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5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (August 23 – 29)

By Alyssa Hirose /

1. Ride a Giant Seesaw

Through September 19

We don’t expect too much from art installations at malls, but Impulse at The Amazing Brentwood is pretty freaking cool. Nine huge illuminated seesaws produce sound as you travel up and down, leading to a neat sonic experience and the cheapest high you’re likely to find in this city.

When: On now through Sunday September 19
Where: The Amazing Brentwood
Cost: Free
More Info: theamazingbrentwood.com

Credit: Circles

2. Circles Creative Arts Festival

August 28

This music festival has an awesome concert lineup, of course (including Drezus, Dakota Bear and Rudegang) but also pop-up shops, a youth showcase and plenty of food. The Circle Festival’s aim is to uplift and empower BIPOC youth, and this weekend’s event is a fundraiser for Nlaka’pamux (Lytton) Youth Programs.

When: Saturday August 28, 1:00 p.m – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Andy Livingstone Park
Cost: Free admission
More Info: eventbrite.com

Credit: Days (2020)

3. Watch a Foreign Film Without Subtitles

August 24 & 26

As the great Bong Joon-ho famously said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films”—but for this movie, the barrier is even shorter. Although it’s technically in Mandarin, Days has so little dialogue that director Tsai Ming-liang requested it not be subtitled. You’ll get it regardless of your grasp of Mandarin: it’s “slow cinema” that’s minimalism meant for meditation. More on the film’s plot here.

When: Tuesday August 24 at 8:20 p.m. and Thursday August 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: VIFF Centre Studio Theatre
Cost: From $10
More Info: viff.org

Credit: Upward Spiral Comedy

4. Upward Spiral’s Comedy Show

August 27

Local comedy troupe Upward Spiral is joined by stand-up comedian Aaron Read and the dazzling duo that is Brunch Comedy in this Friday night show. It’s an excellent opportunity for laughing out loud if that is your thing.

When: Friday August 27 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Little Mountain Gallery
Cost: $10
More Info: eventbrite.com

5. Go for a Scavenger Hunt in Steveston

Through September 7

There are no physical things to seek in this scavenger hunt, which makes it a heck of a lot easier. The effort to support Steveston businesses just requires that you take photos to enter—the more pics you take and hashtag #stevestonhunt, the more entries you’ll get to win restaurant gift cards and hotel stays. It’s put on by the Joseph Richard Group, who owns the Buck and Ear and Steveston Hotel (both scavenger destinations, obviously—full list here).

When: Through Tuesday, September 7
Where: Steveston
Cost: Free
More Info: jrg.ca