Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for November 4 to 10

This week: meet a trendy Canadian poet, shop at artisan markets, go to the circus + more

1. Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival – Friday, November 3 & Saturday, November 4

Sample beverages from more than 40 B.C. breweries paired with food from Coquitlam-based restaurants and caterers. Proceeds support Team Taylor on its 200 km trek in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefitting the BC Cancer Foundation. 
Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club, 3251 Plateau Boulevard, Coquitlam; November 3, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Tickets $55; and November 4, 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tickets $45

2. Woodwards Pop-up Market – Saturday, November 4

Check out the 20 vendors who will be popping up at the Woodwards building this weekend, selling artisan products, crafts and vintage goodies. The market is presented by the Vintage & Handmade Society in support of the Canadian Disability Resources which connects community members with medical equipment and resources.
Woodwards Building, 128 West Cordova Street, Vancouver; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Free

3. Contemporary Art Gallery Gala & Auction – Saturday, November 4

The Contemporary Art Gallery gets a major boost of support each year from their annual gala and art auction. The city’s only free, public gallery with a focus specifically on contemporary art, the CAG offers supporters a chance to celebrate exceptional talent and exceptional food at this event: a three-course meal from the acclaimed chefs of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is included with each ticket as is a year-long membership to the gallery.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver; Tickets $275 plus fees

4. Ethnobotany Walk in the Tropics – Tuesday, November 7

Escape the cold and explore a mini tropical rainforest with Gillian Drake, the education director of the Bloedel Conservatory. Discover edible flowers, poisonous plants and stories from rainforests all over the world at this special event.
Bloedel Conservatory, 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver; 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.; Tickets $18 ($16.20 for members)

5. Zero-Waste Workshop – Tuesday, November 7

Learn how to live a zero-waste lifestyle (and what that term actually means) at this free workshop. Find out how to reduce waste, reuse or recycle what you have and lessen your environmental impact on the planet. There’s no sign-up for this event so come early to grab your spot. 
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, 3981 Main Street, Vancouver; 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Free

6. Circle Craft Market – Wednesday, November 8 to Sunday, November 12

Christmas is coming! Start your shopping early at the annual Circle Craft Market and check out gift ideas from Canadian woodturners, glassblowers, sculptors, potters, clothing and jewellery designers and toy-makers. Discounted prices apply when tickets are purchased online. 
Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver; Various dates and times; Tickets $13 ($10 seniors and students)

7. An Evening with Rupi Kaur – Wednesday, November 8

Presented by the Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration Society, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Rupi Kaur comes to Vancouver with a spoken word performance from her new book, The Sun and Her Flowers. Her long-awaited second collection continues to explore a variety of themes ranging from love, loss, trauma and healing to femininity, migration and revolution.
Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver; Doors at 7 p.m., show from 8 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.; Tickets $30.25 plus fees

8. Texas Troubadours – Wednesday, November 8

The lone star state comes to Vancouver as this talented trio, including Ruthie Foster, treats crowds to Southern-rooted, soulful songs from the new album, Joy Comes Back. Carrie Rodriguez will perform works from her recently released, critically acclaimed album, Lola. Jimmie Dale Gilmore, one of the founders of the modern alt-country movement, will also take the stage.  
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver; 8 p.m.; Tickets from $38

9. Garden Light Festival – Wednesday, November 8

Enjoy the illuminated trails and trees of Bear Creek Park—which light up just twice a year! Activities include face-painting, a photo booth, lantern-making and food trucks for some family-friendly fun. Join the Art Together Lantern Making Workshop (from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and then take your work out for a walk at the Garden Light Festival. Don’t forget a flashlight and some warm clothes.
Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Free

10. Cirque Du Soleil presents Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities – now until Sunday, December 31

Step into the curio cabinet of an innovative inventor, Mr. Microcosmos, and discover a world where the laws of time, space and dimension do not apply. Contortion, “rola bola” balancing and an upside-down world all await inside Cirque Du Soleil’s Kurios Cabinet of Curiosities.
Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver; Tickets from $49