
The sun seems to be back for good in Vancouver, but there’s still plenty to do in the city aside from the beach, BBQs and biking the seawall.
Here’s a rundown of 20 things to do in Vancouver this week, just in case you get bored of enjoying our glistening waters and gorgeous sunsets.
Monday, May 9
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
- What: This year’s festival of independent and innovative documentaries include a host of panels and Q&As with directors alongside a myriad of screenings across the city.
- Where: Various venues, full schedule here
- When: Until Sunday, May 15
- Tickets: Available from doxafestival.ca
James Ehnes in Recital
- What: One of Canada’s greatest classical artists, and one of the world’s top violinists, James Ehnes performs solo as part of his 40th birthday recital tour.
- Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
- When: 8 to 10:10 p.m.
Watch the Northern Lights
- What: The aurora borealis, nature’s most dazzling light show, bathed Vancouver skies in a kaleidoscope of colours on Sunday night – and could appear again on Monday night.
- Where: Good vantage points include Jericho Beach and Porteau Cove – just look up to the skies and see!
- When: Darkness will help you make out the Northern Lights the best, although they can actually be active at any time.
Tuesday, May 10
Speed Dating in Vancouver
- What: Try some mingle, mix and match speed dating – ladies remain seated, gents do the rounds, and everyone keeps scorecards!
- Where: The Emerald East Van Supperclub and Lounge – 555 Gore Avenue, Vancouver
- When: 8 p.m.
Lucius
- What: Three years ago, Rolling Stone claimed this five-piece American pop band was the “Best Band You’ve Never Heard Of.” Now they’re touring their latest album Good Grief. Tickets $20 from TicketWeb.
- Where: The Imperial – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
- When: Doors at 8 p.m.
Unceded Territories
- What: Vancouver artist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun confronts the colonialist suppression of First Nations peoples, and the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights, through hard-hitting, polemical, but also playful artworks.
- Where: Museum of Anthropology – 6393 N.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver
- When: Opening party Tuesday, May 10, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., exhibition open until October 16.
Wednesday, May 11
Taste of the States
- What: Mamie Taylor’s regional longtable dinner is back, introducing guests to the traditional flavours of a chosen American culinary region with a native welcome cocktail and a four-course menu. Diners at the sit-down meal will be rewarded with a South Carolina Seafood Boil prepared by Chef Tobias Grignon.
- Where: Mamie Taylor’s, 251 East Georgia Street
- When: 6:30 p.m.
- Price: Tickets are priced at $45 per person (taxes and gratuity not included). Reservations are a must and can be made online at www.mamietaylors.ca
Coal Harbour Liquor Store Spring Patio Wine Tasting
- What: Enjoy 100 wines from all over the world along with carefully selected local craft spirits and beers, served on a spectacular waterfront patio. Tickets $49.95.
- Where: Dockside Restaurant & Brewing Company – 1253 Johnston Street, Vancouver
- When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Chicago Fire
- What: Catch the ‘Caps as they take on Chicago Fire at BC Place.
- Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
- When: 7 p.m.
- Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster
Thursday, May 12
Yaletown Farmers Market
- What: Every Thursday starting today, you can meet vendors and farmers for a terrific food and shopping experience, right at the Yaletown-Roundhouse Canada Line station.
- Where: 1200 Mainland Street, Vancouver
- When: Thursdays throughout May, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Indian Summer Supper Club
- What: Open to Indian Summer Arts Society members, patrons and artist alumni, the Urban Tea Merchant will be serving up a sumptuous four-course tea-pairing menu – including a guided tea tasting with their in-house certified Tea Sommelier.
- Where: The Urban Tea Merchant – 1070 West Georgia, Vancouver
- When: Thursday, May 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tickets: Available from indiansummerfest.ca, $75
Ballet BC: Program 3
- What: Ballet BC’s 30th anniversary goes out with a spectacular bang, with work by two audience favourites and a newcomer who is making waves around the world.
- Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
- When: Thursday, May 12 – Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m.
- Tickets: Available from balletbc.com, $30- $90
Truffle-Making Class at Purdys Chocolatier
- What: Learn from experienced Purdys Chocolatier connoisseurs how to make your own decadent chocolate truffles. Choose your own flavourings, liqueur and toppings for unique and delicious combinations.
- Where: Purdys Chocolatier South Granville – 2705 Granville Street, Vancouver
- When: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Yoga + Beer = Brewga
- What: Ideal if you’re interested in exploring yoga and craft beer in a different social setting! Ticket includes a 45-minute yoga session followed by your choice of a pint of Big Rock beer or 4 x 5 oz. samples. Bring your own mat.
- Where: Big Rock Urban Brewery & Eatery – 310 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
- When: Class starts at 6 p.m.
Friday, May 13
Paddle Together
- What: Celebrate the remarkable diversity of paddle craft in Vancouver, including at least five First Nations canoes, dragon boats, kayaks, voyager canoes and outriggers.
- Where: Creekside Community Recreation Centre – 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
- When: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
BollyDazz
- What: Kick off your Friday evenings with a new fitness program combining cardio, resistance and stretch fitness with loads of fun and spicy Bollywood dance moves!
- Where: BC Dance – 877 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
- When: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Spot Prawn Festival Gala
- What: The Spot Prawn Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with a gala to benefit Oceanwise. Includes Moët champagne reception and six-course dinner. Tickets $217.98.
- Where: The Vancouver Club – 915 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
- When: 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Little Black Dress Gala
- What: Mingle with Canadian Men In Suits and ladies in cocktail dresses at this charity fashion and fundraising event drawing attention to emerging designers in Vancouver.
- Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
- When: 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Wild Fruit – LGBTQ Dance Party
- What: From old-school throwbacks to 80s/90s/present dance, hip-hop and R&B, this is one night that doesn’t take itself too seriously – and includes all your secret guilty pleasures.
- Where: Playhouse Nightclub – 1240 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
- When: 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Friday The 13th
- What: The original Friday The 13th, the 1980 sleepaway camp slasherfest that started it all. On the big screen. On… Friday, May 13.
- Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
- When: Friday, May 13, doors 11:30 p.m., movie 11:55 p.m.
- Tickets: Available from the Rio Theatre, $6 advance or in costume, $8 at the door and not in costume, 19+