35 things to do in Vancouver this week: September 25 to 29

Welcome to the first week of fall, Vancouver! Start it up with our 35 things to do from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29. Sea Otter Awareness Week, Branding for the Future, Coldplay, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Monday, September 25

Vancouver Startup Week 2017

Vancouver Startup Week / Facebook

• What: Vancouver Startup Week is a gathering of entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and community leaders all coming together to celebrate one of the top tech hubs in the world. The city will be teeming with events, including presentations from some of the biggest names in the tech scene.
• When: September 25 to 29
• Where: Various venues around Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10-$349

Chocolate Cherry Chai – Book Launch

• What: A celebration of the launch of Taslim Burkowicz’s debut novel, Chocolate Cherry Chai. The novel binds together themes of familial pressures, the immigrant experience, motherhood, love and loss into a poetic narrative.
• When: September 25
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: SFU Harbour Centre – 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Lang Lang with the VSO

• What: Lang Lang returns to the Orpheum to perform Gershwin’s famous and much-loved Rhapsody in Blue with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Tovey conducts this special concert that also features the Australian String Quartet, led by former VSO Concertmaster Dale Barltrop. Lang Lang will also perform Saint-Saëns Aquarium from Carnival of the Animals, America from Bernstein’s West Side Story, and Sugar Plum Fairy, from Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker.
• When: September 25
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Orpheum – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Super Scene!

• What: Super Scene comedy show features Jennifer Pielak, Travis Bernhardt, Alistair Cook, Curt Da Silva, Rachel Kent and Dan S. Hosted by Mitch Boliszczuk.
• When: September 25
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: The Woods Studio – 7 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $5 or $8 at the door

Sea Otter Awareness Week

• What: Head down to the Vancouver Aquarium to celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week. There will be fun and engaging “otter-themed” programs, daily feeds with the animal trainers, a sea otter puppet show and an educational “Life in a Kelp Forest” talk at the Strait of Georgia exhibit.
• When: Now to September 30
• Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Fine. (an evening of storytelling and otherwise)

• What: A night of stories from Pat Kelly, Beni Xiao, Jackie Hoffart, Curtis Leblanc and Fatima Dhowre. Hosted by Cole Nowicki with music by Kim Gray.
• When: September 24
• Time: 9:04 pm
• Where: The Lido – 518 East Broadway, Vancouver
• Price: Free

2017 West End Food Festival

• What: Gordon Neighbourhood House’s West End Food Festival is an annual event, geographically focused on Vancouver’s West End Neighbourhood. It is a collaboration with community members and organizations to put together a fun and diverse program of workshops, events and dialogues that celebrates food in the West End community.
• When: Now to September 26
• Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House – 1019 Broughton Street, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Tuesday, September 26

A Steady Rain – Share Productions

• What: The writer behind A Steady Rain used to write medical journals by day, penning his own original plays at night for over 20 years. That tenacity paid off when Keith Huff eventually sold the two-man play, prompting offers to write for Mad Men and House of Cards. Now, some Vancouver TV actors are putting on the show at the Havana Theatre, reprising the roles of Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig of the original production. Apparently it’s go big or go home for these Hollywood North veterans.
• When: September 26 to 30
• Where: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• Tickets: At Brown Paper Tickets; $15

The Radical at Presentation House and Centennial Theatre

• What: For the very first time, The Radical are bringing their signature blend of rapid-fire humor and character-driven storytelling to North Vancouver for a pair of shows at two of the city’s most iconic theatres.
• When: September 26 and 29
• Where: Presentation House Theatre – 333 Chesterfield Avenue (Tuesday); Centennial Theatre – 2300 Lonsdale Avenue (Friday)
• Tickets: Presentation House and Centennial Theatre, $8

QS World MBA Tour Vancouver 2017

• What: Studying for an MBA could totally change your career and you can find out how by attending the QS World MBA Tour that hits the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel on Tuesday, September 26. It’s the leading provider of MBA information events in the world that brings top business schools and high calibre candidates together, face-to-face. Also, if you’re looking to work in sustainable business development or cleantech, areas which are thriving in Vancouver, you can find out more at this informative event where more than 40 business schools will be represented.
• When: September 26
• Time: 4 to 8:30 pm
• Where: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel – 1128 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Price: $5 – Pre-register online now | Tickets $15 on the door

