Hey there. It's basically autumn now, right? The trees outside my apartment are certainly looking a bit yellow, so I'm pretty much ready to curl up with a blanket, a book, and a cup of tea, and never leave.

But fall continues to be stacked with shows, music, exhibitions, and more. Make sure to check out our Fall Arts Preview, if you haven't already, to find out what's worth venturing outside for in the weeks and months ahead.

— V.
Senior editor

Before Melanie Chisholm was part of the biggest girl group of the '90s, she was a raver. While her career as Sporty Spice saw her sing teeny-bop pop for kids around the world, part of her heart has always been in the dance music community—a connection that comes to the fore on her ninth studio album, Sweat. “Now I'm in my 50s, and I think anyone you'll speak to in that decade of your life, you're unapologetic," Chisholm tells the Straight ahead of her Vancouver show this week. "It feels like I’ve finally fully embraced every aspect of myself."

Our journalism is only possible because of the Straight Insiders. 

In a time when technology is taking over jobs, the Straight remains what it has always been: a small team of scrappy journalists, doing our best to cover the stories that matter to the city we all love.

For just $8.25 per month—the cost of one fancy latte—you can help support the 60-year legacy of the Georgia Straight. In exchange for your hard-earned money, we've got a huge range of deals, discounts, and free tickets up for grabs—but only for Insiders. 

Right now that includes free tickets to see our September comedy cover stars in action (Emily Woods, Mark Thomson, Jess Lupini, and Sean McDonnell), as well as our ongoing dining deals with restaurants like Minami, Pourhouse, Dovetail, and Prophecy.

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Call your girlfriends, grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the National Women’s Show! Shop the latest in fashion, beauty, wellness, food and more from hundreds of exhibitors. Enjoy inspiring speakers, fun performances, free goodie bags, and fabulous shopping!

Whether you’re looking for a little retail therapy, some much-needed “me time” or the perfect day out with your favourite women, you’ll find plenty of reasons to smile, shop, discover and indulge.

The National Women’s Show
September 19 & 20
Vancouver Convention Centre

Bring your besties. Make a day of it. Get your tickets now.

What do a zoo and an arcade have in common? This October, the answer is Science World. New exhibitions exploring animal physiology and the history of video games are set to turn the freshly un-footballed dome into a hotbed of educational entertainment.

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BC is becoming a hub for AI innovation, and local universities have a role to play. Northeastern University and the University of Victoria are working together to support innovation, develop AI talent and contribute to a stronger BC economy. Learn about what this partnership means for the region. Read more.

New Westminster-based rapper Boslen is no doubt a very successful musician, but something else has been piquing his interest recently. “Filmmaking is kind of the epitome of creation because you see like 40 to 50 people on set all working toward one vision, one dream,” he tells the Straight ahead of playing Come Toward the Fire this weekend. “My latest album, Dali, I made that in my mom’s basement by myself. I’m not saying one is better than the other, but I do love that feeling of community building.”

Two weeks to go until the 2026 Under Armour Eastside 10K!  

The PHS Run Team is 43% of the way to its $30,000 fundraising goal.  

Your donation supports their Vancouver Food Program, providing more than 3,900 meals daily for marginalized people.  

Donate to the PHS Run Team Today! 

What do you get if you combine Vancouver's pro women's soccer club with one of B.C.'s favourite fast-casual joints? The result might look something like this: a taco that's bringing together the beach, the pitch, and raising money for girls in sports to boot.

MUSIC: Gitga’at artist G̱a̱mksimoon performers a powerful rock ’n’ roll set entirely in Sm’algya̱x. (September 17 @ Museum of Anthropology)

WORKSHOP: Tsawaysia Spukwus leads a beaded pin-making workshop to reflect on Indigenous histories and ongoing reconciliation. (September 17 @ MONOVA, North Vancouver)

THEATRE: Beckett 26: It's All the Same Dream celebrates Samuel Beckett while also fundraising for UBC Theatre and Film scholarships.

THEATRE: Heist puts a creative spin on a classic crime caper. (September 17 to October 18 @ Stanley BFL Canada Stage)

DANCE: New dance works are emerging in surprising spaces in the Pop Up Dances Festival. (September 18-19 @ VPL Central Branch)

CULTURE: BC Culture Days are back, with plenty of free arts, heritage, and hands-on events happening all across the province this fall. (September 18 to October 4 @ various locations)

BOOKS: Word Vancouver returns for a free day of literary events. (September 19 @ UBC Robson Square)

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

You made it all the way to the bottom, and we love you for it! Readers like you are what keep us going. If you want to support free arts and culture journalism, send this newsletter to a friend.

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