Spring has finally arrived. The Vernal Equinox (March 20 at 12:14am) signals the beginning of longer days and warmer weather. And not a minute too soon, am I right? Enough with the cold dark business. It’s time to turn soil, gaze at cherry blossoms and wear dresses. You with me?  Get gardening, pack away the toques and gloves. This is reason to celebrate.

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM | Festival Cinemas is marking the 70th anniversary of Casablanca this week. Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, unoccupied Africa during the early days of World War II – what’s not to dig? One show only – don’t miss out.
Wednesday, March 21 | 7pm | Fifth Avenue Cinemas | $8 | Details

BUFFET | On Thursday night there’s something cool called Buffet going on. It’s a smorgasbord of art, if you will, is a collaborative showcase that aims to demonstrate “the contrasts, collaboration and common processes between two closely related disciplines – design and art.” Organizers have invited a pretty impressive line-up of creatives to work with the theme of food. They are “Alex Rhek from Sea Monster Sushi, Boneta and Save On, Danny Fazio for the Waldorf Hotel and Nuba, and Janice Wu for Industry Food Blogs and Publications, Melanie Kwan from Space/Time Magazine, Dylan Rekert for Chambar Resturant — the list goes on.” We can’t wait to see the results.
Thursday, March 22 | 7-10pm | Alsoknownas Studio Gallery, 220 – 314 W Cordova | Free | Details

STRUT | PolyEra Spring Masquerade and Strut-Off is going down at the Rickshaw on Saturday. Six vintage clothing stores (each representing a different era) will take a turn at sending models down the runway in a friendly competition to be judged by the audience. Moka Only and Prisoners play. “This event is hosted by the newly formed Hastings Crossing Business Improvement Association (HxBIA) and Our Social Fabric, a DTES Social Enterprise, the event aims to celebrate the rich diversity of textiles, colours, styles and fabrics that have graced the city’s fashion eras from the early 20th to early 21st century while also raising awareness of the work the two non-profits are doing to support the social fabric of the DTES.” Stores showcasing their themed collections this year include Delux Junk, Starfish and Rose, The Fair, Erin Templeton, F as in Frank, Temple of the Modern Girl.
Saturday, March 24 | Rickshaw Theatre | Doors 7pm, show 8pm | $20 | Details

TUNAGE | Hot damn! Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sharon Von Etten is playing a gig at the Biltmore this Saturday night. And she’s not alone. Co-headlining with Sharon will be indie rockers from Philadelphia, War On Drugs. I can’t think of anything I would rather do this weekend than settle in to one of those beautiful velvet-soft Biltmore booths with a cold Steamwhistle to enjoy a few hours of fine music of the calibre that these two bands are likely to produce.
Saturday March 24 | Doors 7pm, Show “8” | Biltmore Cabaret | $15 | Details

WALK | The season of The Walking Tour has begun, so kick things off with galavant around the Mountain View Cemetery. Choose between following Lorraine Irving (BC Genealogical Society) as she educates you on the details surrounding the murder of Janet Smith – still unsolved after 90 years – or tag along with Civic Historian John Atkin as he swings you by the final resting spots of the Director of the Australian Geological Survey, the captain of a former Maharajah’s Yacht and a leading architect. It’s a unique way to get to know the history of the city. Can’t argue that. Tours go rain or shine so dress appropriate like.
Sunday, March 25 | 10am | Vancouver Mountain View Cemetery (5445 Fraser) |$10 | Details

DUDS | Check out the latest from up-and-coming local designers as well as award-winning talent from around the world at Vancouver Fashion Week. This year, VFW takes place at the Chinese Cultural Centre and there’s something pretty great about sitting in a crowded room watching models strut the runway with flashes going off that just can’t be explained. Grab a drink at the Keefer, Bao Bei or The Union before or after and make a night of it.
March 20-25 | Various times | Chinese Cultural Centre (50 E. Pender) | Details

CHEESE | On Wedndesday night, Allison Spurrell of Les Ami Du Fromage will introduce you to some of her favourite BC cheeses (paired with BC wines, Strathcona quince preserves, local honey and Okanagan dried fruits).  This will be a fantastic event. First of all, Allison is super awesome. Second of all, I’ve had the quince preserve, and it’s super awesome too. Add to that the predictably outstanding cheese selection and a bit of wine and I’d say that is a solid Wednesday night.
Wednesday, March 21 | 6:30-8:30pm | Les Amis du Fromage – 843 East Hastings | $75

GREEN THUMBS | Learn a little more about Guerrilla Gardening and Seed Bomb-making at a workshop with local garden guru Andrea Bellamy this week. Andrea is prepped to teach technique necessary to create and execute an effective seed bomb campaign that could contribute to the city becoming greener and more delicious, if you sign up and get learning. Get your hands dirty. Get involved. Change the landscape. Participants take home a seed bomb and a signed copy of Andrea’s latest book, Sugar Snaps & Strawberries. Hooray for Guerrilla Gardening!
Sunday, March 25 | 10-11am | Aloe Designs Studio (1443 E. Pender) | $35 | Details

BLIMMERY | It’s time for Blim’s Monthly Community Market. Hook yourself up with all kinds of good. There will be clothing, accessories, vintage trinkets, vinyl and hand made jewellery as well as live music, hot food, cold drinks and the occasional cupcake. What more do you want from an early spring Sunday afternoon? Seriously? Pretty perfect.
Sunday, March 25 | 12-5 pm | Heritage Hall (3102 Main) | Free

YOGA | There’s a yoga workshop going on at the Contemporary Art Gallrey this weekend. Imagine it: big beautiful rooms, tall white walls, big art. There’s something inherently calming about a gallery, so why not throw yoga into he mix? When’s the next time you’ll be free to practice yoga in an art gallery without getting funny looks? The class provides full-spectrum practice for all levels. Check it out.
Sunday, March 25 | 10:30am | Contemporary Art Gallery (555 Nelson) | $35

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended Bond 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 shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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