Culture Days (September 28 to 30) at various venues throughout Lower Mainland
This annual cross-Canada celebratory effort invites participants to get out and partake in various enriching and engaging cultural experiences. This year is no exception with events such as the Chinese Cultural Festival and Lantern Festival taking place, a First Nations Culture Celebration, concert series, and Soundwalks aiming to highlight BC’s diversity.
VOKRA’s 3rd Annual Walk for the Kitties (September 23rd at 1300 Discovery Street)
Support this 100% volunteer-driven organization and join in for a 5km walk in support of their efforts to raise funds and find homes for more than 1000 abandoned cats and kittens found throughout the Lower Mainland. If you can’t make the walk, you can still consider an online donation to help them reach their $50K goal.
Vancouver International Film Festival September 27 to October 12th (various venues)
Mark your calendar for the return of VIFF (celebrating its 27th year). It’s nearly two weeks of cinematic splendour, parties, screenings and more – with 380 films set to screen throughout the festival. New this year, be sure to check out a series of talks taking place as part of Filmmakers Day and get face to face with major industry veterans and players.
Just Opened: The Last Crumb Bakery (3080 Main Street)
Satiate your sweet tooth and head to this newly opened rustic Mount Pleasant neighbourhood spot. Stock up on old-fashioned freshly-baked bread, cupcakes, pies, cookies and more. Also on the menu are made-from-scratch soups, custom sandwiches and salads. They’ve got gluten-free and vegan options, too, as well as a laidback atmosphere perfect for a bit of people-watching.
Just Opened: Espana Restaurant (1118 Denman Street)
Owned by former chef of Uva/Cibo Restaurant, this cozy West End spot is sure to be a hit (and a welcomed addition to the neighbourhood) It features a well-priced menu featuring lots of Spanish favourites perfect for snacking and conveniently organized depending on what your appetite is after (vegetarian, meat or seafood). It is a great pick for light, tasty fare in a laidback atmosphere steps from the beach.
Coming Up: Social Media Week (September 24 to 28) at various venues around Vancouver
This must-attend event returns to Vancouver for a second year and brings the spotlight to social media organizations and technology through open (and free) discussion of what social media means beyond the basics. Catch keynote speakers such as Jim Treliving and Bruce Croxon (Dragons’ Den Social Summit), Ranjit Kumaran (YouSendIt) and social media wiz Gary Vaynerchuck to name a few.