Upcoming Summer Events Coming to leləm̓ Village
Image: The Plaza at leləm̓— golden-hour shot.In this article
- The 2026 Plaza Summer Series at a glance
- Music in the Plaza: four artists, seven Fridays
- A Friday afternoon set aside for residents
- Some tips before you go
- A summer worth showing up for
- Frequently asked questions
The 2026 Plaza Summer Series at a glance
The series runs from Friday, July 3, through Friday, August 24, with eight events spread across two months. All take place in The Plaza, the open-air gathering space at the heart of leləm̓ village.
Most evenings run from 5 to 7 PM; one is from 1:30 to 3:30 PM in the afternoon.
| Date | Time | Event | Featuring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, July 3 | 5–7 PM | Music in the Plaza | Mickey Magennis |
| Friday, July 10 | 5–7 PM | Music in the Plaza | Nate Cramer |
| Friday, July 17 | 5–7 PM | Music in the Plaza | Dean Michael Smith |
| Friday, July 24 | 1:30–3:30 PM | Sweet Treats & Summer Beats | Live DJ + Rain or Shine Ice Cream |
| Friday, July 31 | 5–7 PM | Music in the Plaza | Dean the Sax Man |
| Friday, August 7 | 5–7 PM | Music in the Plaza | Mickey Magennis |
| Friday, August 14 | 5–7 PM | Music in the Plaza | Nate Cramer |
| Friday, August 24 | 5–7 PM | Music in the Plaza | Dean the Sax Man |
The Plaza at leləm̓ village
leləm̓ village, University Endowment Lands, Vancouver, BC
View on Google Maps
Music in the Plaza: 4 artists, 7 Fridays
Music in the Plaza is the backbone of the series. Seven Friday evenings between July and August, each from 5 to 7 PM, free to attend, and rotating between four artists who together carry the season from early summer to its August close.
Each evening has its own character. Mickey Magennis opens the series in both months with an acoustic guitar. Nate Cramer plays twice, in the middle of each month, followed by Dean Michael Smith during mid-July. Dean the Sax Man closes both halves of the summer with live saxophone.
Image: Mickey Magennis playing at the Plaza at leləm̓ village
Artist Lineup
Here’s the artist lineup for the summer events at leləm̓.
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Mickey Magennis — Friday, July 3 & August 7
Mickey Magennis kicks off the season with an acoustic set built for the first warm Friday of the month. He plays twice, once at the beginning of July, and his on August 7.
Expect a mix of singer-songwriter material and familiar covers, the kind of unhurried opening that goes well with a glass of something cold and a slow conversation with whoever’s next to you.
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Nate Cramer — Friday, July 10 & August 14
Nate Cramer is the connective tissue of the series. He plays twice, once in mid-July and once in mid-August, so if you miss his first set, his return on August 14 is the second chance.
His acoustic sets sit comfortably in the background or hold your full attention, depending on how the evening’s going. Easy to drop in on between dinner and dusk; easy to bring company along.
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Dean Michael Smith — Friday, July 17
Dean Michael Smith joins us for one evening only, bringing live acoustic music to the Plaza with smooth vocals, skilled guitar, and a versatile mix of timeless classics and modern favourites.
Whether you’re stopping by after dinner, meeting up with friends, or simply enjoying a summer evening outdoors, Dean’s performance is the perfect soundtrack to unwind and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t miss this one-night-only live music experience in the Plaza.
Get the details for Dean’s set.
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Dean the Sax Man — Friday, July 31 & August 24
Dean changes the sound. Where Mickey and Nate bring acoustic guitar, Dean the Sax Man brings live saxophone, warmer, smoother, and the kind of soundtrack that turns The Plaza from a gathering space into something closer to an open-air jazz set without the cover charge.
He plays the series twice. His August 24 return is the final Music in the Plaza evening of the summer.
A Friday afternoon set aside for residents
One event in the series is to celebrate the people who live here. On Friday, July 24, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, Sweet Treats & Summer Beats brings complimentary ice cream from Rain or Shine Ice Cream and a live DJ to The Plaza. A thank-you to the residents who make up the day-to-day life of the neighbourhood.
