Vancouver Weekender: October 23 through 26, 2014

It’s going to be a weekend flooded with costumes whether you like it not – it’s unavoidable. Luckily, we bring you a great mix that shares the best of Halloween but also highlights everything else happening in case you’re over playing dress up. Before you know it, it’s a new month and we’ll make sure you’re geared up come Monday for last couple months of the year.

THURSDAY
The SOHO SME Business Expo makes its final stop in Vancouver and runs all day today showcasing a slew of speakers from leaders at notable companies from Hootsuite to TELUS, 1-800-Got Junk and Samsung with engaging events like giving the newest emerging tech products on the market a try to an after party at the city’s newest lounge, Twelvewest. It might not be too late to register and get in on the inspiration and networking especially if you’re a small business owner or looking to start one.

Brooklyn Gastown is holding a night called Emotions, an open mic experience. A celebration of arts, all types from poets to painters and of cours, a few rappers will hop on stage to showcase their skills. The good vibes will start at 8pm when doors open.

Join a bunch of ladies to get a little sweaty while looking and feeling great… possibly in costume. Chantal Hunt of Stiletto Fit is holding a drop-in class that’s actually a Halloween Dance party. Only $10 to burn off some fire to Beyonce. Just avoid the candy bowl come Friday.

Edgardo Osario of Aquazzura makes a stop at Holt Renfrew from 4-6pm for a personal appearance. If you have a penchant for beautiful footwear designer, be sure to stop by for face time with this famous Colombian designer. And you’ll have a chance to pre-order from his new collection. Stay tuned for our mini interview with the ‘it’ shoe designer coming Friday.

The Terminal City Club hosts the Superheroes For Kids Up Front Gala where dressing up is for a good cause. It’s the 10th year of giving back to the community – Kids Up Front provides local kids in need with access to arts, culture and sports through the distribution of unused event tickets. Support this amazing idea – there will be a three-course dinner, photo booth and faces from Vancouver teams you may just recognize behind their costume.

FRIDAY
If you didn’t already have the chance to get to tickets to one of the 7 must-attend Halloween parties we suggested weeks ago, there may still be hope to swindle a couple tickets. And of course we have a couple more for you. Heading up to Whistler? Part one of the Mad Decent party put on by local creative agencySpace + Time will make its way to Garfinkel’s for what they are saying will be a no BS, straight-up good time. The Mad Decent record label crew is led by Diplo and friends so it’s best to believe what they say.

Sephora opens their largest store in Canada today on Robson Street. The two-floor store will carry all the usual pick-ups along with exclusive brands and new services unique to the location. With Vancouver-inspired goodies in store for opening day, this is sure to be a buzzing spot for the ladies. Watch for our store preview and party report coming Friday morning.

SATURDAY 
The BC SPCA is presenting their first-ever premiere evening event: Offleashed: A Whole New Breed of Gala. Dog lovers in the city will fill the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre for an evening of entertainment, culinary experiences, a silent auction and inspiration all in the name of their favourite canine friends.  

Round two! Saturday night calls for the Mad Decent party to take over the Waldorf Hotel. Halloween meets tiki torches, meets block party. If you need a place to crash, take advantage of the VIP experience.  

SUNDAY
The day has arrived for Crème de la Crème Grand Wedding Showcase. Brides and their parties can expect nothing short of an amazing spectacle all day. Starting at 11am until 6pm, the most exquisite of wedding offerings will be available to sample until it’s your big day.

Barre Fitness’s Class for a Cause is back this Sunday. Once a month, 100% of proceeds from a class are donated to a charity chosen by Barre clients. Taking place at 10:45am in Yaletown and 11am in the North Shore, it’s only $10 to drop-in. Do some good – for your body and others.

Whether you’re winding down from a Whistler weekend or embracing the rain by escaping the city along a mini scenic road trip for ultimate relaxation, head over to experience the baths, pools, eucalyptus steam rooms and truly a blissful day at Scandinave Spa. For first timers, it’s a game changer – and just as needed for the loyalists too. 

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