5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (August 21-27)

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. A Burlesque Show for You and Your Best Fur Bestie

August 27

Dog lovers and burlesque enthusiasts, unite! The Granville Flea is throwing a patio party that’s so fetch, even your fur baby will be wagging their tail in excitement. Dive into a world where vintage streetwear meets playful pups and where the beats drop as often as the treats do. Whether you’re a dog owner, a dog admirer or just someone who appreciates a good shimmy and shake, this event is for you. And if you’re thinking of leaving Fido at home, think again! This is one party where being in the doghouse is a good thing.

When: August 27
Where: The Birdhouse
Cost: Dog & human $34.28 (just human $28.99)
More Info: www.showpass.com

2. Get Your Dance On at the Monstercat Blockparty

August 26

The electronic music label folks at Monstercat are throwing a free (yes, I said free!) block party on Saturday right outside their Railway Street HQ and they want you to come! If electronic beats are your jam (and you also happen to like artsy stuff, live doodles, swanky tees, munchies on wheels, brewski zones and even some gaming action), then this is the block party for you. If you’re suffering from a lack of dance in your life, let local spin doctors Blanke, Nostalgix and more help with that diagnosis. There are even limited VIP tickets up for grabs that include premium lounge access, a separate bar, prime stage views and a three-month subscription to Monstercat Gold. Oh, and it’s 19+ (sorry teens!)

When: August 26
Where: Monstercat HQ
Cost: Free (or limited VIP passes for $39.50)
More Info: ticketfairy.com

3. An Outdoor Street Celebration at Historic Punjabi Market

August 27

It’s the eighth annual Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts (August 7 to 31) and this Sunday Main St. (and 49th Avenue) is turning into Punjabi party central with music, dance and free chai and jalebis! From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., CBC’s Baneet Braich will be hosting the outdoor celebration as a roster of DJs drop their sickest beats (including international superstar Pav Dharia, Gurtêj a.k.a NY Virtuoso). Don’t miss out on a Sunday funday party on Main.

When: August 27
Where: Punjabi Market
Cost: Free 
More Info: monsoonartsfest.ca

4. Fanny Bay, Artigiano and North Van Brewery Are Teaming Up for a Lobster Pop-Up

August 24

I’ve got three words for you: wine, beer, lobster! What more do you need to know? Here are the deets: Fanny Bay is hosting their own version of Lobster Fest (please don’t sue me Red Lobster!) with a summer series pop-up inspired by the red-clawed East Coast delicacy—but they’re not doing it alone! Teaming up with Cafe Artigiano and North Van Brewery, they’re planning an evening (6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to be exact) of lobster roll feasting, live music by Olin Brix and lobster bibs (not included, BYOLB). You can book a limited spot at the table through Artigiano’s website (that includes a complimentary bevvy when you arrive!) See you seafood fiends at this summer Lobster Fest (seriously Red Lobster, you can’t just own the words “lobster” and “fest”—that’s not fair!)

When: August 24
Where: Artigiano’s Edgemont Village Location
Cost: Varies
More Info: caffeartigiano.com/pages/artigiano-summer-series

5. The “Barbie Girl” ’90s Danish pop group AQUA is coming to the PNE this Saturday

August 26

Come on Barbie, let’s go party—at everybody’s fave outdoor amusement park stage, that is! Whether you remember the Danish pop-dance group AQUA because you lived it, are vaguely aware of it because of the new Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj song that samples the hit “Barbie Girl” anthem, or have just watched the Barbie movie for the fifth time and want a new way to appreciate the Mattel blonde, this is your outdoor concert! Go on some rides and then throw on your jelly shoes and dance the night away to a nostalgia-drenched ’90s soundtrack with you and all your best Barbies.

When: August 26
Where: PNE Amphitheatre
Cost: From $25
More Info: ticketleader.ca