Arts & Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (August 28- September 3)

Wine and dinner pop ups, a Gastown neighbourhood celebration and a late night viewing of "The Goonies."

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. An Italian Wine and Dine: Cicchetti and Spritz Patio Party

August 29

Escape to Italy without the long flight! Imagine you’re in your own charming secret garden patio where twinkly lights (a.k.a. the hipster bat signal) create a magical rustic ambiance. You’re welcomed with your choice of Prosecco, Spritz, or a non-alcoholic beverage and a plate of crispy Sicilian porchetta. But that’s not all—it’s all-you-can-eat from the self-serve Cicchetti bar, offering an array of Venetian-style tapas. It’s the perfect pairing with a slew of handcrafted cocktails, wines and beers (that aren’t going to drink themselves!) You might just forget you’re in Vancouver.

When: August 29
Where: The Farmhouse
Cost: $64.17
More Info: eventbrite.ca

2. From Paris With Love: Pica Chefs and Students Host Parisian-Themed Pop-up Dinner

August 30

Next up in the category “culinary destinations that don’t require a passport” is Paris! The talented chefs and students at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) are hosting a “One Night in Paris” pop-up dinner. That’s right, you could be savouring French classics like Pâté en Croûte and Canard à L’Orange in a delightful five-course feast. It’s a delicious way to support budding culinary talent. Ooh la la!

When: August 30
Where: Blue Hat Bistro at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Cost: $95 per person
More Info: tickettailor.com

3. A Celebration of Gastown in Gastown

August 31

Ain’t no party like a Gastown party ‘cuz a Gastown party has (as follows): live music, portrait artistry, games and more! This Thursday, Water Street is turning into the unofficial summer party zone from Abbott Street to Carrall Street—celebrating Gastown’s unique heritage and community. The best part? You’re invited! This party also includes an oyster shucking competition at Portside (very Gastown) and a performance by the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra with a grand finale performance by Harbour Dance Centre that’s not to be missed (even more Gastown than the Old Spaghetti Factory train!)

When: August 31
Where: Gastown
Cost: Free for all ages
More Info: lowtideproperties.com/meet-me-in-gastown-2023/

4. Acre Through the Seasons Hosts Six-Course Wine Dinner

August 30

Okay, this one is technically in Richmond but it’s too good not to mention. It’s six courses (and a wine pairing with each!) I mean, that feels worth an Uber in my wine-loving opinion. At the beautiful Acre Through the Seasons (in the bougie Versante Hotel) you can indulge in creative dishes paired with iconic B.C. wines by Mission Hill, Checkmate and Martin’s Lane Winery. Come enjoy some food with your wine! (And why not make a night of it and book one of the fancy boutique hotel rooms?)

When: August 30
Where: Acre Through the Seasons
Cost: $198 per person
More Info: tickettailor.com

5. Late Night Date Night Showing of The Goonies

September 1

“Hey you guu-uuys!” Come watch a childhood classic that includes so many iconic lines, characters (Chunk), and actors (let’s not forget a young Ke Huy Quan, who so memorably took home the Oscar this past year after a long hiatus from Hollywood for his role in Everything Everywhere All At Once)—at everyone (including Seth Rogen’s) favourite neighborhood theatre. Doors are at 11 pm and the movie starts at 11:30 pm (maybe nap before?) and it’s 2-for-1 if you bring a date!

When: September 1
Where: Rio Theatre
Cost: From $5.71 (with date!) 
More Info: riotheatretickets.ca/events/27369-the-goonies