Events

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

By Alyssa Hirose /

1. Eat Sweet Thea’s Holiday Pop-Up

November 1 to December 27

You can hate on the world for transitioning straight from Halloweentime to the Christmas craze, or maybe just accept that we’re extra grateful for excuses to celebrate nowadays. Especially if there’s baked goods involved. This week the Sweet Thea Holiday Pop-Up opens with an extra-tasty lineup of traditional holiday baking, salsas and guacamole, infused honeys, hand-crafted chocolates and more.

When: Monday November 1 to Sunday December 27
Where: 4305 Main St.
More Info: sweettheapopup.com

2. Contemplate Victor Vasarely at VAG

Through April 5

The “father of optical art” (or Op Art for short) has rolled into our city through a colour-happy exhibition of his abstract paintings. What exactly do they mean? You can draw your own conclusions or check out Uncommon Language, a simultaneous exhibit of local and international artists that critiques Vasarely’s work and pursuit of a “universal language.”

When: Now through Monday April 5, 2021
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery
More Info: vanartgallery.bc.ca

3. Make a Deal with Seitan

Through November 7

Tacofino and Beetbox have made a devilish deal this week, partnering to fold up some seitan burritos (think pumpkin-seed macha, cashew-lime crema, and white cucumber kimchi). If you’re out of the plant-based loop, seitan is a vegan substitute made from wheat gluten—which doesn’t sound extra-delicious, but wasn’t your quarantine resolution to try new things?

When: Now through Saturday, November 7
Where: Beetbox and Tacofino Gastown
Cost: $11
More Info: beetboxveg.com and tacofino.com

4. Learn from In the Beginning

November 4 to 7

Though it’s on stage at the Firehall Arts Centre, In the Beginning isn’t your average theatre production—it’s more of a cultural sharing, and each night delves in to the stories and histories of Indigenous peoples (the events are called Over The Mountains, From The Waters, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish). Created by Coast Salish/Dené artist Rosemary Georgeson and Firehall artistic producer Donna Spencer, this moderated “show” features stories of the land from Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and artists.

When: Wednesday November 4 to Saturday November 7
Where: Firehall Arts Centre
Cost: Single tickets $20, $15 for DTES community members, In the Beginning Series 5 pack $90
More Info: firehallartscentre.ca

5. Watch Nederlands Dans Theater

November 6 to 8

Get transported to the Netherlands through this online show, live from The Hague. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, dancemakers Alexander Ekman and Dimo Milev had to change up their approach to choerography quite a bit (but apparently kissing is still on the table?) for their worldwide stream. Called Dare to Say, this international show pushes boundaries—safely.

When: Friday November 6 to Sunday November 8, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $25
More Info: dancehouse.ca
Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.