Arts and Culture

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

A Supernatural Kiki Ball, a pop-up dedicated to the art of nothing and the 50th anniversary of Emily Carr's legendary student art sale.

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, send an email to [email protected].

Credit: Aamir Ulaah

1. Discover Opera on a Whole New Level at IndieFest 2023’s Cabaret

November 21

Tuesday’s the new Friday, right? (and Wednesday, weirdly, the new Sunday—listen, time’s a construct so don’t come for me!) And why not construct a good time at IndieFest 2023’s IndieArtist Cabaret? Think opera with a twist of VR, drag and BIPOC storytelling. The cabaret promises to be a showcase of our city’s coolest creatives, a mash-up of music, dance, theatre and poetry, all in snappy 10-minute bits. Be sure to check out the full Fest lineup here and get ready to get your opera on!* (*Filed under: “Things I’m Confident I’ve Never Said Aloud Before”.)

When: November 21
Where: Fox Cabaret
Cost: From $17.31 (there’s also: Pay-What-You-Can; and Indigenous, Inuit and Métis Peoples get in for free)
More Info: indiefest.ca

 

2. Get Some Cool New Art at Emily Carr’s Legendary Student Art Sale

November 23-25

Need some unique holiday gift ideas? Or some artwork that isn’t just that giant black-and-white Amsterdam photograph with the red bike from Ikea? Then be sure to check out this year’s student art show at Emily Carr featuring thousands of one-of-a-kind pieces in a variety of media (paintings, ceramics, printmaking, photography, housewares, wearables, jewelry and more) from the more than 225 participating students. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic art sale and it’s slated to be the biggest one yet. So come support the art of tomorrow and who knows, maybe you’ll end up with some original artwork from the next Banksy (plus it’s seriously time to retire that Ikea print, everybody and their dentist’s offices have it!)

When: November 23-25
Where: Emily Carr
Cost: Free
More Info: www.ecuad.ca/events/sas-event-2023

3. Get Your Laugh On at QueerProv’s Mandy & Friends

November 24

Get ready for a riot of laughs with Vancouver’s wittiest LGBTQ+ improvisers and performers. This event is a mash-up of comedy, drag, improv and theater, where queer characters and stories take center stage—and the spotlight’s never been funnier!

When: November 24
Where: Tightrope Theatre
Cost: $20
More Info: www.eventbrite.com

4. Experience a Pop-Up That Celebrates The Art of Nothing

November 24-26

Escape Black Friday chaos and dive into The Art of Nothing! This unique pop-up gallery blends art, visuals and sounds from the Southern Gulf Islands into an immersive experience. It’s a three-day escape into creativity and calm, showcasing the beauty of ‘nothing’ —all free of charge at KOU Studios. Get ready to be mesmerized by sweet nothings.

When: November 24-26
Where: KOU Studios
Cost: Free
More Info: nothingisthenewsomething.com

5. Strike a Pose at the 2nd Annual Supernatural Kiki Ball

November 25

The Supernatural Kiki Ball is a nature-inspired extravaganza organized by Khelsilem 007 as part of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week). This all-ages event promises an electrifying blend of art, fashion and ballroom competition. It’s not just a ball; it’s a celebration of life and energy in its most (super)natural form!

When: November 25
Where: Performance Works Theatre
Cost: From $22.63
More Info: www.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]