What's Happening

Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for August 27-September 2

This week: Groove to the legendary tunes of classic bands, enjoy outdoor cinema, take your furry friends to Yaletown + more

By Amy Watkins /

Credit: Staircase Theatre

Movin’ On Up – Saturday, August 27

Check out two new plays by emerging playwrights Sebastian Kroon and Marc Castellini at Staircase Theatre’s Movin’ On Up staged readings. In addition to the readings, the night will feature a silent auction, canapes and ’70s tunes.

7 p.m. onwards, tickets by donation ($15 suggested)
CBC studio 700, 700 Hamilton Street



Credit: Foreigner

Foreigner – Saturday, August 27

Legendary rockers Foreigner take to the PNE Summer Night Concert stage this weekend to play popular hits and big-hair rock anthems such as Cold As Ice, Feels Like The First Time and I Want To Know What Love Is.

8.30 p.m. onwards
Free with PNE fair gate admission



Credit: Facebook/BCRide

Ride to Conquer Cancer – Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28

Cheer on riders as they start their 200 km cycle to Seattle to raise funds for cancer research. Registration for the race is now closed, but it’s not too late to sponsor someone or give them a good send-off from the first leg in Surrey on August 27.

First leg: 7.15 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.
Cloverdale Exhibition Grounds at 17755 60 Ave. to Peace Arch Border at Hwy 99 S.



Credit: Facebook/BCRF

B.C. Renaissance Festival: Enchanted Encounters – Saturday, August 27 to Sunday, August 28

Celebrate all things medieval at the 16th annual B.C. Renaissance Festival. Watch a jousting contest, explore the Middle Ages market and check out the historical reenactments in the themed village.

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., tickets for $20 ($17 youth, $10 children/seniors)
Albion Fairgrounds, Maple Ridge



Credit: Facebook/makeshiftspaces

A Makeshift Spaces Art Show: I Love Vancouver – until Sunday, August 28

We love Vancouver, and this art show celebrates local artists and their love for the city. Call 604-880-4146 for a private viewing and hours, or check out the artists’ reception on August 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Free admission
Makeshift Spaces, 89 Smithe Street



Credit: Facebook/PetapaloozaWest

Pet-A-Palooza – Sunday, August 28

Take your furry four-legged friends to Yaletown for a celebration of all things animal at the annual Pet-A-Palooza. Try new treats, check out innovate pet toys and get a front row seat to see the comical racing of the bulldogs.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (bulldog races at 1.pm.)
1100 Mainland Street, Yaletown



Credit: Facebook/DuranDuran

Duran Duran – Sunday, August 28

The Olympics might be over but Rio is headed for Rogers Arena this weekend when ’80s new wave heroes Duran Duran come to town, bringing Girls on Film to a Hungry Like a Wolf crowd of fans.

7.30 p.m., tickets from $45
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way



Credit: Facebook/BCCPBA

International Cocktail Karaoke Championship – Monday, August 29

Slinging meets singing at the first-ever Canadian International Cocktail Karaoke Championship. Teams compete to make the best cocktails while singing their hearts out to a song that perfectly pairs with the drinks.

8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Cobalt, 917 Main Street



Credit: Facebook/OutdoorMoviesBC

Evo Summer Cinema: Space Jam – Tuesday, August 30

It’s the last outdoor movie of the summer in Stanley Park, so hop along for a screening of Space Jam and watch Bugs Bunny join forces with basketball star Michael Jordan. Don’t forget to sing along to R Kelly’s anthemic hit song from the soundtrack, I Believe I Can Fly.

8 p.m. onwards (post sunset), free admission
Second Beach, Stanley Park at Ceperley Meadow



Credit: Facebook/CeSoirNoir

Ce Soir Noir – Tuesday, August 30

Last year’s dress-in-black picnic was a tongue-in-cheek response to Dîner en Blanc, but 1500 people turned up so organizers (visual artists Graeme Berglund and George Vergette) decided to run the event again this year. Dress in black and bring a picnic and friends. At 8 p.m., everyone plays a soundscape via their cell phones.

5 p.m. to 9 p.m., free admission (bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Backpack Buddies)
CRAB Park, 101 W Waterfront Road