Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (May 20-26)

A Kintsugi workshop, a 1000-gallon smoker for Spot Prawn Festival and a karaoke comedy show.

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!

A close-up shot of glazed rib bites served on a bed of crinkle-cut fries in a white disposable container.

1. Get Your Smoked Meat On at the Spot Prawn Festival With Rosie’s BBQ Pop-Up

May 26

Straight from Texas, Rosie’s BBQ is bringing the big guns—a 1000-gallon Mill Scale smoker, that is—and they’ve got not one but two trailers! They’ll be at the Spot Prawn Festival at the False Creek Harbour Authority – Fishermen’s Wharf this weekend and at Batch (Plaza of Nations) too (because the only thing better than one BBQ is two BBQs).

When: May 26
Where: False Creek Harbour Authority – Fishermen’s Wharf
Cost: Free
More info: rosieshospitality.ca

 

Cheri Maracle, dressed in traditional attire, performs on stage as Pauline Johnson. She stands with a suitcase, looking upwards, with a historic photo of Pauline Johnson projected in the background. The stage is set with a vintage couch and ornate screen.

2. Dive into Paddle Song at the Firehall Arts Centre

May 26- June 1

Celebrate the legendary E. Pauline Johnson with a splash of storytelling, poetry and song. It’s a one-woman show meets Canadian Heritage Moment meets musical proving you really can have it all.

When: May 26- June 1
Where: Firehall Arts Centre
Cost: From $30
More info: firehallartscentre.ca

 

Hsuan Ning Huang Photo by Yanda Wu

3. Enjoy Chinese Winds and Indonesian Beats as Part of the Sound of Dragon Festival

May 26

Ready for a cultural jam sesh? Dive into a wild fusion of Chinese winds and Indonesian gamelan (Google it if you’re curious) for an unforgettable experience—way better than staying home with your moody Spotify playlist. Catch this epic event at the Sound of Dragon Festival, May 23-26 at the Annex.

When: May 26
Where: The Annex
Cost: From $20
More info: soundofdragon.com/festival/2024-festival/

 

A ceramic bowl repaired with the Japanese art of Kintsugi, featuring gold-filled cracks that highlight its once broken parts. The bowl rests on a wooden surface with a plain background, showcasing the beauty in its imperfections.
Kintsugi, Courtesy of Yuka Morino

4. Mend With Gold at a Kintsugi Workshop

May 25

Embrace your flaws by turning them into gold at the Kintsugi Workshop. Learn the ancient Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold and see if there’s any way that translates to fixing your life.

When: May 25
Where: The Annex
Cost: $186
More info: vanartgallery.bc.ca/events/kintsugi-workshop

 

A cartoon illustration of a quirky owl with curly hair and glasses, holding a microphone. The owl is wearing a colourful Hawaiian shirt with a floral pattern. The background features a sketchy cityscape with colourful bubbles and the text 'Weird Owl Karaoke' is written in vibrant, playful fonts.

5. Enjoy Some Karaoke Comedy With Weird Owl Karaoke

May 25

Comedians sing original parody songs just like Weird Al (except they use YouTube karaoke tracks and Weird Al is not present—but an even weirder owl puppet is if that’s any consolation).

When: May 25
Where: Little Mountain Gallery
Cost: $14.86
More info: littlemountaingallery.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]