Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby has launched a season-long celebration called Summer at the Met, inviting visitors to explore a galaxy-inspired series of free events, food vendors, interactive art, and performances. Until September 1, the activation transforms the Burnaby shopping centre into a cosmic playground under the theme “Explore the Galaxy.”
Summer Market at the Met Returns
The centrepiece of the festivities is Summer Market at the Met, running from July 3 to 6. More than 15 food vendors will serve a range of global eats, including Taiwanese fare from Typhoon BBT Café, Japanese-style burgers from Wakwakburger, and Mexican street food from Ponchos Tacos. Dessert options include Filipino sweets from Cake It Easy and Asian-inspired ice cream from Crema Ice Cream. Chaiwagon will be pouring Indian chai and mango shakes throughout the market.
Live music, fire shows, juggling, and alien-themed performances will take place alongside family-friendly entertainment such as balloon twisting, face painting, and caricature drawing. Guests can snap photos with an astronaut, robot, or alien character, or use the Roaming Selfie Ring Photo Booth to capture and send photos directly to their phone.
Adding to the energy is SMASH!, a street performance that blends percussion, theatre, and music using found objects like water bottles and trash cans.
Galactic Displays and Planetary Installations
Until September 1, immersive design elements by Lazy Wizard Design are displayed throughout the mall. These include floor decals simulating planetary fissures, photo stations with alien figures, and interactive QR codes that unlock educational content about space. A large-scale solar system display on the upper level near Zara and a 4.5-metre wide planetary exhibit in the Grand Court serve as visual anchors for the theme.
Engaging Activations All Summer
Shoppers can participate in the Summer Passport program by collecting stamps from different installations. Seven stamps earn a surprise gift, while ten stamps unlock a chance to win a $100 prize.
On July 19, the Summer Dance Party will bring a mobile DJ, roaming astronauts, and aliens offering prizes as the music moves through the mall from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
On July 26 and 27, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will host Starlab, a pop-up planetarium offering 10-minute sessions about space exploration.
More information about Summer at the Met, including full programming and event times, is available at Metropolis at Metrotown.