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

Ten Things That You Should Absolutely Do Between Now And Next Week

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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!

NIGHTINGALE | The highly anticipated new restaurant from chef David Hawksworth is now open. Scout got a sneak peek just a few minutes before the first service yesterday and it looks all kinds of fantastic! Get down before everyone else does.
11am – midnight, 7 days  | 1017 West Hastings St. | 604-695-9500 | DETAILS

DOXA | The Documentary Film Festival (DOXA) continues to animate screens around town this week. With over 85 documentaries on the roster this year, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and informed, plus there’s also the opportunity to dig a little deeper with panel discussions, talks and informal after-film discussions. Check out the full line-up here.
May 5-15 | Various times, Various venues | DETAILS

HORROR | It’s here again: Friday the 13th. Observe the day by diving into the deep end with a midnight screening of the 1980’s classic film of the same name. “Camp counsellors are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant while trying to reopen a summer camp that was the site of a child’s drowning.” And also, Kevin Bacon! As always, you get a couple of bucks off by arriving in costume, but for the benefit of innocent passersby, wait until you’re safely at the box office window before you put on that goddam freaky mask!
Fri, May 13 | 11:55pm | The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway) | $6/$8 door | DETAILS

ART | The annual Degree Exhibition at Emily Carr continues this week. A group exhibition of a magnitude rarely encountered, The Show is really worth a visit. Grab coffee and a fresh doughnut from nearby Granville Island and wander the galleries, hallways, foyers and classrooms of the campus to take in upwards of 300 works by the talented graduating students. The artists have come through ECUAD via Design, Media and Visual Arts, and their cumulative body of work is astounding in its breadth and sheer volume. For an idea of what to expect, have a look at our walk through of the exhibition last week.
Now though May 22 | Weekdays 10am-8pm + Wknds 10am-6pm| ECUAD (1400 Johnston St. | DETAILS

WHISKY & WORDS | Every year the Vancouver Writers Festival brings in authors from near and far to the stages, halls and auditoriums of Granville Island – giving Vancouverites the opportunity to engage, listen, learn and interact with accomplished writers. It’s one of our longest running, most anticipated, and overall impactful festivals and it takes a lot to make it happen, so 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) and includes access to ‘rare and distinguished’ single malt scotch whiskies, as well as a wine bar, hors-d’œuvres and silent auction. If you’re a whisky lover, this is a fantastic opportunity to build your knowledge and sample otherwise difficult to source bottles of the spirit. Meet producers and other whisky enthusiasts, as well as countless lovers of literature besides. A very civilized evening, to be sure!
Fri, May 13 | 7:30pm | Hycroft Manner (1489 McRae Avenue) | $125 | DETAILS

LAUGH | Hustle over to Little Mountain Gallery in Mount Pleasant this Saturday night and have a laugh. The members of Vancouver’s Proud Of You comedy troupe have lined up a night of stand-up and improv focused on high school. Nerd jokes, misunderstandings and daytime television magnitude emotional breakdowns are all fair game. Not only is laughter said to strengthen the immune system, boost energy, and lower stress levels, but it also feels good. Get out there and do some! Also: $4 drinks and the ever-present possibility of candy.
Sat, May 14 | 8pm | Little Mountain Gallery (195 E 26th Ave) | $5 | DETAILS

FEAST | Spot Prawns are coming to False Creek’s Fisherman’s Wharf this weekend! The annual Spot Prawn Festival, founded by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC, always sells out – so snatch your ticket fast. $17.50 gets you a plate of three BC spot prawns as well as sauces, salad, and baked goods plus access to the drink tent for free samples from Salt Spring Coffee, R&B Brewery, and wine. Expect cooking demos, a children’s area and educational displays, as as well the opportunity to buy prawns straight from the docks by way of actual fishermen! Imagine that.
Sun, May 15 | 11am-3pm | False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf (1505 West 1st Ave) | $17.50 | DETAILS

HOORAY | It’s happening! Farmers are starting to trickle back into town with their fresh fruits, veggies and eggs. Joining them are bakers, cheesemakers, beekeepers and even the occasional pickle purveyor. Trout Lake Farmers Market is open on Saturday (9am–2pm), and the Kits Market goes down Sunday (10-2). Welcome back farmers! Oh, how we’ve missed you so!
TROUT LAKE | May 14 | 9am–2pm | 13th and Lakewood | DETAILS
KITS | May 15 | 10am–2pm | 2690 Larch @ 10th Ave | DETAILS

PUNK | Holy shit yes! The Violent Femmes play The Commodore this week. The Femmes hit it big in the 80’s, but haven’t put to a new album in 15 years, until now. Not that we’d ever get sick of “Blister in The Sun” or  “Gone Daddy Gone”, but we’re keen to hear what the new material sounds like live this Sunday night. Sometimes the very best way to end a weekend is to hit a live show for cold beer, loud music and a good romp around the dance floor.
Sun, May 15 | 8:30pm | Commodore Ballroom $39 | DETAILS

GREASY SPOON | Heads-up! Chef Pekka Tavela of Wildebeest is on deck to cook the next Greasy Spoon dinner at Save On Meats this coming Tuesday (May 17). The menu for this old school diner meal is looking rad. Think classics like pot pie, hash & eggs, rueben & chips, and chicken and waffles – all with an imaginative and tasty twists. You know it’ll sell out, so snag a ticket now to avoid disappointment.
Tue, May 17 | Two seatings: 5:30pm & 8pm | 43 West Hastings St. | $98 | DETAILS

Transition Into 2024 with Some Quality Downtime

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, from now until January 8th, 2024.

Scout List, Vol. 601

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, right now.

Scout List, Vol. 600

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver, from March 30th to April 5th, 2023.

Scout List, Vol. 599

From our calendar to yours comes this carefully considered agenda of cool things we are doing, wishing we could do, or conspiring to do in Vancouver over the days and weeks ahead.