Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for September 15 to 21

This week: shop at a Mexican market, watch an operatic thriller, see a rising soul star + more

1. Legends & Stars Match — Saturday, September 15

This charity soccer game at BC Place Stadium features legendary athletes and celebrities. Catch the Sedins and Patrick Chan playing alongside Whitecaps alumni and actors from shows like Riverdale. While tickets to the Legends & Stars match are only $5, you’ll need tickets for the Whitecaps game that evening, too. This promises to be one of the most hilarious—and exciting—matches of the year!
BC Place Stadium, 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver; First game at 4:45 p.m. with second game at 7 p.m.; Legends & Stars tickets are $5 with Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders tickets from $65

2. Bike the Night — Saturday, September 15

Go on one last epic summer bike ride with the MEC Bike the Night party. This is the largest night ride in the province! You’ll be slowly rolling along the 10 km route with 5,000 other enthusiasts whose bikes are decked out in festive lights. Check out their pre-party where you can get free bike tune-ups, snack at food trucks and listen to their DJ spinning.
Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver; Pre-party starts at 6 p.m. with ride at 7:45 p.m.; Register online from $20

3. Market Mexico — Saturday, September 15

Get a taste of Mexico at this culturally-immersive outdoor market. Enjoy Mexican snacks like horchata, tacos and churros, plus live music and artisans selling goods like clothing and jewellery. Don’t miss this blast of Mexico to keep you warm as the rain starts to fall for the season in Vancouver.
Lower plaza at UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Free

4. First Pick Handmade — Saturday, September 15 & Sunday, September 16

Fall is right around the corner and that means it’s time to turn to cozy fall fashion. Shop at the First Pick Handmade market to meet the hottest local designers and makers selling clothes, jewellery, skin care and beauty products. This is the place to check out what’s new in fall fashion and pick up a few key pieces to make this autumn your most stylish ever.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tickets online or at the door $3 (cash only)

5. Culinary Garage Sale — Sunday, September 16

This hotly anticipated fundraiser is the place to go for discounted kitchen gear, gadgets and more. Last year, 150 foodies rushed the door at the Les Dames d’Escoffier culinary garage sale, so be sure to get there early for a piece of the action and some serious savings. This year, there will be eclectic items from chef James Barber’s estate for sale.
The Lazy Gourmet parking lot, 1605 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Free

6. Leon Bridges — Sunday, September 16

American soul and gospel singer Leon Bridges will perform at the PNE Amphitheatre this Sunday. It’s said that 40 record labels tried to sign him when he was just a dishwasher in Texas. Songs like “River” and “Coming Home” are both catchy and moving.
PNE Amphitheatre, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; Doors at 6 p.m. with show at 7 p.m.; Tickets $73

7. Fall Makeup + Skincare 101 — Sunday, September 16

Harlow founder Chrystal Macleod will be hosting a casual morning of skincare and makeup tutorials where you can learn more about their products and enjoy live demos. Harlow’s luscious natural products will make you a brighter and more radiant version of yourself, rather than bathing you in harsh ingredients. All your skincare and makeup questions will be answered at this fun and informative gathering.
Harlow Atelier, 655 East 15th Avenue, Vancouver; 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Free

8. Nigredo Hotel — Thursday, September 20 to Saturday, September 22

This macabre operatic thriller will be coming to the Cultch theatre for a limited run. In this show, Sophie’s chance encounter with a brain surgeon at her hotel leads to the unimaginable. Owing to incredible set and costume design, as well as a script by world-renowned author and playwright Ann-Marie MacDonald, Nigredo Hotel is a can’t-miss.
The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver; Show at 8 p.m.; Tickets from $17, plus additional service charge

9. Wünderbar Oktobeerfest Pop-up — Friday, September 21 to Sunday, October 7

Check out this playful Oktoberfest pop-up for a night of Bavarian frivolity. To celebrate their first anniversary, Bells and Whistles invites you to celebrate 17 days of beer, cheer and German food. Try their Oktoberfest platter with sauerkraut, potato salad, bratwurst and schnitzel, or just savour both local and German beers with warm pretzels.
Bells and Whistles, 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver; Nightly from September 21st to October 7th; Details online

10. Top Latte Artist Vancouver — Friday, September 21

Expect beer, food and plenty of coffee at this evening event as you watch the top baristas in the city face off in a finals competition. Baristas will be judged by a panel of four coffee hotshots as well as public voting. Come and see the Top Latte Artist in the city be crowned… and see what it takes to make that little heart atop your morning coffee.
Kafkas, 120 – 577 Great Northern Way, Vancouver; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Free