Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (March 27-April 2)

A solo exhibition celebrating the remarkable women who uphold Indigenous communities, a Comic and Toy Show at the PNE and a free screening in honour of Transgender Day of Visibility.

By Kerri Donaldson /

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].

Still from film. Period piece, a woman and a man in period attire.
Credit: YVR Screen Scene For Ukraine. Still from Viddana.

1. Come to the YVR Screen Scene for Ukraine Gala and Make a Difference

March 29

Want to support a great cause while enjoying an evening of Ukrainian creativity and resilience? Look no further than the YVR Screen Scene For Ukraine gala taking place at the VIFF Centre. Hosted by actor Adrian Petriw and podcast host Sabrina Rani Furminger, the event features a special screening and North American premiere of Viddana (check out the trailer), live music, craft items for sale, and a post-screening reception featuring delicious Ukrainian food. All funds raised from ticket sales and the online auction will benefit rehabilitation therapy programs for the children of fallen Ukrainian heroes. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of something special and impactful.

When: March 29
Where: VIFF Centre
Cost: From $50
More Info: yvrscreenscene.com

A very stylized side profile, black and white portrait of an Indigenous woman against a black background.
Credit: Courtesy of Melody Charlie

2. Celebrate the Strength and Wisdom of Indigenous Women at the Bill Reid Gallery

March 29 – June 25

If you’re looking for an awesome event that’ll make you feel empowered and inspired, then you’ve got to check out the upcoming solo exhibition at the Bill Reid Gallery. It’s called Matriarchs Seen and Unseen, and it features some breathtaking photography by the talented Nuu-Chah-Nulth artist Melody Charlie. This exhibition is all about celebrating the amazing women who hold up Indigenous communities—the aunties, mothers, and grandmothers who lead and guide their families with their strength, wisdom, and leadership. You’ll get to see over 20 striking portrait photographs that showcase the deep connections and traditional cultural practices that these women are preserving. Come pay homage to these remarkable women who’ve shaped our community.

When: March 29 – June 25
Where: Bill Reid Gallery
Cost: From $13
More Info: billreidgallery.ca

The film poster for TRANSformation with text and the image of a face where half has light facial hair.
Credit: www.krowstransformation.com

3. Lights, Camera, Transcend! Catch the Premiere of Krow’s TRANSformation

March 31

Get ready to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st with the theatrical premiere of Krow’s TRANSformation, an award-winning documentary by local producer and director Gina Hole Lazarowich. The film follows the journeys of Krow Kian, Kas and Ashton as they navigate their identities and lives as trans individuals. If you missed the first panel and screening on March 24th at Cineworks—here’s your chance to check it out for free. Fun fact: the film has a special private screening in Ottawa for Members of Parliament, Senators, and the Prime Minister, so real trans stories can be put in front of politicians. Check out the trailer here.

When: March 31
Where: Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society
Cost: Free
More Info: krowstransformation.com

Promo poster for the event with text and an image of a Hulk-like character.
Credit: The Vancouver Comic & Toy Show

4. Level Up Your Nerd Game at Vancouver’s Biggest Comic and Toy Show

April 1-2

Attention, comic book nerds: the Vancouver Comic and Toy Show is back, and has expanded to double the floor space and double the days. This is not your average comic and toy event:we’re talking over 300 tables of high-end pop culture collectibles and industry talent galore, from comic book and film artists to just about anything your little nerd heart desires. Put on your best cosplay outfit and let’s go.

When: April 1-2
Where: PNE Forum
Cost: From $15
More Info: pne.ca/events

 

Three disabled woman of colour in front of a pride flag.
Credit: sixpo.netlify.app

5. Join the Conversation Exploring Sexuality and Inclusion at the SIXPO Festival

April 1 – 19 (virtual)
April 20 – 22 (in-person)

Get ready for the SIXPO festival, a three-week event all about exploring relationships and sexual wellness for folks with disabilities. With a mix of virtual and in-person events, SIXPO features a wide range of workshops, panels, and presentations from experts and advocates, including Andrew Gurza, Leah Tidey and Amber DiPietro. From introductory sessions to deeper dives into sexual health, identity, consent and self-pleasure, there’s something for everyone at SIXPO.

When: April 1-22 (virtual & in-person)
Where: Heritage Hall
Cost: By donation
More Info: sixpo.netlify.app

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]