sort your way through some polyester nightmares and wasp-waisted almost-fits, but, for the fashion- savvy, this is a chance to score some gems for cheap. Mintage is located at 1714 Commercial Drive. Go around the back for sale items.

4. Dance For Boobs

   While dancing for boobs didn't seem to work when we were fragile, self-conscious teenagers, maybe it will work at this contra dance, arranged to help raise money for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. No partner needed happening from 8 pm-11 pm at St. James Hall (3214 W. 10th).

5. Hastings-Sunrise Summer Kickoff

   The increasingly hip neighbourhood of Hastings-Sunrise celebrates the beginning of summer with a block party, featuring music, food, mini-golf and a street hockey tournament. Admission is free, with most events happening at Sunrise Square (2500 Franklin St.). Visit www.hastingssunrise.ca/ for more info.