Notable Now Vancouver: April 5, 2013

Sakura Days at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak Street)
This weekend, be sure to make the most out of the sunny weather and head over to enjoy this two-day Japanese festival that celebrates tradition, culture, arts and performances. Enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony and sample traditional cuisine and sake before heading out on a walking tour around the stunning gardens. Try your hand at ikebana (flower arranging) as well as other interactive workshops hosted by experts. There will be cultural performances, taiko drumming sessions, the Cherry Blossom Dance and more. Tickets are $12 and more information can be found here.

Friday Late Night Movies at the Rio Theatre (ongoing, throughout April)
If you’re searching for plans this month, be sure to check out the latest batch of late night offerings courtesy of The Rio Theatre. They will be screening some classic flicks guaranteed to liven up your Friday nights, starting with this week’s old school cinematic gem The Warriors (hosted by Andrew Barber). Expect a night loaded with quasi-apocalyptic fun. Next weekend will feature Tim Burton’s Pee Wee’s Big Adventure if you’re looking for an excuse to unleash your inner kid. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here

Pillow Fight (Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street)
Be a part of the 2013 World Wide Pillow Fight this weekend. Grab an old feather pillow and be sure to make your way down to the corner of Robson and Hornby at around 3pm, where you’re guaranteed to quickly become engrossed in feathery good times. Join hundreds of other like-minded people for about 15 minutes of chaotic fun that stops almost as soon as it starts. It’s the best pop-up pillow fight around, and everyone ought to do it at least once in their life. Get properly prepped here.

Art Battle no.49 at Raw Canvas (Tuesday, April 9th)
Don’t miss the next edition of the epic art battle that pits local and international artists against each other in the hopes of creating the winning piece. This time around, the medium is acrylic, with the only tools permitted being palette knives, brushes and non-mechanical implements. Eight artists will set to work under pressure with an open theme and plenty of onlookers. Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance for $10 or $15 at the door. For more details visit here.

Roy Henry Vickers: Raven Brings the Light (April 6, 1540 W. 2nd Ave)
The stunning Waterfall Building will provide the backdrop for the works of one of Canada’s most lauded artists, Roy Henry Vickers. His largest-ever collection of new prints is about to launch (this Saturday) with pieces to enjoy. This free public show commences at 10:30am with an 11am storytelling session and release of the Raven Brings the Light book (co-authored by Vickers himself and historian Robert Budd). Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist, purchase work, get their book signed and mingle. For more information, click here.

Coming Up: artsScene Vancouver’s Re-launch (April 11 at 316 West 5th Avenue)
artsScene is about to officially re-launch with a bang and invites guests to attend an evening filled with unique art experiences, such as collaborative canvas painting with Raw Canvas, a theatre performance by the Ladies in White and plenty more. Enjoy sipping craft cocktails and nibbling tasty canapés surrounded by local artists and professionals. Learn more about what artsScene brings to the table and mingle with young professional artists, discovering how you can support the volunteer organization. Find more event info here and grab your $10 ticket to this must-attend event.

Photo courtesy the Rio Theatre