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…

CULTURE

Busy, Busy, Busy! A good weekend to ditch the car for sure. First off, it’s Critical Mass this Friday, so be sure to plan accordingly. It’s also Pride, so get your LGBT on. And don’t forget about the HSBC Celebration of Light fireworks competition in English Bay on Saturday night, or the lantern festival. Public Transit never looked so good. Keep in mind that traffic restrictions will be in effect downtown on Saturday, July 30th for the fireworks. On these evenings, vehicle access in the West End and Kits Point will be limited to residents who can prove residency through car registration or a resident permit parking decal.

PD’s Hot Shop made a move recently. Now that they’ve unpacked all of their boxes, they’re throwing down with a bit of a shop-warming bash. Expect special performances by Skull Skates recording artists Sorcerers and an appearance by the The DJ Trike eco-mobile sound system. The Sorcerers “employ thunderous drum and base backing up maniacal vocal and guitar stylings tapping the flow found in parallel art forms such as skateboarding, skimboarding,?cycling etc.” The neighbours will never know what hit them!
Saturday, July 30 | 12noon-7pm | 3734 w. 10th (@Alma) in the former location of Sacred Heart Tattoo

Portobello West Fashion & Art Market brightens up the Creekside Community Recreation Centre on Sunday. There will be in excess of 65 local artists and designers armed with their tempting one-of-a-kind fashion and art.
Sunday, July 31 | 12-5 pm | Creekside Community Recreation Centre (1 Athletes Way – Olympic Village) | $2

Check out this cool little design shop opening up on Kingsway. Caste Projects is setting up a one month temporary digs and open studio workspace. Opening night will also serve as a venue for the launch of a small collection of furniture and home-wares, as well as a curated selection of new products from local and international designers such as Caste Projects, Henderson Dry Goods, Stranger Things Millinery, Larry and The Found & The Freed.
Wednesday, August 3-31 | Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sundays 12pm-5pm | 196 Kingsway

Scratch Records is taking over the Interurban Art Gallery for the afternoon and they’ve invited some of their favourite record labels, record stores, and private dealers and collectors to join them in showcasing releases, records, CDs, posters, memorabilia, and t-shirts. It’s called the Scratch Super Swap. Participating labels include Mint, Sudden Death, Light Organ, Storyboard, Triple Crown, Needs More Ram, Global Symphonic, Scratch, Grotesque Modern, and Pop Drones.
Saturday, July 30 | 11 am–5 pm | Interurban Gallery (1 E Hastings)

Iceage are in town and they’re playing The Waldorf’s back patio. The coolest thing is that they’re not alone. They’ll be playing with Cult of Youth, White Lung and Nu Sensae. Go to this show! It’s all-ages and outdoors!
Saturday July 30 | Waldorf Hotel

Once again, Public Dreams brings the Illuminares Lantern Festival. This is the Festival’s 22nd year and they are shaking things up with a new location, a giant mascot and more. Get this: “animated by community participants, [a giant 30-foot illuminated heron puppet] will arrive on the shores of Coal Harbour at Harbour Green Park at 5pm to lead the first of the evening’s processions – of humanity following nature. The procession will make its way to Canada Place where the entire promenade will be transformed, illuminated and filled with interactive art and performances!” The fun really begins when the sun goes down. Fire jugglers, musicians and dancers entertain as you admire lanterns and light installations situated along the seawall. It’s sort of like stumbling into a dream (or a really mellow shrooms trip), a magical way to spend a summer evening. This Festival relies on public funding – so be sure to drop a toonie ot three in the donations bucket.
Saturday, July 30 | 6-10 pm | Along the Coal Harbour seawall and outside Canada Place | Free.

Head over the bridge to the magical land of West Vancouver this weekend where you’ll find the wonderful, outdoor Harmony Arts Festival. It plays host to everything from live music and fresh-air film screenings to craft markets, artist’s demonstrations and makeshift galleries. The Harmony Arts craft market showcases loads of one of a kind pottery, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, glass designs and much more. (Fridays: 4 – 8 pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am – 8 pm).

