From drag shows to polka dot picnics, there’s lots to do around town. Here are five things to do in Vancouver on Thursday, August 18.

Undressing Drag

• What: Drinks and a lively discussion about the fashion of local drag performers – the Bovines – an ensemble that performed throughout the Lower Mainland during the 1980s. Followed by drag shows from the lovely Peach Cobblah and Isolde N. Barron. 
  
• Where:  Museum of Vancouver – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, August 18, at 6 pm
• Tickets: At the MOV, $15 full price or $11 for students

Neural Constellations

• What: Curiosity Collider and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre are colliding neuroscience and astronomy with performance art, sound, dance, and animation for one amazing evening under the planetarium dome.
• Where: H. R. MacMillan Space Centre – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, August 18, doors open at 6:30 pm, show is from 7:30 to 10 pm
• Tickets: On Eventbrite, $20-$30, 19+

Ce Soir à Pois

• What: Come out for a picnic in your finest and not-so-finest Polka Dot attire. This will not be your stuffy dinner in white. Bring your friends, food and drinks, and a blanket to enjoy an evening in the park.
• Where: Mount Pleasant Park – 3161 Ontario Street, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, August 18, from 6 to 9 pm
• Register: On Eventbrite, totally free

The Last Art Exhibition

• What: A final, three-day exhibition of much of Canadian artist James Picard’s watercolours, ink and pencil drawings and oil and acrylic paintings, before he closes his Granville Street studio and moves to LA.
• Where: Picard Studios Granville – 1067 Granville St, Vancouver
• When: Closing party on Thursday, August 18, from 6 to 11 pm, plus two more exhibition days Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20, from 11 am to 7 pm
• Register: On Eventbrite, totally free

Silk Road Music

• What: Playing Vancouver as part of the Enchanted Evenings Concert Series, award winning husband and wife team Silk Road Music delivers an innovative blend of Asian, jazz, Latin, Celtic music and classical Chinese instruments.
  
• Where:  Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, August 18, doors open at 7 pm, concert runs from 8 to 10 pm
• Tickets: On Eventbrite, $25-55