Vancouver Writer’s Fest (Granville Island, various venues and until October 27th)
Head to Granville Island for some literary inspiration as the Vancouver Writer’s Fest celebrates the art of creativity and bringing pen to paper. This popular event brings the community together to share ideas, thoughts and conversations through the celebration of literature and storytelling. Authors, spoken word performers, poets and novelists lead seminars with the likes of Colin Mochrie and Margaret Atwood leading the literary pack.
Now Open: Gringo Gastown (27 Blood Alley Square)
If you have a hankering for not-so-traditional Mexican food, head to Gastown for your fix with a SoCal/LA twist. Inspired by South of the Border cuisine, Gringo offers up all the goods with a distinguished nod to the original introduction of this popular style of food in the 90s (nothing overtly fancy – just true comfort bliss). Try their Street Dog with all the fixings, including guacamole, salsa, bacon and cheese, washed down with a $4 pint.
Get Cultured: Marvelous Real: Art from Mexico (6393 N.W. Marine Drive)
The MOA at UBC has just launched a mind-expanding and unique journey into the world of The Marvelous Real: Art from Mexico, 1926-2011. Featured works from world-renowned artists such as Betsabee Romero and Frida Kahlo set the stage with 54 pieces having been selectively chosen from the FEMSA collection. It’s a stunning take on Mexico’s unique form of magical realism as viewed through an array of abstract and surreal artistic lenses. For more exhibit info, click here.
Thrill Vancouver (October 26th, various locations)
It’s time to unleash your inner zombie and gear up with all the gore, guts and gruesomeness you can imagine for the annual Thriller Dance. Grab your dancing shows and head out to partake in this massive group effort. Learn the moves online in advance of Saturday’s performance, sign up for a rehearsal spot, and bring your non-perishables (participation is by donation to The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society). Learn more and score ideas here.
Just Opened: Lifetime Collective standalone store (4386 Main Street)
Show your Western Canadian design pride and head out Friday to celebrate the flagship Lifetime Collective store in Vancouver. The owners and designers are thrilled to showcase their latest looks at a new Main Street boutique and will feature live music courtesy of Reuben and the Dark, a sweet style scoop, photography gallery by Jennilee Marigomen and more. It’ll be a great way to unwind on a Friday night and score some new duds for your fall/winter wardrobe. Learn more here.
Coming Up: Diwali Fest (October 30 to November 8th, various venues)
Join the Diwali Celebration Society for the 10th Anniversary of Diwali Fest (formerly Vancouver Celebrates Diwali) that is set to kick off next week. This annual South Asian cultural arts festival celebrates the Diwali holiday and is intended for all cultures and communities. Over the past several years, the event has grown exponentially, drawing in crowds of more than 7,000 people who partake in free performances, activities and more. Learn all about it here.
Photo courtesy s.yume
