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August 5 2025: Can Fraserhood build back better?

August 5 2025: Can Fraserhood build back better?

Plus: Nick Cave, Beaucoup Bakery, and Abbotsford Airshow

August 05, 2025

Hey there. It’s Tuesday again! How is getting this in your inbox in the early afternoon as compared to mid-morning?

There is a week left to nominate your favourite local spots for the Best of Vancouver awards. Your nominations are integral to making this whole thing work, so make your voice heard and tell us all your spiciest opinions. We’re dying to know.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

“It was rare and nice”: The developer responds to our Fraser and Kingsway letter

When Nathan Caddell lamented the closure of the corner of Fraser and Kingsway, he didn’t expect the developer to get in touch—or explain the vision for what the corner will become. Real estate developer Henry McQueen walks us through how the project hopes to be better than the average “mixed-use rental building with retail at-grade”.

— LIVING —

Abbotsford Airshow returns with full-throttle lineup

Aviator dads and overexcited toddlers who love planes can jet off to the Fraser Valley this weekend for the annual Abbotsford International Airshow.

Chilliwack Mural Festival adds colour to the streets
Is it time to upgrade your office? Whether you're setting up your first office or upgrading to something bigger, committing to a new space is a significant step. Reotech Construction can help.*

*sponsored listing

The BMO Radar: New works in progress

From August 25–30, the Arts Club proudly presents an exciting series of readings, workshops, and more—and every event is FREE!

That's right, the BMO Radar is back, and this year it's bigger than ever. For one week only, the Olympic Village Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre will be Vancouver’s number one destination for lovers of new and innovative theatre. From public roundtables to professional workshops, staged readings, and the all-new Scratch Night (think karaoke for playwrights), it’s the best way to get involved in the creation of Canadian theatre.

The BMO Radar celebrates all things new play development, from the first draft to the dress rehearsal—come be part of the process!

— MUSIC —

Pop Eye: Nick Cave’s old song “Tupelo” gets a new video thanks to controversial tech

“Tupelo” is nearly 40 years old, but a new video for it—using generative AI to bring old footage of Elvis Presley to life—has been causing controversy. Mike Usinger weighs in on the King’s digital resurrection.

Pleasant Day Festival announces official lineup times
Murder at the Movies—Step into the shadows. Murder at the Movies is VIFF’s immersive film noir mystery experience—can you solve the case? Co-presented with Vancouver Mysteries.*

*sponsored listing

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

This week’s perks for Straight Insiders:

Free tickets:

Tickets to eighteen shows including Wild Pink, Enny, Lucy Dacus, Kyle Mooney, Our Last Night, Horsegirl, Clan of Xymox, The Budos Band, and more
Vancouver Canadians baseball tickets

Member raffles

Win a $50 Gift Card for House of Dawn: random prize draw

Food & drink deals

Minami: 10 percent discount on food during Happy Hour (3-5 p.m.), from Sunday to Thursday
Loam Bistro: 10 percent off food and drinks
Desi Indian Lounge: Free dessert

To unlock these perks, become a Straight Insider.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Beaucoup Bakery is opening a Britannia Beach branch

The beloved Vancouver bakery sets its sights on the Sea to Sky with its new location.

Passport to pasta: Kitchen Table’s summer celebration is back
Glowbal’s new brunch menu is begging you to order too much

— ICYMI —

We Tried It: Threefold might be Vancouver’s best brewery
Thai spot Song by Kin Kao was hit by a fire
Bike the Night returns with free entry and a new route
Richmond Maritime Festival celebrates all things nautical
Sex//Work: How to make a statement at a stripping contest

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

MUSIC: Early Music Vancouver’s summer festival wraps up with Bach, Marenzio, and Mozart. (To August 8 @ various locations)

VISUAL ARTS: Seema Shah’s Missing Pieces fits together a year’s worth of collages on miniature shipping tags. (To August 30 @ Outsiders and Others)

SHOPPING: A pop-up craft and small biz market runs as part of Harmony Arts Festival. (August 5-7 @ Waterfront on Argyle, West Vancouver)

FILM: Shrek gets the big-screen treatment on the Queen E plaza. (August 6 @ šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn)

PERFORMING ARTS: A History of Motown brings musical legacies to life. (August 6-17 @ Firehall Arts Centre)

DANCE: Natalie Martineau and two collaborators explore colonial binaries through dance in this DanceLab studio showing. (August 7 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)

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

That’s it!

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