5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (March 6-12)

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. Get Your Girl Power Fix at the Vancouver International Women in Film Festival

March 7-11

With International Women’s Day this Wednesday, why not celebrate the leading ladies of the film industry at the 18th annual Vancouver International Women in Film Festival (VIWFF)? You won’t want to miss the opening night screening of Broken Angel, a compelling story of survival, resilience, and the empowering nature of cultural identity in the face of trauma. Then stick around after for music, snacks and refreshments and plenty of mixing and mingling at the opening night reception.

This year there are tons of great female-uplifting films to check out including Some Women, a documentary about self-love by Quen Wong (Singapore’s first trans woman to direct a documentary feature) and Gail Maurice’s Rosie, which follows an orphaned Indigenous girl forced to live with her reluctant, street-smart, francophone aunty and her two gender-bending best friends in 1980s Montreal. And for all you aspiring filmmakers out there, be sure to check out the in-person and virtual panel discussions featuring some of the industry’s most talented female directors and producers, with masterclasses on intimacy coordination and cinematography, the Tricksters and Writers table read, and so much more.

There’s also an exceptional shorts program and a virtual festival taking place March 12th-25th (right after the in-person fest). So grab your popcorn, your besties, and your feminist spirit and I’ll see you there.

When: March 7-11
Where: VIFF Centre
Cost: From $5-$15
More Info: womeninfilm.ca

2. Sip, Savour and Learn at The Cask Whisky Vault x Glenmorangie Distillery Tasting

March 10

Hey whisky lovers! Looking to sample some premium whiskies (including a 25-year-aged Sonoma Cask Reserve)? The Cask Whisky Vault x Glenmorangie Distillery tasting event is for you. Enjoy a guided tasting of some of Glenmorangie’s rarest and tastiest whiskies, all while learning from a brand ambassador who knows their stuff. And munch on delicious bites like chili nuts, tonka bean nama truffles, house-made salt and pepper chips and maple chicharrónes as you sip your whiskey and mingle with fellow whisky enthusiasts. Come discover new flavours and some new friends along the way as you whisky away the night in style.

When: March 10
Where: Cask Whisky Vault
Cost: $55
More Info: clubversante.com/cask

3. Get the Scoop on Women’s Health from Dr. Jen Gunter and Friends at Sex, Lies, and Hormones

March 8

Ladies, listen up! This International Women’s Day, ScienceUpFirst is bringing you the truth about women’s health in their event, Sex, Lies and Hormones: The Truth About Women’s Health. Featuring the legendary Dr. Jen Gunter, author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto, along with a panel of esteemed health experts (including Dr. Lori Brotto and Dr. Melissa Lem, moderated by Dr. Esther Odekunle), this event will tackle everything from hormone health to health inequities. Although the in-person event at Science World is sold out (sorry, ladies), you can still join for free online. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and bust those health myths once and for all.

When: March 8
Where: Online
Cost: Free
More Info: scienceupfirst.com

4. Get Your Gatsby On at the Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala

March 11

Do you like cocktails? (Duh! Yes! Dumb question, I know.) What about dressing up like it’s the Roaring Twenties? Do you like feeling fancy AF? Then mark your calendars for March 11, because it’s time for the Golden Era Cocktail Revival Gala, baby. This event is part of Vancouver Cocktail Week, so expect to sip on delicious drinks, show off your best Charleston moves, and snap some gram-worthy pics in your swanky attire. Who knows, you might even meet your own Jay Gatsby (or Daisy Buchanan, whichever floats your boat).

When: March 11
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Cost: $175
More Info: eventbrite.ca/golden-era-cocktail-revival-gala-tickets

5. Enjoy Angela Hewitt’s Classical Concert Bach, Brahms, and Scarlatti

March 12

If you’re looking for something to do this week that doesn’t involve Netflix, check out Angela Hewitt‘s Bach, Brahms, and Scarlatti. The legendary pianist is a classical music queen and has won more awards than Meryl Streep. This lady knows how to tickle the ivories and will take you on a musical journey that will make you feel like royalty. Perfect for anyone who wants to embrace an little elegance and get all dressed up for a night at the theatre. Bonus win: impress your co-workers with your newfound appreciation for classical music at the office on Monday.

When: March 12
Where: The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
Cost: $55
More Info: chancentre.com/events