34 things to do in Vancouver this week: August 21 to 25

August is flying by, but there’s still lots of fun to be had! Make the most of your week with our list of 34 things to do from Monday, August 21 to Friday, August 25.

Monday, August 21

An Evening with Kamal Al-Solaylee

• What: In this talk, award-winning author, journalist and university professor Kamal Al-Solaylee will touch on stories and research from his two nonfiction books, Intolerable: A Memoir of Extremes and Brown: What Being Brown in the World Today Means (to Everyone).
• When: August 21
• Time: 5 to 7:30 pm
• Where: St. Regis Bar & Grill – 608 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $20

The Ghost Line Book Launch

• What: An evening to celebrate the launch of The Ghost Line, the debut novella by Andrew Neil Gray and J.S. Herbison. Book sales and signing, minimal speeches, maybe even a cake!
• When: August 21
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Cottage Bistro – 4468 Main Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Yin Yoga in the Garden

• What: Enjoy yoga, under the trees. Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that is suitable for beginners or students seeking a slower, more meditative practice. Bring a yoga mat, any props you may like to use, and extra layers for cooler weather. In case of rain, class will take place indoors. Meet in the Visitor Centre Entrance Hall 10 minutes early.
• When: August 21
• Time: 10:15 AM
• Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
• Cost: $18 member, $20 non-member

A Game Of You

• What: A Game Of You is an immersive theatre concept making its Canadian premiere at Harbour Centre. Features surprises, secrets, twists and memorable moments.
• When: Now to September 15
• Time: Various Times
• Where: Harbour Centre – 555 West Hastings, Vancouver
• Tickers: Online, $29 – $39

OneRepublic

• What: Start “Counting Stars” and get ready for the “Good Life”. Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated quintet, OneRepublic announced today they will tour North America this summer, and that tour will include a stop in Vancouver.
• When: August 21
• Time: Doors at 6 pm / Show at 7 pm
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $25-$145

Blues & BBQ at the Rusty Rail

• What: Take in the smoky barbeque and the groove of live blues by Murray Porter, all while enjoying the spectacular sunset views and a chill vibe.
• When: August 21
• Time: 5 pm
• Where: Rusty Rail BBQ and Grill, Grouse Mountain

Tuesday, August 22

Free Outdoor Movies in Stanley Park – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

• What: The Evo Summer Cinema Series is showing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on the four-story inflatable movie screen on August 15. Please bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs and, since it’s a family-friendly event, smoking or alcohol is not permitted. Movie goers are encouraged to walk, take transit, or bike to Stanley Park for the shows  – there will be a bike valet service offered on site each night too.
• When: August 22
• Time: Dusk
• Where: Ceperley Meadows near Second Beach, Stanley Park
• Admission: Free

Open Mic Movie Nights

• What: OMMN is a great opportunity for anyone looking to screen a short film, music video, or even an animated short and have it seen the way it deserves to be – on the Rio’s big screen.
• When: August 22
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $8

Improv X Underground Vancouver with special guest Aaron Chapman

• What: The Fictionals and author Aaron Chapman team-up for Improv X Underground Vancouver. Come learn and laugh about Vancouver after-dark from the author of The Last Gang in Town, Liquor, Lust, and The Law, and Live at the Commodore.
• When: August 22
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• Tickets: $7 or $5 for students and seniors at the door

Sham Rock Festival Night 1

• What: Live Acts and Molson Canadian present the first annual Sham Rock Festival at The Blarney Stone. Featuring some of the newest and best talent in BC Folk, Indie Rock and Celtic! Night one features Caustic Sodapop, Michael Averill and Megan Twist. The Sham Rock festival will feature fan voting at each show. The band with the highest score will win $1500.00 in bonus money.
• When: August 22
• Time: Doors 7 pm
• Where: The Blarney Stone – 216 Carrall Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10

GOOD EGG

• What: A dramatic comedy written by Dorothy Fortenberry. Responsible Meg has always taken care of her younger brother Matt, who has a disorder. But when she decides to get pregnant — and have her embryos screened for various disorders — is she taking the idea of “being responsible” too far? Starring Brooke Walker and Robert Allan Hughes, Directed by Hans Potter and Stage Managed by Samantha Hussey.
• When: August 22 to 26
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Firehall Arts Centre – 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $25 to $30. Preview on August 22 $15

Free PNE Admission Day

• What: Since 1910, millions of guests have enjoyed shows, exhibits, sporting events, amusement rides, concerts, cultural activities and, of course, the annual summer Fair at the PNE. Get in free this morning from 11 am to 1 pm.
• When: August 22
• Time: 11 am to 1 pm
• Where: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

