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5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (August 4-9)

By Alyssa Hirose /

1. See the VAG Offsite

Through February 15

It’s hard to imagine 2080—in fact, it’s hard to imagine 2021—but artist Sanaz Mazinani has given it her best, beautiful shot. All that Melts: Notes from the Future-Past is a new site-specific exhibition you can’t miss if you’re taking a stroll down Georgia. Digitally manipulated glaciers contrast with Vancouver’s native plants and flowers, but every plant included won’t be able to survive in 2080 given our forecasted climate change.

When: Now through February 15 2021
Where: 1100 West Georgia Street
More Info: vanartgallery.bc.ca

2. Try Straight and Marrow

Open now

Listen up, earth-conscious foodies: chef Christopher Lam launched Straight and Marrow last week, and he’s cooking up Asian-inspired dishes with sustainability in mind. His “nose-to-tail” philosophy uses bits and bobs that other chefs might waste (try the bone marrow with chicken crackling and pickled shitake mushrooms). Bar Manager Chad Rivard is pouring drinks that highlight the meat-forward menu—think marrow-infused Mongrel White Rye with B&B and beef stock. Feeling marrow-minded?

Where: Straight and Marrow
More Info: straightandmarrow.com

3. Visit the Sunflowers

Tickets on sale August 7

The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival returns this year with a slightly different look, and that probably means it will be easier to score those once-a-year flower power pics. Only 1/4 of the usual number of people will be allowed in the field at one time, there’s wide pathways between rows, and no picnic tables or lawn games. The time to snap a shameless selfie is now—there’s no one around to accidentally photobomb your perfect pose. The fest itself will be open in the next couple weeks, but you can get your tickets starting Friday.

When: Tickets released Friday, August 7
Where: Chilliwack Sunflower Festival
More Info: chilliwacksunflowerfest.com

4. Ride or Walk the Biennale

Through August 30

We love reimagined events, we love the outdoors, and we love portmanteaus. Once you register in this year’s Bikennale/Walknnale, you’ll get a GPS bike and walking tour that highlights local art, architecture and history each week. The tours take participants through 24 Vancouver neighbourhoods, and there’s weekly prizes available. It’s all self-paced—time is fake, after all.

When: Now through August 30th
Where: Outside
More Info: vancouverbiennale.com

5. Eat Paella

August 9 & 23

The folks at Como Taperia and Paella Guys have set up a pretty sweet Paella patio (with COVID-friendly seating by reservation). Sunday afternoon is paella time in Spain, and so it is in Vancouver—three giant paellas are cooking this Sunday and the one following.

When: Sunday, August 9 and Sunday, August 23
Where: Como Taperia
More Info: comotaperia.com