Thursday, May 4
Arts
La Tarara The passionate and precise dance of Flamenco is brought to the stage by legends Ivan Vargas, Emilio Ochando and Vancouver’s own, Kasandra “La China” in this powerful performance. 8pm at Norman Rothstein Theatre. Tickets from $40 at vtixonline.com
The Road Forward In this opening gala presentation of the DOXA Film Festival, filmmaker Marie Clements hosts a special Q&A following the screening of her musical documentary. 7pm at the Vogue Theatre. Tickets $22 at doxafestival.ca
HOME When a favourite local hangout is threatened with a corporate takeover, two First Nations young female managers rally the regulars to save the place they call “home”. In doing so, they passionately showcase the importance of their community in this new and original Canadian youth production. Free. someassembly.ca/
Music
Ute Lemper Accompanied by piano, bandoneon, and bass, the expressive cabaret singer performs nostalgic songs from Berlin in this romantic performance. 8pm at the Orpheum. Tickets from $50 at vancouveropera.ca
Social
Jane’s Walk Festival Vancouver Inspired by writer and activist Jane Jacobs, this walking tour movement invites members of the community to interact and share their stories of the city. 6pm at Vancouver Urban Winery. Free. Become a walk leader at janeswalk.org
Food
Chicha and Strange Fellows Brewery Dinner Executive chef and Food Network Chopped star, Tobias Grignon prepares a fresh and flavourful spring menu partnered with regional craft beer. 6:30pm at Chicha Restaurant. Tickets $76 at eventbrite.com
Friday, May 5
Arts
HELLO Based on the story of playwright Arthur Miller and his secret son born with Down Syndrome, this play investigates Daniel Miller’s life from his perspective. 7:30pm at KW Studios. Tickets $20 at brownpapertickets.com
Music
Melissa Etheridge The Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter known for her raspy vocals and political activism revisits her greatest hits, from “I’m the Only One” to “Come to My Window.” 8pm at River Rock Casino Resort. Tickets $119.50 at Ticketmaster.ca
Comedy
The Empire Strips Back The Geekenders presents another “nerdlesque” hit with this sci-fi adventure production that combines striptease, popular culture, and comedy. 8pm at The Rio. Tickets $20 at riotheatre.ca
Social
Jane’s Walk Director of Sustainability, Doug Smith, and biologist Nick Page lead this tour which reveals the story behind the changing shorelines of Vancouver’s False Creek Basin. 12pm at the foot of Spyglass Place, underneath the Cambie Bridge along the seawall. Free.
Food
Casa de Amigos: A Cinco de Mayo Celebration Bringing together the diverse flavours of Mexican cuisine to exciting performances of live music and Luchador wrestlers, this street fiesta has something for everyone. 5pm at Robson Square. Tickets $18.95 at ticketzone.com
Out of Town
Devour! Osoyoos Food Film Festival Celebrating food and film, this festival weekend kicks off with an evening of fresh Okanagan fare prepared by celebrity chefs Michael Howell and Ned Bell. 6:30pm at Black Hills Estate Winery. Tickets $110 at eventbrite.ca
Saturday, May 6
Arts
Family Lines in Landscape Local artist Veronica Plewman explores the lost stories and mysteries between family generations with her abstract painting style. 2pm at KIMOTO Gallery. Free.
Burlesque Long Form Talented cabaret starlets, April O’Peel, Ariel Helvetica, and more captivate audiences with a ten-minute act challenge where music, dance, and entertainment is stretched to a whole new level. 9pm at the Rio. Tickets $20 at riotheatre.ca
Art in the City Local artists display their paper, sculpture, and glass works at this community exhibition and art market. 12pm at the West End Community Centre Association. Free.
Comedy
OK Tinder–Swipe Right Comedy This one-hour improv show shares the bizarre, cringeworthy and hilarious stories of Vancouver’s online dating scene. 11:15pm at the Improv Centre. Tickets $15 at vtsl.com
Social
Stanley Park Bowling Club Open House Dubbed the largest club in the country by Bowls Canada, this local season opener includes seeing a ‘Golden Bowl’ delivered by an honorary league member. 11am at the Stanley Park Lawn Bowling Club. Free.
CVR Canada’s biggest virtual and augmented reality show expo showcases the latest in VR technology with hands-on demonstrations, talks from industry experts, and presentations from companies leading in VR innovation. 10am at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Tickets $65 at cvr2017.com
Sunday, May 7
Arts
Crow’s Nest and Other Places She’s Gone In collaboration with Coast Salish storyteller Rosemary Georgeson, choreographer Olivia C. Davies premieres this series of vignettes inspired by women who have left their ‘nests.’ 2pm at The Cultch. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at eventbrite.ca
Music
Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra Legendary composer of hit films like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Indiana Jones, John Williams is paid tribute in this concert conducted by Kathleen Allan. 2pm at the Orpheum. Tickets $15 at eventbrite.ca
Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble Entitled Future in Past, this special musical evening showcases traditional Chinese instruments and a repertoire from as far back as 7th century Tang dynasty. 7:30pm at Norman Rothstein Theatre. Tickets from $10 at brownpapertickets.com
Social
Sumo! A Beginner’s Workshop Learn the basic techniques behind the cultural Japanese sport in this exciting beginner mini-competition. 1pm at the Vancouver Buddhist Temple. Free.
