Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for March 9 to 15

This week: Cheer on your team at Rugby Sevens, dine out for a great cause, taste some curry + more

 

1. Illuminate Yaletown – Friday, March 8

Celebrate 10 years of Yaletown’s light festival with unique outdoor projections, creative animation and interactive light forms provided by favourite artists from the previous decade, as well as new additions. Interact with “Flow,” a responsive form that glows to the touch, build an illuminated “Tetra” (never before seen), and play with the giant “Jax” in the street. The show begins at sunset (exactly 6:06 p.m.) and local bars will be running special 6:06 cocktail happy hours.
Hamilton Street between Davie and Drake and Yaletown-Roundhouse Station.
6:06 p.m. to 10 p.m., free

 

2. HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series – Saturday, March 9 & Sunday, March, 10

Dress up and cheer on your favourite team at the sports event that even non-sporty people enjoy, thanks to its super-fun party atmosphere. Teams of seven rugby players from 16 national teams compete over two days, wrapping up with the bottom two teams fight for the Challenge Trophy and the top teams playing for the Cup on Sunday.
Tickets from $70 for general admission for one day, BC Place

 

3. Tedx UBC – Saturday, March 9

TEDxUBC provides 10 student speakers, from a wide range of interests and backgrounds, with a platform to share their untold stories and opinions, both academic and personal. Community booths and presentations will take place during the conference too.
Life Sciences Centre, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., UBC; Tickets $15-40 

 

4. Improv for Moms – Starts Sunday, March 10

Blind Tiger Comedy School’s new Improv for Moms is a four-week course that’s all about introducing people who identify as moms to improv. A relaxed attendance policy and a focus on the unique stories of mothers makes these comedy classes ideal for moms looking for a fun way to be creative without any pressure.
Cost $125

 

5. Curry Cup – Monday, March 11

Presented by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC and the Mount Pleasant BIA, this annual competition brings together the city’s top chefs to create their own signature curries—the ultimate family-style staff meal—to earn the coveted trophy. This year’s lineup includes Roy Flemming from Tuc Craft Kitchen, Trevor Bird from Fable Diner, Henry Roca from Tocador and returning 2017 champion Felix Zhou of Heritage Asian Eatery.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street; 6:30 p.m.; Tickets $59-69, with partial proceeds donated to Project Chef

 

6. National Geographic Live: Ocean Soul – Tuesday, March 12

Go deep with Brian Skerry, one of National Geographic’s most seasoned photographers, and discover a vast, hidden world beneath the waves. Skerry has spent more than 10,000 hours underwater revealing the mysteries of the ocean and will showcase award-winning images, share stories of wildlife encounters and offer hope for protecting the oceans.
The Orpheum; Tickets from $52.55

 

7. Dining Out for Life – Thursday, March 14

Now in its 25th year, Dining Out for Life is a one-day fundraising event during which more than 40 restaurants across the province will contribute 25 percent of their entire food sales to A Loving Spoonful, an organization that provides meals to people living with HIV/AIDS. Participating restaurants include Wildebeest, Ask for Luigi, Tuc Craft Kitchen, Bells and Whistles, Pourhouse, Pizzeria Farina and many, many more, so book a reservation and dine out for a good cause!

 

8. Blossom at Metropolis – Now until March 31

Created by Vancouver interactive-arts company Hfour, Metropolis at Metrotown‘s Grand Court will be home to Blossom, a stunning, one-of-a-kind art installation made up of more than 250,000 ‘cherry blossoms’. There will also be a variety of floral art and Japanese cultural workshops every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Metropolis at Metrotown’s Grand Court; Full schedule and registration information online

 

9. Vegan Night Market – Thursday, March 14

Vegans rejoice! The animal- and planet-friendly night market returns to the Waldorf for an evening of food (including food trucks), drinks, local artisans and music.  
The Waldorf, 1489 East Hastings Street; 6 to 10 p.m., $2, 19+

 

10. Insomnia Fest – Friday, March 15

EDM fans can see all their favourite artists under one roof at Insomnia Fest, featuring Alesso, Vini Vici, Coone, Ben Nicky, and DAIJO. All ages are welcome and there is 19+ VIP Area.
Pacific Coliseum, 100 North Renfrew, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Tickets $101.51