BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for May 12 – 18

Journey back to 1987 with Rock of Ages, playing at the Centre in Vancouver

What to do in BC this week

Rock Out at Rock of Ages – May 8 – 13
Just try to keep your toes from tapping at Rock of Ages, a feel-good musical on stage from May 8 to 13 at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer St). And given that the score features tunes by iconic ’80s-era rockers like Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar and Poison, you’ll likely also see some head-banging happening as you journey back to 1987 to the big-haired backdrop of a Sunset Strip nightclub. Tickets are $45 to $100.

Go Green at EPIC: The Sustainable Living Expo – May 11 – 13
If you’re bold enough to label your event “epic,” you’d better make sure you can deliver. No worries there when it comes to EPIC: Sustainable Living Expo, Western Canada’s only green consumer tradeshow and marketplace. Held from May 11 to 13 at Vancouver Convention Centre West, this sixth annual exposition features 300 eco-exhibitors, celebrity speakers, top chefs, fashion shows and even organic beer and wine.

Sing Along to the Sound of Music – May 12
Are you the world’s biggest fan of The Sound of Music? Then it’ll be music to your ears to hear that River Rock Casino Resort (8811 River Rd, Richmond) is hosting Sing-A-Long Sound of Music on May 12. Just as you’d expect, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded souls singing their hearts out to tunes made famous by the von Trapps. But be forewarned; it’s not quite as innocent as it sounds — some “adult themes” make the show unsuitable for young children.

Be Bowel’d Over – May 12
Anyone suffering from irritable bowel syndrome knows it’s a huge pain in the, well, butt. If you’re among the thousands of Canadians afflicted with this digestive disorder — or even if you’re not — why not help M&M Meat Shops cook up a cure? On May 12, you can buy a burger or hot dog at the 24th annual Charity BBQ at M&M shops across B.C., and your minimum $3 donation will benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

Try, Talk and Taste Tequila at the Vancouver International Tequila Expo – May 12
Better arrange a designated driver if you plan to swing by the Vancouver International Tequila Expo, held on May 12 at the Vancouver Convention Centre East (999 Canada Place). That’s because this first annual fest dedicated to Mexico’s favourite spirit features some of the world’s top tequila, along with a variety of seminars and consumer tastings, all starting at 11 a.m. Proceeds benefit the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation.

Have a Mother of a Day – May 13
Of course you want to spoil your mom on Mother’s Day. The only question is how? If she’s the tippling type, you can toast her at Township 7 Winery (21152 16 Ave, Langley). She’ll really have something to “wine” about as she tips a glass at an outdoor bar, grooves to a live band and checks out a stunning selection of jewellery and hanging baskets on sale. Catch this free (by donation to charity) event on May 13 from noon to 4 p.m.

Listen to Jamie Lee Curtis at the Unique Lives & Experiences Lecture Series – May 16
An outspoken actress may be every publicist’s worst nightmare, but for Jamie Lee Curtis, it’s precisely this candid quality that has made her a fan favourite for more than 30 years. If you count yourself among her legion of admirers, catch her in person on May 16 at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer St), where she’ll inspire audiences with stories of her hard-won wisdom as part of the Unique Lives & Experiences lecture series. Call 1-866-449-8118 for tickets.

Taste Wine with a Social Twist – May 16
Always a leader in the B.C. wine biz, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is proving no different when it comes to embracing social media. That’s one reason why they’re hosting Wine Tasting With a Social Twist on May 16 at Vancouver Urban Winery (55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver). Along with a chance to win great prizes, guests will enjoy a fast-paced tasting of nine different Tinhorn Creek wines, followed by canapés and a guided unveiling of new varietals, starting at 6 p.m. Buy tickets online for $30 per person.

Book a Remote Retreat at Clayquot Wilderness Resort – anytime
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in Tofino was recently cited by Forbes as one of the world’s “10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts.” The reason? Take your pick! After all, the beachside retreat — which bills itself as “Remote. Refined. Remarkable” — features luxurious lodging in Swiss Family Robinson-style tents, chef-prepared “modern casual” cuisine, customized wilderness adventures and an eco-safari spa. Book by calling 1-888-333-5405.

Get Away from it All at April Point Resort & Spa – until June 9
Living amidst an urban soundscape of honking horns and screaming sirens, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel an itch to ditch the city for the calm of the country. And peace is what you’ll find at April Point Resort & Spa (900 April Point Rd, Quadra Island), a pastoral playground that’s offering a two-night Thrill & Chill promo including luxe accommodation, a wildlife tour and Aveda spa treatment, for $269 per person. Book before June 9 at 1-800-663-7090.

Cycle and Sip – anytime
Not only does Victoria rank as the cycling capital of Canada for its abundance of world-class trails, but the city also boasts an internationally recognized wine region. Visitors can experience the best of both on a Saanich Peninsula Wine Tour, a guided, full-day excursion that follows the picturesque Lochside Trail through bird sanctuaries, active farmlands and over train tressles, with stops at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, Church and State Wines and Victoria Spirits, B.C.’s first artisan gin distillery. Cost for the eight-hour journey is $139, and includes use of a hybrid-style bicycle, helmet, map, water bottle and lunch.

Check out Quadra Village Day – May 12
Victoria’s picture-perfect Inner Harbour may get all the hype, but it’s not the city’s only happening ‘hood. For proof, check out the 10th annual Quadra Village Day on May 12, where you’ll find the Kings Road strip (between Quadra and Dowler) hopping with free, family-friendly fun from 9:30 to 1 p.m. Some of the all-ages action in store includes a pancake and healthy start breakfast served up until 11 a.m. (or while supplies last), plus live music, dance, kids activities, and community displays.

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Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.