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September 16 2025: How to break up with Vancouver

September 16 2025: How to break up with Vancouver

Plus: VIFF picks, punk legends, and local food news

September 16, 2025

Hey there. How’s your week going?

We’re getting to the time of year when you actually need to take a jacket outside with you on an evening. It’s cool enough to wear a sweater indoors. Last night I even closed my window because I got too cold. Now I just need the leaves to start changing colours and it will really feel like fall.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Vancouver, we need to talk: Breaking up with the city I once loved

It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to a city that you love. Dean Broughton waxes lyrical about his decision to leave behind beautiful B.C. for the fanciful French countryside. It’s not you; it’s him.

Vancouver Is Funny - A month-long showcase & celebration of comedy

MRG Live is proud to bring Vancouver Is Funny, a new annual celebration of comedy in Vancouver. Running from September 1–30, the inaugural edition will feature more than 30 comics across 30+ live events. The series aims to spotlight standout comedic talent through a wide-ranging lineup of performances, events, and industry collaborations. The series will activate multiple venues, including the MRG owned Vogue Theatre, Biltmore Cabaret, and slate. Event Space, as well as select independent venues across Vancouver. Notably, slate. will be transformed into a pop-up comedy club for the month.

The lineup includes performances from high-profile acts such as Rick Mercer, Chris Fleming, Hannah Berner, Piff the Magic Dragon, Alok Vaid-Menon and so many more! Head to Vancouver.isfunny.ca to browse the full lineup.

— ARTS —

Six movies our editors can’t wait to see at VIFF 2025

Fall is coming, and that means VIFF is just around the corner. Here are some of our selections for what to see at the city’s biggest film festival.

Fall Arts Preview: All the best dance this season
Fall Arts Preview: Music events that sound good
Acumen Law defends BC drivers facing DUI charges and licence suspensions. Experienced lawyers protecting driving privileges when your ability to drive is at risk.*
Between Breaths is part of Firehall’s ELBOWS UP Made in Canada Season, inviting audiences to experience moving storytelling and unforgettable theatre. Don’t miss this powerful production!*

*sponsored listing

French Tradition Meets West Coast Innovation

At Mèreon, every dish is carefully curated by our team of French and West Coast chefs, and everything is made in-house to ensure the highest quality.

Our guests are treated to an inviting atmosphere that balances warmth with elegance, making Mèreon the perfect place for a cozy brunch, an elegant dinner, or a vibrant happy hour.

Visit our website to book your reservation and follow us on Instagram.

Mention Georgia Straight as a note on your booking and get a free dessert for 2!

— MUSIC —

Punk legend Scott Reynolds on life after ALL

If you’re into classic punk, this weekend is mighty busy: the Descendents are taking over the Commodore for two nights and ALL’s Scott Reynolds is playing a set of songs he recorded with Descendents’ Bill Stevenson. We caught up with Reynolds to find out more about the music that shaped him.

Review: Viagra Boys got it up at the Malkin Bowl
Photos: Arkells, Walk off the Earth, and more at Barnside Harvest Festival

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

This week, Insiders can claim free tickets to Science World After Dark: Actually, It Is Rocket Science (September 20), Vancouver Writers Fest events, and Bard on the Beach’s Much Ado About Nothing (until September 20).

On the food front: enjoy 10 per cent off at Minami and Loam Bistro, a complimentary dessert at Desi Indian Lounge, and a free appetizer at B House.

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

— FOOD & DRINK —

Chef Shiv Kappal brings a global journey to the Four Seasons Whistler kitchen

“I was never meant to be a guy with an office desk job,” says the veteran chef who has worked around the world and now resides in Whistler. “I want to be in the kitchen, making something better every day.”

House of Dawn trades Asian fusion for steakhouse splendour
Ming Yang’s Ellipsis combines coffee, cocktails, and community
Craving dinner with waterfront views? Savour the flavours of the season at Dockside Restaurant. Book your table today for a memorable evening on Granville Island.*
Have you ever felt unsafe while traveling? F.E.N.S. is building a one-stop shop application that could change how people travel. To properly solve the problem, they're conducting a quick survey to understand you better.*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

Your very Vancouver horoscopes for September
Kareem Allam is eying up the mayor’s chair
Which former Vancouver Canadians are playing with the Blue Jays?
We Tried It: Din Tai Fung’s mango snow

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK —

BOOKS: Author Cheuk Kwan gets into food and the Chinese diaspora with his new book, Have You Eaten Yet? (September 16 @ VPL Central Branch)

MUSIC: Multi-instrumentalist Arc de Soleil lights up the stage. (September 17 @ Commodore Ballroom)

COMEDY: Toronto-based comic Ashwyn Singh brings his Wrong Singh to Say tour out west. (September 18 @ Rio Theatre)

LIVING: A space-themed After Hours? Sounds stellar. (September 18 @ Science World)

COMEDY: I Know What You Did Last Weekend takes an improvised approach to slashers. (September 18 to November 1 @ The Improv Centre)

VISUAL ARTS: Group exhibition kʷәcstәxʷ: Celebrating Indigenous Artistry opens. (September 18 to December 12 @ Amelia Douglas Gallery, New Westminster)

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

That’s it!

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