September 4 2025: Goodbye smoky summer, hello artsy fall - FIXED

Hey there. It’s the first Thursday of a month, and you know what that means: it’s another print day! This month it’s our annual Fall Arts Preview edition. 

We get into the shows you need to see this season, from classical concerts and dynamic dance to thoughtful theatre and exciting exhibitions. Pick up your free copy now, and thank us later.

— V.
Senior editor

— FEATURE — 

Don’t sleep on Pillow Talk

Niki Mohrdar and Cass Furman host Pillow Talk, Vancouver’s silliest slumber party, which begins its run at the Fringe Festival this week.  “Comedy has so many male spaces and not enough female-dominated spaces,” says Mohrdar. “You can bring your boyfriend, and he’ll have a good time, but it’s like…” Furman jumps in to finish her sentence: “We’ll make fun of him.”

— CITY & CULTURE —

B.C. twins Jerry and Jason Song fight to lower the voting age

What if 16-year-olds could vote? That’s the question that two teenagers are asking. The Song brothers are spearheading the provincial wing of the #Vote16 movement.

• Don't miss an all-new lineup of hot, hilarious, and oh-so-human adult short films when Dan Savage's HUMP! returns to Rio Theatre, September 11-12.*

• Sept 7 - The Rio Theatre is putting out the mic stand and stool for North America’s Premier Filipino-American Comedian, Rex Navarrete, the original Gago: Canada tour.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY VANCOUVER FRINGE FESTIVAL

Kids Fringe is Here!

Drumroll, please: Introducing the all-new Kids Fringe!

This September 6 and 7 on Granville Island, families can enjoy free entertainment including 3 different shows and a puppet making workshop! Head here for more info.

— ARTS —

Fall Arts Preview 2025: A look at the season ahead

Fall is a fantastic time for the arts—weather’s getting colder, nights are getting longer, and the warmth of human bodies in the same space as you feels right. Start making your autumnal plans here with our guide to the season’s best comedy, dance, music, theatre, and visual art.

• 30 can’t-miss events happening in Vancouver this month

• Vancouver International Flamenco Festival: September 20-28, 2025. The 35th Anniversary edition features powerful and diverse live performances, masterclasses and workshops with artists from Spain, the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Iran, Morocco, and Canada.*

• Vancouver Is Funny! A new annual celebration of comedy all September long! The lineup includes high-profile acts; Rick Mercer, Chris Fleming, Hannah Berner and more!*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY BARD ON THE BEACH

Summer's Still On at Bard!

Discover an '80s twist on The Two Gentlemen of Verona, running until September 19 at Bard on the Beach! Packed with nods to your favourite songs, movies, and fashion trends from that candy-coloured decade, this is Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before. Tickets start at $35!

— MUSIC —

Femme-tember aims to break up the boys’ club

Cat Madden knows that, for all the progress women have made in rock music, men are still the majority. “It’s really rare for chicks to be in the rock scene,” she tells us, explaining the impetus behind the all femme-fronted lineup she curated that’s set to rock the Rickshaw this Friday.

• We catch up with Neil Young’s new drummer, Anthony LoGefro

• Savour waterfront dining at Dockside Restaurant. Where fresh, local flavours meet stunning views. Join us for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. Reserve your table.*

*sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY LANGLEY TOURISM

4th Annual stɑl'əw̓ Pow Wow in Langley

All are welcome to attend the fourth annual stɑl'əw̓ Pow Wow in Langley, September 12-14, a three-day immersive Indigenous event celebrating pow wow culture and tradition with drumming, singing, dancing, regalia and art. Tickets available online or at the door. Venue: Langley Events Centre (7888 200 St, Langley).

— ICYMI —

• Fat Mao is still the coolest cat around

• We Tried It: Dovetail’s fall menu

• Behind the curtain with Vancouver stylist Jason Pillay

• Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen to open a Cambodian spot

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

MUSIC: Anamanaguchi make indie rock to soundtrack video games. (September 5 @ Hollywood Theatre)

THEATRE: Check out a true Ovid-riginal with Metamorphoses. (September 5-28 @ Jericho Arts Centre)

VISUAL ARTS: Archie Barry’s dreamy Try Keeping an Open Channel explores the supra-natural. (September 6 to November 22 @ Western Front)

MUSEUMS: It’s pay what you can day at the Maritime Museum. (September 7 @ Vancouver Maritime Museum)

LIVING: Live that local produce life at the Richmond Farm Festival. (September 7 @ Garden City Lands, Richmond)

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

That’s it!

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