Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (August 19-25)

A Granville block party, National Geographic documentary premiere and a "Kids in the Hall" alum comes to town.

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!

1. Experience the film premiere of Sugarcane, a Sundance Award-Winning Doc by National Geographic

August 23-29

It’s a Nat Geo special doc from directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie that explores historic injustices at a Canadian residential school and has already won multiple awards. Here’s the trailer if you’re one of those.

When: August 23-29
Where: VIFF Centre
Cost: $10
More info: viff.org

Unhinged with Kevin McDonald. Photo by Kevin Patrick Robbins

2. Get Unhinged with Kevin McDonald at the Improv Centre

August 24

The Kids in the Hall alum Kevin McDonald is coming to bring the lols by doing standup that will serve to inspire improv courtesy of the TIC ensemble—that’s like a two-for-one comedy show.

When: August 24
Where: The Improv Centre
Cost: From $38
More info: www.theimprovcentre.ca 

 

Via Facebook

3. Bring the Fam for the Light Up Chinatown! 2024 Outdoor Festival

August 24-25

Enjoy tasty street food from top Vancouver chefs along with live performances, special food collabs, lights (duh!) and colourful lanterns to celebrate our iconic Chinatown and the best part? It’s free!

When: August 24-25
Where: 561 Columbia St
Cost: Free
More info: facebook.com

4. Dive into History with Drag Performances at ResiStories: Living Archives of Pride

August 22

Hosted by Shay Dior, ResiStories: Living Archives of Pride is all about celebrating queer history with top drag performances and a lively panel discussion. From 5:30-8:30 pm, enjoy acts by Continental Breakfast, Count Cupid, and Mx Bukuru as scholars share the stories and cultural references behind each performance for a perfect blend of entertainment and education.

When: August 22
Where: Museum of Vancouver
Cost: $20 (bring cash to tip the drag performers!)
More info: museumofvancouver.ca/resistories-pride

 

Credit: Bohdan Lee

5. Join the Granville Block Party

August 24-25

From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., head to Granville and Robson for a free, family-friendly street party equipped with all the street party musts: live music (Mazacote, Dawn Pemberton, Parlour Panther and more), not one but two on-site bars overseen by Red Truck Beer Company, curated stage takeovers by Public Disco, Van Vogue Jam, and Locals Lounge, VHS Markets vendors, a kids area with mini golf and crafts and even an afterparty at Donnellan’s Irish Pub with drink specials and live music to keep the party going all night long.

When: August 24-25
Where: Robson and Granville intersection
Cost: Free
More info: dtvan.ca/granvilleblockparty  

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]