LAMP (October 3 to 5, 111 West Hastings Street)
The first annual ‘Lighting Architecture Movement Project’, a live design installation exhibition and creative challenge, is set to light things up at the Woodward’s Atrium next week. Join the private event on Thursday, October 3 from 7pm-11pm and score a sneak peek with the added benefit of beer, wine, music and entertainment. The exhibit will be open to the public by donation on Oct 4th and 5th. Proceeds will cover the designers’ exhibit costs, and partial profits will benefit Arts Umbrella. For more info and to purchase tickets to the private event, click here.
Just Opened: The Emerald (555 Gore Avenue)
After hosting an intimate soft open event a few weeks ago, Chinatown has another hot new spot to check out in the form of a ‘Rat Pack-era Vegas-style Supper Club’. Brought to the neighbourhood behind the same folks who helm establishments such as The Narrow and The Rumpus Room, The Emerald is a welcomed addition to the mix. Expect an old-school Vegas-inspired dinner menu (with weekend buffet service), unique décor heavy on originality, and a creative take on classic cocktails. Find more info here.
Confessions Show (September 27th, 7pm at 316 W. 5th Avenue)
This one-night show takes place at the Beaumont Art Gallery and features a collection of work from Vancouver artist Jamie Smith. She has collected 75 anonymous confessions throughout the summer and will be showcasing these in her series of aptly named paintings. The show will also feature a full-size confessional booth (should you feel the need to come clean). Admission is free, booze is $5 and the experience priceless. For more info, click here.
A LUSH Garden Event (September 29th, 3 plots North of E. Boulevard and W. 57th Ave)
Brush off your green thumbs, grab your gumboots and enjoy an afternoon of gardening, learning and getting grubbed up. This LUSH Garden Event kicks off The Rain Barrel Project with entertainment, Happy Planet tastings, live music, and more. Also taking place will be the auctioning off of one-of-a kind rain barrels (used to harvest rain water) designed by Emily Carr University of Art & Design students. These barrels will then be donated to various food growing initiatives to benefit The World In A Garden’s education programs. For more info, click here.
Culture Days (September 27th to 29th, various locations around Vancouver)
Back for another great year that encourages the exploration and celebration of culture, head out to one of several hot spots in town for your fix. Granville Island will have plenty to offer with an eclectic mix of artists, performers, theatre and cuisine to round things out. The Coast Annual Art Show and Sale is taking place, showcasing the works of hundreds of members of the broader Vancouver Mental Health Community, or check out The Arts Club Stroll for an in-depth historical walk about town. For details, click here.
Word Vancouver (September 27th to 29th, various locations)
Western Canada’s largest celebration of literacy and reading is back – and word is, it’s worth checking out. This weekend, make your way down to Library Square for this inspirational multi-day festival. Head into the VPL and partake in free seminars, performances, meet award-winning authors, check out exhibits, and more that’ll get your creative juices flowing. Catch new writing talent in the Canada Writes Tend as well as a Spoken Word Poetry session or Poetry Slam. For details, click here.
Top photo courtesy LAMP