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August 19 2025: B.C.’s cider makers stay small

August 19 2025: B.C.’s cider makers stay small

Plus: The Lion King, rosé reviews, and arts updates

August 19, 2025

Hey there. How is August treating you?

Last week, we had an unseasonable downpour that led to headlines like CBC News’ “4 B.C. communities, including Vancouver, shatter rainfall records”. But, on closer inspection, it turns out that the specific rainfall record in question was “the most rain to ever fall on August 15”. Like, yes, it is a record, but it’s an overly narrow superlative, the damned-by-faint-praise of records. Was it the rainiest August day ever? Probably not, but it’s a high bar for any future summer storms to break—especially if they happen on August 15.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Master of puppets: Meet the man behind The Lion King's animals

Sure, the Elton John–penned songs and Disney branding contribute to the appeal of The Lion King, but the iconic musical has another factor that has long entranced audiences: puppets. We went behind the scenes with puppet supervisor Michael Reilly to find out how the show brings the savannah to the stage. “We all grew up with puppets, whether it was Kermit or Howdy Doody,” Reilly explains. “We all treat them like they’re real.”

— ARTS —

Check out everything happening at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival

The 37th annual VQFF returns next month, with Cowichan filmmaker Mary Galloway taking the reins as artistic director. Here’s everything on the slate for the festival.

Women of the Fur Trade kicks off Touchstone Theatre’s 50th season
Christos Dikeakos reveals the art (and quirks) of collecting

Introducing Fringe+

Fringe+ is an add-on bundle of perks and discounts that make it easy and affordable to get the most out of Fringe this year.

It’s chock-full of good stuff, but the cherry on top is a 100% free ticket for you to bring a friend to their first Fringe show. As Fringers know, live theatre is great, but it’s even better when shared.

— MUSIC —

Gloomwave pioneers DOUR are feeling optimistic

Zak Salehian points to bands like Joy Division, Television, and the Cure when describing his band’s sound. But fans have started calling the postpunk, layered music something else: gloomwave. “I don’t know what that is, actually,” he adds—but, like DOUR, it sure sounds cool.

Photos: Creed wraps its arms around Rogers Arena
Move over, K-pop: the Scammers make a case for K-punk

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

This week’s perks for Straight Insiders:

Free tickets:

Tickets to shows all month including The Mousetrap at Granville Island Stage, One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk, Chaska Fake Shaadi, Sun Kil Moon, Kyle Mooney, Our Last Night, Horsegirl, Clan of Xymox, The Budos Band, Madrass Party, and more

Food & drink deals

NEW: Free/complimentary appetizer at B House
Loam Bistro: 10 percent off food and drinks
Desi Indian Lounge: Free dessert (with a meal)
Minami: 10 percent discount on food during Happy Hour (3-5 p.m.), from Sunday to Thursday

To unlock these perks, become a Straight Insider.

— FOOD & DRINK —

B.C.’s cider makers are happy staying small

There has yet to be a craft beer-style boom in B.C. cider—but, according to the people that make it, that’s exactly the point. “We’re not trying to be Molson,” says Mike Harris of Dominion Cider in Summerland. “This is a lifestyle business. I get to be home with my kids, I’m out on the tractor, I’m making something I’m proud of. That’s the win.”

Wined Up: Blasted Church’s Rosé Grenache tastes of better times

— ICYMI —

The Cobalt is writing a legendary new chapter
Richmond Sunflower Festival is in full bloom
Photos: SFU unveils Gibson Art Museum
We Tried It: Desi Indian Lounge’s food is elegant and delicious

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

FILM: Amy Berg’s It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley reconsiders a star gone too soon. (To August 22 @ VIFF Centre)

COMEDY: Seasoned pros and fresh-faced newbies combine in the Improv Centre’s Spontaneous Combustion. (August 19 @ The Improv Centre)

BOOKS: Local crime writers take over the library with readings and signings. (August 19 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

VISUAL ARTS: Three artists reflect on trauma and recovery in Living Dreams. (August 20 to September 14 @ Silk Purse Arts Centre)

FOOD & DRINK: A feel-good excuse to get a Teen Burger: A&W is donating $2 from each sale to fight multiple sclerosis. (August 21 @ A&Ws)

MUSIC: Iconic riot grrrl band Bratmobile revs into town. (August 21 @ Hollywood Theatre)

THEATRE: Ensemble Theatre hosts a three-day play reading festival. (August 21-24 @ Jericho Arts Centre)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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