If you live at leləm̓, bring your kids, your neighbours, and your appetite.
Image: Source: https://www.rainorshineicecream.com/
A scoop of Rain or Shine ice cream
Some tips before you go
A few practical tips for getting the most out of an evening in The Plaza:
- All eight events take place in The Plaza at leləm̓ village, at the entrance to UBC on Vancouver’s Westside.
- Music in the Plaza is free to attend and open to the public. No tickets, no RSVPs.
- Sweet Treats & Summer Beats (Friday, July 24) is open to all, with free tickets available for leləm̓ residents as part of a special community celebration.
- Events are weather-permitting. Follow leləm̓ village on social for last-minute updates if Friday looks wet.
A summer worth showing up for
Eight Fridays this summer, the speakers come on, the music starts, and the people who live, work, and visit leləm̓ gather in The Plaza.
If you live nearby or you’re planning to visit, follow leləm̓ village on social for weather calls and last-minute updates, and check out the current residences at leləm̓ if you’d like to call leləm̓ home next summer too. The first set kicks off on Friday, July 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Plaza at leləm̓?
The Plaza is the open-air gathering space at the heart of leləm̓ village, located in the University Endowment Lands at the entrance to UBC on Vancouver’s Westside. It’s a short walk from bus stops on University Boulevard and from the trails of Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Do I need a ticket for Music in the Plaza?
No. All seven Music in the Plaza concerts (July 3, July 10, July 17, July 31, August 7, August 14, and August 24) are free to attend, with no tickets or RSVPs required. Drop in any time during the 5 to 7 PM window.
Is the summer series open to non-residents?
Yes. The eight concerts are open to the public.
What happens if it rains?
Events are weather-permitting. Check the leləm̓ village events page or follow leləm̓ on social for last-minute updates and any rain calls before heading down.
How do I get to leləm̓ village?
leləm̓ village is at the entrance to UBC in the University Endowment Lands, about 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver by car. Bus stops on University Boulevard are a short walk from The Plaza, with peak-hour service every 15 minutes or less.
Will there be more events after the summer series ends?
Yes. leləm̓ village hosts events year-round in The Plaza and around the community. Follow leləm̓ on social or check the leləm̓ village website for what’s coming up after the summer series wraps on Friday, August 24.
YMCA BC Selected as Operator of the leləm̓ Community Centre at UBC
A Community Hub Rooted on Musqueam Lands
Located at 5490 Shortcut Road, the leləm̓ Community Centre sits at the heart of the award-winning leləm̓ Village development on Musqueam lands, adjacent to the University of British Columbia and surrounded by one of the region's most vibrant and walkable communities.
Its location reflects Musqueam Capital Corporation's vision of creating a connected, sustainable, and community neighbourhood. Residents and visitors enjoy convenient access to shops, cafés, restaurants, childcare, health services, and over eight acres of publicly accessible green space, all within walking distance. The Centre also provides direct connections to the renowned Pacific Spirit Regional Park, offering access to more than 2,000 acres of forests and recreational trails. As the social and cultural heart of the village, the Community Centre was designed to bring people together while supporting a healthy, active, and connected lifestyle.
Selected through a competitive process, YMCA BC will manage the Centre’s long-term operations, programming, and maintenance.
In this article
- A partnership grounded in shared values
- A community centre ideally located in UBC
- A 15,000 sq ft facility designed for everyone
- Musqueam art woven throughout the Centre
- Now Open
- Frequently asked questions
A partnership grounded in shared values
The selection of YMCA BC as operator represents an important milestone in establishing a collaborative governance framework for the leləm̓ Community Centre. This partnership brings together the Musqueam Indian Band, Musqueam Capital Corporation (MCC), the University Endowment Lands administered by the Province of British Columbia, and YMCA BC, each contributing to a shared vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and community-focused gathering place.
