Arts & Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (May 8-14)

Including the final week of DOXA, a Mother's Day baseball game and a beloved East Van flea market.

By Kerri Donaldson /

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.

Credit: bemorekaren.com

1. Get Served Some Biting Remarks at Karen’s Diner Pop-Up

May 13-21

Indulge in a uniquely unforgettable—and uncomfortable—dining experience like no other. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as you savour classic diner food served with a side of sass, cutting insults and repressed tears. This immersive pop-up event offers a limited menu: chicken sandwiches, beef burgers, or veggie burgers, all accompanied by fries and a soft drink (and probably a slight on your outfit). Don’t expect gluten-free options or subs, unless you enjoy being scolded in front of your loved ones. Brace yourself for a dining adventure that prides itself on terrible service, leaving you with a memorable experience and a bruised ego. Book your tickets online in advance (one ticket per person), and be ready to have your self-esteem destroyed. Children are welcome (if you want to take them down a peg), but no one under 16 after 5 pm.

When: May 13-21
Where: Zawa restaurant
Cost: From $55
More Info: explorehidden.com

Credit: thecultch.com

2. Go See A Quirky Live Theatre Concert Experience Like No Other with New Age Attitudes

May 11-14

It’s a concert but with a twist (that twist being combination pop-up book and live performance—what? I know!). Live from the Historic Theatre, New Age Attitudes: Live in Concert is artist Amanda Sum‘s not-so-typical-concert that’s not quite a concert, not quite a musical, and sort of theatre? It’s part of the Femme Festival, a cool fest that highlights the strength and power of female-identifying voices. Picture this: you’re handed a personalized construction paper book, the quirky artifact that holds the key to this unique musical journey. As you join fellow audience members in silent reading, you’ll dive into a world of sonic descriptions and hilarious invitations. It’s a concert that defies the norm, blending collective reading with lo-fi vibes and celebrating all things introverted and delightfully awkward. Amanda Sum crafts a brand new narrative from her indie-pop album, “New Age Attitudes,” demanding nothing less than your gentle devotion. So, if you’re searching for a unique (and weirdly specific) experience that breaks the concert mold and includes some light reading, here ya go!

When: May 11-14
Where: The Cultch
Cost: From $29
More Info: thecultch.com

Credit: Vancouver Canadians

3. Take Mom Out to the Ball Game for Mother’s Day

May 14

Instead of feeding your mom eggs benny with a side of “been there, done that” why not treat mom to a footlong hotdog and free visor at the Mother’s Day A&W Family Fun Sunday Canadian’s baseball game. Nothing says, “I love you mom” quite like a cold mid-day beer while shouting obscenities at opposing team, the Everett AquaSox. A family that shouts together, stays together. It’s something new, something outside and something you can do as a family—a home run activity and all your mother ever asks. That, and maybe a few more phone calls.

When: May 14
Where: Nat Bailey Stadium
Cost: From $26
More Info: milb.com

Credit: Eastside Flea Market Facebook

4. Find Hidden Gems and Vintage Vibes at Eastside Flea Market 

May 13-14

Going on every weekend in May from 11-5 is one of Vancouver’s best hidden gems to find, well, hidden gems—a hip flea market to find local and handcrafted knickknacks, vintage apparel, one-of-a-kind gifts, collectibles, plants, artisan eats and more. Expect over 50 unique vendors, 3 daily rotating food trucks, outdoor seating, some delicious bevys, and a free photo booth. And with news that the beloved seasonal artisan market is closing up shop this summer (last day will be June 15th, gulp!), don’t miss your chance to experience this Vancouver favourite before it’s gone forever.

When: May 13-14
Where: 550 Malkin Ave
Cost: Free
More Info: eastsideflea.com

Credit: doxafestival.ca

5. Grab Your Popcorn and Immerse Yourself in Eye-Opening Cinema at DOXA

May 8-14

It’s the last week to see some amazing local and international documentary films at this year’s DOXA festival. Taking place at venues like the Cinematheque, VIFF, CentreWorld Arts Centre and SFU, there’s lots to see including a case study and panel discussion with Ritchie Hemphill and Ryan Haché on their short film Tiny and the power of animation in documentary storytelling. Also, it’s your last chance to see Big Fight in Little Chinatown, a film about resistance against anti-Asian racism and the disappearance of many Chinatowns (and with them the rich Chinese immigrant community heritage) in North America. Check out this amazing program of films and events and check them out before the final curtain call.

When: May 8-14
Where: Various
Cost: From $13
More Info: doxafestival.ca