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October 21 2025: Vancouver’s coolest dinner club

October 21 2025: Vancouver’s coolest dinner club

Plus: Kate Beaton, Hiromoto Ida, and Halloween albums

October 21, 2025

Hey there. How was your weekend?

I went on my once-a-year trip to Whistler, an annual pilgrimage to the mountains in shoulder season to take advantage of the restaurant deals and cheap hotel rates. I’m not a fan of either snowsports nor crowds, so heading up when there are fewer people around is perfect. It will never cease to amaze me that we have somewhere so beautiful so close.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Hiromoto Ida’s Vacant Lot embraces simplicity

Hiromoto Ida might now be best-known for playing an Edo-era lord in the lavish historical drama Shōgun—but, in the present day, the Nelson-based actor and director craves something without distractions. “These days, there’s so much information, so much going on overwhelming us, right?” Ida tells the Straight ahead of the Vancouver production of his play Vacant Lot. “For this piece, everything is banned; let’s go to a place where we don’t have anything, just a white canvas. That’s why I like the piece.”

FSGV is Supporting Homeless Youth 24/7/365

Youth visited Family Services of Greater Vancouver’s 24/7/365 Directions Drop-In Centre more than 23,000 times last year—for fresh meals, safe shelter, job and housing supports, enriching activities, and more. Their doors are open day and night, ensuring unhoused and at-risk youth always have somewhere to turn. Learn more here.

— ARTS —

Kate Beaton has her Ducks in a row

Cartoonist Kate Beaton began her career with Hark! A Vagrant—but hit huge mainstream success with her memoir, Ducks, before pivoting again to write children’s books. “That’s a lesson for anyone doing anything creative,” she tells us ahead of her talks at the Vancouver Writers Fest this week. “Your best work is always going to change as you grow.”

George Stroumboulopoulos joins Whistler Film Festival as ambassador
Support food sovereignty with Erik Blaney: farming, processing, and healing for Tla’amin Nation. Stand with community, soil, and self-determination. Read more.*

*sponsored listing

— MUSIC —

Pop Eye: Christmas albums are a thing, so why aren’t Halloween albums?

In 2009, Hollywood star Ryan Gosling was part of a short-lived spooky duo called Dead Man’s Bones. The band’s self-titled record ripped—so why, Mike Usinger asks, didn’t Halloween albums become a cultural mainstay?

Photos: Darius Rucker brings the sunshine to the Abbotsford Centre
What’s In Your Fridge: Montreal’s scintillating Sally Phantom

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

Our Insiders get access to exclusive giveaways and concert tickets all season long — and this week’s lineup is stacked.

Join the epic Queen sing-along with Choir! Choir! Choir! at the Orpheum on Oct 28, or catch Paula Cole & Sophie B. Hawkins at the Vancouver Playhouse on Oct 29. Looking ahead, groove with Poison Girl Friend (Nov 4, Rickshaw Theatre), Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (Nov 5, Commodore Ballroom), and Lady Wray (Nov 12, The Pearl). Families can also mark their calendars for Gabby’s Dollhouse Live at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Mar 15.

Plus, as always: enjoy 10 per cent off at Minami and Loam Bistro, a complimentary dessert at Desi Indian Lounge, a free appetizer at B House, and much more.

To unlock up to $100 worth of free stuff every month, become a Straight Insider for just $8.25/month on an annual plan.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Pull up a chair at Thumn's Dinner Club

“Food isn’t just food,” says Thumn Al-Rawe, the operator of Thumn’s Dinner Club on the west side. “It’s about creating moments where people slow down, linger, and connect.”

Check out these limited-time Halloween and Día de los Muertos treats
Craving dinner with waterfront views? Savour Dockside Restaurant’s new Fall menu. Book your table today for a memorable evening on Granville Island.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

How Wreck Beach inspired a legendary dance piece
Vessi’s Metrotown store has a new look
Photos: Shawn Mendes is “proud to be Canadian”
Behind the scenes at PNE Fright Nights

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

BOOKS: Turn over a new page at the Vancouver Writers Festival. (To October 26 @ various locations)

TALKS: Photographer Jason Kazuta explains how to get gorgeous wildlife shots. (October 22 @ The Gallery George)

VISUAL ARTS: The 21st annual Inclusion Art Show highlights disabled artists. (October 22-23 @ Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre)

FILM: The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival brings more than 100 movies to the ’Wack. (October 22-26 @ various locations, Chilliwack)

SHOPPING: Thrift4Gaza combines vintage shopping with raising money for Palestinian families. (October 23 @ UBC Nest)

WORKSHOP: Combine life drawing and coffee at NOOD: Espresso Yourself. (October 23 @ MakerLabs)

DANCE: BLOT - Body Line of Thought puts bacteria under the movement microscope. (October 23-24 @ Morrow)

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

That’s it!

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