What to Do in Vancouver This Week (Apr. 24 to 30)

City debates, volunteer work for Canada’s 150th year, opera and more great events to fill your calendar.

Join the Debate

Wednesday, April 26

As affordable housing becomes an increasing concern in Vancouver—and with the B.C. election around the corner—Urbanarium hosts a debate where candidates are put on the hot seat about their party platforms. Urbanarium City Debate asks audience members to vote at the beginning and end of the debate. Whichever group changes the most opinions is awarded a prize. Speakers include, New Democrat Housing Critic MLA David Eby, BC Liberal MLA Sam Sullivan and Green Party Housing Spokesperson David Wong.When: April 26, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Where: UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson St.Cost: By donation, registration requiredTickets: Eventbrite

Bid Your Time

Thursday, April 27

Food, live music, an art auction and fundraising for social good? Sounds like a great birthday party for Canada’s 150th year! Timeraiser 150’s big twist is that guests bid volunteer hours rather than money for art made by emerging Canadian artists. Bids start at 20 hours and cap at 150 hours of volunteer work. Winning bidders can volunteer for the nonprofit organization of their choice and display their art with pride.When: April 27, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.Where: The Permanent, 330 West Pender St.Cost: $15 to $21.50Tickets: Eventbrite

Hit a High Note

Friday, April 28 to May 13

Vancouver Opera invites you to marvel at the magic of the human voice with 16 days of performances and events at their inaugural festival. New operas, famous classics, art installations, workshops and a Carmina Burana sing-a-long, the Vancouver Opera Festival has it all! Included is Mozart’s comedy, The Marriage of Figaro and a performance by Polaris Prize winning Tanya Tagaq, the world renowned throat singer.When: April 18 to May 13Where: Multiple venuesCost: Free to $50Tickets: Vancouver Opera

Fill Your Day with Dance

Saturday, April 29

The Dance Centre has organized a whole day of free dance performances to celebrate International Dance Day. Held at venues around the city, performances include street dance, bhangra, salsa dance lessons and contemporary choreography. Of note are the pop-up performances by Pressed Paradise taking place in surprising spaces in the Scotiabank Dance Centre (think small audiences inside the bar closet or elevator).When: April 29, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St. and other venuesCost: FreeMore info: The Dance Centre

Dig Up the Dirt

Sunday, April 30

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get gardening! Whether you have a well-established green thumb or are replacing your houseplants for the third time, VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Plant Sale is sure to have something for you. Thousands of plants are on sale and all proceeds support VanDusen’s educational programs.When: April 30, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St.Cost: FreeMore info (including plant catalogue): VanDusen Garden

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