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September 25 2025: Staying stylish in a downpour

September 25 2025: Staying stylish in a downpour

Plus: A comedy special, a VIFF premiere, and weekend events

September 25, 2025

Hey there.

It’s all systems go at the moment for local political leaders. The federal NDP has got its first official candidate, Avi Lewis, approved, with plenty more, like activist Yves Engler and Campbell River city councillor Tanille Johnston, wanting to put their hat in the ring. John Rustad has survived his BC Conservative leadership review. And the BC Green Party has a new leader: Emily Lowan, a 25-year-old climate activist who has already drawn a host of young voters to the party.

But will new leaders change anything? Maybe we can ask that guy who thought there was gonna be a rapture this week. He probably knows as much as the rest of us.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE —

Comedian Sophia Johnson embraces her lore

Sophia Johnson grew up on an island without a TV, entertained by her poet father’s suggestions of classical novels. That might not be so rare in B.C.—after all, we are a province of hippies and inlets—but Johnson’s upbringing took a U-turn in her teens, when she ended up getting cast on New Zealand’s biggest soap opera. That kind of backstory has made Johnson’s comedy stand out in Vancouver. “Comedy is about leaning into yourself and your own eccentricities,” she says ahead of her live special taping this weekend, “and having your own voice.”

Lucinda Williams: A Night of Songs and Secrets

Three-time Grammy winner Lucinda Williams brings her intimate "Don't Tell Anybody The Secrets" show to the Vogue Theatre, October 10. Experience a night of powerful storytelling and songs. Get tickets now.

— LIVING —

Vancouver's Adhere To fuses function and fashion

“I lived in Vancouver for years and never owned a rain jacket,” Adhere To founder Alexandra Dean shares with the Straight. “I just always hated how they looked. I didn’t want to compromise my outfit every time it rained.” Her solution? Make her own outerwear.

What to see and do at Interior Design Show Vancouver
You Nearly Missed: Vancouver Game Garden levels up
Keep your licence. The experienced lawyers at Acumen Law Corporation will give you the strongest legal defence to keep you in the driver’s seat.*

*sponsored listing

— ARTS —

The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes director Jenn Strom on capturing the revered B.C. artist

Director Jenn Strom captures the subject of her biographic documentary with the same care that E.J. Hughes brought to his canvases. We caught up with the director ahead of the film’s premiere at VIFF.

Chutzpah! turns 25 this November
And Heart of the City Festival celebrates 22 years
iSAFF 2025 marks 15 years of celebrating South Asian cinema with an exciting lineup. Join us from September 24-28, including the Red Carpet Gala on the 26th!*

*sponsored listing

— PERKS OF THE WEEK —

This week, Insiders can claim free tickets to the HUMP! Film Festival, Indie Night at Hollywood Theatre, an evening with Holly Cole at the Vogue, and a Superbad & Booksmart double feature.

On the food front: enjoy 10% 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.

— MUSIC —

Photos: Linkin Park makes Rogers Arena “Faint”

After a seven-year break, Mike Shinoda and company raised the roof on Linkin Park’s return tour.

Review: Samia is a study in playful apathy at the Hollywood Theatre

— ICYMI —

We have a monthly crossword
Ryan Reynolds has the Freedom of the City now
Councillor Rebecca Bligh is running for mayor
Brentwood’s Bow & Stern is getting oceanic

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

PERFORMING ARTS: Spakwus Slolem (Eagle Song Dancers), Hayley Wallis, and Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) perform at Rhythms of Resilience: Voices of Warrior Women. (September 25 @ Japanese Hall)

MUSIC: Covenant Festival invites extreme metal fans to get sweaty. (September 25-27 @ Rickshaw Theatre)

PERFORMING ARTS: Nightwalks with Teenagers pairs teen guides with adult audiences on an exploration of the city. (September 25 to October 4 @ somewhere in Fairview)

THEATRE: You Used to Call Me Marie follows generations of Métis women across time. (September 25 to October 12 @ Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre)

COMEDY: The now-Toronto-based Alistair Ogden returns home for the weekend. (September 26-27 @ Little Mountain Gallery)

VISUAL ARTS: NDN Giver traces historical and contemporary traditions of potlatch gifts. (September 27 to January 25 @ Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art)

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

That’s it!

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