Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (October 1- 6)

Fright Nights return, a world premiere documentary at VIFF and big laughs at the Vancouver Improv Festival—plus more can’t-miss events.

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, add it to our ongoing Vancouver events calendar here!

1. Check Out the Q&A for The Chef & The Daruma at This Year’s VIFF

October 5

Catch the world premiere of The Chef and The Daruma at VIFF, featuring sushi legend Chef Hidekazu Tojo—the creator of the California roll. Fun fact: it was filmed in Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Japan. Don’t miss the special Q&A screening with the director and Tojo himself.

When: October 5
Where: Fifth Avenue Cinema
Cost: From $19 (and Pay What You Can)
More info: viff.org

2. Get Your Laughs On at the Vancouver Improv Festival

October 1-6

Up your weekly comedy intake at this annual improv festival at the Cultch where local and visiting improv greats make comedy magic from your suggestions. Here’s mine: say “yes, and” to leaving the house for some spontaneous LOLs.

When: October 1-6
Where: The Cultch
Cost: From $25
More info: thecultch.com

 

3. Enjoy a Comedy of Errors with The Play That Goes Wrong

October 1-7

Laugh at others’ expense without the guilt with this hilarious comedy where everything that can go wrong, does go wrong during a play within a play.

When: October 1-7
Where: Metro Theatre
Cost: From $30
More info: metrotheatre.com

 

4. Try Single Slice Speed Dating at Slice of Life

October 3

Single Slice Speed Dating at Slice of Life: Pizza, pinball and potential love. Mingle with singles aged 28 to 40 (or 35 to 50 on the 17th), mark your matches on a pizza box form and get paired up the next week. Stick around after for free pinball and then sing your heart out at karaoke.

When: October 3
Where: Slice of Life Art Gallery
Cost: $10
More info: slicevancouver.ca

 

5. Pretend You Didn’t Scream at Playland’s Fright Nights

October 4

Get ready to regret using your sister as a human shield—Playland’s haunted amusement park is back with seven haunted houses, creepy rides and Halloween thrills all month long.

When: October 4
Where: Playland
Cost: From $33
More info: ticketleader.ca

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]