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5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (August 31 – September 6)

By Alyssa Hirose /

1. Do a Cycling Challenge 

September 1 to 12

Instead of a big bike ride, the RBC GranFondo is organizing a bunch of smaller, distance-friendly events. One is the 12 Day Challenge—so buckle up your helmet for a dozen days of incentivized cycling. Participants can choose to ride 55km, 122km, or 152km between September 1 to 12. Once completed, you’ll be entered to win a series of prizes (think a road bike, island getaways, DUER jeans, and beer). All proceeds benefit Food Banks Canada and Feed America.

    When: Tuesday September 1 to Saturday September 12
    Where: Anywhere
    Cost: Free for anyone registered in the GranFondo Whistler, $10 for everyone else
    More Info: rbcgranfondo.com

    2. Win Queer Trivia

    September 2

    Tune in to this QMUNITY fundraiser to test your queer trivia, get that healthy competition you’ve been craving, and maybe, just maybe to receive a call from Brooke Lynn Hytes. The Canadian queen herself will be hosting the show and dialing-up the evening’s winner for a special thank-you call. Also featured in this virtual event are local artists DJ Bella, Karmella Barr, and King Fisher. You can register in a team or an individual (hey, you didn’t come to make friends).

    When: Wednesday September 2 at 7:00 p.m.
    Where: Online
    Cost: By donation
    More Info: facebook.com

    3. Get Soup and a Song

    Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings

    There’s plenty of livestreamed music out there, but it’s just not the same as hearing tunes IRL. Gastown haunt Jules Bistro has just introduced live piano back to their restaurant (with local pianist Lorraine Smith on the keys). Now you can savour that French onion soup and listen to real actual music. It’s the little things.
    When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    Where: Jules Bistro
    More Info: julesbistro.ca

      4. Get the Scoop on VIFF

      September 3

      You’re not about to wait for a press release or tweet for the 2020 VIFF lineup, are you? Committed cinephiles can get their movie news in real-time at the online lineup release event this week. They’re announcing both online and in-cinema programming this Thursday.

        When: September 3 at 10:00 a.m.
        Where: Online
        Cost: Free
        More Info: viff.org

        5. Stream Live from Langley

        September 4 and 5

        Safely get your fix of world-class jazz, blues, gospel and soul act at the virtual Fort Langley Jazz Festival this weekend. The packed free lineup includes Laila Biali (pictured above), Rooster Davis and Brad Shigeta Band, the 18-woman Sister Jazz Orchestra, and more. Ticketed events (like the All-Star Blues Show with Taylor James, Dalannah Gail Bowen and Tom Lavin & the Legendary Powder Blues) will have small in-person audiences and will also be livestreamed. There’s a parade, interactive salsa dance party, and tips for your own bubble-friendly backyard festival—check out the site for more.

          When: Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5
          Where: Online
          Cost: Free
          More Info: fortlangleyjazzfest.com