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Ten Things That You Should Absolutely Do Between Now And 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 theirs…and yours!

BEACH | The weather has been so consistently hot and lovely that it’s hard to think in terms of winter – but those cold wet days will be here before we know it. It’s time to get serious about checking things off your summer ‘To Do’ list. If you haven’t packed up and spent a full day at the beach yet, now’s the time. Try English Bay, Kits, Wreck or Whytecliff. Pull together a picnic lunch or dinner and dig in for the long haul. Second or Third Beach on a Tuesday can keep you entertained well into the evening with its drum circle beach party and fresh air cinema (Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom on July 21 and Grease on July 28),  so get out there and build some memories to cling to this winter.

MUSIC | Chill out with an Enchanted Evenings summer concert series at The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden this week. Enjoy live music of Canadian folk-jazz trio, The Jessica Stuart Few. Book a reservable seat and make a night of it by ordering a gourmet picnic dinner ($10-$24). Garden doors open at 7pm. Pre-ordered picnics will be served at 7-8pm and the concert begins at 8pm.
Thu, July 23 | 7pm | 578 Carrall St. | Concert $25, Picnic extra | DETAILS

ART | Make your way to Kimoto Gallery this Friday for the opening night of Summer Mix. The South Granville gallery will showcase the works of 24 Vancouver contemporary artists. With that many hats in the ring you can expect everything from paintings on canvas, panel and paper to photography, sculpture and mixed media. We’re particularly interested in checking out Jay Senetchko’s ‘Best of Life’ series, (large-scale oil paintings based on collages he has made of clippings from his Grandmother’s Time Life magazine collection) and new works by the always playful Rebecca Chaperon. If you aren’t able to make it to the opening reception on Friday, this show runs through to August 15th (and is conveniently located next door to both Farmer’s Apprentice and Grapes & Soda).
Fri, July 24 | 6–9pm | Kimoto Gallery (1525 West 6th) | DETAILS

COMMUNITY  | Grab a few lawn chairs and some snacks and head over to Mount Pleasant for some quality community time on Saturday night. The Mount Pleasant Park Festival start sat 6pm. The theme this year is ‘Western’. Highlights will include a photo booth, music, a petting zoo, and an outdoor screening of Rango (starts at dusk). Cowboy attire encouraged!
Sat, July 25 | 6-10:30pm | Mount Pleasant Park (Ontario & 16th) | Free | DETAILS

EXHIBITION |  Artist Dylan Humphrey has his first solo gig at the Initial Gallery this week. A Good Day Above Ground is a series of paintings inspired by the time that Humphrey spent as an industrial painter inside hydroelectric dam tunnels. The show runs July 25 to August 15,  with an opening reception this Saturday (3-6pm).
Sat, July 25 | 3-6pm | Initial Gallery (2339 Granville St) | DETAILS

FORAGE | It’s early, but local blackberries are moving into the good-for-picking zone right now. Don’t miss this precious window — find yourself a thicket and get picking! Our spots are next to train tracks (careful), in empty lots, and in other wild, unkept spaces. Perfect for smoothies, crumbles, jams, or syrups for summer cocktails!

EAT | The highly anticipated izakaya-style, pan-Asian street food eatery Torafuku is now open at 958 Main Street.  As this is the first weekend that the Food Truck-turned-restaurant concept is up and running, expect crowds. Try the “rye so messy” chicken wings with ramen crumble! (Also brand new is chef David Gunawan’s 80 seat Royal Dinette, which launches on Wednesday)
Tues–Sun (closed Mon) | 5:30-11pm | 958 Main St DETAILS

FIREWORKS | The Celebration of Light starts this week (Saturday). First to represent their country with pyrotechnic amazingness is China (July 25), followed by Brazil (July 29), and finally, Canada (August 1). Viewing options range from Cheeseball Supreme (a “business class cabana” that’ll run you $5,000) to an old school log on a beach (free but with partially obstructed views in an oppressive crowd of strangers on a beach or in a park). For the best of both worlds, consider planning ahead with a ticket to the August 1st fireworks viewing at that the Maritime Museum (complete with BBQ, complimentary drink, and access to a cash bar, music and great view for $120 – find out more here). Regardless of how you decide to approach the Celebration of Light, for crying out loud, don’t try to drive through the West End on the night thereof.
July 25, 29, August 1 | 10pm | English Bay | Free with some $ options | DETAILS

PRIDE | Vancouver Pride is gearing up. The main event – Pride Parade – goes down next Sunday (August 2), but between now and then there are numerous events to take in. This weekend watch out for the Pride Walk & Run and Pride Picnic in Brockton Oval in Stanley Park(a family friendly event that includes everything from volleyball and a tug-of-war to a Drag Race).
Now through Sun, August 2 | Various times and locations | DETAILS

MEAT FEST | Brewery & The Beast takes place this Sunday. Don’t get too excited – as the yearly festival of high quality, hormone and antibiotic-free, ethically raised meats and top notch local beer is predictably sold out. Still salivating at the thought of a day filled with sausages, smoked, cured and barbecued meats, and crisp, cold beer? Craigslist has a few tickets kicking around – but jump fast as people go crazy for this kind of thing!
Sun, July 26 | 1-4pm | Concord Pacific Lot (88 Pacific Boulevard) | $120+ | DETAILS

To submit an event for consideration, email events [at] scoutmagazine.ca 

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

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