August 24, 2023 edition - Get your Fringe on

Vancouver was cast under a faint haze of smoke (sorry, “particulate matter”) earlier this week for what was, unfortunately surprisingly, the first time this summer, as a result of wildfires that are raging elsewhere in the province.

And while it’s easy to feel glum by pointing out, “huh, woulda been a clear day if not for all this,” the juxtaposition between a bit of hazy skies and dealing with a literal fire tornado couldn’t be any more obvious.

We’ll likely be getting some more smoke drifting in over the coming days and weeks, what with it being a summertime inevitability in this dystopian hellscape these days, but just keep in mind that it could always be worse. Fire tornado kind of worse.

Anyway, just gonna leave a link to this BC wildfire recovery fund here.

FEATURE

Our picks for the Vancouver Fringe Festival

Grief! Vaudeville! Nineties nostalgia! Musicals! Housing insecurity! Shakespeare reimaginings! Wildlife metaphors! Puppets! Yes, the Vancouver Fringe Festival is back this September, and we’ve pulled a few picks that we feel can’t be missed.

CITY & CULTURE

COMMENTARY: The mischaracterization of a death

“When a loved one dies, how do we characterize it? How do we share their memory with others? How do we tell their story? I would hope that, given the love and protectiveness we would have  for them and their memory, we would  want  to characterize their death correctly.”

Jenn Muncaster pens a commentary piece about the death of her ex-husband.

• PNE announces return of an expanded Canoe Cultures as opening day approaches

• New satellite technology sheds light on old-growth logging in BC

SPONSORED BY GROUSE MOUNTAIN

Watch Top Gun Maverick at Grouse Mountain

On Friday nights this summer, head to Grouse Mountain for Movies on the Mountain featuring special screenings of Top Gun: Maverick (August 25th) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (September 1st).

For only $25, purchase a Sunset Ticket (valid after 7pm), take the Skyride up and watch a movie in the fresh mountain air! Enjoy a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie experience under the stars with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains as the backdrop.

Movies start at sunset at the Birds in Motion Viewing Area. Before the show, head to The Rusty Rail outdoor patio for BBQ food, drinks, popcorn, and candy.

Experience cinematic magic in the mountains – an unforgettable summer night awaits!

ARTS

Hundreds of free cultural events planned across province for BC Culture Days

Ever wanted to go behind the scenes at a Ballet BC rehearsal, learn Chinese calligraphy techniques in Richmond, or discover heritage public art in Port Coquitlam?

For three weeks between September 22 and October 15, a network of hundreds of free arts and cultural events are running across the province as part of BC Culture Days.

• New Griffin Art Projects exhibition combines fashion, live performance, and sci-fi

• Touchstone Theatre’s 2023/2024 season is looking (artistically) delicious

• TWO smash hits! See As You Like It and Goblin:Macbeth at Bard on the Beach, but hurry! Tickets going fast.*

• Hey, North Shore! Come support local at the Lonsdale and Ambleside Artisan Farmers Markets this season. Grab some groceries, snacks, or gifts by the seaside.*

• The 21st edition of the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) will take place from September 7-17, 2023 completely back in theatres.*

• The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is coming to Vancouver’s Stanley Park! Catch Russell Peters and Kevin Hart September 15-16. Get your tickets now!*

• Vancouver Fringe Festival returns Sep 7 - 17, where 85+ shows from around the world push the boundaries of performing arts. Secure your tickets today!*

*Sponsored Listing

MUSIC

Sam Smith blows Vancouver’s collective mind (and eats at Fat Mao)

A mysterious white sheet is pulled back to reveal a giant golden nude figure, lying languidly sideways, perfect ass facing the audience. Three backup singers walk onto the stage. And then the familiar “ooooooh, ooooooh” of Sam Smith’s 2014 hit “Stay With Me” fills the air at Rogers Arena.

And naturally, everybody loses their shit.

• What’s In Your Fridge: Chin Injeti

• Helm Studios breaks down barriers

SPONSORED BY OXIO

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FOOD & DRINK

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver pairs up pups with pints for new Lobby Dog Lager

There’s nothing better than a day that features both a few fresh pints and some quality time with pups. And while you can often get a good dose of both by heading out to a dog-friendly patio or posting up with some cold ones at a local park, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Yellow Dog Brewing are partnering up to take that combination to a whole new level.

• Araxi Longtable dinner is pure magic in the mountains

• Commercial Drive’s Dolce Amore gelato shop and Hanai Hawaiian restaurant closed following fire

• Do Try This At Home: Wild BC salmon with local berries and red onion relish

• Make Parq Casino Resort part of your concert night, whether it's for dinner or happy hour. Parq Vancouver is just steps away from Rogers Arena!*

SPONSORED BY STEPHEN JEFFERY

Colleen Rennison is Back! Live @ Rogue Folk Club - Sept 9th

Rolling Stone France calls Vancouver’s Colleen Rennison (of No Sinner) an “Extreme Talent” … with an “incredible musical voice, rising up to Heaven and back down to Hell” – A voice “that makes you feel joy and suffering.” Rennison’s new album, “Persephone,” features 9 new tracks. Live Show presented by the Rogue Folk Club, Sept 9.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

Rooftop Remix at VPL’s Central Library | August 25 | 5pm

Rooftop Remix invites you to explore Central Library’s rooftop garden after-hours. Enjoy BC wine and beer, DJ beats, snacks, and a book swap. [$50]

Sylvan Esso at Vogue Theatre | August 25 | 7pm

North Carolina’s Sylvan Esso is at the Vogue Theatre for their No Rules Tour alongside guest Reyna Tropical. [$50+]

Out of This World at Pal Studio Theatre | August 25 | 8pm

Greek gods wreak havoc on earth in a madcap plot that mixes Cole Porter’s witty lyrics with singable melodies. [$25]

20th Richmond Maritime Festival at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site | August 26, 27 | 11am

Celebrate Richmond’s diverse heritage through live music, food trucks, artists, and a display of beautifully restored wooden boats and ships. [Free]

ABBA Dancing QUEENS Brunch/Lunch at The Three Brits Public House | August 26 | 1pm

Catch the ultimate immersive brunch led by local drag queens to provide all the ABBA vibes and show off the best moves. [$65]

The Princess Bride at Vancity Theatre | August 27 | 11am, 1:20pm

Catch the classic The Princess Bride at either 11am for a relaxed screening or 1:20pm for a regular showing. [$15]

Paws & Pasties at The Birdhouse | August 27 | 4pm

This patio party is for dog lovers, burlesque lovers, and everyone in between. Expect pup cups, good beers, patio vibe, burlesque, a food truck, and more. [$25]

Monsoon Festival's Punjabi Market Live at Main St. & 49th | August 27 | 12-6pm

Catch Punjabi Market LIVE, an outdoor celebration featuring dance, music, cuisine, family activities! Performers: Pav Dharia, Gurtêj NY Virtuoso, and more. [FREE]*

Cover Me Live at Biltmore Cabaret | Friday & Saturday | 9:30pm

Looking for some weekend fun? Vancouver's best cover bands take the Biltmore stage every Friday & Saturday night. Come join the party. [$10]*

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our Events Listings.

*sponsored listing

POST OF THE WEEK

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