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February 25 2025 edition: Where to get a Bite of Burnaby

February 25 2025 edition: Where to get a Bite of Burnaby

Plus: The tech scene, the mayor, and "The Monkey"

February 25, 2025

Hey there. The funny thing about having newsletters twice a week is that if something happens on Friday, we have to wait four whole days to catch up. Yep, I’m talking about the earthquake.

It was a thankfully undramatic experience in my household, without anything falling over or breaking. But it did remind me that I should probably get an emergency kit and a go-bag together, just in case.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Commentary: Mayor Sim’s plan to change the DTES won't fix anything

This week, the City Council is set to discuss Mayor Ken Sim’s plan to “fix” the Downtown Eastside: stopping all new supportive housing, potentially breaking up services, and even opening up the neighbourhood for for-profit housing development. None of which is going to solve the actual problem, writes Max Harper Campbell.

— CITY & CULTURE —

Brain drain: Is Silicon Valley ruining Vancouver’s tech scene?

Yet another Vancouver tech company has announced it’s moving to San Francisco. Is losing all our tech talent inevitable—or, actually, does being so close to Silicon Valley come with some perks, too?

Blooming lovely: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival announces its 2025 programming
The Improv Centre hilariously brings our favourite column alive as I Saw You gets an extension through until the end of March.*
*sponsored listing

Festival du Bois - March 7-9!

Say bonjour to good times and great tunes at Festival du Bois, March 7-9!

From traditional Québécois toe-tappers to boundary-crossing hip-hop to family singalongs –come dive into an amazing weekend of live music, food and culture.

This year, Yves Lambert et le Grand Orchestre plays one concert only, March 8. Lambert, a founding member of La Bottine Souriante, celebrates 50 years of brilliant music-making with his 7-piece ensemble. Come see NB’s La Patente, La Déferlance from Québec, Haitian-Ontarian LeFLOFRANCO, Jocelyn Pettit, Alouest and Kutapira from BC and other great performers. Enjoy exciting shows for kids, workshops, delicious cuisine traditionnelle, roving entertainment on site and much more!

So throw on something plaid, grab your pals, and join us under the big tents in Maillardville/Coquitlam’s Mackin Park.

— ARTS —

Vancouver’s Chris Ferguson is behind some of horror’s biggest hits

The Monkey, a long-awaited adaptation of Stephen King’s short story, released on Friday—with Vancouver indie production company Oddfellow Entertainment at the helm. Founder Chris Ferguson tells us more about horror’s Hollywood resurgence.

Sandra Laronde honoured with Governor General's Performing Arts Award
The 18th annual Coastal Dance Festival expands to two venues this year
Arts Umbrella Dance Company returns to the Playhouse this spring for Midseason – two exhilarating performances of world-class repertoire and brand-new works. Tickets still available!*
Jackie Z welcomes you to A Taste of Hong Kong, a snack-sized tasting class of Hong Kong's best treats! March 6-15 | Vancity Culture Lab.*
*sponsored listing

CelticFest Vancouver Runs March 7-17

CelticFest Vancouver is back! Events include comedy, cooking demonstrations, music, performance and a Soda Bread Bake-off. Enjoy What’s the Craic variety show, musical trio, Socks in the Frying Pan and Irish folk-rock band, Hermitage Green. Join the Family Day March 15 for art, music, dance, storytelling and performance.

— FOOD —

Here are all the restaurants participating in Bite of Burnaby 2025

A mouth-watering month-long food festival is set to take place in Burnaby next month, and dozens of restaurants are getting involved with special prix-fixe menus, immersive experiences, and more.

Five must-sip American wines at the Vancouver International Wine Festival
Chau Veggie Express is becoming Chau Cafe
Mateina’s low to no-sugar Yerba Mate beverages offer steady energy without the unwanted crash or jitters. Get 15% off Mateina's Energy Brews while supplies last.*
Enjoy the world-renowned flavour of AeroPress, a velvety-smooth coffee without the grit or bitterness found in other methods. Loved globally, with 55K+ 5-star reviews.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

William Shatner was in town for FanExpo. We caught up with him!
You don’t have to be a cycle bro to fix your own bike
Paul Simon is getting up close and Paul-sonal at the Orpheum
What’s the Straight team spinning to get through February?
Dope Lemon is going to make the Malkin Bowl melt

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

MUSIC: London’s Mackenzy Mackay is a songwriter on the rise. (February 25 @ Biltmore Cabaret)

FILM: Movie scholar Michael van den Bos analyzes what made Gene Kelly so great. (February 25 @ Kay Meeks Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

MAGIC: Alex Zander & Billy Hsueh host a magical variety show in a secret spot. (February 25 @ Hidden Wonders Magic Theatre, New Westminster)

MUSIC: The Art of Change hosts a one-night climate choir. (February 26 @ Chill X Studios)

THEATRE: Highway of Tears shines a light on a dark part of BC’s story. (February 26 to March 2 @ Jericho Arts Centre)

DANCE: SHIAMAK Vancouver blends Bollywood, jazz, funk, and modern influences in dynamic performance. (February 27 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)

TALKS: Egyptian-American artist and creator Ramy Youssef discusses “Navigating Identity in a Changing Nation.” (February 27 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

VISUAL ARTS: Yi Ning Pan and Ji Su’s dreamy exhibition A Golden Garden opens. (February 27 @ Lipont Gallery, Richmond)

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

That’s it!

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