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5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (October 19-25)

By Alyssa Hirose /

1. Once Upon a Haunted Sea

Through November 8

What is normally a haunted-house-style experience has transformed into a COVID-friendly walkthrough at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less spooky—the traditional ghosts and goblins are traded in for the real monsters that plague our oceans. The upcycled plastics and other materials that haunt the Halloween-ified site are a playful take on a particularly horrifying reality. Kids welcome.
When: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, November 8
Where: The Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Cost: Adults $11.90, Seniors $10.20, Youth under 17 & Society Members Free
More Info: gulfofgeorgiacannery.org

2. Dancing at Dusk

October 21 to 27

38 dancers from 14 African countries were all set to tour the world (making a stop here in Vancouver) in March—and we know how that ended. But before The Rite of Spring was officially cancelled, the dancers gathered to record one last rehearsal on a beach near École des Sables, Senegal. That performance is streaming live this week: get your fill of those pre-isolation moves.
When: Wednesday October 21 to Tuesday October 27
Where: Online
Cost: $16
More Info: dancehouse.ca

3. Resurgence: Indigiqueer Identities

October 21 to January 24

Whether or not you’re a regular gallery-goer, there’s few activities that feel safer than walking through an open space and not touching anything. It’s a great time to check out the very personal and profound work at the Bill Reid Gallery—the new exhibit features Levi Nelson (Lil’wat First Nation), Jaz Whitford (Secwepemc), Morgan Whitehead (Plains Cree) and Raven John (Coast Salish/Sto:lo), four queer Indigenous artists. It’s curated by Jordana Luggi and includes all kinds of art, including abstract paintings, sculptures, jewelry and clothing.

When: Wednesday October 21 to Sunday January 24
Where: Bill Reid Gallery
Cost: Varies
More Info: billreidgallery.ca

4. Vancouver Writers Fest

October 19 to 25

This year’s online Writers Fest includes six Giller Prize nominees (Thomas King, Emma Donoghue, Francesca Ekwuyasi, Michelle Good, Annabel Lyon, and Emily St. John Mandel) and pages and pages of other authors from Vancouver and beyond. We’re particularly excited about Word!, a spoken word poetry performance that always sells out—but this year it’s live on Youtube, so there’s no limit on who can tune in.
When: Monday October 19 to Sunday October 25
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
More Info: writersfest.bc.ca

5. Stand with Mi’kmaq

October 24

There are lots of ways to support Mi’kmaq treaty rights and livelihood during this national week of action—you can read more about it on Idle No More’s website and (masked and distancing, please) attend the local rally in support this Saturday (voting is that day, too—this is a big weekend for taking action, folks). If you can’t attend in person, there’s a list of other resources and ways to help out here.
When: Saturday October 24
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery
More Info: idlenomore.ca