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January 29, 2026: Is the Sim ship sinking?

January 29, 2026: Is the Sim ship sinking?

Plus: Emily Carr, ceviche, and Lunar New Year

January 29, 2026

Hey there. January is almost over, which means we’re slowly inching our way towards the days still being light at 5 p.m. again.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy cozy season, though—be it binging Heated Rivalry, organizing elaborate board games nights, and making soups at home. Or drinking your way through the Hot Chocolate Festival, moshing to an indie band at Red Gate, or experiencing heart-pounding theatre in the city.

I will be doing at least some of these things, but I’ll leave you to guess which ones.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Ranking how much Vancouver councillors have distanced themselves from Mayor Ken Sim

While our current mayor is vocal about his plans to keep Sim City sailing for four more years, last year’s byelection suggests that the Vancouver public may have other ideas. But there is still time for ABC to try and win back hearts and minds before this fall’s election. So, we’re taking a look at how current councillors are treating the city’s top dog: from the ardently opposed to basically the same guy. That’s right, it’s a tier list.

This week’s Straight Insider perks 🎟️

We’ve got free tickets (first come, first served) to a stacked lineup of live shows at the Hollywood Theatre—from metal and punk to burlesque, drag, and cult-classic film screenings.

What’s up for grabs:

Iron Lung (Feb 2–3)
The Free Label (Feb 6)
Dice ft. Mark Woodyard with J-Pod & Civilian
Cool Runnings (Feb 9)
Blades of Glory (Feb 10)
Band & Burlesque (Feb 15)
Slap Shot (Feb 16)
Chariots of Fire (Feb 17)
Not a Wicked Drag Show (Feb 19)
Dr. Ozi (Feb 21)

If you’re an Insider, jump on it—once tickets are gone, they’re gone.

The answer to homelessness is housing

Some people need more than a helping hand — they need support to survive.

In Canada, social and supportive housing provide different levels of care. While social housing and rent supplements are part of the province’s affordability strategy, supportive housing serves people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Supportive housing combines a safe home with on‑site services. It brings people indoors, restores dignity, and helps stabilize lives through regular sleep, nutritious meals, and routine.

Housing isn’t a reward — it’s the basic building block of community.

For over 30 years, PHS Community Services Society has provided low‑barrier supportive housing for people in crisis.

With your support, we can do even more – Please donate to PHS today.

— ARTS —

Catching Up to the Future of Our Past embraces life’s journey

Plastic Orchid Factory’s married cofounders don’t often work on pieces together—which makes Catching Up to the Future of Our Past an extra-special duet between James Gnam and Natalie LeFebvre Gnam. “It was really kind of a beautiful gift to come back to that,” LeFebvre Gnam says of the piece that charts life’s winding paths.

Vancouver Opera brings Mozart's Così fan tutte back to the big stage
Don't miss it: Théâtre la Seizième's sharp-edged new production, Liste des enfants dévorés par les loups, opens March 4 at Studio 16.*

*sponsored listing

Interactive Theatre Experience With Cultural Roots and a Touch of Magic

Everything Has Disappeared, created by Hazel Venzon and Darren O’Donnell, examines what our world would be like without contributions from the Filipino community. The show is equal parts conjuring act and quiet celebration. Catch the Vancouver premiere at PuSh Festival 2026!

— MUSIC —

2026 Juno nominations highlight strong B.C. presence

He might have no moolah, but bbno$ has plenty of Juno nominations. Check out which other B.C. artists have snagged shout-outs from this year’s music awards.

Photos: The Offspring are still pretty fly for white guys
Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns to the West Coast with a striking double bill. Catch them Feb. 9 and 10 at The Centre in Vancouver.*
The Baking Show Show: The Play by Faly Mevamanana. A Ruby Slippers Theatre production. February 5 -7 & 12 -15. Grace spirals into obsession and sabotage while striving to win Canada's most elite baking competition.*

*sponsored listing

Jim Jefferies' Son of a Carpenter Tour @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Comedian, actor, writer Jim Jefferies added a new date in Vancouver at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Theatre on June 12, 2026. Jefferies is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation, entertaining audiences across the globe with his thought-provoking comedy. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

— FOOD & DRINK —

We Tried It: Cardero’s is a classic for a reason

Dine Out Vancouver is the perfect opportunity to visit restaurants both new and beloved, which might be why our food writer William Johnson decided to hit up Cardero’s—and have such a good time, he forgot to take photos of half his food.

Cheap Monday at Budgies is the best detour on Broadway

— ICYMI —

In defence of Burnaby, Metro Van’s middle child
Everything Has Disappeared highlights Filipinos’ essential labour
The Vancouver Art Gallery is mounting an Emily Carr exhibition
We Tried It: Copperpenny Distillery in North Van

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

MUSIC: Austra’s show got upgraded so more people can hear her ethereal sound. (January 29 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

LIVING: Put on your rose-coloured glasses for Love Lights. (January 30 to February 22 @ Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver)

MUSEUM: Curator Kayla Isomura leads a tour of The Suitcase Project. (January 31 @ Museum of Vancouver)

FILM: What better time than the middle of winter to have a Lord of the Rings marathon? (January 31 @ Rio Theatre)

MUSIC: Filipino choir Koro Pacifico holds its debut concert. (January 31 @ Pacific Spirit United Church)

PERFORMING ARTS: Enter a purgatorial paradise at interactive show The Last Resort. (February 1-22 @ the Waldorf)

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

That’s it!

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