Events

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (October 14-20)

By Alyssa Hirose /

Raise Your Stein

Through October 20

Check out Harvestland, the largest harvest festival in the country. This family-friendly fest has just about every harvest-related activity under the sets-too-early-sun. Seriously. There’s axe throwing, a pumpkin catapult, a medieval swordplay zone, a scavenger hunt, a cranberry wading pool, hayrides… and that’s just the all-ages stuff. The 19+ “Harvest Haus” features live music and DJ sets, a theatrical keg tapping ceremony, and lots of bier.

When: Now – Sunday, October 20
Where: Hastings Park
Cost: Prices vary
More Info: harvest.land
 

Tiptoe Through the Theatre

October 17-26

If you don’t know what footbinding is, don’t Google it (we warned you). China Doll takes place in Shanghai in the early 20th century, where footbinding—binding a girl’s feet to prevent them from growing—was a common practice. Small feet indicated marriageability for women, while literacy was dangerous (thanks, patriarchy). This play follows one girl’s struggle for independence, and is the first show that Gateway Theatre is presenting with Chinese surtitles running for every performance.

When: Thursday, October 17 – Saturday, October 26
Where: Gateway Theatre
Cost: From $29
More Info: gatewaytheatre.com

Negative Balance

October 17

Egyptian artist Wael Shawky’s art is coming to the west coast for the first time. Al Araba Al Madfuna is a multilayered film production that explores real and imagined histories of the Arab world. The artist used amateur child actors and negative film in his theatrical restaging (it’s gorgeous, even if you’re not a culture vulture). The exhibition opens this week, and Shawky himself will be at the gallery on Thursday to talk about his work.

When: Thursday, October 17 – Sunday, January 12
Where: The Polygon Gallery
Cost: By donation
More Info: thepolygon.ca

Pop-Up Chown Down

October 18

Fayuca hasn’t been relocated quite yet (you’ll have to wait a bit longer, Mount Pleasant-ers) but that hasn’t stopped Chefs Ernesto Gomez and Martin Vargas from whipping up a pop-up concept presented once a month. This week’s pop-up dinner is a six-course family-style smorgasbord serving up PNW-Mexican fusion (think mussel escabeche tostadas, venison tamal with native corn, and quince tart with Oaxacan wild vanilla ice cream). Pop in before it’s gone.

When: Friday, October 18 7:00 p.m.
Where: 290 West 3rd Avenue
Cost: $110
More Info: fayuca.ca

Sunday Funday

October 20

Drag yourself out of bed (I’ll be here all week) for Drags Benny Vancouver, a unique brunch experience hosted by Laila McQueen of RPDR fame. In addition to a brunch fit for a queen, guests will be treated to drag performances by visiting Calgarians Angelina Starchild and Perla Coddington as well as locals Kendall Gender, Gia Metric and Mina Mercury. You better werk, brunch.

When: Sunday, October 20 11:00 a.m.
Where: Fairmont Waterfront
Cost: From $70
More Info: eventbrite.ca