5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (March 18-24)

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. Experience a Play Within a Play With Red Velvet

March 21- April 21

Immerse yourself in the riveting true story of Ira Aldridge, the first Black actor to take on Shakespeare’s Othello—it’s like an Inception-style play within a play (but way less confusing).

When: February 3 -March 3
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Cost: From $29
More info: artsclub.com

2. Enjoy Some Tea Time at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Cherry Blossom Tea

March 1–May 26

What’s better than sipping sake under a cherry blossom tree and just as Instagrammable? Slipping into Notch8’s elegant tea room for their Cherry Blossom Tea. Reach for scones and sweets baked in-house—there’s also a kids’ version, complete with finger sandwiches and cookies—while surrounded by pink and white decor. Craving some IRL blossoms on a sunny day? Order your tea to-go.

When: March 1–May 26
Where: 900 West Georgia St.
Cost:$72 per adult, $40 per child (ages 12 and under)
More info: notch8-dining.com

3. Enjoy the Classics With Handel: Hallelujah and Trumpets at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

March 24

For the Handel-heads, enjoy the maestro’s best odes, concertos and anthems without the complications and moral grey area of time-travel.

When: March 24
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Cost: From $39.50
More info: earlymusic.bc.ca

4. Join the Pussy Riot at the Polygon Gallery

Mar. 22-June 2

There’s an all-out pussy riot and you’re invited, starting March 21 at The Polygon Gallery with the Velvet Terrorism exhibition, then meet the iconic feminist punk rock members in conversation with the curators at The Pipe Shop (a five-minute walk from The Polygon) followed by rage-dancing at the Riot Days concert with Pussy Riot at The Pearl later that evening. It’s art, dialogue and dance—all in one rebellious package.

When: March 22- June 2
Where: The Polygon Gallery
Cost: By donation
More info: thepolygon.ca

5. Get Artsy at the Vancouver Art Gallery Open Studio

March 24

Every Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., come explore your artistic side and create your own works of art at the VAG inspired by the current exhibitions—plus: catch the end of the Denyse Thomasos: Just Beyond exhibition before it ends April 1.

When: March 24
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: From $18 (Free with admission)
More info: vanartgallery.bc.ca