Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (October 21-27)

A Saturday morning filled with Halloween-themed cartoons and cereal, a hip-hop legend comes to the Rio and a tango show gets you moving.

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!

Social Tango. Photo credit: Paola Evelina. All photos provided by DanceHouse. All photos One Time Use.

1. Feel the Rhythym at Agustina Videla’s Social Tango

October 24-26

Ever wanted to master tango or impress your friends with hidden talents (like I hope to do at karaoke—minus the hidden talent part)? Now’s your chance! Straight from Buenos Aires, Social Tango blends dance, live music, film and storytelling—perfect for Latin American Heritage Month. What’s cool about this performance? Local amateurs join the pros on stage! And you can test your own moves or what you’ve learned at the post-show dance party or milonga led by StevenJoanna Tango.

When: October 24-26
Where: Vancouver Playhouse
Cost: From $98.50
More info: dancehouse.ca

2. Experience Film and Music Inspired by the Etiquette of Dying

October 27

Okay, maybe it’s more contemplative than creepy, but The Etiquette of Dying offers an animated deep dive into mortality. This 50-minute film, born from guitarist Ron Samworth’s own battle with cancer, blends his haunting music with filmmaker Melissa Hubert’s visuals. After the screening, stick around for a Q&A with Ron and Melissa, followed by a live improvised musical set. Spoiler: We’re all dying, but at least you can learn to do it with a li’l etiquette.

When: October 27
Where: VIFF Centre
Cost: $26
More info: viff.org

3. Do Art at this Month’s Culture Club at MOA

October 27

Every last Sunday of the month, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the UBC invites you to join its Culture Club with this Sunday’s workshop theme: “Threading Our Collective Narrative.” From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., local printmaker and comic artist Tajliya Jamal will guide a family-friendly workshop blending comic-inspired art with storytelling—now you can finally have main character energy… in your own comic book.

When: October 27
Where: Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Cost: Free
More info: moa.ubc.ca

4. Grab Your Bowl and Join This Halloween-Themed Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party

October 26

Channel your inner kid with bottomless bowls of sugary cereal and Halloween-themed cartoons. Think: The Simpsons “Treehouse of Horror” eps but with way more Lucky Charms. Bring your own bowl, dress up for the costume contest and soft launch that punny Halloween costume before the big day! Actual kids are welcome, too!

When: October 26
Where: The Rio Theatre
Cost: $20 (Kids $14)
More info: riotheatretickets.ca

5. Let the West Coast Hip Hop Legend Warren G Make Your Week Epic

October 24

You might know him from the classic “Regulate” (with Nate Dogg), but this West Coast legend is more than just a party playlist certified banger—he basically helped define the G-Funk era, shaping the hip-hop genre (and now your week!) into something epic.

When: October 24
Where: Rickshaw Theatre
Cost: From $45
More info: rickshawtheatre.com

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]