Following a competitive selection process led by UEL , YMCA BC was chosen from a strong field of qualified candidates. Under a long-term operating agreement, YMCA BC will be responsible for the Centre’s programming, operations, and maintenance, working in partnership with MCC and the Musqueam Indian Band to ensure the facility serves the needs of residents, members, and visitors for generations to come
“We’re excited to bring our health expertise, incredible service, and commitment to building vibrant, inclusive and healthy communities to the leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre.”
— Heidi Worthington, YMCA BC President & CEO
YMCA BC also brings extensive experience in delivering community-focused programs across British Columbia. Serving more than 225,000 people in 58 communities, the organization has a proven track record of operating facilities in partnership with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other public-sector organizations. This experience provides confidence that the Community Centre will deliver high-quality programs and services that align with the aspirations of the Musqueam community and support the long-term success of leləm̓ Village.
Through this partnership, the leləm̓ Community Centre will become more than a recreation facility. It will be a place for gathering, wellness, learning, and connection, reflecting the shared commitment of all partners to building a healthy and thriving community.
View original post on LinkedIn
Connected and Accessible
The Centre is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options, including:
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Frequent transit service along University Boulevard, with buses arriving every 15 minutes or less during peak periods.
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Extensive walking and cycling routes connecting leləm̓ Village, UBC, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
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On-site electric vehicle charging stations.
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Convenient access from downtown Vancouver and surrounding communities.
leləm̓ Community Centre
5490 Shortcut Road, Vancouver, BC
View on Google Maps
Designed for Generations
The 15,000-square-foot, two-storey facility was developed by Musqueam Capital Corporation and designed by Francl Architecture to serve the evolving needs of the Musqueam community for generations to come.
Built to LEED Gold standards and recognized with the 2024 Land Award for Excellence in Real Estate by the Real Estate Foundation of BC, the Centre reflects Musqueam's commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and community well-being. Every aspect of the building was designed to support a diverse range of cultural, educational, recreational, health, and community programming in a welcoming and barrier-free environment.
Visitors are welcomed through a dramatic double-height atrium, highlighted by a feature staircase and gathering spaces that serve as the social heart of the building. A generous covered entrance extends activity outdoors, creating opportunities for community events, celebrations, and informal connections throughout the year.
Building Highlights
- A striking mass timber roof structure featuring tapered glulam beams that create a spacious, column-free gymnasium.
- Hybrid structural system engineered by Fast + Epp, combining mass timber, steel, and concrete.
- Nail-laminated timber NLT ceiling panels made in part from reclaimed wood logs owned by the Musqueam Indian Band — a return of the material to place, now part of the building it helps hold up.
- A district energy system powered by wastewater, geothermal, and reclaimed refrigeration energy — a 2024 Clean50 Top Project recipient and tied for Top Project of the Year — delivering sustainable energy across all residential and commercial tenants at leləm̓ Village
Together, these features reflect a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, design excellence, and long-term resilience.
Celebrating Musqueam Culture Through Design
From the earliest stages of planning, Musqueam artistic leadership was central to the design of the Community Centre. Art is not treated as an addition to the building but as an integral part of the visitor experience, expressing Musqueam identity, history, and values throughout the facility. Major commissioned works by Musqueam artists are woven into the architecture, creating spaces that honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
The result is more than a community building. It is a place of gathering, learning, wellness, and connection that reflects Musqueam's enduring relationship to the land and its vision for future generations.
What Once Was Will Always Be — Robyn Sparrow
What Once Was Will Always Be is a reflection on culture and identity. In artist Robyn Sparrow's own words, the piece carries a hope "for the people and visitors of this space to find comfort in viewing my art and hopefully see the reflection of us as a xwməθkwəy̓əm Musqueam people in this piece." It's a reminder that the people using the Centre today are part of a continuum that stretches back long before leləm̓, and will continue long after.
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Image: “What Once Was Will Always Be” by Musqueam artist Robyn Sparrow, installed inside the leləm̓ Community Centre, reflecting cultural continuity and identity. |
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Circular Traditional Musqueam Weaving Installation & Painted Traditional Design Elements — Debra Sparrow & Gabriel Hall
Look up, and you’ll find Debra Sparrow and Gabriel Hall's installation wrapping the ceiling and railings in a blend of traditional and modern design that stays true to the Salish weaving technique. The cohesive palette and repeating pattern pull the whole room together — a visual reminder that, as the artists describe it, creativity is what connects us to our immediate and larger family, specifically the xwməθkwəy̓əm Musqueam community.
