Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (August 26-September 1)

Alt-rock icon Kim Gordon performs at the Commodore, a Canadian metalhead film premieres and a one-night-only rendition of Broadway's "Chicago" takes the stage at the Birdhouse.

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!

Cafe Medina patio. Photo credit Charles Nagy

1. Enjoy Every Last Drop of Summer at This Dinner Collab with Café Medina and Twin Sails Brewing

August 29

Café Medina is playing host alongside B.C.’s own Twin Sails Brewing for their Summer Crush Beer Dinner, where you can enjoy a five-course menu (fresh-shucked oysters, seared locally sourced halibut, grilled SunGold lamb sirloin and more), each perfectly paired with its craft beer twin flame—because summer is a state of mind and therefore never has to end.

When: August 29
Where: Café Medina
Cost: $95 per person
More info: exploretock.com/medinacafe

Paul Spence as Dean Murdoch in DEANER ’89, photo by Alan Fraser, courtesy of Mongrel Media

2. Give’r at a Preview Screening and After Party for New Metalhead Film Deaner ’89 

August 29

Canada’s favourite headbanger and cult icon, Dean Murdoch (Paul Spence of Fubar and Fubar 2 fame), returns to the big screen with a new film that serves as an origin story for his iconic character. The special preview screening will take place at Scotiabank Theatre (official release on September 6), followed by an exclusive after-party at the Wise Hall, where the Governor of Givin’r himself will be in attendance alongside local headbangers Black Wizard and DJ Bork. Still not convinced? Check out the trailer.

When: August 29
Where: Scotiabank Theatre
Cost: From $10
More info: facebook.com

Photo credit: Danielle Neu

3. Get Alt with Sonic Youth Legend Kim Gordon at the Commodore

August 30

Fresh off her critically acclaimed album The Collective, the Sonic Youth alt-rock legend (and my dream gal-pal rocker bestie) is coming to the Ballroom (with Moor Mother opening) to remind us all of our bygone youth.

When: August 30
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $45
More info: commodoreballroom.com

 

4. Watch a Special One-Night-Only Performance of the Broadway Hit Chicago at the Birdhouse

August 30

See the Broadway sensation like you’ve never seen it before. I don’t mean the DVD director’s cut, I’m talking as god intended: starring Vancouver’s best drag artists, PM and Continental Breakfast (plus more). Dress to impress and come get some razzle and dazzle with a side of all that jazz.

When: August 30
Where: The Birdhouse
Cost: From $22
More info: eventbrite.ca

5. Check Out Some Local Short Films at the Cinematheque

August 27

Round up your film buff besties, cinephile fam and appetite for indie cinema and local short films (plus popcorn, duh!)—and head to the Cinematheque to support Vancouver’s local artists and filmmakers. Plus, score some good karma points with additional proceeds from the event going to charity.

When: August 27
Where: the Cinematheque
Cost: From $12
More info: eventbrite.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]