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 theirs…and yours!

FARM DINNER | This almost-summer weather with its sundress-worthy warmth and stunning sunsets makes evenings outside an easy default plan. We suggest taking full advantage by sharing a meal on a farm with friends. If you haven’t heard of it, Farmacie is long table dining series designed to marry local and expertly prepared food with a cause. They’ve got a dinner lined up with food prepared by chefs Marika Richoz and Brian Skinner in support of Backpack Buddies, a local program that augments the free or reduced price food programs that inner city kids rely on. Tickets might seem steep but they are well worth it. The cost includes food and drink as well as an evening of gentle light, compelling conversation and a restorative surroundings.
Fri, June 5 | 7pm | Southlands Heritage Farm (6767 Balaclava St) | $150 | DETAILS

SHOP | It’s a magical thing when a shoe fits perfectly. If you have trouble finding a good fit or just appreciate the process of tailor-made clothing, consider checking out the Poppy Barley Custom Footwear pop-up at Woodwards this week. This small Edmonton company has come to town to showcase their made-to-order line of shoes and boots. The idea is that you make an appointment (walk-ins accommodated where possible) and they measure you in order to craft you comfortable and stylish footwear that take into account whatever it is that you’ve got going on (ie. muscular calves, skinny legs, high arches, or wide/narrow feet). It’s a cool concept and their summer sandals and oxfords are pretty darn cute.
Now through June 6 | 11am – 7pm | Woodwards Storefront (315 Abbott St.) | DETAILS

SHAKESPEARE | The 2015 season of Bard On The Beach kicks off this weekend with Comedy of Errors. From BOTB: “Double trouble has never been more delightful! Two sets of long-lost twins meet up unexpectedly, creating hilarious confusion for their friends, loved ones – and most of all themselves.” Arrive early to catch one of the informal pre-performance chats, spread out a blanket and have an al fresco dinner before the show (picnic meals with adorable Shakespearian themed names are available for pre-order). Also, take some some time in Bard Village where you can enjoy bar services, poke around the Bard boutique or just chat with other theatre-goers. Shakespeare on a Vancouver beach in June? Perfection!
All Weekend | Various times | Vanier Park, Kits Point | Starting at $26 | DETAILS

WHISKY & WORDS | Every year the Vancouver Writers Festival brings authors from near and far to the stages, halls and auditoriums of Granville Island – giving Vancouverites with the opportunity to engage, listen, learn and interact with accomplished writers. It’s one of our longest running, most anticipated and impactful festivals and it takes a lot to make it happen. Set aside some time this Friday night to make your way to the annual VWF fundraiser, A Dram Come True. The evening of whisky tasting and good conversation takes place at the historic Hycroft Manor (a perfectly paired venue for a night of scotch). Festivities include access to forty ‘rare and distinguished’ single malt scotch whiskies, as well as a Tinhorn Creek wine bar, hors-d’œuvres, and a silent auction. If you’re a whisky lover, this is a fantastic opportunity to build knowledge and sample otherwise difficult to source bottles of the spirit. Meet producers and other whisky enthusiasts, as well as countless lovers of literature. A very civilized evening, to be sure!
Fri, June 5 | 7:30pm | Hycroft Manner (1489 McRae Avenue) | $120 | DETAILS

SWIM | The forecast calls for warm weather and lots of sunshine this weekend, so scoot down and splash up a storm at Kits Pool, which is now open for the 2015 swimming season. This lovely salt water pool offers 137 metres of relief from the heat. With soft sand and beach volleyball close at hand and plenty of great food options just an easy flip-flop across Cornwall, Kits Pool makes for a solid day of fun. Information on swimming schedule and admission fees can be found here. Pro-tip: the early bird scores the best towel real estate.

MUSIC | With an emphasis on psychedelic music, Levitation Vancouver is a three-day music festival that goes down in multiple venues across the city this weekend. This is the inaugural year and it looks like a keeper. Big name performances by bands like the Black Angels, Black Lips, Black Mountain, and Atlas Sound will happen at Malkin Bowl with smaller gigs (think Ryley Walker and Sun Ra Star System) at establishments such as China Cloud and mid-sized awesomeness (Blackbird Blackbird, Tobacco, Dead Meadow) going down at joints like The Electric Owl, The Cobalt and The Rickshaw. The launch party is this Friday at the Rickshaw. Get sorted here.
June 5 – 7 | Various times, locations and prices | DETAILS

FUN | There’s a fun show on at Hot Art Wet City this week. Skip over to the Main Street Gallery for We’re All Pretty Bizarre, a gathering of art that pays homage to the films of John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, Pretty in Pink, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Sixteen Candles). You can’t go wrong with this. It’s going to be a good vibe. Opening reception is Friday, June 5th from 7-11pm but the show will continue until the end of the month.
June 4-27 | 12-5pm | Hot Art Wet City Gallery (2206 Main St) | DETAILS

MAKE | Mini Maker Faire hits the PNE Forum this weekend. A cross between a science fair, a community fair, and a farmer’s market, this gig will have everything from workshops and information booths to performances and collaborations. Expect to meet enthusiastic textile designers and craft brewing fanatics, builders, 3D printers, scientists and artists – all excited to explain and answer questions. This is an event that celebrates our power to make, remake, and create things, so clear your schedule, snap up a few tickets and roll up your sleeves for a fun day of hacking, crafting and inventing. Oh – and keep your eyes peeled for a robot that can solve Rubik’s cubes…crazy stuff.
June 6 & 7 | 10am-6pm | PNE Forum (2901 E Hastings St) | $17 | DETAILS

GIG | Local “dark-pop” band The Belle Game play The Biltmore this Thursday night with David Vertesi. This is a guaranteed winner for a late spring evening out; just the sort of subterranean rock-out that could set the tone for a great weekend. Give it a go!
Thu, June 4 | 8pm | The Biltmore (2755 Prince Ed) | $13 | DETAILS

PROCESS | The Drawings of Canadian artist Garry Neill Kennedy hit the walls of The Charles H. Scott Gallery at Emily Carr this month. From ECUAD: “The exhibition features an extensive collection of nearly 1600 pieces, made up of notes, drawings and doodles begun during the artist’s twenty-three year tenure as president of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.” We love the idea of documenting brainstorming, daydreaming, distracted creativity, and any and all attempts at expressing unformed ideas as art itself rather than a carefully finished product. Process is beautiful!
Now though July 5 |12-5pm | Charles H. Scott Gallery | DETAILS

INVESTIGATE | Learn what happens with your garbage after it is picked up by the garbage-truck with a guided bus tour (roughly 1/2 hour in duration) of the Vancouver Landfill this weekend. You’ll hear about the landfill’s environmental impact; be impressed by trained hawks (used to control birds in the area); be told about how landfill gas generates electricity and heat; and take part in a series of educational activities. Plus, free hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks. The fun never ends at the landfill!
Sat, June 6 | 10am–3pm | City of Vancouver Landfill (5400 72 St, Delta) | FREE | DETAILS

To submit an event for consideration, email events [at] scoutmagazine.ca with the event date as your subject.

Michelle 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 streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy (but faithful) camera.

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