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Image: Ceiling and railing installation by Musqueam artists Debra Sparrow and Gabriel Hall at the leləm̓ Community Centre, blending Salish weaving with contemporary design. |
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The leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre Is Now Open
If you've been looking for a place to live that puts a fitness centre, a gathering space, and 2,000 acres of forest inside a ten-minute walk, take a look at the current residences at leləm̓ — and follow our socials for opening and programming updates as they land.
Frequently asked questions
Who operates the leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre?
Selected through a competitive process, YMCA BC will manage the Centre’s long-term operations, programming, and maintenance.
Where is the leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre located?
The leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre is at 5490 Shortcut Road in the University Endowment Lands, at the entrance to UBC. It sits at the heart of leləm̓ village, a master-planned community on Vancouver's Westside near Point Grey, and is a short walk from bus stops on University Boulevard and the trails of Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Who designed and built the leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre?
The 15,000 sq ft, two-storey building was designed by Francl Architecture with structural engineering by Fast + Epp. It was developed by Musqueam Capital Corporation and built to LEED Gold standards, with a hybrid structural system that uses mass timber for the roof, steel for columns and lateral loads, and concrete for the foundation and activity spaces.
Is the leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre open to the public?
Yes. The Centre is designed as a public facility serving both leləm̓ residents and the wider Westside Vancouver community. Non-residents can access the Centre through YMCA BC's membership and drop-in programs, with financial assistance available for members who qualify.
When does the leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre open?
The leləm̓ YMCA Community Centre is now open and welcoming members and visitors.
Ortona Trail Now Open
We’re excited to announce that Ortona Trail at leləm̓ is now open and connects with Sword Fern, Cleveland, Salish and Fairview Trails in the Pacific Spirit Regional Park trail system. You’ll find a smooth pathway for walking, running or cycling, plus there are benches and tables along the trail. This is a wonderful place to see birds, dragon flies and bees gathering pollen amongst the trees, flowers and bushes. Come explore Ortona, Sword Fern, and Fairview Trails, a 1 km trail system at leləm̓. Conveniently located next to University Boulevard and nearby University Golf Club, UBC, and public transit.
Holiday Cheer at leləm̓ Village Plaza
Come join us at leləm̓ Village on Saturday, December 7th for holiday cheer. We’ll be serving cocoa and cookies from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at leləm̓ Village Plaza, 5425 Shortcut Road, Vancouver.
Free parking underground and please remember to register your vehicle at the paystation. See you there!
Enjoy Popeyes at leləm̓ Village!
Exciting news – now you can enjoy the great taste of Popeyes at leləm̓ Village! Popeyes celebrates the rich history of their Louisiana roots and unique Cajun flavours and styles of cooking! Fried chicken that’s hand-battered and breaded in a delicious blend of Louisiana seasonings for at least 12 hours satisfies any craving for comfort food. Order for delivery or pick-up, or bring your friends and dine-in. We know you’ll love that chicken from Popeyes
Popeyes at leləm̓ Village, 2320 Acadia Road, just off of University Boulevard in Vancouver.
2024 Land Awards
We're thrilled to announce that leləm̓ has been awarded the 2024 Land Awards in the Real Estate category by the Real Estate Foundation of BC. This award recognizes our commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community.
Read more about the award here.
Clean50 Award Announcement
We are pleased to announce that leləm̓ Village Passive Energy Loop district energy is the recipient of Canada's 2024 Clean50 Top Project and tied for the 2024 Top Project of the Year. At leləm̓ Village, Musqueam Capital Corporation partnered with SHARC Energy Systems to utilize sustainable energy from wastewater, geothermal, and rejected energy from grocery store refrigeration. This sustainable energy is shared with all residential and commercial tenants at leləm̓ development.
