August 31, 2023 edition - Vancouver happy hours that are *actually* happy

Hey all everybody,

So the ol’ bank account might be looking a little worse for wear at the tail end of the summer. Whether the result of a costly trip, a few too many splurges on nights out, or just the ever-increasing reality of living in Vancouver, we don’t blame you if you’re looking to pinch a few pennies.

Which is why we’re so thankful for the city’s happy hours. Some happy hours are happier than others, though. Below, we discover some of the best.

FEATURE

Vancouver happy hours that are actually, well, happy

You won’t find any “save $1 on our cheapest beer!” offers here—instead, we’re dishing up the places that serve delicious options at unbeatable prices. This is the Lord’s work.

Find our list of Vancouver’s happiest happy hours here.

CITY & CULTURE

Here’s what’s happening for International Overdose Awareness Day—and why it matters

Nearly 200 British Columbians died from unregulated drugs in July. The 1,455 people who have died in the first seven months of the year are the most on-record, with no signs of slowing down. August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day, and here’s what’s planned for Vancouver.

• September one of the deadliest months for black bear fatalities in BC

• PNE Amphitheatre to be demolished after nearly 60 years of shows

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER FRINGE FESTIVAL

Embrace the unfamiliar, Vancouver Fringe returns!

Vancouver Fringe Festival returns, pushing the boundaries of performing arts. With an exhilarating lineup of 85+ shows from September 7th to 17th, this year's Festival welcomes emerging talent from across the globe, promising an eclectic fusion of theater, comedy, dance, drag, spoken word, music and more.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Granville Island and beyond, the event boasts 11 days of unbridled creativity. Audiences can anticipate dramas that leave jaws hanging, side-splitting comedy, and daring dance. From only $15, audiences can immerse themselves in this captivating adventure, diving into the unknown for an unforgettable experience.

ARTS

What on earth compelled me to put on a Vancouver Fringe show about baby photographer Anne Geddes?

Why did two local comedians write a Vancouver Fringe show about a baby photographer who became a millionaire? We’re not totally sure, and they’re not, either. But it sounds wildly entertaining.

• Just Announced: Finger Eleven, Katelyn Tarver, The Queer Cabaret, and more

• World premiere of “The African Dream” rounds out Scotiabank Dance Centre’s annual open house

• Small but mighty Metro Theatre punches above its weight for its 61st season

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

• The 2023 Vancouver International Flamenco Festival features live performances, workshops and master classes, presenting exceptional and dynamic programs in celebration of our local, national and international connections and performers. Running September 18 - 30.*

• 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!*

• BLUE i RADIO Presents DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA, AN APACHE DANCE BY JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY. Coming to Vancouver this fall! Tickets on Sale NOW.*

*Sponsored Listing

MUSIC

Travis Scott bound for Vancouver this fall as part of his UTOPIA-Circus Maximus Tour

With UTOPIA having just solidified his status as one of the biggest recording artists on the planet, Travis Scott is headed to Vancouver’ Rogers Arena on November 10.

• So…you want to be a DJ?

• What’s In Your Fridge: Lindsay MacPherson from Music BC

• Oxio is flipping the Canadian internet game with fair pricing, local service, no term contracts, and no sneaky fees. Use GEORGIASTRAIGHT at checkout for a free first month. Easy peasy.*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY GROUSE MOUNTAIN

Watch Harry Potter at Grouse Mountain

Head to Grouse Mountain this Friday, September 1st for Movies on the Mountain featuring a special screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

With a $25 Sunset Ticket (valid after 7pm), enjoy a one-of-a-kind outdoor movie experience under the stars with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains as the backdrop.

FOOD & DRINK

Natural wine spot Juice Bar is closing (for now)

Juice Bar, the expertly hip natural wine bar that takes over Gastown’s The Birds & The Beets cafe in the evenings, has announced that it’s closing down. The bar won’t be gone for long, though; it is currently on the hunt for a new space (and something exciting seems to be set to take its place).

• Vancouver spots that are absolutely not offering any sort of libations

• Araxi Longtable dinner is pure magic in the mountains

SPONSORED BY BALLET BC

Ballet BC kicks off 2023/24 with 'HERE' November 2/3/4

Ballet BC's kicks off its 2023/24 season at the QET with 'HERE,' a program featuring a world premiere from Netherlands-based Stephen Shropshire, Shahar Binyamini’s epic BOLERO X featuring a cast of 50 dancers, and the return of William Forsythe’s powerful Enemy in the Figure. Save 20% by becoming a subscriber; single tickets start at just $19.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

An Evening in Space with Plasteroid at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre | August 31 | 7pm

Plasteroid returns to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre with a second installment of their successful Planetarium show, featuring live, chilled out, ambient music set to a journey through our solar system. [$25]

Zenyasai Beer Garden at Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre | September 1 | 5pm

Catch an evening of house music and dancing among the chochin lanterns and Yagura tower while enjoying a cold beer, Japanese sake, and festival food at the sunset beer garden. [$10]

Live And Local Concert: The Paperboys at Lynn Valley Village | September 1 | 6pm

Free live music by local bands for the North Vancouver community to enjoy. [Free]

The Dead Daisies at Hollywood Theatre | September 2 | 6pm

The Australian-American pop rock band is performing at the Hollywood Theatre with guests The Wild and La Chinga. [$44]

Vermicomposting: From Waste to Gold at VanDusen Botanical Garden | September 2 | 10am

Gain hands-on experience and affordable verimcomposting setup in one workshop. [$28.60]

Nikkei Matsuri at Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre | September 2, 3 | 11am to 7pm

Sample diverse culinary offerings of Japanese culture, blending traditional Japanese arts such as taiko drumming, odori dancing, live mural painting, and martial arts with pop-culture highlights like J-pop singing groups and food trucks. [$10]

First Saturday Open Studios at Parker Street Studios | September 2 | noon to 5pm

Explore working studios, ask questions, learn about techniques, and build relationships with artists. [Free]

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

POST OF THE WEEK

Big things coming next week 👀

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