October 28 2025: Hollywood North bands together

Plus: Railtown style, Thai treasures, and indie rock royalty

October 28, 2025

The National Women's Show

Hey there. There are only three business days left until Halloween, but the real horror isn’t any party or movie or trick-or-treaters: it’s the retail experience of working at Spirit Halloween.

I visited the roving revenant that moved into the abandoned Bed, Bath & Beyond in Fairview on Friday, and it was already an exercise in overstimulation: sticky children, loud noises, and barely organized chaos. Envisioning it getting worse every day as the end of October approaches is the stuff nightmares are made of. Godspeed, brave workers!

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

Good news: The Park Theatre survives to show another film

The Park Theatre’s closure has, like any good thriller, been gripping the city this past week. But the credits aren’t rolling on the venue yet. The Park’s story has received a classic deus ex machina twist, as the cinema is being taken over by none other than the folks behind the Rio Theatre—with a bit of help from familiar film industry names.

SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S SHOW
The National Women's Show

The Ultimate Girls’ Day Out - Nov. 8 & 9

This November 8 & 9, the Vancouver Convention Centre will be the place to be as the National Women’s Show takes over.

Friends will sip and sample delicious bites, and shop the latest in fashion, beauty, wellness, and more — all under one roof. The Main Stage will sparkle with fashion shows and special performances including a Magic Male Revue and pet fashion show! Women can take advantage of complimentary beauty treatments, watch live cooking and mixology demos and shop at hundreds of exhibitors. You and your besties can support local women owned businesses in the artisan market and find new services and information just for women.

Grab your girlfriends for a day filled with laughter, fun, and a lot of indulgence. For one unforgettable weekend, Vancouver will belong to women.

— LIVING —

The quiet confidence of menswear brand HAVEN

Brothers Daniel and Arthur Chmielewski founded HAVEN in 2006 with a simple motive: to create a space for items the duo couldn’t find locally. “We wanted people to feel transported into our world,” Daniel tells the Straight. “It is almost like when you go into a movie theatre. By the time you walk through, you are in another world.”

  • MarluMob wants to give parents a helping hand

  • Local designer Evan Clayton debuts his 2026 collection at the Penthouse

  • 22nd Annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival: October 31 to November 8. Guided by the theme Dignity in Community, the 2025 Festival features over 100 arts and culture inspiring events throughout the DTES.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY GLOW ACUPUNCTURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE
Glow Acupuncture and Wellness Centre

Spotlight: Glow Acupuncture and Wellness Center — A Healing Sanctuary in the Heart of Yaletown

Glow Acupuncture and Wellness Center is a sanctuary for those seeking balance, healing, and renewal. Nestled in the heart of Yaletown, this award-winning clinic with expert practitioners welcomes you with soft light, aromatherapy, and the kind of peace that invites you to breathe deeper.


1008 Homer St #410, Vancouver
www.glowellness.com 

— MUSIC —

Review: The Beaches make a play for Canadian rock royalty at the Thunderbird

“Blame Brett”, arguably the biggest CanCon radio hit of 2023, tells you that the Beaches are done dating rock stars—they’re too busy becoming them.

  • Review: Geese fans flock to the Hollywood for a soaring show

  • Dwayne Gretzky, Canada’s ultimate party band, brings a Halloween show to Vogue Theatre on Nov 1, featuring hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s!*

*sponsored listing

— 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.

SPONSORED BY SHOES ON FOURTH
Shoes on Fourth

Shoes on Fourth | 2nd Place - Best Shoe Store

A stylish, family-owned boutique nestled in the heart of Kitsilano, with a passion for shoes that borders on obsession. Their collection features styles crafted in beautiful places such as Turkey, Italy, and Portugal. They have become a hotspot for brands like Vionic, Bueno, Miz Mooz, Mollini, and Django & Juliette.

Thank you to our readers for voting us 2nd Place - Best Shoe Store, in The Best of Vancouver.

Visit us at 2090 W. 4th in Kitsilano or shop online now.

— FOOD & DRINK —

World Culinary Awards names Baan Lao best restaurant in Canada for the second straight year

Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng’s precise, poetic take on Royal Thai cuisine has captivated crowds and critics alike. “Thai food is not only street food,” Phanthoupheng tells us. “Fine dining is part of our culture and history.”

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —


TALKS: Anishinaabe artist and educator Mino-giizhig (Wayne) Valliere discusses cultural revitalization. (October 28 @ Green College, UBC)

FOOD & DRINK: Learn the basics of sake tasting. (October 28 @ Everything Wine River District)

MUSIC: Join the Queen sing-along with Choir! Choir! Choir! (October 28 @ Orpheum Theatre)

BOOKS: Chief Inspector Gamache author Louise Penny talks her latest novel, The Black Wolf. (October 29 @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts)

BOOKS: Celebrity chef Vikram Vij launches his latest cookbook, My New Indian Kitchen. (October 29 @ Vancouver Public Library Central Branch)

LIVING: Science World hosts a bloody After Dark edition for Halloween. (October 30 @ Science World)

DANCE: Myokine reminds us that movement is healing. (October 30 to November 1 @ Firehall Arts Centre)

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

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