Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (October 30 – November 5)

Sip back some Día de Muertos-inspired cocktails, learn how to cook Korean food and check out an Asian Film Festival.

By Kerri Donaldson /

Here’s your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to [email protected].

Guest moderator for The Debaters Opening Night Special Kate Davis

1. Laugh Out Loud with The Debaters at Chutzpah! Festival’s Opening Night

November 2

Kick off the 23rd Annual Chutzpah! Festival with some laughs at this special edition of CBC Radio’s hit show, The Debaters! Join renowned comics Jacob Samuel, Charlie Demers and guest moderator Kate Davis for a night of witty banter, laugh-out-loud debates and stand-up comedy. The festival runs from November 2 to 23 and you can find the entire lineup of events here.

When: November 2
Where: Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
Cost: From $60
More Info: chutzpahfestival.online.red61.ca

2. Celebrate Día de Los Muertos with a Fiesta at El Camino’s!

November 2

Get into the Día de Los Muertos spirit at El Camino’s! Indulge in their special menu that features the ‘El Fantasma’ cocktail (starring cinnamon-infused mezcal!) and authentic Mexican dishes. The real treat: get serenaded by local mariachi band Los Dorados while you sip back your third drink! Make your reservation now to get your fiesta on—spots are limited!

When: November 2
Where: El Camino’s
Cost: Varies  
More Info: www.elcaminos.ca

3. Discover A Great Divide: A Riveting Centerpiece at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival

November 4

Immerse yourself in the powerful storytelling of A Great Divide, a poignant piece featured in the 27th Vancouver Asian Film Festival (November 2 to November 12, full lineup here.) Join the Lee family on their emotional journey as they seek a fresh start in Wyoming, only to face unexpected challenges and adversity. Starring Ken Jeong, Jae Suh Park and Emerson Min, this film is a raw and resonant exploration of resilience and unity in the face of xenophobia. Secure your tickets now and be part of a festival that celebrates Asian cinema in all its diversity!

When: November 4
Where: International Village Cineplex
Cost: From $8.50
More Info: 2023festival.vaff.org/events

 

 

4.  Cheers to Día de Muertos at Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Exclusive Cocktail Event

November 2 and 3

Ain’t no fiesta like a cocktail fiesta! Celebrate Día de Muertos with a twist (of lime)! Join the Fairmont Pacific Rim as they collab with Mexico City’s famous Baltra Bar (ranked among the world’s best) to bring their cocktail expertise to the award-winning Botanist Bar (November 2) and The Lobby Lounge & RawBar (November 3) for two nights of themed drinks, live music and pure party. No reservations, just bring your fiesta spirit and let’s toast to the macabre!

When: November 2 and 3
Where: Fairmont Pacific Rim
Cost: Varies 
More Info: www.fairmont.com/pacific-rim-vancouver

5. Spice Things Up in the Kitchen! Join This Korean Cooking Class With Chef Heedong

November 4

Add some Korean flavour to your cooking with a fun-filled cooking class led by Chef Heedong. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. get ready to go Gangnam Style with your cuisine, mastering dishes like LA galbi (grilled short ribs) and vegetable japchae (glass noodles). Expand your at-home culinary chops with authentic Korean recipes, a traditional barley tea pairing and more fun than that Psy song (and that song is a crowd fave—move aside Macarena, there’s a new wedding reception anthem in town!)

When: November 4
Where: Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Cost: $185
More Info: www.tickettailor.com/events

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson is an assistant editor for Vancouver magazine (and sister mag Western Living) and covers arts and culture, including VanMag’s So Fun City. She’s also a comedian and will proudly overthink almost everything for your benefit. Send her pitches or riff bits at [email protected]