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August 28 2025: Pool season isn’t over yet

August 28 2025: Pool season isn’t over yet

Plus: VIFF, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and new foodie events

August 28, 2025

Hey there. How’s it going? Are you looking forward to the long weekend?

We’re about halfway through the voting for Best of Vancouver 2025. And look, I know how many people read this newsletter. I know how many people vote in Best of Vancouver. Those numbers are not the same. Don’t be a statistic: make your voice heard and vote now!

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Kits Pool extends its summer fling

Vancouver’s most toxic relationship? No, it’s not that one Hinge date who still lurks in your Instagram story views. It’s our situationship with Kitsilano Pool. Just as we were preparing to say goodbye, the Parks Board has announced that Kits Pool will be sticking around for just a little longer this summer.

— ARTS —

VIFF 2025 brings big premieres and local favourites

The Vancouver International Film Festival has revealed its full program for the 44th edition, and it’s set to be one of the largest yet.

The Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon hits 20
Get free shows, workshops, and activities designed especially for kids aged 4–12 and their grown-ups at Kids Fringe. Whether you're making, moving, or playing, there’s something magical for every little Fringer and their adults!*

*sponsored listing

Start Your Dance Journey Today

At Arts Umbrella Dance, students ages 2–22 gain more than technique—they discover artistry, resilience, and confidence. This life-changing dance program nurtures creativity and self-expression, equipping young dancers, of all levels, with the tools to succeed in and out of the studio. Register for yearlong and sessional programs today!

— MUSIC —

After a tough few years, Rainbow Kitten Surprise claws back

After rocketing to fame in the 2010s, it’s been a bumpy ride for Rainbow Kitten Surprise: frontwoman Ela Melo was diagnosed as having bipolar disorder, and bassist Charlie Holt left the band under non-ideal circumstances. But, ahead of the band’s show at PNE Summer Nights this week, Melo says that things are looking up: “I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt about our unit and what it is that we do. I’m in a good place, I think.”

You Nearly Missed: The Budos Band at the Commodore
Hot, kinky, funny, and oh-so-human, Dan Savage's HUMP! returns to Rio Theatre with an all-new, can't miss lineup, September 11-12.*

*sponsored listing

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

This week’s perks for Straight Insiders include:

Free tickets:

New shows announced at the Hollywood Theatre including Superbad & Booksmart (Back to School Double Feature), Indie Night, and Sabrina Carpenter Man's Best Friend Album Listening Party

Food & drink deals:

NEW: B House: Complimentary appetizers
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 (worth $50-100 worth of tickets a month) become a Straight Insider for just $8.25 on an annual plan.

— FOOD & DRINK —

DD Mau’s new Feast and Friends series kicks off in Chinatown

DD Mau is kicking off a new collaboration series, bringing guest chefs and bartenders into the mix to keep Vancouver’s food scene fresh.

The Hoagie Half wants you to run, eat, and party (in that order)

— ICYMI —

Jean Swanson to Gregor Robertson: “We haven’t forgotten your promise”
Visiting Vimy Ridge, with a mission
Splash 2025 offers public exhibition ahead of fundraiser
Imaginary worlds come to life at Tombolo House

— THINGS TO DO THIS LONG WEEKEND —

MUSIC: Groundbreaking musician Esperanza Spalding does way more than just slap the bass. (August 29 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

SPORTS: Want a world record? Kathmandu is trying to organize the world’s biggest group hike. (August 30 @ Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver)

SHOPPING: Support a good cause at Thrift 4 Gaza, with all proceeds going to support families under siege. (August 30 @ Trinity Grace Church)

LIVING: Celebrate VanDusen Botanical Garden’s 50th birthday with hands-on activities, live music, tours, and more. (August 30 @ VanDusen Botanical Gardens)

PERFORMING ARTS: We’re getting beyond boots-and-cats at the 6th annual Vancouver Beatbox Championships. (August 30 @ Beaumont Studios)

CULTURE: The Nikkei Matsuri brings a Japanese summer festival to the Lower Mainland. (August 30-31 @ Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, Burnaby)

CULTURE: TAIWANfest’s theme for the year is “A Dialogue with Portugal: Echoes of the Ocean”. (August 30 to September 1 @ šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square)

VISUAL ARTS: Aklas: Cyberpunk Philippines combines traditional storytelling with multidisciplinary sci-fi elements. (August 30 to September 28 @ VS. Creative Lab)

FOOD & DRINK: Saddle up for a rootin’ tootin’ high-falutin’ cocktail saloon. (August 31 @ Prophecy)

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

That’s it!

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