Somehow it feels as if fall has snuck in the backdoor, and with it comes crisp, cool weather as well as a plethora of reasons to get out and explore all that YVR has to offer. There is a boundless amount of festivals and openings that have popped up on our radar, not to mention outdoor events taking place and interesting gatherings worth checking out…
For starters, Friday marks the beginning (well, pretty darn close) to the Vancouver International Film Festival. Back for a few amazing weeks of cinematic enthrallments, VIFF is definitely a moviegoer’s dream come true. Representing more than 80 different participating countries, with well over 350 flicks, the options are seemingly endless.
Also making its mark come Friday is the Vancouver TheatreSports special ‘ThrowDown’ event. This event takes place at the Improve Centre on Granville Island and is pretty much guaranteed to have you in stitches with laughter. Unwind after a hectic workweek with non-stop laughs courtesy of this fresh season of improve action that involves the audience in a unique way; you just might end up on stage and play a part in the performance. Be sure to order a few pints in advance… liquid courage, you know?
Rounding out your options, you might want to grab a few tickets for a noteworthy fundraising social event we’ve covered before. SubmiT is back with a slew of artist-designed t-shirts up for grabs after the big reveal. This event is always a great, laid-back networking opportunity where plenty of YPs tend to congregate for an evening of boozy fun for a great cause, Imagine 1 Day.
When is it ever too early to start planning for Halloween? Well, the folks at Vancouver’s famed ‘The Party Bazaar’ certainly think Saturday is a great day to get geared up. They’re throwing their 8th Annual Halloween Preview Party at their huge store located at 1296 Station Street (near Main and Terminal). It’s your best-bet chance to score that costume you never even knew you wanted, have fun doing so, and probably drop a little more coin than you wanted – but hey, it’s all in the name of the Halloween spirit. There will be plenty of new costumes to choose from, live music, prizes for best dressed (if you are so inclined) and plenty more.
Come Saturday night, we recommend you head down to the brand-spanking newest addition to Chinatown for a crafty cocktail and tasty bite. The Emerald has just opened in the crosstown hood and promises a cool vibe that channels more than a hint of classic Vegas style (circa the 1960s). Find it at 555 Gore Street.
On this weekend is Word Vancouver. Back for another year of literary learnings, readings and seminars, this event always offers plenty worth taking in. If you’re looking for inspiration to edge you along toward finally taking a jab at that writing project, or just want to get out and explore the creative craft, this is your gig. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend this three-day event. Don’t miss out.
Sunday, head out to one of our city’s local farmers markets (while the seasonal pickings are good). On our must-visit list is the Mt Pleasant Farmers Market (located on Guelph Street by 7th Ave) as well as the Kitsilano Farmers Market (2690 Larch Street). You’ll find plenty of delectable raw, baked and prepared foods to help stock your weekly supplies. Added to this, each market features plenty of household items as well as unique gifts too. For full local market details, visit www.shoplocal.org.
Next up, we hope you are lucky enough to have made reservations in advance for West Oak’s Social Brunch in Yaletown. Who doesn’t want to wind up their Sunday with a few too many Caesars, champers and a side of fancied-up hash browns? DJ Johnny Jover is hitting the decks, company is guaranteed to be eclectic, and it’s definitely okay to wear those dark shades indoors… we think you’ll be in good company. PS: there’s a post-brunch after party at the adjoining Champagne Bar to sweeten the deal and keep the good vibes going.