More details about this award can be found here:
https://bit.ly/MCC-lelem-Clean50Award-PR
https://bit.ly/MCC-lelem-Clean50Award
Wildlight added to Michelin Guide
Congratulations to Wildlight Restaurant at leləm̓ on being added to Michelin Guide's recommendations.
Explore UBC With These 3 Great Bike Trails Near leləm̓
Strap on your sense of adventure as you explore the University of British Columbia and its surrounding area. There’s plenty to see and do around UBC, from riverside paths to museums – and bike trails!
A lot of the UBC bike trails are wide and hard-packed, making them perfect for cycling. Along the routes, you’ll pass decades-old trees and lush growth, or even catch glimpses of the sea. So get your feet on the pedals and explore UBC with 3 of the best bike trails near leləm̓.
Douglas Fir Trail
LENGTH: 677m
The Douglas Fir trail stretches out near the UBC campus, near the Seven Sisters Trail – you’ll find it 100m east of the roundabout. Cyclists describe it as “short but fun” as you go downhill through swathes of beautiful, old forest.
This trail is fairly easy to cycle through, although there is one area that’s somewhat steep. But the single-track mountain biking trail has been extensively maintained and improved, so bikers can maximize the terrain while taking in stunning views.
Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this winding trail through the forested grounds of UBC guarantees a unique biking experience for all.
Cleveland Trail
LENGTH: 10.0km
The Cleveland Trail biking route is both scenic and challenging, offering riders of all levels an enjoyable experience. The trail wanders along the south edge of the beautiful Pacific Spirit Park, moving through forested areas and offering views of the Georgia Basin.
This biking route features flat sections alongside climbs and descents that pass by gorgeous scenery. Bike along dirt roads and single-track trails for a thrill. If you need a break, pull up at one of the rest stops along the trail so you can refuel.
If you need to leave your bike for any reason, there is a bike rack at the trailhead.
Photo by Alex Ramon on Unsplash
Jericho Beach–UBC–Pacific Spirit Regional Park
LENGTH: 7.0km
For those who want a unique biking experience, check out the Jericho Beach-Pacific Spirit Regional Park route at UBC. The route runs through the Endowment Lands, and provides outdoor enthusiasts with a fantastic cycling experience.
The 7-kilometre trail stretches from Jericho Beach, through Point Grey Road, and into Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Along the way, bikers pass lush rainforest and Instagrammable beachfront. It’s mostly flat the whole way, so cyclists of all levels can take a ride.
More casual bikers can stop at several points throughout the route such as Musqueam Park, and enjoy views of the Georgia Strait.
What to Bring On a Bike Ride
UBC offers many bike trails for cycling enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Before embarking on a route, make sure to bring the correct equipment and supplies, such as:
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Repair kit
- Sun protection
- ID and cash
Bringing these essentials will ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout your trip.
The Bike Kitchen
This is UBC’s community bike shop, which provides students and the wider community with an “accessible environment” where they can learn essential skills, including fixing bikes. Bike Kitchen is also a place to share resources, learn good cycling education, and engage in outreach and advocacy.
The shop believes in sustainability and responsible consumption, so they recycle and reuse bikes to keep them out of landfills and build bikes for their community programs.
Bike Kitchen started in 1999 as a project of the AMS Bike Co-op. It allows community members to learn to use tools to maintain, repair, and build bicycles. It also provides members with reliable, affordable bikes and parts. The idea is to make cycling more accessible and available to people throughout the Lower Mainland.
If you’d like to learn more about the mechanics of your bike in a safe and welcoming environment, The Bike Kitchen offers volunteer nights every Tuesday and Thursday!
Photo by Peter Skaronis on Unsplash
Explore Beyond the Bike Trails
UBC and the surrounding areas have more to them than just bike trails. There’s plenty to explore on and around the campus, from sports and recreation to cultural activities. Discover the wonders of Spirit Regional Park, or learn about history at the Museum of Anthropology. You can even head on down to Jericho Beach for a day of sun and shore.
And then there’s leləm̓ UBC – a master-planned community with designs based on Musqueam principles and culture. Live amid a mix of green and urban spaces, with all the amenities you could need for comfort. Come to leləm̓ and learn what “home” truly means.