Rags to Riches! Broadway Bistro

• What: The musical cabaret’s theme this month is Rags to Riches, with host Erik Gow, accompanist Kerry O’Donovan guest actors Rose McNeil, Britt Bailey, Sari Rosofsky, and many more.
• When: September 26
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: The Cottage Bistro – 4470 Main Street, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Memory Exchange

• What: Memory Exchange is a community art project intending to spark fleeting, personal connections between people who will never meet. The gallery will display various envelopes each with an anonymous story inside. During the installation you will be invited to choose one story at random, read it, and write a story of your own in response.
• When: September 25 to 27
• Time: 3 to 6 pm
• Where: 5050 Joyce Street, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Don’t Tell Me How To Launch a Book

• What: Don’t Tell Me What to Do is the latest book by Vancouver author Dina Del Bucchia. The launch also features appearances by Jen Sookfong Lee, Kellee Ngan, Anthony Casey, and is hosted by Cynara Geissler
• When: September 26
• Time: 7:30 to 10 pm
• Where: Shenanigans on Robson – 1225 Robson Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Nerd Karaoke

• What: Croon your favourite nerdy hits at the Storm Crow – hosted by Carmin Carotenuto from the Adventure.exe Podcast. The list of the space, scifi, fantasy and nerd-dom inspired karaoke songs includes Weird Al, David Bowie, songs from Steven Universe and more.
• When: September 26
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Storm Crow Alehouse – 1619 West Broadway, Vancouver
• Price: Free

Wednesday, September 27

Vance Joy

• What: Feeding on a diet of The Pogues, Paul Kelly, and whatever else was playing, Vance Joy cut his teeth performing at open mike nights in Melbourne. His songs capture the familiar pulse of everyday experiences in a unique and celebratory manner. Featuring guests Amy Shark and Chappell Roan.
  
• When: September 27
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $49.50

Happy Days – UBC Theatre and Film

• What: Samuel Beckett’s absurdist play has this tagline: “A Human Comedy on the Slope of Existence”. Coming out of the theatre school at UBC, the play is funny and bittersweet all at once. To seal the deal, cake, champagne and bubbly discussion will follow each performance.
• When: September 27 to 30
• Where: Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC – 6354 Crescent Rd, Vancouver
• Tickets: At UBC Theatre; $15

Scotiabank Passions

• What: Patrons are invited to taste culinary creations from the city’s top restaurants, bakeries, and caterers at Scotiabank Passions on September 27. Attendees at this event, which is put on the support the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, can also enjoy New Zealand wines and bid on fantastic auction items.
• When: September 27
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Where: Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright Street, Granville Island
• Price: $200 per person; buy online

The Pillowman

• What: With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka, and the Brothers Grimm, The Pillowman by award winning playwright, screenwriter and director Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Seven Psycopaths) centres on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories. Presented by Reality Curve Theatre.
• When: September 27 to October 6
• Where: The Orpheum Annex – 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Feasting on Famine – Firehall Arts Centre

Image: Shay Kuebler

• What: Everyone knows someone like Shay Kuebler’s character in Feasting on Famine. The pro-supplement, obsessive-compulsive, hyper-masculine culture of bodybuilding takes to the stage in at the Firehall’s season opener. Exploring the blurred lines between passion and addiction, the #eatclean movement finally gets its moment under the critical lens.
• When: September 27 to 30
• Where: Firehall Arts Centre – 280 E. Cordova Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: At Firehall, $33

BrewLoops Beer Festival

• What: This annual celebration of beer, bikes, and live music celebrates Kamloops culture with 10 different events spread out over five days. Events include Iron Road Casual Ride, a guided ride ending up at Kamloops’ newest brewery, Iron Road, a Bike Pub Crawl and Block Party, a Farmers Market Tasting, and a Fat Bike Picnic and Ride to name a few. Other attractions include a home brew competition, tap takeovers, and beer knowledge seminars.
• When: September 27 to October 1
• Where: Multiple venues in Kamloops
• Price: Vary; tickets to each event can be purchased online

The Flame: York Theatre Edition

• What: The Flame and host Joel Wirkkunen presents a concert event of music and true stories at The York. Featuring TJ Dawe, Emelia Symington Fedy, John R. Taylor, Donna Lea-Ford, Dallas Yellowfly, Nitasha Puri, Alec Willows and Jillian Fargey. With guest musicians Sarah Wheeler and Hannah Epperson.
• When: September 27
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: York Theatre – 639 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $20