One of the most interesting sideshows at the Harmony Arts Festival is an artist’s talk and reception with Vancouver artist and philanthropist Gordon Smith. Gordon is going to sit down with his buddies Ian Wallace and Douglas Coupland to chat about the importance of visual artists to community character. They might have one or two interesting things to say, don’t you think? This talk is a companion to the Artist’s Circle Exhibition, a show set up in the main tent intended to engage visitors in thinking about how the visual arts can define community. The line-up for this show isn’t too shabby. Works on display will include several by Gordon Smith, as well as Sonny Assu, Joan Balzar, B.C. Binning, Pierre Coupey, Attila Richard Lukacs, Jack Shadbolt, Sylvia Tait, Ian Wallace and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. While the Artist’s Circle is free and open to the public, note that the talk/reception is ticketed at $75 per person.
Talk: Wednesday, August 3 | 7pm-10pm | $75
Exhibition: Ongoing during Harmony Arts Festival (July 29 to August 7) | 10 am – 9 pm | Festival Tent east of 1564 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver | Free

FLICKS

Enjoy a live drag show and sing-a-long as part of an interactive Priscilla, Queen of the Desert movie night tonight (Thursday). Feathers and glitter encouraged. Reception to follow – if you can keep up.
Thursday July 28 | 7pm – 10pm | Granville 7 Theatre | $15

Life in a Day opens at the Park Theatre on Cambie this week. The trailer is pretty breathtaking. Created entirely from footage uploaded by YouTube users, Life in a Day is a film first: “exhilarating, moving and very, very funny… it is the story of our world. Told by us. — National Geographic.” That’s a pretty solid endorsement.
Friday July 29 | Park Theatre

Vertigo is playing. Regarded as one of the top Hitchcock films made and starring two phenomenal old-school movie stars. “Scotty (James Stewart) is hired to follow the beautiful Madeleine (Kim Novak), who believes herself to be (a) reincarnated and (b) doomed to an early grave. In a way, she’s right on both counts. A sick romance (as thrillers often are), Vertigo becomes more profoundly pessimistic the better you know it. Scotty is doomed to repeat his mistakes. Love cannot prevail over death… In this film, the two are practically inseparable.”
Saturday, July 30 | 7pm | Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour) | $11

The Rio Theatre pulling out all of the Pride Weekend stops by screening a double bill evening of cult sci-fi musicals (Rocky Horror Picture Show and Forbidden Zone). Audience participation is encouraged (as always) and $2 prop bags will be sold in our lobby (BYO Squirt Guns/Noisemakers!). Admission is $10 ($8 in film-related costume).
Friday, July 29 | 11:55pm | Rio Theatre | $8/$10

Cowboys and Aliens hits the big screen.

Here in Strathcona, Jason Margolis presents: A Hero’s Journey. “It’s a story of serendipity and karma, exploring the amazing twists of fate that connect Albert Thomas, an Aboriginal World War II veteran, and Anneke Mercks-Sayer, a Dutch immigrant and World War II survivor. Through interviews, recreations, photos and archival footage, we journey through the history of one man’s giving nature, his unwavering generosity, and the ultimate reward of one person’s heartfelt thanks. Ayaa: A Hero’s Journey has screened at film festivals in Canada, Australia, the Netherlands and the United States.”
Saturday, July 30 | 8pm | Chalk Xchange 593 E. Georgia St. (Princess St.) | Free

OUTSIDE

Roman Holiday is playing outside at Beaconsfield Park, starring glamor team extrordinaire: Audrey Hepurn and Gregory Peck. The Wiki plot: “Ann (Hepburn) is the crown princess of an unspecified country. She is on a widely publicized tour of several European capitals, including Rome. One night, she is overwhelmed by the strenuous demands of her official duties, for which her day is tightly scheduled. Her doctor gives her a sedative to calm her down and help her sleep, but she secretly leaves her country’s embassy to experience Rome by herself.” Ah, the freedom of the pre social-media, pre-paparazzi princess.
Friday, July 29 | Dusk | Beaconsfield Park (3075 Slocan) | Free

Catch Mary Poppins at a free, fresh air flick at Robson Square on Monday night. So many words of wisdom in this movie. How about this little gem: “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – SNAP – the job’s a game!” Still trying to find the fun in taxes, Mary. Anyway, it’ll be supremely uplifting in the way Julie Andrews sort of way. Bring your own blanket and snacks. It’s free and it’s fun.
Mary Poppins – August 1 | Dusk | Robson Square (across from the VAG) | Free

