Hey there. Somehow we have survived another month, and we are hurtling towards autumn with alarming verve and velocity. What will the last few months of 2026 have in store for us?

The Straight editorial calendar definitely has some big things coming up this fall, but the funny thing about media is that anything can happen. What if a huge celeb agrees to talk to us, or our planned cover star breaks their ankle, or our printer breaks down? None of those things happened this edition, at least, so keep an eye out for when it drops on Thursday.

— V.
Senior editor

In a lot of ways, I am the kind of immigrant that Canada wants to keep: I have a master's degree from a Canadian university, I am in full-time employment, and I speak English fluently. But under Mark Carney, the IRCC has been cutting permanent residency draws, putting more and more people who'd like to stay in Canada into positions of precarity. Here are the stories of five immigrants in Vancouver, and how we fought to stay in the country—and city—we love.

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 a foodie bonanza, with deals and drinks at top spots across the city. Minami, Loam Bistro, Pourhouse, Dovetail, Black+Blue, Prophecy, and more are all partnered with us to offer Insiders access to exclusive discounts.

Sign up today to help keep Vancouver weird.

From Gibsons to Lund, fall quietly steals the show. Harvests become happy hours, nature becomes your binge-watch, and art fills every corner of the Coast. With fewer crowds and more room to roam, the Sunshine Coast unfolds on your time…and no one else’s.

Creativity is everywhere, not just in the big cities. Culture Days is back this fall to celebrate the joy of making stuff, and this year, rural, remote, and small communities are stepping into the spotlight. Check out more about the annual free festival here.

*sponsored listing

Visit the newest Forecast Coffee at 288 Esplanade E, North Vancouver. Find them in the laneway.

This year's biggest Canadian music story is undeniably Angine de Poitrine, the polka-dotted aliens from Saugenay, Quebec, who have managed to take the world by storm with mathy, propulsive precision. Reviewer Jeff Sanders admits he was skeptical heading into the pair's final show (of three!) in Vancouver: did the mysterious duo manage to convert him?

If you love skinny fries with your pho, then great news: Sing Sing has opened its lucky number three location, all the way out in Langley. Vicki Duong breaks down the deets on the new casual spot.

VISUAL ARTS: Junyi Ji's landscape painting exhibition A Life in Plein Air begins today, with the formal opening on Saturday. (September 1-29 @ Lipont Gallery, Richmond)

COMEDY: Vancouver is Funny kicks off with a month of comedy shows across the city, from the ultra-famous to the hyper-local. (September 1-20 @ various venues)

LIVING: After Dark: Science of Sleight sees magic meet reason at this adults-only night. (September 2 @ Science World)

VISUAL ARTS: Elder Adele ᒪᐢᑿᓱᐤᐃᐢᑵᐤ Arseneau and her students pay tribute to canine companions with Tāpis: A Love Letter to Our Dog Kin. (September 2 to October 4 @ Ferry Building Gallery, West Vancouver)

DANCE: A triple bill of works will be on stage at Dance on the Shore. (September 3 @ Kay Meek Arts Centre, West Vancouver)

PERFORMING ARTS: Alex Ma's birdcage mixes dance and music to explore immigrant identity. (September 3-5 @ EDAM Studio Theatre)

THEATRE: Paparazzi—Opera on the Rocks takes a sideways look at an aria aficionado. (September 3-12 @ Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, North Vancouver)

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.

And before you go, let us know:

• Did a friend share this with you? Sign up for free.

• Want to advertise to locals? Contact our team.

• Have a cool story to share? Drop us an email.