5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (November 28- December 4)

Your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

Here’s what’s got us excited this week!

1. Enjoy Chinese Language Music at Jade Music Festival

November 28- December 3

Grab your all-access (and free!) pass to Jade Music Festival (JMF) and join the celebration of Chinese language music in Canada and around the world. It’s a global music industry conference that wants to establish a platform for underrepresented voices in the music industry and elevate Chinese language music. There are industry insider talks, live music showcases (multi-platinum and JUNO-nominated actor, producer, and songwriter Tyler Shaw and multidisciplinary artist Vanessa Lefan, to name a few) and workshops (including one with Grammy Award winner Jeff Bova) happening at venues all over the city. Enjoy great music and lively panel discussions and be a part of the conversation highlighting IBPOC and Chinese language music artists in our city and throughout the world.

When: November 28 – December 3
Where: Various theatres in Vancouver
Cost: Free
More Info: jmfa.ca

2. Get Inspired at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week

November 28-December 2

Fashion and culture collide at the third annual Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. In its third year (and after a 2-year pandemic hiatus) the fashion extravaganza is back and bringing with it new collections from 32 Indigenous fashion designers from across Turtle Island. Models of First Nation, Métis and Inuit descent will take over the runways in inspiring pieces from local, emerging and established Indigenous designers. In between shows you can shop for gifts from Indigenous vendors and enjoy musical performances by The Wolfpack, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Soul Shakers, DJ O Show, DJ Kookum, and more. The runway shows will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with the closing event taking place at Granville Island’s Performance Works. And don’t miss out on this year’s Supernatural Kiki Ball where you can take in the best of Vancouver’s Ballroom culture as contestants vogue battle for cash prizes.

When: November 28- December 2
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Cost: From $20
More Info: vifw.ca

3. Enjoy Experimental Music-Meets-Theatre with Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story

December 1-11

Looking for something out of the ordinary this week? How about a humorously dark folktale with a high-energy concert mixed in? If yes, then why not check out Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story—part of SFU Woodward’s Cultural Programs’ 10th Anniversary celebrations. It’s a Klezmer-folk music-theatre hybrid that stars the genre-bending sensation Ben Caplan and is inspired by the true stories of two Jewish Romanian refugees coming to Canada in 1908. Not sure what that even means? Check out the trailer to get a taste of this unconventional musical theatre experience or just find out firsthand what a concert-meets-folktale play is all about.

When: December 1-11
Where: SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
Cost: From $45
More Info: sfu.ca

 

4. Get Festive at This Retro Christmas Cocktail Pop-Up

December 1- 23

Want to kick off your holiday season in retro 1950s style? Come down to “A Christmas Cocktail Story”— a retro-themed holiday pop–up featuring throwback cocktails from Scotty Marshall (Mamie Taylor) and Ron Oliver (Mamie Taylor, Boneta, Diamond, etc.) and food from Chef Karl Gregg (Rosie’s BBQ & Smokehouse), all served up in festive surroundings reminiscent of an iconic 1950s middle-American holiday party. To join the festive fun, grab a reservation that includes a welcome drink, a Christmas cocktail of your choice and a platter of Christmas treats and eats. Get ready to be serenaded by Brenda Lee while sipping a festive cocktail that was probably featured on Mad Men. 

When: December 1-23
Where: Dalina on Main
Cost: $36.50
More Info: rosiesbbqsmokehouse.com

 

5. Enjoy Some Music With Your Christmas Shopping at CONNECT X-Mas Market and Music Festival

December 2-4

Want to enjoy some indie music and get a jump on that holiday shopping list? Taking place this weekend in the heart of Mount Pleasant is an open studio art sale and three-night music fest focused on local, diverse, independent performers (the theme this year is Love is the Warmest Colour). The market-music hybrid event includes 40 artists displaying their work, a diverse local music lineup, some youth programming, food trucks, and even a bar. The market is free to attend and for just $20 you can enjoy live music all weekend long. This unique, immersive celebration of Vancouver’s creative spirit will be a holiday event like no other and a great way to get in that holiday spirit too!

When: December 2-4
Where: City Centre Artist Lodge
Cost: From $22.23 (the market is free)
More Info: narrowgroup.ca