For something more realistic, you might want to hit Stanley Park on Tuesday night for ET. It’s on the big screen near the Second Beach pool!
ET August 2 | Dusk | Stanley Park (near Second Beach Pool) | FREE

Oh, and how about this? It’s not a movie, but it’s acting, it’s outdoors and it’s free! Carousel Theatre’s Teen Shakespeare Program delivers an ‘edgy, modern retelling of the infamous tragedy of Julius Caesar. Inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, tickets are FREE before the show. Advance reservations available at $5/seat. For information and to reserve, call (604) 685-6217 or visit carouseltheatre.ca.
Friday, July 29 – August 13 | Shows Mon to Sat at 7:30 pm with matinees on July 30th, Aug. 1st (BC Day), 6th & 13th at 2 pm | Performance Works Outdoor Stage on Granville Island | Free

Over in Olympic Village they are creating a European Plaza environment (think bistro style seating and gentle illumination through the trees) for their twist on the open air movie night. Guests will be invited to bring down an evening picnic or purchase food from food carts brought down for the evening. Tables are available by reservation ($20 for a table of 4). First up: Inception.
Thursday, August 4 | 8pm | The Olympic Plaza (Cnr Salt Street and Athletes Way) | Free if you don’t mind sitting on your own bum or $20 for a table

GLUTTONY

The UBC Farm’s Growing Season Workshop Series presents its most popular workshop of the year this week: Beginners Cheese Making with David Rotsztain.  “Love cheese? Ever wonder how cheese is made? Want to save money by learning how to make it yourself? This practical workshop will provide a wonderful introduction to the world of cheese making.”In the Beginner Cheese class you’ll learn how to make fromagefrais, paneer, blue cheese, cheese curds, yogourt and kefir. David will lead participants through the various stages of the cheesemaking process from culturing to l’affinage (ageing). The workshop will emphasize a sort of ‘natural cheese making’, with a focus on simple, hands-on techniques that can be easily reproduced at home. David will also discuss the history, science and practice of cheese making, the politics of raw milk, rennet free cheeses and dairy ferments. Oh, and there will be lots of cheese to eat too!” This workshop will sell out VERY quickly.
Saturday, July 30 | 10am-1pm | $35 | DETAILS
Saturday, July 30 | 2pm-5pm | 3338 Wesbrook Mall | $35 | DETAILS
Sunday, July 31 | 10am-1pm | 3338 Wesbrook Mall | $35 | DETAILS

Dinner on the Pier! Yup, over on the North Shore this coming week you can enjoy a beautiful al fresco feast on a pier off of Ambleside Beach. The Best of the West is an evening of the province’s best food and wine in celebration of BC Day. There are some outstanding restaurants and wineries participating in the event, all putting BC’s best foot forward. Check it out…Beachside Forno, Carmelo’s Ristorante, Fraîche Restaurant, La Régalade French Bistro, Louis Gervais Fine Foods & Catering, Mangia E Bevi, Restaurant Chez Michel, The Beach House Restaurant, The Observatory Restaurant, Zen Japanese Restaurant – and to drink – Black Hills Estate Winery, Blue Mountain Vineyard & Cellars, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Haywire, JoieFarm, Laughing Stock Vineyard, Mission Hill Family Estate, Poplar Grove Winery, Quail’s Gate and Tantalus Vineyards! That’s quite the set up to be held outdoors at the foot of the 14th Street pier. Not exactly the sleepy West Van that I remember! Tickets are $75. All the details here.
Thursday, August 4 | 7:30pm-10:30pm | On the 14th Street pier $75

Wow, Saturday is a good night to hang out in Mount Pleasant laneways. This weekend the alley will be the venue for a Smoking Sausage BBQ Cook-Off: Sample sausages from local restaurants like Burgoo Bistro, The Cascade Room and Eight 1/2. Proceeds benefit the Vancouver Food Bank.
July 30 | 5-9 pm | Alley west of Main (between Broadway and W.8th) | $3

Grab locally grown produce from good people at your neighbourhood farmer’s market. Main Street on Wednesday rocks.

