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, from our calendar to yours!

LAUGH | Hit the Biltmore Thursday night for a bit of a giggle. Goddamn Millennials is a “a specially curated stand-up comedy event for all the special snowflakes who were born in the 80’s and 90’s. Performed by the Peter Pan generation of 30-year-olds who skateboard and 25 year old Pokemon masters.” It’s not like a dedicated location and cover charge are necessary in order to have a laugh at the expense of Millennials, but it sure makes it more comfortable (and the bar service really helps). This gig is likely to sell out, so get tickets here fast.
Thu, July 7 | Doors 8pm | Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward St) | $15 | DETAILS

YOGA | Social Yoga focuses on getting people talking, asking questions and connecting during their practice. Classes are often held in unexpected locations; a strategy that helps to impart a sense of lightheartedness and fun. This week the Social Yoga crew set up in the alleys of East Vancouver. Head to the lane behind Little Mountain Shop from 7-9pm, Monday-Thursday and get a little yoga in while listening to music, talking and making better use of an under-utilized piece of ground in your home town.
Mon-Thu | 7-9pm | behind Little Mountain Shop at 4386 Main St| DETAILS

RACES | Wiener dogs take over Hastings Racetrack this weekend. There’s something so uplifting about these hopeful, low-to-ground dudes waddling as fast as their little legs will carry them around a track (intended for creatures much, much larger). Wieners leave the gates to do their business between regularly scheduled horse races on Saturday and Sunday. Things could get pretty tense as Top Dog stands to leave with a $2,500 purse. Not so bad, little doggie!
July 9 + 10 | 2pm both days | Hastings Racecourse (188 N Renfrew St) | DETAILS

BLOCK PARTY| Over the last few years many of Vancouver’s galleries have re-located to a parcel of land known as ‘The Flats’ (between Main Street and Clark Drive just above Industrial Avenue). This weekend this tight little flock throw their fourth collective summer bash and it’s going to be good times. Cruise exhibitions from five galleries, attend an artist talk (or two), and get to know the neighbourhood a little. Finish the day with a beer at the Red Truck Brewing Parking Lot Concert (295 East 1st) featuring Hollerado, Old Man Canyon, Bend Sinister, High Kicks, Little India and the Redeye Empire.
Sat, July 9 | noon-5pm | Various locations in “The Flats” | DETAILS

ARCHITECTURE | The West Vancouver Museum offers its annual home tour this weekend. Choose between a seat on the bus or a self-guided adventure (both with an option to attend a reception at Eagle Harbour Yacht Club at the end of the day) and experience first hand some stunning West Coast Modernism. Your day begins at the Museum where you’ll receive an information package containing details of the five houses featured in the tour. Museum staff and guest architects will be at homes to point out details, tell stories and provide context. Finish the day with a glass of wine and an ocean view and compare notes with your fellow design wonks.
Sat, July 9 | 12-6pm | 680 17th Street, West Van | $100-130 | DETAILS

SKATE | The first-ever park terrain world championship competition hits Vancouver this weekend. Vans’ Pro Skate Park Series goes down at Hastings Skatepark, which (arguably) one of our best outdoor skating venues, design-wise. Expect some serious ripping as some of the world’s gnarliest skateboarders get to know how we roll. From event organizers: “The competition will showcase the best international talent in modern day park riding including local Vancouver talents Adam Hopkins and James Clarke. The riders will be competing for their chance to be one of the five highest ranked skaters to move on take on the title of park terrain World Champion in Malmö, Sweden on August 20th.“
July 7-9 | 2pm | 2901 E Hastings St. (Renfrew @ Hastings) | DETAILS

KHATSAHLANO | Khatsahlano Street Party happens Saturday and it’s going to be sweet. Expect stages across 10 blocks of West 4th showcasing over 50 of Vancouver’s finest independent bands and solo musicians as well as many other artists and performers. Bonus: beer gardens and a family zone – depending on which way you swing!
Sat, July 9 | 11-9pm | Along 4th Ave between Burrard & MacDonald | Free | DETAILS

TASTE | Head on down to the Odd Society tasting room Sunday evening and finish your weekend with a kick. The peeps from Moonshine Tastings will be on site to school interested Vancouverites on the subtle (and not so subtle) characteristics of the herbaceous spirit known as Absinthe, aka The Green Faerie. Start off with a refreshing ‘arrival cocktail’ and settle in to learn a bit about the history of Absinthe; be entertained by folklore and dark stories; and taste your way through five brands of the delightful green liquid. Do keep in mind Oscar Wilde’s words: “After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.” Obviously, you’ll want to leave your car at home.
Sun, July 10 | 7-9pm | Odd Society Tasting Room (1725 Powell St.) | $35 | DETAILS

EXPLORE | Get yourself out to Richmond to gobble some tasty food. Make a stop at a U-Pick farm to load up on berries and wander the trails and gardens of Terra Nova Park. Make a day of it and stick around for dinner at one of the night markets and take advantage of the fact that the City of Richmond is hosting a FREE summer Sunset Series at Olympic Riverside Plaza that involves outdoor yoga classes, beach volleyball, food trucks, music, and a fresh air film (this Sunday is Jurassic Park).
Sun, July 10 | Various times and venues | Richmond | DETAILS

EAT LOCAL | Go slow – take the whole day to make dinner! Start with a good cup of coffee and wander your way to a farmers market; take a list or find inspiration in what you discover there.  Summer is the best – think of all the fresh sweet berries, healthy herbs and vegetables, salad greens, as well as cheese, artisan breads, preserves, honey, wild salmon, cookies and pies. Support the people who grow our food!
Downtown | Thursdays | 2-6pm | Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza | DETAILS
Trout Lake | Saturdays | 9am-2pm | North Parking Lot, John Hendry Park | DETAILS
West End | Saturdays | 9am-2pm | 1100 Block of Comox (across from Nelson Park) | DETAILS
Kits | Sundays | 10am-2pm | 2690 Larch @ 10th | DETAILS
Main Street | Wednesdays | 2-6pm | 1100 Block Main (Thornton Park) | DETAILS

—————————————————————————–

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.