October 30, 2025: “The artists here mean something”

Plus: Pinche tacos, scary movies, and eerie events

October 30, 2025

The Georgia Straight

Hey there. I experienced a jump scare in my own home yesterday. A caterpillar fell from the ceiling onto my laptop while I was working on this very newsletter. 

But wait, the plot thickens: I looked up, and there was nothing on the ceiling indicating its previous life. Where did you come from, caterpillar? Why did you fall from heaven? Are you entitled to a salary and paid vacation days? Unsolved Mysteries is going to be calling any day now.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

Community is at the centre of Heart of the City Festival

Jonathon Paterson, Heart of the City’s production manager, knows that the Downtown Eastside is a place that values community. “It’s not only an arts festival,” he tells us. “There are events that try and tackle housing. There was a Stop the Sweeps event. There are events for Indigenous artists. So it’s important not only for the community but for the city as a whole to experience this festival that says, ‘Hey! We’re here. We’re important. And the artists here mean something.’ ”

SPONSORED BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ
Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé Tops Best of Vancouver as Hit Album Turns 20

Vancouver has named Michael Bublé as the Best Band/Singer for the Georgia Straight's Best of Vancouver awards.

Celebrating 20 years of It’s Time - and the song that became his anthem, reminding us that for Bublé, ‘Home’ will always be Vancouver.

Order the 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition today, featuring classics like ‘Home’ and ‘Feeling Good’, plus two previously unreleased tracks, remixes, and live recordings.

— LIVING —

A vacation lottery is supporting B.C. hospitality workers

Want your chance to win a Canadian getaway and support local workers while you’re at it? Check out BC Hospital Foundation’s annual Spirit of Hospitality Lottery, which closes tonight. All proceeds raised go directly to workers and families in need.

  • Science World gets spooky ahead of Halloween

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

  • The National Women’s Show hits Vancouver Convention Centre Nov 8–9 — shop, snack, & celebrate with friends at the ultimate girls’ day out! Get tickets.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY BRUSH SALON
Brush Salon

One of Vancouver’s Best Hair Salons — The Georgia Straight

BRUSH Salon is honoured to be recognized by the Georgia Straight as one of Vancouver’s top salons. Known for luxury hair experiences, eco-conscious practices, and an inclusive culture, BRUSH continues to push boundaries with innovative services, luxury products, and a passionate team dedicated to raising the bar every day.

— ARTS —

This year’s East Van Panto digs into the East/West divide

Are you ready for Romeo and Juliet meets West Side Story meets the 604? This year’s East Van Panto promises class consciousness and choreography, with the tale of a curling influencer trapped on Commercial Drive.

  • Five underrated Halloween horror films

  • 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.*

  • 10 award-winning flamenco dancers and musicians share the stage in Oscar, an incendiary tribute to Vancouver's rebel maestro of flamenco: Oscar Nieto.*

*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.

— FOOD & DRINK —

Pinche Taco Shop makes its comeback

La Taqueria’s original pinche taco shop closed earlier this year. Now the team is back with a new joint in Downtown Vancouver.

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —


MUSIC: A 14-piece band performs the score of Rocky Horror Picture Show live. (October 30 @ Fox Cabaret)

THEATRE: Let it snow: Arts Club’s Frozen ushers in a magical musical experience. (October 30 to January 4 @ Stanley BFL CANADA Stage)

FILM: Think you're made of stern stuff? This 13-hour horror movie marathon will test your mettle. (October 21 @ The Cinematheque)

FOOD & DRINK: Check out cocktails to die for at the wickedly charming Nocturn Noir night. (October 31 @ Prophecy)

MUSIC: Haunting, poetic works from little-known composers fill the theatre in Out of the Shadows. (October 31 @ The Annex)

LIVING: Learn to identify edible mushrooms on a foraging walk. (November 1 @ UBC Farm)

FOOD & DRINK: On your marks, get set, gobble! The Croissant Crawl returns with limited-edition delights. (November 1-16 @ various locations)

PERFORMING ARTS: Angel Morgan hosts a psychic experience, just in time for Día de los Muertos. (November 2 @ The Nest)

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

That’s it!

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