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May 29 2025: Keep Vancouver weird

May 29 2025: Keep Vancouver weird

Plus: Airline drama, Friday night adventures, and gay penguins

May 29, 2025

Hey there. Did you enjoy the warm weather yesterday?

Vancouver skies sometimes seem like they knows exactly what you want, so they can do the opposite. The more you want to go to the beach, the cloudier it is. That’s why it’s sunny whenever we’re stuck at work—and due to rain on the weekend.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE —

How I fought an airline for compensation—and won

Usually when it comes to something going wrong with plane travel, you’re told to just suck it up and maybe enjoy a cursory $30 voucher for a single overpriced sandwich in the terminal you’re desperately trying to leave. But sometimes, if you’re persistent enough, you can get Canada’s Air Passenger Protection to actually work. Mike Usinger breaks down a terrible travel saga—and how he finally got justice.

— LIVING —

Vancouver’s Weirdo Market announces a special spring event

Freaky stuff isn’t just for Christmas. Get your fix of weird and wacky items at the first-ever springtime edition of the market.

Strathcona Blocks Party returns with family fun
Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*
Uncover Vancouver’s artistic heart at West of Main Art Walk! Explore over 70 artists in their studios and select venues from May 31-June 1. Plus a free, self-guided tour across the west side.*

*sponsored listing

Sparks fly with Much Ado About Nothing

Bard on the Beach presents Much Ado About Nothing, a tale of romance, wit, and mistaken identities, on the BMO Mainstage at Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park from June 10 to September 20.

Two of Shakespeare’s most tumultuous couples—sparring singles Beatrice and Benedick (Jennifer Lines and Sheldon Elter), and young lovers Claudio and Hero (Angus Yam and Jennifer Tong)—discover all is not as it seems in an idyllic town recovering from war. Set on a sprawling Mediterranean estate, secret love, courtship, and marriage intertwine with darker themes of warfare, deception, and mischief in Much Ado About Nothing.

Directed by Johnna Wright with additional text by Erin Shields, this new staging of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy is full of colourful characters, passionate poetry, and witty wordplay.

— ARTS —

Documentary Animal Pride proves nature is as queer as folk

A new nature documentary spotlights queer animals—and the scientists who study them. “We can’t believe nobody’s made this film already,” director Rio Mitchell enthuses.

The Chinese Canadian Museum’s latest exhibition celebrates the Cantopop and Mandopop boom
A few days left to get Cool Blues Show tickets for $65 (regular $75)! Enjoy six headliners, a beer garden, food trucks, whisky tasting and more!*
Dancing on the Edge brings a vast and varied lineup of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing contemporary dance to Vancouver - June 12 to 21!*

*sponsored listing

Your new favourite beverage

Mateina is a drink made from Yerba Mate, a beverage that has been part of South American traditions for centuries. Mateina’s Energy Brews offer steady energy, without the crash or jitters.

Founded in Montreal, Mateina recently partnered with the world’s #1 health podcast host, Dr. Andrew Huberman.

— FOOD & DRINK —

My Friday Night: Call Me Back, Taco Loco, and Charqui

If you need some inspiration for the weekend, check out Dean Broughton’s Friday night itinerary: a speakeasy-spiked, taco-fuelled, karaoke-drenched evening in Vancouver.

Enjoy live music and dumplings at Chinatown-inspired speakeasy this weekend

Run for community

Help PHS Community Services Society reach their $25,000 fundraising goal in the Under Armour Eastside 10K. Your support is needed. Join or donate to Team PHS here.

Use the code 25PHS for 10% off your registration.

PHS provides supportive housing, meals and harm reduction serves to thousands of marginalized people every day.

— ICYMI —

Sex//Work: Weird requests make for great sessions
Your guide to farmers markets in Vancouver
Carnaval del Sol returns with a vibrant Latin festival
Clay comes alive at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Huge new hang-out spot King Taps arrives in North Van

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

PERFORMING ART: Experimental Phase sees masked performers trying out new on-stage ideas. (May 30 @ The Cobalt)

COMEDY: Five serious actors and five improvisers team up for Opening Night. (May 30 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

MUSIC: Four Canadian metal bands slug it out for the chance to play a huge festival in the Wacken Metal Battle final. (May 31 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

TALKS: Yael Stav explains how to grow food in a vertical garden. (May 31 @ UBC Farm)

MUSIC: After 38 years, Legacy is Elektra choir’s artistic director Morna Edmundson’s final performance. (May 31 @ Christ Church Cathedral)

FILM: Join filmmakers Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos and Kayah George for a screening of Our Grandmother the Inlet. (June 1 @ Museum of Vancouver)

PERFORMING ARTS: The Made in Canada variety show features comedy, solos, ensemble songs, and more. (June 1 @ Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver)

—

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

That’s it!

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