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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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!

GREEN | Strathcona’s Harvest Urban Farm produces 500+ pounds of greens per week without the use of any soil. If you love gardening, farming, eating or innovation, you might want to bring yourself up to speed on this cool system on Thursday during their first ever aeroponics workshop. Take a farm tour, roll up your sleeves and do a little hands-on harvesting, and do some delicious product tasting.
Thu, July 21 | 5pm | Harvest Urban Farms, 950 East Cordova | $5 | DETAILS

CLASSIC | North By Northwest is showing at the Rio on Saturday night. A slow wander up Commercial Drive and some quality time in a cool theatre with a little Alfred Hitchcock action? Sounds like a fine Saturday night to us! Can’t quite remember the premise of the film? Here is a refresher from The Rio: “A hapless New York advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and is pursued across the country while he looks for a way to survive.” Expect guns, trains and beautiful women carried along by that famously tight Hitchcock suspense. Bonus: Cary Grant (swoon).
Sat, Jul 23 | 7pm | 1660 E Broadway | $10 | DETAILS

ART | Vancouver artist Jane Q Cheng’s show “Studying Andy Dixon” takes a close look at the art of Vancouver sweetheart Andy Dixon. Cheng immersed herself in Dixon’s studio life in order to understand how much of the person is in the art. Head to Make studio to take the results of her study in and get into the spirit of the project by dressing in a manner that celebrates Dixon’s trademark style: bright with a heavy dose of pink.
Thu, July 21 | 7-9pm | Make (257 East 7th Ave) | DETAILS

FILM | Vancity Theatre is all about Cuba this weekend with their Cuba Now and Then film series. From contemporary to classic, the selection of movies offer a unique snapshot of a place, people and history layered with politics, passion, and ingenuity. Cuba Now and Then includes compelling stories, varied subject matter and stunning cinematography, almost like a crash course in Cuban culture with comfy seats and popcorn (minus the final exam).
July 22-24 | various times | 1181 Seymour Street | $12 | DETAILS

FIREWORKS | The Celebration of Light starts this week (Saturday). First to represent with pyrotechnic amazingness is The Netherlands (July 23), followed by Australia (July 27), and finally the USA (July 30). Viewing options range from “business class cabana” that’ll run you $5K+ (holy shit) to an old school log on a beach, which comes completely free but with partially obstructed views and an oppressive crowd of strangers. 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 23-30 | 10pm | English Bay | Free with some $ options | DETAILS

CIVIC DUTY | It may not be the most fun you’ll have all week, but if you live in the West End (or even visit this hood on a regular basis to see friends, eat at restaurants or walk the seawall) you might want to clear a little time to get yourself to the West End Parking Strategy open house this weekend. Have a look at the COV recommended changes aimed at making it easier to find parking in the West End permit zone and give your feedback as a Vancouverite. From the City: “The strategy responds to community-identified concerns and supports actions in the Transportation 2040 Plan and West End Community Plan.” Get in there and have your say.
Sat, July 23 | 10am-2pm | Nelson Park, 1030 Bute St | Free | 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!

PHOTOGRAPHY | If you’ve been thinking about getting into photography but aren’t sure where to begin, consider spending some time at the Vancouver Flea Market Camera Show this weekend. Not only will you find camera wonks with table after table of all manner of equipment (from manual cannons and old school hasselblad to polaroids, Nikons and even a Leica or two) but there will also be photographs, film, camera gear, and lots of free and learned camera-related advice.
Jul 24 | 8:30am–4:30pm | Vancouver Flea Market (703 Terminal Ave) | DETAILS

CHILL | Cates Park is a beautiful North Shore waterfront green space worth a visit in its own right, but if it (and it’s adjoining beach) weren’t enough to get you there, how about the fact that it has free public concerts on Saturdays? Take a picnic basket or load up at the on-site Wally Burger concession (think Chuck Wagon burgers, yam fries and chocolate milkshakes). This week you can look forward to local bands Only a Visitor, Winds-Up Birds and All Kings Assembly. Music begins in the late afternoon and continues until about 7pm.
Sat, July 23 | 4-7pm | Cates Park 4141 Dollarton Hwy, North Van | Free | DETAILS

WISDOM | Former CBC radio personality and photographer David Wisdom hosts an evening of art and music at the Vancouver Art Gallery this week. Wisdom’s annual Summer Slideshow features images of work by local artists combined with music and silky smooth commentary by Wisdom himself. This event is always a sell-out, which is why we’re mentioning it a full week in advance. Skip over to the VAG website and score yourself a seat while seats are still to be had (don’t worry, if you miss this show, there will be a second on August 23rd)
Tue, July 26 | Doors 6:15pm, 7pm | Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St) | $10 | DETAILS

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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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