Hey there. We've made it to May!
After a record-breakingly warm weekend punctuated by the sounds of the BMO Marathon running, pounding, and puttering through the city, things are back to normal again. We have returned to our regular May mildness and our regular disruptions of Canada geese, upstart crows, and whatever FIFA-related drills the cops are running on Burrard Street. Ah well, normal is relative anyway.
— V.
Senior editor
— FEATURE —
My 14 essential stops on the Okanagan Lake Loop
May means it's basically summer, and summer means road trips, and what road trip could be more B.C. than winding your way through the Okanagan? Here, William Johnson lays out his favourite locations on the journey through the region, from lush wineries to thoughtful clothing stores to overlooked cider spots.
— LIVING —
Kitsilano Pool eyes a mid-June comeback
Good news, outdoor pool enjoyers! Despite the fact the City says it has "reached the end of its functional life", Kits Pool will be open again this summer.
My Favourite 'Hood: Notable Vancouverites give you a local's guide to Kerrisdale, Riley Park, and Chinatown
Pretty Gay Live! with Catherine McCafferty. Viral Dropout-produced creator brings her acclaimed, award-nominated comedy to Vancouver. Don’t miss this unapologetically queer, high-energy night of alt-standup.*
*sponsored listing
— ARTS —
AI blurs the foundation of relationships in Replica
AI has quickly become part of the fabric of our digital world, whether we want it to or not. In Chouwa Liang's new documentary Replica, screening at DOXA this week, the Beijing-based director considers how chatbots and companions are redefining relationships—including whether they can provide an alternative to unsatisfying romances. "I knew I was making a film not only about technology," she tells us. "It’s actually about how women in China are feeling about these expectations and our situations."
A four-week arts festival takes over Morrow for Asian Heritage Month
The Park Theatre on Cambie is open under new management! Art films, anime, first-run films, classics and more. Visit their website for the full schedule.*
DOXA Documentary Film Festival is taking place until May 10. Explore the best of Canadian and International documentary cinema, alongside Q&As and panel discussions.*
*sponsored listing
— FOOD & DRINK —
Maria Celeste brings a slice of Portugal to the Fraserhood
There's more to Portuguese food than pastéis de nata and Francesinhas. Brothers Justin and Cristian Isidro are set to bring the beauty of Lusitanian neighbourhood tascas to Vancouver, opening this summer.
Como Taperia's Paella Patio Series is back, with bigger pans than ever
The Big Roar: 350 Singers. 7 Choirs. A City in Song. Experience a choral event unlike any other! May 8 & 9.*
*sponsored listing
— ICYMI —
Kirk McLean on his favourite Downtown delights
Former mayor Kennedy Stewart pulls no punches
Britannia Village wants to be your Victoria Day getaway
New DIY festival Bottle Rocket blasts off
— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —
FILM: Documentary The Pretendians has a screening, followed by a discussion with VPL Indigenous storyteller in residence Cee Peal. (May 5 @ VPL Central Branch)
LIVING: Event space Slate (on Smithe Street) is throwing a Cinco de Mayo party with trivia, tacos, and tequila. (May 5 @ Slate)
COMEDY: TriviaProv uses useless general knowledge questions to inspire short-form skits. (May 6 @ The Improv Centre)
FOOD & DRINK: UCHU Cevicheria teams up with RawBar for a Japanese-Peruvian fusion. (May 6 @ The Lobby Lounge and RawBar)
BOOKS: Off The Map: Vancouver Writers with Lived Experience of Mental Health Issues celebrates its launch with readings. (May 6 @ Book Warehouse, Main Street)
THEATRE: Young performers skewer smartphone addiction in GLITCH. (May 6-9 @ Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre)
DANCE: Mayumi Lashbrook's Enemy Lines explores the fearful atmosphere around Japanese Canadian internment. (May 6-9 @ Firehall Arts Centre)
THEATRE: Soldiers of Tomorrow explores Itai Erdal's perspective on Israeli conflict and propaganda. (May 6-10 @ Historic Theatre)
That’s it!
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