Thursday, September 28

13: The Musical

Image: Anita Alberto

• What: These 18-and-under stars all have major network credits under their belts, from the CBC to Disney to Netflix. Now they’re coming together to triple-threat their way through 13, the Broadway teen musical about growing up. It’s refreshing to see teenagers portrayed by actors of that age group, many of whom will act, sing and dance to a live band.
• When: September 28 to October 8
• Where: Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: At Eventbrite; $13-$34

Vancouver International Film Festival 2017

• What: Both in terms of admissions and number of films screened, VIFF is among the five largest film festivals in North America. The festival screen films from 70 countries on nine screens, with an international line-up including the pick of the world’s top film fests and many undiscovered gems.
• When: September 28 to October 13
• Where: Various venues around Vancouver
• Ticket Packs and Passes: Online

Folk Fabulous II

• What: Folk Fabulous II is an intimate evening of music performed by six of Vancouver’s finest musical talent. Performers will collaborate on each other’s songs and fill the evening with new arrangements, vocal harmonies and musical creations.
• When: September 28
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
• Tickets: Online, $40

Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames

Image: Vancouver Canucks / Twitter

• What: The Vancouver Canucks continue their Rogers Arena pre-season against the Calgary Flames on September 28.
• When: September 28
• Time:  7 pm
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Interior Design Show Vancouver 2017

• What: There will be artists, makers, design-centric brands, and more creatives coming together in Vancouver to showcase their current works, concepts, and products. Plus, you’ll also have the opportunity to hear from some of the design world’s most notable designers A definite highlight of the fair is designer Camille Walala, who will be speaking and showcasing her work at IDS Vancouver.
• When: September 28 to October 1
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – West Building – 1055 Canada Place
• Tickets: $14 – $18 for passes | $35 Opening Night Party – Tickets available via Interior Design Show 

UBC Harvest Feastival

• What: This event kicks off with a cocktail and reception at the Alumni Centre, which is followed by a six-course feast, local wine and beer (for purchase), live music, and entertainment. The after-dinner entertainment includes special shows and exhibits planned just for you at UBC’s world-class Arts and Culture District.
• When: September 28
• Time: 4 to 10 pm
• Where: UBC, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver
• Ptice: $25-$45; buy online

Friday, September 29

Coldplay

Coldplay/Facebook

• What: Since 2000, Coldplay has released seven studio albums and also played seven concert tours, and frontrunner Chris Martin announced they will be playing songs from each album on this tour. Known for their theatrical displays on stage, unique covers, and witty banter with the crowd, this is sure to be another incredible show.
• When: September 29
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
• Tickets: Live Nation

The New Pornographers

• What: The New Pornographers’ latest full length album Whiteout Conditions was released in Spring 2017. It’s the first release on the band’s own Collected Works Records. With guests Born Ruffians.
  
• When: September 29
• Time: Doors 8 pm / Show 9 pm
• Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $36.50

Port Moody Scavenger Hunt

• What: Follow clues through the City of Port Moody on the second annual Scavenger Hunt! See the public art collection, and some great historical sites along the way. Plus a chance to win some great Port Moody swag. Part of BC Culture Days.
• When: September 29 to October 1
• Time: 9 am to 9 pm
• Where: Various locations around Port Moody
• Cost: Free

National Seniors Day Celebration

• What: Learn why Surrey is and age-friendly city where people can enjoy lifelong activity and engagement. Listen to Dr. Art Hister and enjoy a musical performance by the Classics Brass Trio. Light refreshments will be served.
• When: September 29
• Time: 11 am to 1:30 pm
• Where: Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Dubvision

• What: Dutch brothers Victor and Stephan Leicher are fast conquering the world of dance music as scintillating duo DubVision. With five Beatport Main Chart Top 10s, two Beatport Progressive House Chart #1s and a Beatport Electro Chart #1 to their name, they have marked themselves out as a serious force in the dance music scene.
• When: September 29
• Time: 10 pm
• Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, Free

The Dirty Betty Show!

The Dirty Betty Show / Facebook

• What: A comedy show perfect for your saucy night out. The Dirty Betty Show is a variety show featuring Vancouver’s hottest comedians, improvisers, and drag superstars.
• When: September 29
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• Tickets: $8

All Star Wrestling presents East Meets West: Japan vs Canada

• What: All Star Wrestling returns to Richmond. Featuring the stars of Dotonbori Wrestling from Osaka, Japan taking on the stars of All Star Wrestling. Plus Round 1 of the first annual West Coast Classic Pro Wrestling Tournament.
• When: September 29
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Fraserview MB Church – 11295 Mellis Drive, Richmond
• Tickets: Online