B.C. Adventures: Things to Do in April

Spring is right around the corner and the cherry blossoms are about to bloom. Here are some ideas for things to do in April in British Columbia to celebrate the fresh flowers and the longer days.

1. Verses Festival of Words – Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 20

Brought to you by Vancouver Poetry House, Canada’s largest spoken word festival is back for its 15th annual run. This year’s theme is “Amplify,” and focuses on uplifting artists with a history of community-building and raising social awareness. Audiences can expect collaborative showcases, workshops and the annual flagship event “Canadian Individual Poetry Slam” (CIPS). CIPS will take place over three days: two preliminary rounds on April 16 and 17, followed by the finals on April 19. This slam brings 24 poets from across the country together in a double elimination-style tournament. World-renowned poet Beau Sia is headlining this year’s festival, and will perform a feature set after the CIPS finals. If you are a fan of spoken word, this one is not to be missed! Be sure to check online for detailed programs.

Chill X Studio
2270 Manitoba Street, Vancouver
Tickets from $10
Details online

2. Restless by Nature: Mary Sui Yee Wong, 1990s to the present – Saturday, April 12 to Sunday, June 8

This exhibition marks an artistic homecoming for the Vancouver-raised, Montreal-based artist who immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1963. Presented by Richmond Art Gallery, this solo exhibition celebrates Wong’s works throughout the years. It features sculpture, photography, video and costume — including rarely seen or undocumented pieces. Wong’s works feature themes of personal memory and cultural history. Many of the works on display have also been updated or rendered site-specific for the Gallery’s space and context. There will be artist talks and exhibition tours available in Mandarin—be sure to check online for exact dates.

Richmond Art Gallery
7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission by donation
Details online

3. Five Sails’ Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea – Until Sunday, May 4

To celebrate the cherry blossom blooms, Five Sails is releasing a limited-time Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you don’t enjoy crowding around other people to try and take photos of the cherry blossoms, this may be a more refined (and delicious) option for you. Enjoy cherry blossom-themed treats and snacks in a festive atmosphere, and savour the blend of traditional flavours and creative afternoon tea selections. 

Five Sails Restaurant
999 Canada Place, Vancouver
$75 per person
Details online

4. The Automatic Message: EMDR – Thursday, April 3 to Saturday, April 12

This spatial film installation is produced by Vancouver-based duo The Automatic Message (Trevor Jacobson and Tanya Goehring). The work is inspired by Jacobson’s own experiences with trauma, and how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy impacted his healing journey. Eight years in the making, this hour-long installation demonstrates fragmented memories and emotions as they unfold across four channels while synced to an electronic score. Dance artist Daria Mikhaylyuk acts as the lead character and expresses the psychological landscapes of this piece through her choreography.

VIVO Media Arts
2625 Kaslo Street, Vancouver
Free entry
Details online

5. DanceHouse presents Peeping Tom’s Diptych –  Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26

DanceHouse is bringing Belgian dance-theatre company Peeping Tom’s newest work to Vancouver audiences. Diptych comprises two parts: The Missing Door and The Lost Room. The paired works introduce audiences to a collection of odd and archetypal individuals in seemingly real and stable environments, before subjecting them to eerie transformations that defy the logic of time and space. Prepare to be wowed by eight performers navigating a series of increasingly bizarre scenarios. This performance blurs the line between dance and theatre, drawing audiences into a dreamlike world of heightened realism.

Vancouver Playhouse
600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets from $35
Details online

6. Honey Salt’s Art-Dinner Series – Thursday, April 3

This event offers a unique fusion between culinary arts and fine arts by local talents. Honey Salt’s executive chef Johann Caner is teaming up with local artist Deville for the third instalment of the restaurant’s Art-Dinner Series. This series features dishes inspired by the artist’s work, along with a live art demonstration by the artist themselves. Deville is known for her pen-and-ink art, depicting intricate worlds and unique characters. She will be present to interact with guests and to create an original piece. The artwork completed at the event will be auctioned off to benefit Growing Chefs!, a local organization focused on sustainable food practices and community health. Guests can expect dishes like shrimp and black garlic dumplings, wagyu beef cheek and an assortment of mignardises for dessert.

Honey Salt
39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
$95 per person
Details online

7. The Osoyoos Oyster Festival – Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12

Calling all Okanagan foodies! The Osoyoos Oyster Festival is back, offering two delicious occasions. The Sip & Shuck is taking place on Friday, April 11 at the Greenside Bar & Grill. Guests will enjoy freshly prepared appetizers, expertly shucked oysters and wine samples from a variety of wineries from B.C.’s interior. The festival’s signature event, the Black Pearl Gala, will take place on Saturday, April 12 at Pointe 49° Kitchen & Bar. There will be freshly shucked oysters from Kelowna’s Codfathers Seafood Market, a pasta station and local wines available. Check online for details on pricing and menu items.

Various locations
Various prices
Details online