Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for March 16 to 22

Laugh with leprechauns, celebrate French-Canadian culture, marvel at minerals + more

1. Gross Misconduct – Thursday, March 14 to Saturday, March 23

Meghan Gardiner’s play Gross Misconduct follows Deke, who has been in prison without a cellmate for the past 20 years, when he suddenly has a 20-something rich kid join him in his cell. With little in common, other than a shared passion for hockey, tensions emerge as the pair are forced to share a tiny space and Deke is forced to confront a decision he made 20 years earlier.
Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond; Various dates and times; Tickets from $29

2. Celtic Fest Ceilidh – Saturday, March 16

Join Blackthorn and friends for family-friendly craic with traditional Irish music and dance from the BCR Irish Pipes and Drums, Eire Born Irish Dance Company and the Scottish dance troupe Shot of Scotch Vancouver. Dance along, with lessons all evening, or just enjoy the bar and Mama’s Fish and Chips truck.
Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Tickets $20 to 25, with children 12 and under free

3. Music Video Live – Saturday, March 16

Showcasing music videos from Vancouver’s brightest all-femme musicians, this night includes live performances, dancers and DJs. Musicians include rap poet Kimmortal, retro pop artist Tempest Jade, up-and-coming star Biawanna; hip-hop/spoken word artist JB the First Lady; hip-hop, rap and soul artist Missy D, as well as DJ Denise and Denzin 8 Productions.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver; Doors at 7 p.m. with show at 8 p.m.; Tickets $12 in advance or $16 at the door

4. First Pick Handmade – Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17

Check out this handmade fashion and accessories show and pick up spring clothing, jewellery, hats, shoes, makeup and bags made by local and Canadian designers, including Black Solv Designs.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: $3 at the door; Details online

5. St. Patrick’s Day Vancouver Market – Sunday, March 17

Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a market that features more than 30 vendors showcasing artwork, photos, clothing, musical instruments, records, jewellery, books and comics.
The Wise Hall & Lounge, 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Admission $2 at door; Details online

6. Shamrocks and Shenanigans – Sunday, March 17

Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with an Irish-themed improv show at Vancouver TheatreSports with dialogue showcasing random Irish expressions, roving lucky charm leprechauns delivering pots of golden merriment and Celtic Colleen improvising custom limericks for guests.
The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver; 7:30 p.m.; Tickets $15.75

7. Nasty Women Comedy – Monday, March 18

Catch fun, fresh and feminist comedy from Vancouver’s Nasty Women group of improvisers and sketch comedians at their monthly show at the Biltmore.
Biltmore Cabaret, 2755 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver; 8:30 p.m.; 19 and up; Tickets $10

8. Sonic Boom – Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24

A multi-day celebration of music by B.C. composers, featuring mixed ensembles and featured artists, Sonic Boom showcases Rodney Sharman as composer-in-residence and Aaron Graham and Julia Chien as featured artists.
Pyatt Hall and the Orpheum Annex, 843 Seymour Street, Vancouver; 7:30 p.m. nightly; Tickets $15 students, $20 general and $50 for a festival pass

9. Festival du Bois – Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24

Celebrate French-Canadian culture at the province’s largest festival of its kind. Featuring music and dance, traditional French-inspired food, shows for kids and fun activities, the weekend-long celebration starts with a Contra dance on Friday and special guests Vishtèn, Comté de Clare, Les Tireux d’Roches, Seconde Nation, Shauit, Alpha Yaya Diallo and Jou Tou on Saturday and Sunday.
Mackin Park, 1046 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam; Various dates and times; Details online

10. Vancouver Gem and Mineral Show – Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24

If you think gems and crystals rock then the Vancouver Gem and Mineral Show is a fun weekend of crystals, minerals, fossils and jewellery exhibitors.
PNE, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets from $8 online, with children 12 and under free (with an adult)