Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (May 1-7)

A lucha libre wrestling show, spring craft fair and documentary film festival.

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].

Dancers in white dresses huddle together on a stage
Dada Masilo and company members in The Sacrifice. Photo by John Hogg, courtesy of DanceHouse.

1. See the Stravinsky Classic Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

May 5-6

It’s spring which can only mean one thing—Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring is blasting across fancy theatres everywhere! But for those who want to celebrate the seasonal show with a twist, there’s Dada Masilo’s The Sacrifice, a bold and exhilarating take on the Stravinsky classic. Infusing the rhythms, sounds and rituals of Botswana, the award-winning South African choreographer Masilo brings Tswana (a traditional Botswana dance) to form the foundation for this powerful rendition. Masilo’s unique style is a masterful blend of contemporary and African dances, inspired by classic ballets like Giselle and Swan Lake, and speaking to Black identity and feminism. Don’t miss your chance to witness a true masterpiece in the world of dance.

When: May 5-6
Where: Vancouver Playhouse
Cost:From $35
More Info: dancehouse.ca

A still from the documentary, a man walks through a chinatown street in NYC.
Still from “Big Fight in Little Chinatown” (pictured) Ken Li outside KK Discount in NYC Chinatown. Photo Credit: Nathaniel Brown

2. Get Your Fill of Docs and Popcorn at DOXA 2023

May 4-14

DOXA is back and documentary-er than ever! Vancouver’s beloved film fest is packing 10 days and multiple theaters with inspiring local and international storytelling that humanizes important issues (and normalizes eating popcorn entirely as a meal). Kicking off the fest is Big Fight in Little Chinatown, a feature film that examines the growing disappearance of Chinatowns in North America due to the pandemic and anti-Asian racism. It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight to keep cultural roots intact, and an inspiring example of resistance. Plus, there are masterclasses, filmmaker Q&As and industry events to attend (just look at this jam-packed program), making DOXA the perfect place to connect with fellow doc lovers (possible alt title for Grey’s Anatomy?) So get your tickets—there’s also limited edition virtual tickets so you can watch from the comfort of your own sweats—and appetite for social justice ready for this thought-provoking and inspiring experience. See you there?

When: May 4-14
Where: Various theaters + online
Cost: From $13-$18
More Info: doxafestival.ca

Poster image for wrestling show with text and drawing of masked wrestler
Credit: Commodore Ballroom

3. Check Out Some Lucha Libre for Cinco de Mayo

May 5

If you’re like me and only really know the Mexican-born masked wrestling style thanks to the 2006 movie Nacho Libre, it might be worth checking it out in person in all its ringside glory at the Commodore Ballroom—what better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Gather your rowdiest pals and enjoy some cheap tacos, cervezas and mariachi as you cheer on your favourite masked contender (not to be confused with the Masked Singer) (I mean, do that too if you want) (it’s your life).

When: May 5
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: From $116.62
More Info: commodoreballroom.com

 

The promo for the event with a floral art illustration and text describing the event.

4. Get Some Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas at the Got Craft Spring Edition

May 6-7

Need to find something whimsical for Mother’s Day? Shop till you drop at the Got Craft Spring Market which features 95-plus talented makers, a Mini Makers Market with Kidpreneurs under 16, food carts and swag bags that will blow your mind. You can find handmade ceramics, clothing, body and skincare, jewelry, food, homewares, greeting cards, art, and more, while supporting a community of independent artists. There’s something for everyone, from Oge Ajibe’s sustainable clothing line (check out this piece we wrote all about the size-inclusive fashion designer and brand) to the award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate from Kasama Chocolate. And don’t miss out on the first-time vendor, Gamer Gadgetry, a 3D printing company creating creatures, fidget toys, and custom-printing services.

When: May 6-7
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre
Cost: From $5
More Info: gotcraft.com

Promo with two drag stars posing with a flower covering one of their bottoms and text.

5. Drag Your Friends to Brunch

May 6

Take brunch to the next level with the Spring Fling Drag Brunch at Havana. Hosted by Xanax and Mx Bukuru, you’ll enjoy your mimosas with a side of Vancouver’s top drag superstars: Bebo, Wan-ting Moi, Human Girl and Havana’s own Mikki Wikki. Tickets are $35 per person, available by the table and include entry and a donation to QMUNITY. So, to recap: that’s good times, good food and a good cause, sounds like a brunch no-brainer—the only question is, who are you going to drag with you?

When: May 6
Where: Havana Vancouver
Cost: $40.54
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]