March 26 edition: Remembering the Stanley Park Zoo

Plus: A beloved comedy spot returns with a 24-hour live show

Hey there. How was your weekend? Did you eat anything tasty?

You know where this is going. I’m here to remind you that Golden Plates voting is still on. So, if like me you had a bowl of nourishing ramen that you desperately relied on to cure your spring head cold (we’re working on it!), now’s the time to repay the favour. 

Sashimi on a plate with a side of soup. Text: The Georgia Straight Golden Plates 2024 27th annual

And if you’ve got any magic cures for sinuses so pressurized they’re currently trying to create diamonds… let me know!

— V.
Associate Editor

FEATURE

Hey, remember the Stanley Park Zoo?

An archival photo of a bear in Stanley Park Zoo

You might not remember the exact bears pictured above, as this photo dates from the 1920s. But if you grew up in Vancouver before the mid-’90s, you probably remember the Stanley Park Zoo. We dug into the archives to share the story of the park’s ill-fated animal attraction.

CITY & CULTURE

North Shore Bike Park is for everyone

Two people ride mountin bikes in an indoor ramp park

Indoor mountain biking in a cavernous mall? It’s more likely than you might think. The North Shore Bike Park makes the adrenaline-fuelled sport surprisingly easy to get into, welcoming young and old, and amateurs and pros, to a space where they can enjoy the white-knuckle excitement of flying through the air on two wheels. Helmets mandatory!

SPONSORED BY TRAVELLING OUT IN THE THOMPSON OKANAGAN

Unleashing adventure, celebrating diversity

Experience the love, acceptance, and boundless exploration possibilities of Interior BC. Travelling Out in the Thompson Okanagan showcases the beautiful and welcoming communities and businesses of Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, and Osoyoos. Plan your visit now.

ARTS

Little Mountain Gallery returns to the Vancouver indie comedy scene

Comedian Graham Clark sits at a microphone. He has long hair and a long bear, wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and baseball cap.

Back in 2021, Little Mountain Gallery closed its Main Street location due to development. Ah, the Vancouver circle of life. But, now it’s back! The new Gastown location will play host to its first show on April 12, with veteran comic Graham Clark hosting a 24-hour comedy fundraiser. We can’t wait to see how this turns out.

  • Chaotically punk: Pussy Riot descends on Vancouver for the opening of Velvet Terrorism 

  • DanceHouse has unveiled its exciting 2024/25 lineup

  • The Improv Centre has deliciously unhinged plans for April

  • Experience opulence at the electrifying Vancouver International Burlesque Festival! Grab tickets now for days of glamour, humour, and artistry celebrating diversity and sensuality. Buy now!*

  • Experience Ukraine's Indie-World-Folk Icons DAKHABRAKHA powerful "Ethno-Chaos" Music and Multimedia show at Massey Theatre on March 29th. Tickets going fast!*

*sponsored listing

MUSIC

Here’s all the Vancouver news from the Junos

Tegan and Sara at the Juno Awards, in structured suits.

Calgary-raised, Vancouver-living twins Tegan and Sara had a big moment at the Junos this weekend, as they were honoured with the Juno Humanitarian Award for their LGBTQ2S+ advocacy work. It otherwise wasn’t a huge night for local acts, but we’ve got the deets right here.

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY HUMP! FILM FESTIVAL

Dan Savage's 19th Annual HUMP! FILM FESTIVAL comes to Vancouver

Featuring 23 all-new, erotic, short-subject films you won’t see anywhere else, part one of 2024's historic two-part HUMP! lineup is wilder, funnier, and sexier than ever. Experience Human Chandelier and more April 11 - 13 at Rio Theatre.

FOOD & DRINK

Tacofino builds an empire out of Baja beach food

A table covered in Tacofino nachos and tacos

Tacofino’s OG location was a food truck parked near Tin Wis (Mackenzie Beach) in Tofino that’s still serving the post-surf crowd. But from humble beginnings, the West Coast casual food spot has grown into a local chain with locations across the Lower Mainland and beyond. We caught up with co-founders Jason Sussman and Kaeli Robinsong to find out what’s behind the terrific tacos.

SPONSORED BY RED DOOR EVENTS

Brewhalla North Vancouver is back for it's third year!

Watch the sun set over the Vancouver Harbour as you sip local beer, wine, cider, spirits & zero proof beverages at The Shipyards in North Vancouver! Food trucks, live music and a dance party are always included at Brewhalla! Use code GS25 to save 25% on tickets!

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK


MUSIC 🎤
Goth rock queen Chelsea Wolfe brings the howls. (March 26 @ Vogue Theatre)

WORKSHOP 🎨
Learn how to master pastry in this hands-on pie-making class. (March 26 and 27 @ The Pie Shoppe)

COMEDY 🤣
Pros and upcomers alike share the stage in the weekly Level Up comedy showcase. (March 27 @ Chill X Studio)

THEATRE 🎭
Langara’s top acting students show off new one-act plays in FourPlay. (March 27 to April 7 @ Studio 58)

FOOD AND DRINK 🍽️
Los Angeles cocktail bar Thunderbolt collabs with Botanist for two nights only. (March 27 and 28 @ Botanist)

DANCE 💃
Capoeira, acrobatics, and folk traditions abound in Aché Brasil’s movement. (March 28 @ Scotiabank Dance Centre)  

FILM 📽️
Taiwanese filmmaker Edward Yang gets a retrospective screening series. (March 28 to April 29 @ The Cinematheque) 

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

That’s it!

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