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What to Do in Vancouver This Week (May 1 to 7)

By Jessica Wallin /

Hilariously bad literature, bird-watching with the cool kids and Cinco de Mayo celebrations should be on your to-do list for the first week of May.

Guffaw During Not-So-Silent Reading

Tuesday, May 2

The hilarious self help book, the incredulous “autobiography” of a star, the painfully awkward romance novel… what do these books have in common? They all come under fire at comedy night Say Wha?!. Hosted by comedy superhero Sara Bynoe, Say Wha?! features charming and comedic narrators reading passages from some of the worst pieces of literature around.When: May 2, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.Where: Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main St.Cost: $10 (at the door, cash only)More info: Sara Bynoe

Watch a Powerful Documentary

Thursday, May 4

Blurring the lines between documentary and musical, The Road Forward is a call to action, tracing the creation of Canada’s first Indigenous-run newspaper, The Native Voice, and Indigenous activism in the 1930s (when it was still illegal for First Nations people to meet and organize) to present day. Written and directed by award winning writer Marie Clements, The Road forward is part of the Opening Gala of the DOXA Film Festival, which showcases documentaries from around the world.When: May 4, 7 p.m.Where: The Vogue, 918 Granville St.Cost: $20 to $22Tickets: DOXA

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6

Get your Luchador masks and lime wedges ready for Casa de Amigos – A Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Put on by Wet Ape Productions and Buena Onda of Savoury Chef Catering, this party has been expanded to two nights, with festivities including Mexican food, tequila and mescal samplings, a street market, Mariachi bands, Luchador wrestlers and more!When: May 5, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and May 6, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.Where: 800 Robson St.Cost: $18.95Tickets: Ticket Zone

Walk from Darkness Into Light

Saturday, May 6

First started in Ireland, Darkness Into Light is fundraiser for Pieta House and the Canadian Mental House Association, providing life saving services for those with mental health issues. This 5-kilometre route is both a fundraiser and a symbol of hope as participants begin at dawn—walking or running from darkness into light as the sun rises. Join thousands around the world in support of creating community and awareness around mental health.When: May 6, 4:30 a.m.Where: Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, 3760 Sperling Ave.Cost: $35Registration: Darkness Into Light

Spot a Spotted Thrush

Saturday, May 6

Have you ever wondered which bird is chirping, “cheeseburger” in your backyard? Or ever wanted to turn your park walks into bird finding adventures? EyeLoveBirds is hosting Rise of the Hipster Birdwatcher, a walk for beginner bird watchers around Lost Lagoon, complete with a scavenger hunt and a download of their bird watching app. The walk is part of Vancouver Bird Week (May 6-13), which features workshops, tours and exhibitions celebrating Vancouver’s feathery friends.When: May 6, 10 a.m.Where: Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park Ecology Society, 712 Lost Lagoon PathCost: FreeMore info: Vancouver Bird Week

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