Arts and Culture

5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (September 2-8)

A public disco patio party, a fringe show about America's first black drag Queen, a gin festival and more.

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, add it to our ongoing Vancouver events calendar here!

1. Go See the Copy Machine Manifestos Exhibition Before it Ends

September 6

The Copy Machine Manifestos exhibit is ending soon (September 22 to be exact), so there’s no time to wait. Plus with free admission on the first Friday of every month from 4 to 8 p.m.—what are you waiting for?

When: September 6
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: Free
More info: vanartgallery.bc.ca

2. Check Out The Real Black Swann at the Vancouver Fringe Festival (September 5-15) 

September 7

Fall is (basically) here which can only mean one thing: Fringe is back! And among all the amazing live performances happening all over Granville Island, The Real Black Swann: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen is a powerful queer true story not to be missed. And check out the full line-up of shows here (happening September 5-15 on Granville Island). Plus see our guide to making the most of Fringe from an expert.

When: September 7
Where:Performance Works
Cost: $15 (plus membership)
More info: vancouverfringe.com

3. Raise a Glass to the Final Days of Summer at the B.C. Gin Festival

September 6

Just because it’s September and everyone is back to school and work doesn’t mean we can’t keep the spirit of summer alive—and I do mean spirit, specifically gin (and more specifically: over 60 artisanal and craft gins from B.C. and around the world). Cheers to that never-ending summer feeling.

When: September 6
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
Cost: $68
More info: bcginfestival.com

 

4. Dance Your Way to the Finale of the Free, All-Ages Public Disco Summer Series

September 7

As the days get shorter, we must say farewell to the 2024 Public Disco summer series—and what better way send off than a dance off? Come to the patio party finale at the Bentall Centre for your fill of underground beats, cool libations and tasty bites. Bring the littles for fun activities from 2-6 p.m. and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook—see you on the street A.K.A the dance floor.

When: September 7
Where: Bentall Centre’s Dunsmuir Patio
Cost: Free
More info: publicdisco.ca

5. Enjoy Some Fall Harvest High-Tea Favourites

September 5

Kick off your fall with a pumpkin spice latte martini—yes, it’s on the menu! Enjoy loose-leaf teas and delicious bites like Serrano ham on brioche, salted caramel apple pie bars and pumpkin tiramisu, all in the iconic sunken tearoom at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s Notch8.

When: September 5
Where: Notch8
Cost: $72 per adult, $40 per child (ages 12 and under)
More info: fairmont-hotel-vancouver.com

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson is an assistant editor for Vancouver magazine (and sister mag Western Living) and covers arts and culture, including VanMag’s So Fun City. She’s also a comedian and will proudly overthink almost everything for your benefit. Send her pitches or riff bits at [email protected]