28 things to do in Vancouver this week: April 1 to 4

Brand new month with brand new events to enjoy! Here are 28 fun things to do in Vancouver from Monday, April 1 to Thursday, April 4. There is Edges of East Van photography, The Laugh Gallery with Graham Clark, and more.

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

See also

• The second annual TechExit.io returns to Vancouver this April
• A massive public pillow fight is happening in Vancouver next week
• The 41st annual VanDusen Plant Sale returns in April

Monday, April 1

Lynne Cohen: These Walls

What: Lynne Cohen is best known for her photographs of institutional interior spaces. Generally inaccessible to the public, these spaces include medical laboratories, private offices, factories, shooting ranges and military installations. This exhibition features work from the 1970s through to the early 2000s, and is the first time in several decades that Cohen’s work has been exhibited in Western Canada.

When: Now to April 21, 2019. Closed Mondays and stat holidays
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Suggested donation is $5

Kaurs in the Arts: A Panel Discussion

What: For the 2019 season, women can ski and snowboard at Mt Seymour for $15, with $7.50 from every lift ticket going to The Bloom Group. Men are welcome to come out and enjoy the evening as well, with lift tickets for men from 5 to 10 pm for $35. The Bloom Group have been providing social services in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for over 50 years, including low-barrier shelters for women and children. Drinks and food specials are being served in the Rock Chute from 5 pm onwards with trivia and games for prizes and giveaways at 8 pm.

When: Monday, April 1, 2019
Times: Doors 6:30 pm, panel at 7 pm
Where: BMO Theatre Centre – 162 W 1st Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

Edges of East Van Photography Exhibition

What: A set of imagery that capture random moments that explore the passage of time. Tamar’s photographs touch on the mundane, nostalgic, sometimes fleeting instances which challenge our memories. This work helps us discover remnants of past lives and present a contrast between the softer and harder edges of East Van.

When: Opening reception on April 1. Exhibition up from April 1 to April 30, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Drive Coffee Bar – 1670 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Admission: Free

The Performer Behind the Performance: The Hidden Psychological Hazards of a Performing Career

What: Practice your drawing skills and let your creativity be inspired by dancers and life models posing in either costumes or plain clothes in the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall. These public sessions, presented in partnership with the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, are open to all skill levels, are free, and require no pre-registration. Sketching paper, pencils, and other supplies are available for participants to borrow.

When: Monday, April 1, 2019
Time: 8 to 9 pm
Where: Green College, UBC – 6201 Cecil Green Park Road, Vancouver
More Info: Online

VCC Jazz Night

What: The Swingin’ Pre-Bop Nonet and VCC Jazz Orchestra are downtown for an evening of jubilant swing. Directed by James Danderfer, these high-calibre jazz ensembles perform back to back featuring the music of Benny Goodman, Sidney Bechet, Duke Ellington and more. Dancing welcome. 

When: Monday, April 1, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Alice MacKay Room in the Lower Level of the Central Library – 350 West Georgia, Vancouver
Admission: Free

The Slocan Ramblers

What: The Slocan Ramblers (2019 Juno Award nominees) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between. Presented by The Pacific Bluegrass and Old Time Music Society.

When: Monday, April 1, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Anza Club – 3 West 8th Ave. Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $20-$25

The Laugh Gallery with Graham Clark

What: Vancouver comedian Graham Clark (of CBC’s The Debaters fame) hosts one of the longest-running stand-up shows in town at The Havana Theatre. Featuring a new line-up of comics each Month.

When: Every Monday
Time: 9 pm
Address: Havana Theatre – 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Admission: $5

Tuesday, April 2

Music on Main: Month of Tuesdays – Claire Edwardes

What: Claire Edwardes, the “sorceress of percussion”, kicks off A Month of Tuesdays with her powerhouse style and stage presence.  At a Music on Main concert, there’s always great musicians and interesting, engaging music. But beyond just the tunes and performances, there’s the chance to make new friends, meet the artists, and escape from your to-do list for an hour or two.

When: Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main St, Vancouver
Tickets: $29 regular admission or $10 for students. Alternately, the full, five-show pass is available for $109, or $37 for students. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 604-879-9888

Wines of Portugal Dinner at Ancora

What: Enjoy Peruvian-Japanese ‘Nikkei’ style food paired will some of Portugal’s top wines at this feast on April 2.