Discover the 5 Best Birdwatching Spots Near UBC
The University of British Columbia is an avian enthusiast’s dream, with a plethora of bird species available to observe and learn about. The area has diverse bird populations across different habitats, letting birdwatchers see everything from gulls to herons.
Flying critter fanatic? Wild about winged wildlife? Here are the best birdwatching spots around UBC.
Jericho Beach Park
Jericho Beach Park is a popular destination for birdwatching near UBC. The park sits near the mouth of the Fraser River and offers spectacular views of both freshwater and saltwater feathered species in abundance.
Birdwatchers have recorded over 200 species of birds in the park throughout the year. During migration season, visitors will likely see flocks of sea ducks, shorebirds, and gulls – all of which have come from far away to feed in the tidal flats in Vancouver.
Meanwhile, during the warmer months, birdwatchers can spot raptors such as bald eagles cruising over the waves.
To get the best birdwatching experience, bring a pair of binoculars and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to catch peak bird activity.
Sword Fern Trail
Sword Fern is an excellent birdwatching trail for people in the Vancouver area. The trail crosses through various habitats, from meadows to coastal wetlands, allowing visitors to observe some of British Columbia’s most diverse species.
Some common birds to spot along the trail include Northern Flickers, Black Oystercatchers, and Great Blue Herons.
Beginner birders and curious visitors can take advantage of UBC’s guided birdwatching tours led by experts. These professional birdwatchers will provide valuable insight into the different species and their habits.
UBC Botanical Garden
All year long, birdwatchers can find a paradise for avian observation at the UBC Botanical Garden. Its picturesque grounds shelter many different species, whether you’re looking for hummingbirds or waterfowl.
In summer, explore the meadows to search for woodpeckers, owls, and warblers. There will also be ducks and geese flying along their migratory path. Then in autumn, stick near the garden’s abundant fruit trees and shrubs that attract plenty of avian activity.
Winter birding is also popular, since you can find snowy owls and pine siskins in their natural habitat.
The Botanical Garden offers an online bird identification guide for visitors to learn about the species seen around the area. You can also participate in bird count days to track migration.
Cecil Green Park
The park sits in the centre of the UBC campus, but it’s still a fantastic place to go birdwatching and photograph winged wildlife. Cecil Green Park features large open lawns and mature trees, which attract plenty of birds throughout the year.
Over 100 species of birds call the park their home, from waterfowl to raptors. In spring, migration season allows birdwatchers to see glimpses of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and tanagers.
Besides the birding opportunities, Cecil Green Park offers a chance to enjoy UBC’s beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities – including the famous Festival of Lights.
UBC Farm
The UBC Farm is the quintessential birdwatching destination. This 24-hectare farm features unique habitats for different species that birding enthusiasts can observe – and that diversity makes visiting the farm a rewarding experience.
There are birds galore at the UBC Farm. Birdwatchers can spot small creatures such as chickadees, nuthatches, and sparrows, all the way to larger birds like raptors and herons. Take the time to explore the different areas from creekside forests to fields, all of which provide an opportunity to spot avian activity.
The UBC Farm also features birding trails to various hotspots, and picnic tables or benches for more casual viewers. And there are bird-banding opportunities to better understand the local avian population.
Photo by Jake Bergen on Unsplash
Must-Have Equipment for Birdwatching
Birdwatchers coming to UBC are encouraged to have the proper equipment to make the most out of their experience. Some essentials include:
- Hard-wearing clothing (e.g. hat, waterproof boots)
- Binoculars or spotting scope
- A field guide
- Bird identification app
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Enthusiasts should also bring a birdwatching journal to keep track of sightings and other notes while observing avian activity.
Discover More Around UBC
There’s more to the UBC campus and its surroundings than birdwatching, although avian observation can easily take up hours of your time. If you’re interested in exploring more of UBC, though, check out Jericho Beach or the Museum of Anthropology.
And of course, discover lelem living at lelem village UBC. Live in a master-planned community designed based on Musqueam principles and culture, where you can understand what “home” truly means.