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June 3 2025: An indie venue success story

June 3 2025: An indie venue success story

Plus: Three new Italian restaurants for la famiglia

June 03, 2025

Hey there. Happy June.

This time seven years ago, I was an intern at the Georgia Straight. Back then the paper had an office on Broadway by Stormcrow (RIP). Writers were locked in the basement with no light. I used to stand on the tiny balcony to do interviews as I was self-conscious about other people hearing me stumble over my questions.

Some things change, but some things stay the same. The Straight is still here, and somehow, so are all of us.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

Inside the atelier of rising bridal designer Ou Ma

Ou Ma opened her made-to-order bridal boutique in 2017 in a tiny studio in Gastown—and word quickly spread. “There’s a real hunger here for something different,” the designer tells the Straight. “Women want pieces that are personal, expressive, and high-quality. And when you put something unique out into the world, people find it no matter where you’re based.”

— ARTS —

A new AR tour brings The Last of Us to Vancouver streets

If you’ve ever watched The Last of Us and thought, “I’d totally survive this,” now is your chance to prove it—without having to dodge actual clickers.

The Chan Centre announces its worldwide 2025-26 season
THIS Gallery has moved—and opened its first show in the new space
Mystery classic The Mousetrap comes to Granville Island

Don’t miss the sweetest show of the summer!

Jenna, a small-town waitress with big dreams, bakes her way through the ups and downs of love, hope, and self-discovery in Waitress. This all-new, Arts Club production of the hit Broadway musical starts June 12 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.

Facing an unexpected pregnancy and a tumultuous marriage, Jenna sees winning the grand prize in a pie-baking contest as her lifeline. With pals from the diner and a new romance in her corner, will she find it within herself to take this gutsy leap of faith? Featuring a delectable score by Grammy Award–winning artist Sara Bareilles, this energetic and emotional musical is a treat for the ears and soul.

Caution: May induce laughter and insatiable cravings for pie! Book today!

— MUSIC —

East Van’s favourite comeback kid the WISE Hall lives on

A year ago, the WISE was in dire straits—but, in a bit of good news, the scrappy indie venue has managed a remarkable revitalization.

bbno$ is throwing the second annual Baby’s Bonanza
Blue Rodeo is rolling into town on its 40th anniversary tour
Mission Hill’s Summer Concert Series starts July 7 with world-class performances set against breathtaking vineyard and lake views in the Okanagan Valley.*

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— FOOD & DRINK —

Folietta brings a fresh take on Italian to Grandview-Woodland

Wentworth Hospitality Group’s latest restaurant focuses on regional, seasonal fare.

Dolce Amore expands from gelato to full Italian affair
New eatery Lucia has opened in Mount Pleasant
Coffee Nirvana awaits! AeroPress delivers silky-smooth perfection without the grit or bitterness that ruins mornings. Trusted by 55K+ coffee fanatics worldwide! Experience the revolution TODAY!*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

Canada’s Air Passenger Protection actually works, sometimes
Weirdos Market announces a special spring edition
Free summer event Strathcona Blocks Party returns
How to spend a Friday night in the city
B.C.-made doc Animal Pride proves nature is queer as folk

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

VISUAL ARTS: Lincoln Clarkes’ Here and There creates a globe-trotting photographic narrative. (To June 28 @ Pendulum Gallery)

FOOD & DRINK: Shellebrate good times with a special lobster prix fixe. (To June 30 @ Provence Marinaside)

BOOKS: Best-selling author Scott Turow discusses his new court drama, Presumed Guilty. (June 3 @ Granville Island Stage)

TALKS: UBC experts consider isolation solutions in panel All The Lonely People. (June 4 @ UBC Robson Square)

MUSIC: Kick off Pride season with the Rainbow Rodeo Honky-Tonk Dance. (June 5 @ WISE Hall)

DANCE: Sloth Canon asks what it means to slow down. (June 5-7 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)

THEATRE: Fast fashion and circus performance meet in Haus of YOLO. (June 5-15 @ York Theatre)

—

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

That’s it!

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