1. Watch Vanmag‘s 31st Restaurant Awards

September 14

In our totally non-biased opinion: if you do one thing this week, this should be it. Our virtual restaurant awards kick off today at 2:00 p.m., hosted by CBC’s Lien Yeung and our very own food editor Neal McLennan. If you can’t stream the awards live (are you really taking advantage of working from home?) keep up on our Twitter and Instagram feeds, and watch the whole stream later. We guarantee inspo for your takeout to-do list.

When: Monday September 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Online
More Info: facebook.com

2. Take a Painting Class

September 15

Perhaps we’ll just…paint out own skyline? Beginners can learn the ins and outs of acrylic painting at this free online class led by Emily Carr instructor Michael Markowsky. It’s live on Youtube Tuesdays and Thursdays, and all of the materials—and their prices—are pre-listed. Participants will create art based on the work of Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Sonia Delaunay, and Edvard Munch (hey, we’re all finding The Scream hella relatable).

When: Tuesday September 15 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Online
More Info: facebook.com

3. Get Otter Here

September 15

With the aquarium closed and outside looking pretty apocalypse-y, we’re settling for virtual otter-viewing. Rambunctious River Otters is the Stanley Park Ecology Society’s “whimsical water weasel” webinar, where you’ll get answers to burning questions like “How long can they hold their breath?” and “Can I keep one in my bathtub?” (spoilers: no). Get ready for some adorable learning.

When: Tuesday September 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: From $10
More Info: stanleyparkecology.ca

4. See an MOV Micro-Exhibition

September 16 to December 9

COVID-19 cancelled the annual celebration of YVR Art Foundation scholarship recipients, but now you can view their work at the Museum of Vancouver. c̓əc̓əwitəl̕ | helping each other | ch’áwatway features the work of ten Indigenous emerging and mid-career visual artists, including Stephanie Anderson, Morgan Asoyuf, Marlo Wylie Brillon, Ddhälh kït Nelnah / Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé, Reuben Mack, Kelly Robinson, Skilaaw / Captain Stewart-Burton, Joshua Watts, Nathan Wilson, and Atheana Picha (whose work is featured above).

When: Wednesday September 16 to Wednesday December 9
Where: Museum of Vancouver
Cost: Varies
More Info: museumofvancouver.ca

5. Eat at Mila

Opening September 19

Virtuous Pie’s sister is moving in, her name is Mila, and she’s very into pastels. Chinatown’s newest plant-based restaurant features a menu spearheaded by chef Jim Vesal (of, yes, Virtuous Pie), including dishes like mushroom and sausage tagliatelle, Smash Burgers, and sushi. It’s not hyper-focused on any one theme, but that’s what little sisters are for.

When: Opening Saturday September 19
Where: Mila restaurant
More Info: milaplantbased.com