EXP Restaurant + Bar Super Smash Bros Tournament

• What: Enter EXP’s Super Smash Bros tournament for a chance to win gift cards to the restaurant, as well as bragging rights for life. There are only 32 spots in this Wii U competition, and they will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
• When: August 22
• Time: 5 to 10 pm
• Where: 309 West Pender Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Wednesday, August 23

Canada 150: Stanley Park Show Jumping 2017

• What: Show jumping will be seen in Stanley Park on August 23 as a part of the Canada 150 celebrations, and in the lead up to the August 27 Longines World Cup Qualifier at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley. A horse experienced in show jumping will be reaching some impressive heights alongside 23-year-old top Canadian rider, Ben Asselin, and top American rider, Karl Cook. This will be the first time that Stanley Park has ever hosted show jumping, and mounted police will also be on site to answer questions about the training of their own horses.
• When: August 23
• Time: 7 to 9 pm
• Where: Stanley Park – On the Green by the Totem Poles
• Admission: Free!

Starlight Theatre at Lansdowne Centre – Moana

• What: Take a drive and cuddle up, or bring a blanket and lawn chair and settle in for a screening of the 1976 classic, Moana. Parking is on a first-come first-served basis (first 200 vehicles), with movie audio will be broadcast over FM radio. And keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event, so smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
• When: August 23
• Time: Dusk
• Where: Lansdowne Centre, west parking lot – 5300 No. 3 Road, Richmond
• Admission: Free

86th Annual Toastmasters International Convention

• What: Leading motivational and professional speakers, leadership experts, renowned authors and more share their secrets. This year’s events also includes an opening ceremonies, education sessions, the 2017 World Championship of Public Speaking, the first-ever Smedley 5K Fun Run/Walk, the Scenic Vancouver City Bus Tour and much more!
• When: August 23 to 26
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre
• Tickets: Online, $650 USD

Small Business Series: Create Your Business Plan

• What: Learn ways to inject your business plan with the energy and passion you have for your actual business, and participate in interactive activities that relate specifically to your own business and business plan. You will receive tools to help you improve the six areas of your business plan that lenders look at most closely, and hear stories from a Vancity lender about actual business plans that have gotten their attention – for better or worse.
• When: August 23 from 6 to 9 pm
• Where: Richmond Public Library – Brighouse – 7700 Minoru Gate #100, Richmond
• Register: Online, Free

No Gold Star by Alison Lynne Ward

• What: It’s never too late to come out… right? New West Pride continues at Way Off-Broadway Wednesday with No Gold Star featuring Alison Lynne Ward (and co-created with Fringe matriarch Tara Travis). A frank and candid one-woman comedy about becoming a late-blooming lesbian.
• When: August 23
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Heritage Grill – 447 Columbia Street, New Westminster
• Tickets: Pay-What-You-Want

The Road Forward

• What: Simultaneously a piece of BC First Nations history, The Road Forward, Marie Clements’ musical documentary, is a call for revolution and resolve, and a portrait of a people who have retained their power and identity through community and activism. With bold blues and rock musical breakdowns led by a cast of Indigenous musicians and performers, the film charts a path of resurgence, honouring the work of ancestors, and passing on the burden of struggle, creating a way towards genuine self-determined reconciliation.
• When: August 23
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Plaza –  650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

MusicFest at Slocan Park

• What: Come and cheer on the talent at Slocan Park for an afternoon of fun and music! There will be live performances from youth and local talent, games, arts and crafts and of course carnival food. Wading pool and sprayer will be open as well.
• When: August 23
• Time: Noon to 3 am
• Where: Slocan Park – 2750 East 29th Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Thursday, August 24

Ce Soir Noir

• What: Ce Soir Noir is back for its third annual picnic of darkness. Guests are asked to show up to this free public event dressed head to toe in black, and come equipped with a blanket and all the food and beverage they can handle. Ce Soir Noir has also partnered with Backpack Buddies, who will have a booth accepting kid-friendly food donations at the picnic. Donations are not required to attend, but is recommended.
• When: August 24
• Time: 5 to 10 pm
• Where: Crab Park, 101 East Waterfront Road, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Descendents

• What: For the better part of this band’s four-decade career, they’ve been the gold standard for puerility in pop-punk. But what do you expect from a band that pledged “Thou shalt not commit adulthood”?
• When: Thursday, August 24 and Friday, August 25
• Time: Doors 7 pm / Show 8 pm
• Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St, Vancouver
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $42

Can You See Us, Port Moody?