When: Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Ancora False Creek – 1600 Howe St #2, Vancouver
Price: $150; buy online

BROODS

What: New Zealand family duo BROODS bring the Don’t Feed The Pop Monster tour to Vancouver with special guests.

When: Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $22.50-$29.50

Bloom: Wine, Dance, Comedy

What: MascallDance’s BLOOM is an informal evening of dance, wine and comedy. Their choreographers in residence will be showing excerpts of their work in the early evening of the first two Tuesdays in April. Each dance is paired with a wine and interpreted for the audience by a stand-up comedian.

When: Tuesday, April 2 and April 9, 2019
Time: Doors 5 pm, show 5:30 pm
Where: BLOOM at MascallDance – 1130 Jervis Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10

Launch for Holman Wang’s Great Job Books

What: Penguin Random House Canada and Vancouver Kidsbooks presents the launch of Holman Wang’s two new picture books, Great Job, Mom! and Great Job, Dad!, two cozy celebrations of the many jobs moms and dads have. Refreshments will be served, and Holman will sign books following the read-along.

Dates: Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Times: 7 to 9 pm.
Location: Kidsbooks – 2557 West Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Full Pint Comedy: A Housewarming

What: Full Pint Comedy has a new home, and invite you to the re-launch of their Tuesday night stand-up show. Featuring performances by Simon King, Chris Griffin, Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle and Brett Skillen. Hosted by Colin Sharp and James Kennedy.

When: Every Tuesday starting April 2, 2019
Time: 9 pm
Where: Castaway Bar & Kitchen – 3293 W 4th Ave, Vancouver
Admission: $5

New Cackle Sisters: Kitchen Chicken

What: In New Cackle Sisters: Kitchen Chicken, the songs of the American ‘30s yodel queens The Cackle Sisters contend with the ovens for an improbable meal. Staggeringly beautiful, the acts fly by at an astonishingly fast pace while the team hustles to roast a chicken, mash potatoes, and prepare appetizers, which may or may not eventually be served up.

When: Tuesday, April 2 to Saturday, April 6, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Cultch – 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Wednesday, April 3

Ola Dada’s Black Out Comedy

What: Ola Dada hosts a new monthly showcase at the Comedy Basement of the funniest up-and-coming black stand-ups and touring pro headliners from here in Vancouver and around the world. The headliner is Zainab Johnson with special feature Jeffrey Joseph.

When: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Comedy Basement at Goldies – 605 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $12

Talonbooks Spring Launch

What: Talon authors bill bissett (breth), Dina Del Bucchia (It’s a Big Deal!), M.A.C. Farrant (The Great Happiness), Nicole Raziya Fong (PEЯFACT), and Nikki Reimer (My Heart Is a Rose Manhattan) will read from their hot-off-the-presses books. Mercedes Eng, author of the BC Book Prize–winning Prison Industrial Complex Explodes, will be hosting.

When: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Time: Doors 7:30 pm, readings at 8 pm
Where: Pyatt Hall – 843 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Against The Current

What: Poughkeepsie, New York pop rock band Against The Current perform at the Imperial with Chapel, Guccihighwaters and Chase Your Words.

When: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: The Imperial – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $19.98

Incite: Forged in Fire

What: This Incite promises a fascinating, warm evening with three talents who share their turbulent yet inspiring journeys. Yasuko Thanh documents life from a Victoria slum to teen years as a sex worker to, finally, her emergence as an award-winning author in Mistakes to Run With. Acclaimed public speaker and author of The Lonely Section of Hell, Lorimer Shenher now shares his journey of gender transition in This One Looks Like a Boy. Catherine Porter shares the poignant story of A Girl Named Lovely: a young Haitian caught in the 2010 earthquake—and the fraught, messy realities of international aid that follows.

When: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

Senior Follies

What: The rocking is not done in chairs at the Pleasant Valley Retirement Home, especially since Howard discovered Viagra. A feisty divorcee and a witty widow, who are constantly scurrying out of his reach, breathe a sigh of relief when a new resident seems to actually enjoy Howard’s advances. Tea, gardening, strip poker and a hot tub, add to the action. Who are these new residents and what are they up to? Who is going to solve the puzzle?

