1. No Gold Star

July 31

Alison Lynne Ward’s No Gold Star is a late-blooming lesbian autobiography that doesn’t skimp on the laughs. Through this one-person show, she tells the story of what it’s like to come out at age 35. Watch this super candid comedy via livestream this week.

Tickets start at $5.

When: Friday, July 31 8:00 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: From $5
More Info: showpass.com

2. What’s to Come Art Show

July 31 to August 30

Take a look at work from outsiders from outside at What’s to Come. This “art survey” features the works of outsider artists from Canada and around the world (like Gregory Warmack aka Mr. Imagination, whose work is pictured above). Outsider artists are self-taught and have very little contact with the mainstream art world. Speaking of no contact—this exhibit experience is viewed through a window only, unless you make an appointment. Very meta.

When: Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 30
Where: 716 East Hastings Street
More Info: outsidersandothers.com

3. The VSO’s Symphonic Pride

July 31

What is this, a crossover episode? Symphonic Pride is a collaborative performance featuring the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (expect tunes from Abba, Lizzo, Nina Simone, and medley history of queer musicians like Handel, Freddie Mercury and Janelle Monáe) as well as a host of other multidisciplinary artists. The lineup includes Old Soul Rebel (pictured above), Rabbit Richards, Ralph Escamillan, The Darlings, Kevin Fraser, Jason Bempong and Andrew Crust.

When: Friday July 31 7:00 p.m.
Where: Online
More Info: vancouversymphony.ca

4. The Powell Street Festival Telethon

August 1

Our country’s largest celebration of Japanese Canadians has (surprise surprise!) moved online this year, and on top of the taiko drumming, dance and film features, we’re very excited about the festival merch, which can be ordered online for pick-up or delivery. The Powell Street Festival’s proceeds benefit their DTES Community Care program; read more about it here.

When: Saturday August 1 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Online
More Info: powellstreetfestival.com

5. The Monsoon Festival

August 1 to 29

The Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts is offering free musical performances, dance classes, theatre, comedy, talks, visual art, and workshops all August long. The virtual fest provides a platform for South Asian artists to showcase and celebrate their work, and is named for the monsoon rains in India and the heavy rainfall here—storms bring chaos, but also new life.

When: Saturday August 1 to Saturday August 29
Where: Online
More Info: monsoonartsfest.ca