• What: Artists in attendance, free admission, and refreshments served. Presented by Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture.
• When: August 24 to September 20.
• Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
• Cost: Free

Senior’s Day at the PNE

• What: Seniors 65+ receive free gate admission and free Ferris Wheel rides on August 24.
• When: August 24
• Time: 11 am to late
• Where: The Fair at the PNE – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Voices: A Musical Improv

• What: Voices is a one-woman improvised musical performed by Jennifer Pielak, co-directed by Alison Chisholm, with piano by Peter Abando. Inspired by the many voices we all have in our heads, Jennifer will be pulling inspiration from the audience to create the characters. Followed by a post-show artist talk-back.
• When: August 24
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Anvil Centre, 4th Floor Landing – 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster
• Admission: Free. E-mail Kristina at [email protected] to reserve.

Waterfront Cinema at Canada Place – Wayne’s World

• What: A large inflatable screen will pop up at Canada Place, creating the perfect environment to take in Wayne’s World under the stars with the North Shore mountains in the background. To give your night two thumbs up, do yourself a favour and bring a lawn chair (or you’ll be sitting on the hard ground) and blankets (it gets cold). And keep in mind that this is a family-friend event – smoking or alcohol is not permitted.
• When: August 24
• Start: Dusk
• Where: North Point of Canada Place
• Admission: Free

Inaugural Chef Meets BC Grape Okanagan Wine & Food Festival

• What: This four-day wine and food festival features iconic BC wines, celebrity chefs, and interactive experiences. The Wines of British Columbia is launching the inaugural Chef Meets BC Grape Okanagan Wine and Food Experience weekend bringing as many as 60 BC wineries and 16 top chefs from western Canada to the Okanagan Valley August 24 through 27.
• When: August 24 to 27
• Where: Multiple locations; details here
• Tickets: Ticket prices vary depending on the day; buy here

Friday, August 25

Fridays on Front

• What: The 600-block of New Westminster’s Front Street turns into a family-friendly market and hang-out zone, complete with artisan vendors from the New West Farmers Market and New West Craft, live music from the New Westminster Arts Council, and food trucks.
• When: August 25
• Time: 5 to 8 pm
• Where: 600-block of Front Street in New Westminster
• Cost: Admission is free

Music at the Cannery

• What: The Cannery’s outdoor summer evening concert series feature a different musical act each week, catering to a wide range of musical tastes, from blues, jazz, folk and more.
• When: August 25
• Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
• Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
• Admission: $7

CBC Musical Nooners

• What: Free, live music concerts will be happening every weekday on the CBC Vancouver outdoor stage. Grab your lunch, your friends, your kids or your co-workers and join the party.
• When: Every weekday to August 25
• Time: Noon to 1 pm
• Where: CBC Vancouver – 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
• Cost: Free

Campagnolo ROMA x Chef Nate Middleton

• What: Head to Campagnolo Roma to see Toronto’s celebrated Chef Nate Middleton collaborate with Chefs Nate and Jesse for a five course, family style dinner. Expect creative takes on classic American dishes.
• When: August 25
• Time: 7 to 10 pm
• Where: Campagnolo Roma, 2297 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $100

Garrett Clark

• What: Garrett has performed at three of the prestigious Just For Laughs Festivals (Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver) and has opened for Todd Barry and Iliza Shlesinger. He was also selected among the “Best of Fest” at Big Pine Comedy Festival in Flagstaff, Arizona and recently headlined shows all across Scotland.
• Where: Lafflines Comedy Club – 530 Columbia Street, New Westminster
• When: August 25 at 9:30 pm, August 26 at 9 pm
• Tickets: Online, $20

Picnics on the Point

• What: Celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial at Picnics on the Point, a community celebration at one of the most breathtaking spots in Vancouver, Canada Place’s newly revitalized North Point. Bring your picnic and enjoy musical entertainment by Serkan Sogukpinar.
• When: August 25
• Start: 5:30 to 8 pm
• Where: North Point of Canada Place
• Admission: Free

Outdoor Movie Nights in Cloverdale – Sing

• What: Free outdoor movie nights in Cloverdale are back for the summer. Don’t forget your chairs, blankets and snacks.
• When: August 25
• Time: Activities start at 8 pm, movies start at dusk
• Where: Katzie Elementary School – 6887 194a St, Surrey
• Admission: Free