November 13, 2025: A historic Rise for Vancouver soccer

While your regular newsletter correspondent V is away, the mice have been playing. By mice I guess I mean me, and by “playing” I suppose I mean “struggling to return emails.”

So while your email currently finds me trying to dig my way out of a pit of despair, look at it this way: the pit is half full. I will be back on top (of my inbox, if nothing else) by the end of the week. I think.

— Nathan
Editor-in-Chief

— FEATURE — 

We go inside a triumphant inaugural year for Vancouver Rise FC, which will play in the first-ever Northern Super League final against AFC Toronto on November 15. 

“When I was younger, my dad told me there was no future in women’s sport,” says Rise FC president Sinead King. “He was right at the time. Now it’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world… To go from hearing ‘there’s no future’ to helping build that future… it’s pretty special.”

SPONSORED BY THE CULTCH

“Hurry Hard” to East Van Panto!

West Van influencer Holly lives a comfortable life with her curling crew. But when a freak atmospheric tsunami strands them in East Van (near a rival group!), disaster strikes in more ways than one. Joes should be Holly’s sworn enemy…yet he’s charming, striking, and part of an exciting new world of civic resistance. Can Holly follow her heart? Or will her mega-developer motherfather, Boberta Rainy, intervene? 

Love, laughter, and low-income housing — now that’s a triple takeout! This holiday season, Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: West Van Story is delivering a Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired romp like only East Van can. Get ready for another year of wacky, joyfully subversive, all-ages fun at The Cultch’s York Theatre.

— MUSIC —

PISS turns outrage into an art form

Local band PISS is taking its outrageous live shows, honed at Green Auto, around the world. The band’s concerts are not to be missed, writes Mike Usinger.

• Another (very different) local band, Scarlet Fever, just released its first album. 

• And we have thoughts on 10 more recently released local discs.

• Vancouver roots royalty joins Chest Fever at the Rickshaw.

• Don't miss the Eastside Culture Crawl, Vancouver's beloved, FREE, open studio event. Visit artists and craftspeople November 20-23 in the Eastside Arts District.*

• This holiday season, experience artistry, elegance, and wonder, as Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to captivate Vancouver. On stage Dec 18-21 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.*

*sponsored listing

— ARTS —

A Star Wars-themed drag show hits the Fox Cabaret

Following a string of sold-out hits, Sleepy Queers is going full Jedi for its final headline show of the year. Expect a night that merges drag, live music, and intergalactic camp, where lightsabers might double as lip-sync mics and Leia buns meet glitter buns.

• Take This Waltz’s bass baritone Daniel Okulitch opens up his jam-laced fridge.

• Protect your rights and dispute your driving prohibition with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer. Contact Acumen Law Corporation today to start your defence.*

• Between Breaths, written by Robert Chafe and set to a score by indie-folk trio, The Once,  celebrates the life of whale conservationist, Dr. Jon Lien.*

*sponsored listing

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— FOOD & DRINK —

The Meatball Throwdown is back and juicier than ever

Vancouver’s most gloriously messy food event is rolling back into town this Saturday. This Sandwich That Beer’s Meatball Throwdown returns to the American for its fourth year of saucy showdowns and perfect pairings.

• DD Mau is bringing some of the city’s culinary movers and shakers on board for a killer late-night menu. 

• You Nearly Missed: Pad Thai Showdown heats up for a third year.

• Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.*

• The best recipes are the ones passed down through generations, with a little twist. Our Read Local BC Culinary Box pairs two innovative cookbooks that value freshness, flavour, and roots. A perfect gift for the home chef and food enthusiast alike.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• The Vancouver Goldeneyes have lofty goals for the PWHL. 

• North America’s largest sauna is set to open in Vancouver. 

• The Effect asks the tough questions about mental illness.

• 30 concerts to catch this month in Vancouver. 

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

THEATRE: Three emerging actors tackle Kenneth Lonergan’s seminal play This Is Our Youth. (To November 16 @ Studio 16)

MUSIC: The CMHA fundraiser Champions of Hope Volume 6 features JARS’ debut album release party, plus Sleepy Gonzalez, the Lily Dippers, local art vendors, and live contests. (November 14 @ The Mezzanine)

COMEDY: Comedian and actor Colin Cowan hosts a roster of pro comics for COMEDY WORLD. (November 14 @ China Cloud)

ARTS: U.K. percussion sensation STOMP! comes to Vancouver for four performances. (November 14-16 @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre)

MUSIC: New Zealand indie rockers the Beths are experts in a dying field (November 16 @ Commodore Ballroom)

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

That’s it!

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