August 22 edition: Dinner with a side of whodunnit

Hey there. Happy Thursday! 

Did you know that despite all attempts to stop us (authoritarian billionaires, weird government policy, the general enshittification of the internet), we still have social media? Our Instagram accounts @georgiastraightculture and @georgiastraightfood are the best places to keep up with us between newsletters. They’ve got fresh content, funny memes, and free stuff—like giveaways. 

Right now we’re giving away two tickets to one of Sheng Wang’s October shows. The Fresh Off the Boat writer is so popular that he’s doing a whopping four shows at the Vogue. Enter for your chance to win (and to cheer up our social media manager).

— V. 
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Dating in Vancouver: How to not give up on finding someone

In our latest Dating in Vancouver column, love guru Amy Chan tackles the age-old question: what if I never fall in love? Even when you’re doing everything right, “dating can still be an incredibly frustrating and emotionally draining process,” Chan writes. As you might expect, there’s no magic solution—but she’s got some advice for how to keep your heart open.

LIVING

BC high schools still have a long way to go in accommodating trans youth

Researcher LJ Slovin spent a year studying trans youth in schools. Here, in an excerpt from their upcoming book Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid: How Trans Youth Work at Gender Nonconformity, they dissect how phys ed classes could better support all kids who don’t fit the narrow norm.

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation sees public powwows across the province 

• BC Culture Days returns in September with hundreds of free and cheap events

• Join us at Everything Electric Vancouver sponsored by BC Hydro Sept 6-8 at Vancouver Convention Centre.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY BARD ON THE BEACH

The Reviews Are In!

Twelfth Night is "a wonderfully entertaining piece of theatre," with "an amazing amount of talent on stage." In Diana Donnelly's bright, carnival-set adaptation, what happens in Illyria stays in Illyria!

With original music by local treasure Veda Hille, Twelfth Night is full of stand-out performances, songs, laughter, mistaken identities, trickery, and ultimately, love. Don't miss this "bold sensory feast".

Click here for more information and to book your tickets!

ARTS

Inaugural Design Vancouver Festival promises 11 days of connection

A new festival about all things design is coming to Vancouver, with a mission to highlight local architects and artists.

• Vancouver Opera kicks off 65th season with a ’60s take on Die Fledermaus

• Griffin Art Projects’ Future Worldings explores decolonization 

• Tatus Festival puts Indigenous culture at the heart of the PNE

SPONSORED BY COUVERDON REAL ESTATE

Escape the Grind - Discover the freedom of Campbell River’s Jubilee Heights

Trade urban stress for a balanced life where nature, convenience, and affordability meet. Enjoy ocean beaches, fishing, and snow sports at your doorstep. Embrace a lifestyle where the pace is yours, without sacrificing modern comforts. Explore Jubilee Heights—where small-town charm meets big opportunities.

Ready for a change? Learn more here.

MUSIC

Photos: Bachman-Turner Overdrive brings classic rock nostalgia to the PNE

After August 20 was officially inaugurated as Bachman-Turner Overdrive Day, the hard rock greats proved why they deserve it. Photographer Tom Paillé captured the action.

• On Our Radar: Precusor is brutally honest on “Where’s the Cavalry?”

• Montreal based saxophonist Colin Stetson arrives at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday September 7th with V.Vecker. Tickets are selling fast!*

• Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic! The LIVE concert spectacular everyone RAVED about! A night of non-stop rock anthems. Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions and MORE!*

*sponsored listing

FOOD

A murder mystery dinner inspired by Knives Out is coming to Vancouver

Get your detective hats on for The Perfect Bite: A Dinner Experience—where a four-course meal is paired with a side of whodunnit.

• PSA: Hong Kong-inspired Saan Saan Cafe has opened on Main Street

• New Filipino Canadian chef exchange Indáy kicks off in Vancouver

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

FUNDRAISER
Raise money for the library at the Rooftop Remix party. (August 23 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

MUSIC 
Twee pop duo The Softies tour their new album, The Bed I Made. (August 23 @ Fox Cabaret)

PERFORMING ARTS 
Andrea Spaziani and Prince Nifty compile future memory in movement and music with Badlands | A Dance in Time. (August 23 to 24 @ Lobe Studio)

GAMES
Local indie developers set up their projects for free in the Vancouver Game Garden. (August 24 @ Heritage Hall)

VISUAL ARTS 
Pop-up art experience Neo Noir contrasts hardboiled imagery with modern values. (August 24 @ The Kent)

FOOD & DRINK
Taco Smackdown brings lucha libres, DJs, and mariachis—along with plenty of taco-slinging food trucks. (August 24 @ Tradex Trade & Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford) 

LIVING 
Light Up Chinatown! festival returns for a weekend of entertainment and exuberance. (August 24 to 25 @ Columbia Street between Pender and Keefer)

LIVING 
Get nautical: Richmond Maritime Festival returns for its 21st anniversary. (August 24 to 25 @ Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, Richmond)

MUSEUM
Community tour The Roots of Our Gardens explores food, land, and culture. (August 25 @ Museum of Vancouver)

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

That’s it!

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