Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for November 9 to 15

Rock out at the theatre, celebrate a female-led mariachi, start your holiday shopping + more

1. Legends of Arendelle — Monday, November 4 to Sunday, November 10

Explore interactive rooms inspired by your favourite Frozen characters and powered by Google Nest Mini. Check out exclusive new Frozen 2 stories available on the Google Nest Mini and enter to win amazing prizes, including the latest Google Nest products. 
CF Pacific Centre, 701 West Georgia Street; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (November 4, 5 & 11), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (November 6, 7 & 8), and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (November 9); Details online
 

2. Green Day’s American Idiot — Tuesday, November 5 to Sunday, November 10

Winner of two Tony Awards and the Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11, Trumpian suburbia, discovering love, loss, sex, drugs and rock and roll along the way. The show features the music of Green Day, one of the most successful punk rock bands of all time, and takes its name from the 2004 album of the same name. The electrified rock musical has sent Green Day fans and critics into rapture since it was first performed in 2009, and has introduced a generation of theatregoers to the Bay Area trio’s propulsive, catchy musical style (and probably introduced a few punk rock fans to Broadway musicals!).
Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver; 8 p.m. plus a 2 p.m. matinee on November 9th; Tickets from $25 online; Details online

3. Vancouver Podcast Festival — Thursday, November 7 to Sunday, November 10

Dedicated to highlighting the power and potential of podcasts, and bringing together local podcast creators with national and international series, the Vancouver Podcast Festival features masterclasses, free sessions, workshops and live recordings. Presented by DOXA (The Documentary Media Society), the festival aims to foster new podcast creation in British Columbia and Canada, bring new audiences to podcasting, and deepen the discussion around audio documentary and its potential for education and community building.
Schedule and details online

4. Japan Market Christmas Fair — Sunday, November 10

Shop Japanese crafts, merchandise and food. Pick up unique jewelry, art cards, pouches, soaps, handbags, pins, apparel, stuffies, key chains, ceramics, pastries, chocolates, tea, and other holiday gifts. Join in Japanese workshops including yukata/kimono dressing, calligraphy, basic Japanese language and cultural sessions from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 
UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; VIP shopping hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for VIP ticket holders only, 16 years and under are free, VIP ticket prices are $4 per person, or $7 for two; Details online

5. Independent Artist’s Market — Thursday, November 14

Organized and run by Vancouver artists, the Independent Artist’s Market is taking over all three communal spaces At The Waldorf, displaying creative products from more than 50 local artists, including handmade accessories from Hotdogs and Poodles. 100 percent of the sales go to artists with no fees, commissions or cover.
The Waldorf Hotel, 1489 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; 19 and up; Free; 8 p.m. to midnight; Details online

6. Uncorked: A Celebration of the Science of Wine — Thursday, November 14

For one night only, internationally acclaimed winemakers, viticulturists and chefs from iconic wineries of British Columbia will showcase the science, craftsmanship and terroir that make Okanagan wines so extraordinary. Uncorked: A Celebration of the Science of Wine will transport guests into the world of fine winemaking with fun, hands-on activities, and interactive seminars that “uncork” the science behind wine. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with winemakers and viticulturists; learn about the science of winemaking via seminars, interviews and Q&A sessions; and—best of all—taste exceptional wines from the most exciting wineries in the Okanagan Valley. Additional attractions include a sparkling wine lounge, silent auction, blind tastings and more hands-on activities developed by the Science World team.
Science World at Telus World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver; Tickets $89; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Details online

7. 23rd Annual Eastside Culture Crawl — Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, November 17

Vancouver’s favourite visual arts festival takes flight across the city’s eastside next month at studios, workshops, garages and artists’ homes. More than 500 artists are taking part in the four-day festival, which includes a special juried exhibition called Displacement and also a brand new artist talks series where guests can meet with artists in their studio for an intimate conversation, as well as ample demonstrations, workshops, films and more.
Various locations; Details online

8. The Double Axe Murders — Thursday, November 14 to Saturday, November 23

Based on true events, Berni Stapleton’s play The Double Axe Murders is a psychological thriller steeped in Newfoundland folklore. In 1809, two trappers disappear at Cow Head, Newfoundland. Sarah Singleton, the sister of one of the men (and fiancée of the other) sets out with a companion, John Payne, to solve the mystery. In the trappers’ abandoned cabin, they meet a mysterious stranger. Does he hold the key to the secret of the disappearance? A long, haunting night follows. 
Gateway Theatre (Studio B), 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond; Tickets $29 online; Details online

9. ¡Viva México! – A Celebration of Women in the World of Mariachi — Friday, November 15

In a rare showcase of female-led Mexican music, Las Estrellas de Vancouver join forces with Los Angeles-based guest singer Melinda Salcido and the dancers of Nahualli Folklore for an evening of melodic rancheras, intense sones and romantic boleros. More than just a concert, this not-to-be-missed experience is a journey through the contributions women have made to the world of mariachi.  
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $20; Details online

10. West Coast Christmas Show and Artisan Market — Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17

More than 300 vendors, including over 170 select artisans, will offer unique holiday gift items for friends and loved ones, that are not found in the usual mall outlets. Shop for new gift ideas, original art, crafts, woodwork, ceramics, specialty foods, home decor, clothing, furniture, floral designs, jewellery, candles, soaps, toys and more. 
Tradex, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford; Tickets $10 for adults or $9 for seniors, with discounts for pre-purchasing online (Children 16 and under are free); 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on November 15th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 16th and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 17th; Details online