When: Various dates from now to Saturday, April 13, 2019
Time: 8 pm (matinee at 2 pm on April 7)
Where: Deep Cove Shaw Theatre – 4360 Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Electric Six

What: Back with new album, Bride Of The Devil, the world’s favourite hedonistic, disco punk band, Electric Six return to Vancouver with guests Dave TV and Emily Molloy.

When: Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 11 pm
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $20

The Girls Are Coming!

What: Wander into the domain of the otters and beavers of Stanley Park. Set out on a guided evening stroll and discover the habitat and behaviour of these semiaquatic mammals. Catch a beaver tail slap or glimpse an otter in the twilight. Bring your flashlights and meet at the Stanley Park Dining Pavilion. For ages 7+.

When: Now to June 16, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum – 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Thursday, April 4

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2019

What: Vancouver’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of the city’s gorgeous pink cherry trees and a welcome sight for the winter-weary Vancouverites. The Cherry Blossom Festival looks to show off close to 40,000 trees, many of which originated as gifts from Japan. The festival looks to express the city’s gratitude while celebrating the beauty and joy that the blooms with the flowers. New to this year, festival organizers have made the point of asking anyone taking photos in neighbourhoods to be respectful when visiting.

When: April 4 to 28, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Admission: Many free events and some ticketed events

Thursday Artist Talk: Indigenous Contemporary Art Intensive, “Sharing Perspectives”

What: Five local, emerging artists share their perspectives from a Gallery residency. Working in a range of mediums from painting to beadwork and carving, artists Kelsey Sparrow, Naomi Kennedy, Alanna Edwards, Atheana Picha, and Avishka Lakwijaya will discuss their residency in the TechLab last summer, their resulting artworks, and their individual art practices. Along with displaying some of their work, they will present the videos they created for UrbanScreen.

When: Thursday, April 4, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Glory

What: The inspirational, triumphant, and incredible true story of the Preston Rivulettes women’s hockey team. In 1933, four friends set out to prove to Canada that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. As they fight through the Great Depression, prejudice, and personal upheaval, can they overcome the odds and forge their own path to glory?

When: Thursday, April 4 to Saturday, April 13, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online

Parkside Comedy Nights

What: Vancouver comedians Ryan Williams and Alistair Ogden host a night of comedy in the Parkside Tasting Room with a rotating cast of comedians monthly.

When: April 4, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Parkside Brewery – 2731 Murray Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free

Game of Thrones Vancouver trivia night

What: Game of Thrones trivia night at The Beaver Taphouse will pit teams against each other in a no-holds-barred, all-comers-welcome event featuring everyone’s favourite soul-crushing fantasy drama (which returns to HBO for a final season April 14). There are also prize giveaways during the night such as a Hand of the King pin, banners. and a small longclaw sword. The bar will be fully decorated, and each round of trivia will feature questions on houses, mottos, quotes, characters and general trivia from the show.

When: Thursday, April 4, 2019
Time: Trivia starts around 9 pm
Where: The Beaver Taphouse, 1018 Granville Street, Vancouver (Inside the Samesun Hostel)
Admission: Free. It’s first-come-first-served, and bar opens at 4 pm

Lulu Series: Debra Sparrow

What: Debra Sparrow’s ties to this land are centuries old. As she weaves, she draws connections to her ancestors and to the people whose traditional lands once encompassed Richmond and much of Vancouver. Growing up in Musqueam, Debra remembers spending time in Richmond gathering knowledge from her family and from the land itself.

In this talk, Debra will share some of the Indigenous histories of this place and discuss the links between her ancestors, her creative practice and the modern city we now call Richmond.

When: Thursday, April 4, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Richmond City Hall – 6911 No.3 Road, Richmond
Tickets: Online, Free

Surf Folk Night

What: An immersive music and art experience including dreamy sounds, an art and flair pop-up shop and good people.
Live music starting around 9:30pm with DJ sets before and after.

When: Thursday, April 4, 2019
Time: 8 pm to late
Where: The Refinery Vancouver Event Space – 1115 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $15