Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for September 16 to 22

This week: shop at local and international markets, lose yourself in dance, light up the night on your bike + more

 

1. Mexico Market – Saturday, September 16

Say hola to an authentic Mexican market experience curated by the Arrival Agency and the Mexico Tourism Board to showcase the country’s amazing food, drinks, music, film, arts, crafts and shopping. Tuck into tacos and tortas; sip on horchatas, aguas frescas and spirits; and check out a  virtual reality market experience produced by the tourism board.
Lower level of Robson Square, 800 Robson Street; 11:30 a.m. to midnight

 

2. TEDx East Van – Saturday, September 16

Independently organized, the East Van TEDx day-long event focuses on the theme of celebrating the many facets that make us human. From the latest technological advances to questions of gender and identity, this year’s speakers will explore the topics that connect us all.
York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $65 to 100

 

3. Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House – Saturday, September 16

From hula to highland dancing, the Scotiabank Dance Centre is offering classes for wannabe dancers to participate in, as well as performances/open rehearsals by the professional dance companies who train in the dance studios. Pre-registration is not required—simply turn up ready to dance!
Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free

 

4. Bike the Night – Saturday, September 16

HUB Cycling and MEC team up for the annual 10k ride through the city after dark on a special route through car-free streets and over the Burrard Bridge. Deck out your bike with lights to add to the fun, or wear a costume and bring Bluetooth speakers to tune into the specially curated playlist and join in the party.
Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Boulevard; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; $10 to 15

 

5. First Pick Handmade – Saturday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17

Pick up local and Canadian clothing, jewellery, hats, shoes, bags and accessories at the first edition of First Pick, a handmade fashion and accessories show with a boutique department store feel, which has everything you need for a new look for fall 2017.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets $3 at the door

 

6. Portobello West Fall Market – Saturday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17

Fall is nearly here! Celebrate the start of a new season with locally made products from more than 50 artisan vendors at the Portobello West Fall Market. Try locally made tipples, redesign your space with some funky handmade housewares or pamper yourself with natural bath products. Bring in a gently used, nearly-new handbag/purse benefiting Dress for Success Vancouver and receive free entry.
Creekside Community Recreation Centre,1 Athletes Way; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $2 entry, children under 12 free

 

7. Culinary Garage Sale & Market Place – Sunday, September 17

Find new and used baking supplies, signed cookbooks, equipment, kitchen tools, and more at Les Dames d’Escoffier’s culinary garage sale in aid of Les Dames d’Escoffier Scholarship fund and outreach programs, which includes Project Chef and Growing Chefs.
The Lazy Gourmet Parking Lot, 1605 West 5th Avenue; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

8. Word Vancouver – Tuesday, September 19 to Sunday, September 24

Combining education and entertainment, Word Vancouver offers a range of literary talks, workshops and performances across the city. From learning more about working with a freelance editor to discovering Japanese poetry forms, there’s something for every aspiring writer to enjoy. Library Square becomes the main festival hub on September 24th with a full day of free readings, panel discussions and performances.
Various venues, see the full lineup

 

9. Embrytrophic Cavatina – Wednesday, September 20 to Friday, September 29

Choreographed by Kokoro Dance co-directors and award-winning dance artists Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi, the company’s latest full-length butoh (Japanese theatre) work, which has been 20 years in the making, is set to the heartrending but uplifting music of acclaimed Polish composer Zbigniew Preisner. Four dancers will strip themselves bare—literally and figuratively—in breathless motion and stillness, embodying the rawness of humanity, while transcending all superficial layers of persona and ego in true butoh style.
Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre,181 Roundhouse Mews; Wednesday, September 20 to Saturday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 26 to Friday September 29, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.; $25 to 30

 

10. Salish Singing and Drumming – Thursday, September 21

Learn traditional Salish social songs, drumming and dance with instructor Russell Wallace, a composer, producer and a traditional Lil’wat singer. Workshops are free and open to everyone!
Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings Street; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; free drop-in