1. Have an Italian Picnic

All month long

Maybe you’re cool with in-restaurant dining, maybe you’re like me and competing seriously for the role of Municipal Takeout Queen. For the latter, Trattoria is offering takeout picnics (officially called the U Pik-Nik, but I’m going to pretend it isn’t) featuring bruschetta, a salad and pasta, and two tall cans. Yes, it’s for sharing. No, no one is keeping track. It’s $35 for delivery and $28 for pick-up, 

When: All of August
Where: Trattoria or wherever you are
Cost: $35 for delivery and $28 for pick-up
More Info: glowbalgroup.com/trattoria

2. Watch the Queer Film Festival

August 13 to 23

The Vancouver Queer Film Festival is returning—you know the drill—in an online platform, which means you can access groundbreaking independent queer cinema without leaving the house. (And honestly, hasn’t that always been the dream?) Catch the youth gala, called Changing the Game, this Saturday: it’s an inspiring documentary following high school trans athletes.

When: Thursday August 13 to Sunday August 23
Where: Online
More Info: queerfilmfestival.ca

3. Eat Crème Brûlée

August 14 and 15

Embracing the we’re all in this together mentality so delightfully coined by this 2006 cinematic masterpiece, Ca Phe is supporting local small businesses through a series of weekend pop-up shops. Up first is Brûlées for Days, and following is Chao+Pan, Canoe Cola, Bite Matters, and the Phamily Table.

When: Weekends through September 12
Where: Ca Phe Vietnamese Coffee House
More Info: caphecoffeehouse.com

4. Laugh IRL (or Not)

August 15

Looking For Friends Comedy’s Saturday show has ticket available for purchase, so if you want  to LOL (physically distanced) in a real theatre, you can. Seeing the show in-person means you’ll be one of the laughtrack stars of their virtual show, which will be livestreamed in real time. Either way, Carson Bokenfohr, Meghan Phillips and Jake Sheardown will be improvising their little hearts out.

When: Friday August 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Havana and online
More Info: showpass.com

5. Get Greek Food

August 15 and 16

Yes, this is the third takeout idea for this week, but it’s pandemic times. What are ya gonna do? Seriously. What else are you going to do? The Hellenic Community Centre’s Greek Food fest is a takeout spectacular of gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, and of course, loukoumades (pictured above). You can pre-order online here.

When: Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Hellenic Community Centre
More Info: helleniccommunity.org