The Earring Show Fine craftsmanship and unique jewelry designs from across North America will be showcased at this annual fundraising event for craft artists in BC. 3pm at the Craft Council of BC. Tickets are $5 at the door. Free registration at eventbrite.ca
Out of Town
Bird Safari A Vancouver Bird Week event, this two hour animal watching adventure through the Howe Sound is led by the President of the Pacific Wildlife Foundation, Rob Butler. 9:30am at Sewell’s Ocean Adventure Centre. Tickets from $65.10 at sewellsmarina.net
Want to know more about Vancouver's Bird Election? Check it out here!
Monday, May 8
Arts
Brasilia: Life After Design Director Bart Simpson offers a post-film discussion on his documentary surrounding sustainability and urban planning in the federal capital of Brazil. 7pm at the Museum of Vancouver. Tickets from $13 at museumofvancouver.ca
Becoming Traviata French soprano Natalie Dessay’s transformation into Verdi’s Violetta is chronicled in this film which provides insight on the rigorous demands of a feature soloist. 7:30pm at the Vancouver Playhouse. Tickets $12 at vancouveropera.ca
Music
Marc Cohn Known for hits like “Walking in Memphis” and “True Companion,” this soulful singer-songwriter celebrates 25 years since the release of his self-titled platinum-selling album. 8pm at Norman Rothstein Theatre. Tickets from $55 at tickets.capilanou.ca
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra The gentle and uplifting arias of the French Romantics are channelled in this concert, featuring cellist Ariel Barnes. 8pm at the Orpheum. Tickets from $19 at vancouversymphony.ca
Social
Lawrence Krauss The theoretical physicist and cosmologist delivers a talk on the origins of the universe in this special Q&A. 8pm at the Chan Centre. Tickets from $16 at tickets.ubc.ca
Tuesday, May 9
Arts
Gastown Cabaret A mélange of comedy, burlesque, music, and dance, this production brings together the best acts of Gastown for one special evening of entertainment. 8pm at Guilt & Company. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Vancouver Story Slam Guest storyteller, Alix Born, opens this original storytelling competition where the audience votes for their winning favourites. 8pm at The Cottage Bistro. Tickets $5 at the door.
Sled Dogs Following the Whistler incident where 100 dogs were culled and thrown into mass graves, director Fern Levitt investigates the dog sledding industry and attempts to answer why this form of entertainment and abuse persists today. 7pm at The Park Theatre. Tickets $12.95 at cineplex.com
Social
Bird Week Nature Kayak Tour In participation with Vancouver Bird Week, biologist Robyn Worcester and Karen Devitt study the eagles, herons, and cormorants native to English Bay in this tandem kayak adventure. 6pm at Jericho Beach. Tickets $69 at ecomarine.adventureengine.com
Wednesday, May 10
Arts
String of Pearls Four female actors take on 27 identities in this play spanning generations but all connected by a single pearl necklace. 7:30pm at Studio 1398. Tickets from $15 at brownpapertickets.com
The Case of the Grinning Cat Known for his maniacal grin and bright yellow coat, the infamous graffiti character of Paris becomes the key to investigating the city’s underground activism culture in this Chris Marker film. 9pm at SFU Woodward’s Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema. Tickets from $11 at doxafestival.ca
Comedy
The Gentlemen Hecklers Comedians Eric Fell, Patrick Maliha, and Shaun Stewart take a jab at the classic children’s film, The Wizard, starring Fred Savage. 9:30pm at the Rio. Tickets $12 at riotheatre.ca
Social
Bird on the Beach The Bird Week festivities continue with this guided walking tour along the Stanley Park shoreline. 6pm at Stanley Park Nature House. Free tickets at stanleyparkecology.ca
Mambo-lesque This four-week dance workshop introduces Latin dancing techniques and choreography under the careful instruction of burlesque star, Burgundy Brixx. 7:30pm at the School of Tease. Tickets $80 at squareup.com
Thursday, May 11
Arts
The Happy Film Stefan Sagmeister of The Happy Show presents his latest self-documentary about his quest to find fulfillment followed by a discussion with Dr. Sean Pritchard and UBC’s Professor of Psychiatry, Andrea Grabovac. 7pm at the Museum of Vancouver. Tickets $17 USD at eventbee.com
Ballet BC Concludes its 31st season with a triple bill by two renown Israeli choreographers and Ballet BC’s Artistic Director Emily Molnar, as well as programs by choreographers Emanuel Gat, Emily Molnar and the Ballet BC premiere of Minus 16 by Ohad Naharin. 8pm at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, May 11-13. Tickets from $15 at ticketmaster.ca
Traces of Words Curated by Fuyubi Nakamura, this opening night exhibit boasts art and calligraphy from Asia such as Sumerian cuneiform inscriptions to modern graffiti from Afghanistan. 7pm at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Free.
Swagger From French filmmaker, Olivier Babinet, comes this vivid docudrama centered upon the youth of Parisian suburb Aulnay-sous-Bois where tensions between race, class, and school life are examined. 12:30pm at The Annex. Tickets from $9 at doxafestival.ca
Music
Paul Rushka’s Present Past The renown jazz bassist presents an evening of smooth harmonies and complicated rhythms inspired by Canadian-born composer and trumpeter, Kenny Wheeler. 7pm at the Roedde House Museum. Tickets from $12 at brownpapertickets.com
