A no messing around guide to the coolest things to eat, drink and do in Vancouver and beyond. Community. Not clickbait.

SCOUT LIST: 10 Things That You Should Absolutely Do Between Now & Next Week

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by Michelle Sproule | The main objective of this website is to scout out and promote the things that make Vancouver such a sweet place to be. We do this with an emphasis on the city’s independent spirit to foster a sense of connectedness within and between our communities, and to introduce our readers to the people who grow and cook our food, play the raddest tunes in our better venues, create our most interesting art, and design everything from what we wear to the spaces we inhabit. The Scout List is our carefully considered, first rate agenda of super awesome things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week. You can also check it out in the Globe & Mail, from our calendar to yours…

DRINK UP | The Rio Theatre is setting up for a Wine Tasting + Film Night featuring the Western Canadian Premiere of Red Obsession tonight. The film looks at the great and storied chateaux of Bordeaux as they struggle to accommodate the world’s increasingly voracious appetites for their rare and expensive wines. Co-director Warwick Ross will be there in person together with veteran broadcaster, wine-lover, and host of Tasting Room Radio, Terry David Mulligan, who will lead the post-screening Q&A.
Tue, Nov. 26 | 6:30pm | The Rio Theatre (1660 E Broadway) | DETAILS

LIGHTNING DUST | The Vancouver duo of Amber Webber and Josh Wells have been together since 2007. It’s a side project to another band that they’re in (Black Mountain), but to our ears, Lightning Dust is what they were meant to do with their lives. They have a really original, slipperily synthy, expansively atmospheric sound that changes (improves) subtly from album to album (they’ve done three full-length records to date, and all of them have been awesome). Lightning Dust plays The Biltmore with Louise Burns on Wednesday night. Easily the best $12 you’ll spend all year.
Wed, Nov. 27 | Doors 8pm | The Biltmore Cabaret | $12 | DETAILS

TRUDEAU 2.0 | With the 2015 federal election inching closer, there’s a possibility that Canadians could see a new Trudeau at 24 Sussex Drive. A panel of Canadian historians will gather at SFU Harbour Centre’s Fletcher Challenge Theatre to discuss and explore “the past, present, and future of the Trudeau dynasty” this Thursday evening. From SFU: “Many Canadians view Pierre Elliott Trudeau as a Canadian hero, perhaps the most charismatic Prime Minister the nation has ever seen. Yet others are far more critical of Trudeau’s leadership and legacies. Justin, Pierre’s 41-year-old son and current leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, is no less of a polarizing figure than his father. A media darling, Justin’s youthful energy and charm have worked both for and against him in assessments of his political future.” The audience will be encouraged to participate with questions and comments.
Thu, Nov. 28 | 5:30pm | Fletcher Challenge Theatre (SFU Harbour Centre) | DETAILS

LAUGH | Say Wha?! (Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing) goes down Friday night. If you’re not familiar with it, Say Wha?! is a comedy show wherein performers put their spin on some of the most cringe-worthy, embarrassing and painfully earnest writing ever found in print. This Friday’s readings, hosted by comedian and Say Wha?! founder Sara Bynoe, will be dedicated to satirizing the Fifty Shades of Grey series – what could be more cringe-worthy and embarrassing than that? Hustle over to Main Street and settle in for a night of schadenfun.
Fri, Nov. 29 | Doors: 7:30pm | Hot Art Wet City (2206 Main Street) | $10 | DETAILS

CHEAP ART | Looking to start an art collection but daunted by the by high price of art? Time to break into the piggy bank, as there’s a one-night art show and sale at Hot Art Wet City Gallery on Main Street this Saturday night that features original, one-of-a-kind art for under $100 with 100% of proceeds going back in to the pockets of the 13 artists who created the work. As gallery owner Chris Bentzen puts it: “Think the Cheaper Show but cheaper and a little less curated”. Plus it’s considerably smaller (there will only be 13 artists showing their work). Preview the work between 12-5pm from Thursday, November 28 through to November 30, and then head in to buy on Saturday night.
Sat, Nov. 30 | 7pm | Hot Art Wet City Gallery (2206 Main St) | DETAILS

SANTA | The Rogers Santa Claus Parade rips through downtown Vancouver streets this Sunday, and what says Christmas more than the phone company that milks us all dry? The procession of holiday cheer will start at West Georgia Street and Broughton, travel east along West Georgia, turn south on Howe, and finish at Howe and Davie. Scout tip: be prepared. The coffee shops along the parade route boast line-ups of epic lengths before, during, and after the parade, so take your coffee, eggnog, hot chocolate, or whatever else with you in a stainless steel thermos or flask. Also, this is a good day to avoid driving through the downtown core.
Sun, Dec. 1 | 1pm | Downtown Vancouver | Free | DETAILS

CRAFTY | The community of Strathcona is getting together for a kickass winter craft fair this weekend. The little neighbourhood (bordering on DTES and Chinatown) is jam-packed with talented, creative, and community-minded people, so it’s no surprise that there will be 50 vendors this year. This is a seriously worthwhile craft event that will put a big dent in your holiday shopping list. Also expect a crafts area for kids, live music, door prizes and food trucks. Santa will also totally appreciate how you support local artisans and independent designers.
Sat, Nov. 30 | 10am-5pm | Strathcona Community Centre (601 Keefer) | DETAILS 

MAKE IT! | Score one-of-a-kind items that have been handmade by local designers at the Make It! show this weekend. This is a craft fair with an edge. Not only will you find table after table of cool and imaginative clothing, accessories and jewellery, but you’ll also find a fully licensed bar and DJ. Clever. Pay once, shop for days!
Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 | The PNE Forum (2901 E Hastings St) | $7 (4 day pass) | DETAILS

POP-UP | The good folks behind the excellent corner store and cafe, Le Marché St George, have launched their annual Winter pop-up shop. Poke your head into the garage at the rear of the property and check out all the gorgeous textiles – think Mexican wools, beautiful cashmere and linen scarves, chunky knit sweaters, pillows, throws and blankets – as well as clothing by Mandula, a fresh batch of ceramics by Janaki Larsen, art work by Klee Larsen, sturdy leather satchels, Scatter/Gather pendant lights and some great jewellery.
Now until the end of December | 9am-6pm | Le Marché St. George (4393 St. George) | DETAILS

CHRISTMAS WITH THE BACH CHOIR | Did you know that there are over 400 members of the Vancouver Bach Choir? Members are split in to four separate choirs: Adult Choir, Children’s Chorus, Youth Choir, and Sarabande. This Sunday brings the opportunity to hear all of these groups sing together in one concert.  400 voices coordinated in an effort to deliver timeless Christmas carols and ‘newer seasonal works’. Pretty amazing. I know, December? Already? We have to deal with that, so we might as well get into it with a little Jingle Bells right off the bat.
Sun, Dec. 1 | 2pm | Orpheum Theatre (884 Granville St.) | DETAILS

Check the Globe & Mail every Thursday for our Special Weekend Edition of the Scout List

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late-may-2009-169Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives in beautiful Strathcona and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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