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!

CITY | The City of Vancouver is on the hunt for a new City Planner. This week, the SFU City Program assembles a panel of experts – Ray Spaxman, Ann McAfee, Larry Beasley and Brent Toderian – to “identify the questions we should be asking not just of the candidates but of ourselves: What vision for our city are we asking of our planner, staff and council? How do we generate the enthusiasm and capacity to build partnerships — and a passion for our city and region?”  These are good things to think about as Vancouver continues to grow. Although this event is free, seating is limited and registration is required, so get yourself a seat here.
Thu, Oct 29 | 7–8:30pm | Room 1400, SFU Harbour Centre (515 W Hastings) | Free | DETAILS

GEISHA | Take Friday afternoon off and head out to UBC for a screening of Minako: Last Geisha of the Yoshiwara. “Director Makoto Yasuhara spent six years getting to know and document the life of a practicing geisha of the Yoshiwara district of Tokyo. Until Minako’s death in 2010 at age 90, she was the last living geisha (literally “a practitioner of the arts”) of the Yoshiwara, the only licensed area for prostitution in the old city of Edo (present Tokyo). Yoshiwara was once occupied by courtesans and those versed in traditional arts. Following World War II, the district was officially closed, but the cultural traditions lived on through the work of geisha like Minako.” In addition to the the film, expect brief presentations on geisha and Edo culture. Bonus tip: this is a phenomenal time of year to walk the nearby Nitobe Gardens, thereby amplifying the Japanese cultural experience!
Fri, Oct 30 | 3:30-6pm | Auditorium, Asian Centre, 1871 West Mall | Free and open to all | DETAILS

GIG | Singer-songwriter Natalie Prass is in town from Nashville this weekend. On tour to support her debut self-titled release, Prass plays the Biltmore Saturday night along with Promised Land Sound. If you’re looking for a night out that skips Halloween-themed anything in favour of low-key cans of beer and a little live music, this is the ticket.
Sat, Oct 31 | 7pm | Biltmore Cabaret | $15 | DETAILS

HORROR | Ok, so maybe you want to celebrate Halloween and watch all the creepy movies, but you’re not so sure you want to sit at home alone listening to branches scratch against your window. Grab a seat at The Rio on Saturday night for a line up of Halloween classics. We’re talking The Shining at 6pm, Halloween at 9:15pm, and From Dusk Till Dawn at 11:30pm. Bonus: bar service and grilled cheese sandwiches make it extra cozy. Just be sure to take a buddy or two with you, because you sure as shit won’t want to walk home alone after this.
Sat, Oct 31 | 7, 9:15 & 11:30pm | The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway) | DETAILS

WAYZGOOSE | I know, it’s a weird word. What does it mean? The Alcuin Society explains it thusly: “Originally [Wayzgoose was] a goose dinner prepared by a young printer at the end of his apprenticeship, when he invited all those who had supported him in his career. Later it came to represent the annual party that a printing house would hold at the end of summer, before the printers went back to working by candlelight. Today, this centuries-old tradition is still alive, and it has become a time of celebration when printers and book artists come together to exhibit their work to the public”. This year, the Wayzgoose Fine Press Printing Show takes place at the Vancouver Public Library. Equal parts book fair and art exhibition, expect to see everything from tables and booths of beautifully crafted books to hand printed broadsheets and curious ephemera. If you’re like me and besotted by typography and the beauty of the printed word, this is definitely a show worth checking out!
Sat, Oct. 31 | 10am – 4pm | VPL Main Branch (350 E Georgia) | FREE | DETAILS

PARADE OF LOST SOULS | Every year on the last weekend of October a shadowy procession of characters meanders through the streets of East Van. No one knows precisely which streets the parade will claim until the last moment, but when the crowd starts to gather and the lanterns are lit, the magic spreads throughout the whole community. Inspired by Day of the Dead celebrations, parade goers are encouraged to join the procession in costume, remember friends and family members who have departed, and celebrate life as they wander through dark streets enjoying pop-up performances, live music and art installations. Check the Facebook event page (here) at midnight on October 30th to find out the coordinates of the parade location for the 31st.
October 31 | Various times and places | DETAILS

STYLE | Vancouver Emerging Designers Showcase is a gathering of 14 local fashion designers who are using this event to publicly present their collections for the very first time. Exciting, right? Not only did these guys conceive of and construct the collections in the show, but they also enlisted the help of make-up artists, hair stylists, models, and photographers, and got on the horn to promote the event. They even chose the music. Expect unique pieces, collections, and personalties. Let’s hear it for first timers!
Sun. Nov 1 | 7-10 | 181 Roundhouse Mews | DETAILS

TASTE | Sons of Vancouver is releasing a very special ex-bourbon, ex-Sherry-finished single malt barrel-aged amaretto this Saturday. We’re letting you know because only 204 bottles were produced and you’d be surprised at how fast 204 bottles go! A stash of this tasty business in the cupboard will keep you in good stead though the winter. Bottles can be only purchased at the distillery.
Sat, Oct 31, 1-7pm | $58 (no tax) | 1431 Crown Street (North Van) | DETAILS

LEARN | Hit Stanley Park on Sunday and get a dose of local history with the Secrets of Lost Lagoon Historical Walking Tour. Listen to stories, learn facts, take a look at some old photographic evidence and walk away a more educated Vancouverite ready to dazzle friends and family with your knowledge of this much loved lagoon.
Sun. Nov 1 | 1:30-3:30pm | Stanley Park | $10 | DETAILS

HEADS-UP | Cornucopia 2015 kicks off on November 5th and carries through until the 15th. With a sweet line up of educational wine seminars, multi-course dinners, huge tasting events, after-parties and some wellness workshops to balance all of the indulgence out, there is more than enough to keep you busy for a weekend, a full week or – if you’re super keen – a really amazing 10 days. While some events are free, most are ticketed and have the annoying habit of selling out, so book yours on the quick. Whistler throws a heck of a food and wine festival and we don’t want you to miss out!
Nov 5-15 | Various locations throughout Whistler | DETAILS