Although the forecast calls for a mix of cloud and sun this weekend, there's no denying that Vancouver is steadily sliding into our rainy season. That means the hunt is on for indoor activities you can do with your kids that are fun for them - and you! Here is just a sprinkle of the many creative events that are coming up in the next week around our beloved city.
Letter Writing Club at the Regional Assembly of Text.
My 8 year old daughter and I love this night. It's been held on the first Thursday evening of every month for almost nine years now. All you need to bring is yourself. Enter the doors to the satisfying sounds of typewriters clicking away, and settled down to tea, cookies, and start typing a letter or two. Come early as it gets quite busy. Did I mention it's absolutely free?
What: Letter Writing Club – with typewriters.
Where: The Regional Assembly of Text, 3934 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 1Z4
When: The first Thursday of every month, 7-8:30pm (The next one is in a week! October 2nd)
Kids dyeing workshop at Collage Collage
I recently went to the Adult version of this class, taught by artist and designer Heather Young. The results of our Shibori Indigo Dyeing are above. I'm very excited that Heather is doing this class for kids with kool-aid. The kids will get to experiment with different colours, learn about the very scientific process of chemical reaction, and come away with a sweet scarf they made all on their own! It's for a bit of an older set, 6 years old and up; but there's no doubt the grownups will have a good time too.
What: Kids dyeing workshop - with koolaid
Where: Collage Collage, 621 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5
When: Sunday, September 28th, 3-4pm. (register online to save your spot!)
Halloween Costume Supplies at Dressew
This is more of a reminder to all you parents out there to hightail it down to Dressew to get your supplies for the kids' costumes! We all know how insane it can get the closer we get to Halloween, so do yourself a favour, get a list from the kids, and browse the isles at a leisurely pace instead of a frantic one. Dressew is also a goldmine for craft ideas - my daughter Finn and I found this sweet sequined leopard appliqué to put on her jean jacket, and as you can see, she's pretty happy with the results.
What: Halloween / Craft Supplies Run
Where: Dressew Supply, 337 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H6
When: ASAP
Vancouver Book/Art Fair
The Vancouver Art Gallery will be transformed into a bustling international art book fair, complete with installations, performances, and artist talks. It might not be a typical outing for the kids, but my own children adore visiting galleries, and they're crazy about books so if you head out to this event, you'll probably see us there. This event runs at the same time at the Vancouver Book Fair which will be at Robson Square, so why not check them both out?
What: Art Book Fair featuring local, national, and international artists' publishing
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
When: October 4th & 5th, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
--
Dance AllSorts - Dance Performances and Workshops
Dance AllSorts is a series of dance performances and workshops presented by New Works, and is now in its 17th Season. Its aim is to introduce all sorts of dance to all sorts of people, by providing a variety of dance genres - such as contemporary, flamenco, hip hop, Latin American dance traditions - and make them accessible to the Vancouver community through pay-what-you-can performances. This is an event for all ages and abilities.
What: Dance AllSorts - Al Mozaico Flamenco (traditional and contemporary flamenco dance)
Where: Granville Island, Waterfront Theatre, 412 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5
When: Sunday, October 5th - Performances are at 2pm, followed by a Q&A with the artists; Workshops start at 3:15pm
Carina-Marie Nilsson is the co-founder of Peaks and Harbours, a Vancouver “not just for moms” blog that showcases everything our city has to offer the younger crowd. @carinamarienilsson
