Arts & Culture

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

Check out TLC and Boys II Men at the PNE, shop a vintage flea market and party at the Monsoon Festival kick-off.

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 kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

1. TLC and Boys II Men bring the ’90s to the PNE Stage

August 19 and 20

Don’t go chasing waterfalls, but rather come to the PNE to witness ’90s legends TLC sing and dance their way through their iconic discography while screams from the Beast ride harmonize in the distance. Kicking off the Summer Night Concerts series, the Tender Loving Care singers are bringing their female-empowering hits to the Chevrolet Stage in the PNE Amphitheatre to spread awareness about the dangers of scrubs (a guy that thinks he’s fly, A.K.A a “busta”) and to stick to the rivers and the lakes that we’re used to. And if that wasn’t ’90s enough, Boyz II Men are bringing their velvety vocals to the PNE stage the following evening for a full-on throwback weekend not to miss. So grab your bucket hat and chunky mules and I’ll see you there (unless you’re a SCRUB!)

When: August 19 and 20
Where: PNE Ampitheatre
Cost: From $25
More Info: pne.ca

2. Meowfest 2023 A.K.A Cat-a-Palooza

August 19

Meowfest 2023: It’s like Coachella for cat lovers, minus the desert heat! Swing by to high-five some internet-famous felines, indulge in some “purrformance” art and contribute to the world’s most ambitious furball project (seriously, we wrote a thing about it here!) So if you’ve ever wanted to climb a human-sized cat tree, add to a record-breaking hairball, witness a cat fashion show, love feline puns and are looking to join the many cat-centric socials (single and a feline-enthusiast?—the If I Fits, You Sits: Speed Dating for Cat Lovers could be your own cat-themed Love Island!), this is your jam—all while helping out local shelters. Win-win, right?

When: August 19
Where: Rocky Mountaineer Station
Cost: From $30.80
More Info: eventbrite.ca

 

Sunday Funday: Bhangra Dance Lesson with Raja Singh at the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts.

3. Monsoon Festival’s Kickoff Night at The Cultch

August 17-31

Ready to kick off the Monsoon Festival with a bang? Head over to The Cultch for a taste of what’s to come! Get exclusive sneak peeks of festival performances, then mix ’n’ mingle with fellow performing arts enthusiasts over drinks from the cash bar. And hey, if you’re curious about the full storm of events brewing at the festival, check out the lineup at Monsoon Fest 2023. Let the artsy monsoon season begin!

When: August 17-31
Where: The Cultch
Cost: From $20
More Info: monsoonartsfest.ca

4. Dive into Vintage Vibes at Granville Flea’s 2023 Expo

August 20

Dive into a retro wonderland as the Granville Flea rolls out its third Vintage Expo this Sunday at the Beaumont Studios. From rare streetwear finds to beats by Vancouver’s top DJ school, it’s the ultimate throwback party (not to be confused with the aforementioned throwback dance party happening this same weekend at the PNE. See: Above). Grab your ticket, channel your inner ’90s spirit and let’s get vintage-vibing!

When: August 20
Where: The Beaumont Studios
Cost: From $8.79
More Info: eventbrite.ca

5. Sip & Shuck: A North Vancouver Oyster and Gin Soiree

August 20

Oysters meet cocktails in North Vancouver! Fanny Bay Oyster Bar teams up with Copperpenny Distilling Co. in the heart of the Lower Lonsdale Shipyards District to bring you a day of slurping oysties and gin-based cocktails (featuring the first-of-its-kind-in-Canada ‘No. 006 Oyster Shell Gin’ which makes for perfect bragging rights the following Monday morning at the office!) Email info@copperpennydistilling.com to register before it fills up.

When: August 20
Where: The Shipyards District
Cost: From $17
More Info: eventbrite.ca