Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (October 9-15)

Check out a live concert for Latin American Heritage Month, a week-long improv festival at the Cultch, a spookified suspension bridge and more.

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].

Photo: LV Imagery (Pictured) Ann Pornel of The Great Canadian Baking Show is one of the many improvisers performing at this year’s festival.

1. Get Your Laugh On at the 25th Annual Vancouver Improv Festival Returns

October 10-15

In case you didn’t know, there are some pretty funny comedians coming to town this week with one unified mission: to make you laugh. If you hate laughter, please skip ahead because this week-long festival is packed with local and out-of-towner heavy-hitters who are looking for no less than a real-life ROFL. The Great Canadian Baking Show‘s Ann Pornel is in the mix and look out for Gordie Lucius (yep, the CBC Gem’s nature lover), Bollywood-inspired Hinprov, NYC’s Branded Silk, and more. There are even workshops you can try if this is your year of “Yes, And!”

When: October 10-15
Where: The Cultch
Cost: $25
More Info: vancouverimprovfest.com

 

An acrylic painting of Dunbar street in the rain at night
“Take Me Away” 48 x 60 inches Acrylic on canvas 2022 from “The Ground Beneath My Feet” collection

2. Take in Some Local Sights at David Wilson’s “The Ground Beneath My Feet”

October 12-28

David Wilson’s back with a bang! Dive into local cityscapes, moody vibes and a dash of deep thinking. Pop by for the opening reception (October 14, 2-4 pm) for some artsy mingling. 

When: October 12-28
Where: VisualSpace Gallery
Cost: Free
More Info: www.davidwilson.ca

 

3. Get Spooky at Canyon Frights at Capilano

October 13-31

What’s scarier than a suspension bridge? One that’s getting into the Halloween spirit. Starting up October 13th, your fave walkable bridge is getting a spooky Victorian ‘Fall Fair’ makeover. So don your best costume (we’re all doing Barbie this year, right?), play some games, and have a hoot with some real owls (like, actual Harry Potter-style owls! no joke!). Fun for the whole family and a great way to get yourself into the spooky season (or torture your heights-adverse friends and loved ones, however you want to look at it).

When: October 13-31
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: From $26.95- $66.95
More Info: www.capbridge.com

 

4. Enjoy Chilean Music, Poetry and Art at the Orpheum

October 15

Come celebrate Latin American Heritage Month at “Remembering the Future: Chile 1973 – 2023″—a live concert with Hugo Guzmán of Sumalao and wordsmith Carmen Rodriguez lighting up the Orpheum. Commemorating 50 years since Chile’s coup, this night is a jam-packed jam out with 17 performers, poetry and art projections all celebrating Chile’s vibrant community in Canada.

When: October 15
Where: The Orpheum
Cost: From $20
More Info: vlacc.ca

5. Unleash Your Inner Artist at the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival

October 12-15

Ever felt artsy but not quite mainstream? VOAF is your jam. Celebrate unique talents, catch offbeat workshops and discover art that’s delightfully different. Why not hit up the opening night party happening October 12 at 5:30-8 pm at the Roundhousem where you’ll get a first look at 400+ artworks, groove out to Edzi’u & Bukola and be charmed by comedic hosts Rebecca Duncan and Savannah Erasmus? Free entry, snacks and a splash of the unexpected.

When: October 12-15
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre 
Cost: Free
More Info: www.voaf.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]