Trout Lake Farmers Market | Saturday | 9am-2pm | Trout Lake | Free
Kitsilano Farmers Market | Sunday | 10am – 2pm | 2690 Larch @ 10th | Free
West End Farmers Market | Saturday | 9am-2pm | 1100 Block Comox | Free
Thornton Park | Wednesday | 3pm – 7pm | Main Street Station at Terminal | Free
Dundarave (West Van) Saturday | 9am – 2pm | Between 24 & 25 on Marine
Oak Street Market | Wednesday | 3-7pm | Oak @ 49th (Unitarian Church) | Free
Westside Pocket Markets | Thursdays | 3-7pm | Kits Neighborhood House, 2325 W 7 | Free

Harmony Arts Festival is trying really hard to shake the stigma of taking place in West Van, the land of tight and perfect. This year they are hoping to loosen crowds up by introducing a wine garden (yay!) in a little park on the waterfront. It’s being hosted by our gorgeous friends Michaela Morris and Michelle Bouffard of House Wine and the good folks at the nearby Mangia E Bevi. Further details here. Hours below.
Friday, July 29th: 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm | At the foot of 15th Street in Millennium Park |
Saturday, July 30th: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Sunday, July 31st: 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Monday, August 1st: 12:00 pm – 10:30

If the overwhelming number of events in the city is just too much for your brain and you want to escape to the tranquility of the country, consider making your way to Squamish for the first Sunwolf Supper of the season. “Enjoy the simple flavours of summer with Chef Owen Lightly as he sources local, sea-to-sky ingredients for a four-course, mellow, out-of-doors dining experience. Nestled in the Squamish Valley, Sunwolf is the perfect place chill out by the river, adore the mountains and enjoy a fabulous meal with friends and community.” To secure your spot and get hooked up with all the critical details, please email Owen at [email protected]
Saturday, July 30 | Sunwolf Lodge, Squamish | $60 (Advanced tickets only)

Or hit the road and head for North Arm Farm in Pemberton for an al fresco dinner with James Walt of Araxi. Scout’ll be there. It’s a stunner of a setting and Chef Walt is a genius with local ingredients. “With dozens of ingredients grown just footsteps from Chef James Walt’s outdoor kitchen, diners will enjoy a four-course menu featuring the valley’s freshest produce, beef from its pastures, day-boat catches from our coastal fisheries and wines from leading producers. Each event will begin at 3:00 p.m. with a reception and farm tour led by North Arm Farm’s proprietor Jordan Sturdy.”
Saturday, July 30 | North Arm Farm, Pemberton BC | $160 per person (all inclusive of reception, four-course menu, wine, tax and gratuity)

CITY

Enjoy the novelty of a Livable Laneways this Saturday. Visit the once grotty back lane to see it turned into an area of activity and creativity as the Livable Laneway project (in collaboration with Vancouver Design Nerds) transforms that shit into a culturally invigorating atmosphere. There will be an artist’s market, street food (oh, Chutney Village we love you), live music, public art and a crowd of cool people. Go Livable Laneways!
Saturday, July 23 | 5-9pm | Alley west of Main Street between Broadway and 8th | free

When was the last time you spent an enjoyable afternoon in Oppenheimer Park? Thought so. Here’s your chance: The Powell Street Festival is on! It’s an annual celebration of Japanese Canadian arts, culture and heritage that features everything from dance, music and to martial arts demos craft vendors, traditional Japanese food and a sumo tournament. This year marks the thirty-fifth year since the inaugural Festival. Over the years the PSF has grown from small community event to full-blown arts & culture festival that attracts thousands of visitors. Read between the lines: don’t drive to this event, because parking will be a bitch. Hop on the bus. The #14 Hastings takes you right there.
Saturday, July 30 + Sunday, July | 11:30am – 7:00pm | Oppenheimer Park, DTES | Free

Russell Brand is in town. Pity he’s all the way out in Port Coquitlam. Don’t get your nose out of join, Coquitlam. You have lots of nice things to offer, but it always makes me a little sad when cool people fly in to town for a quick gig and all they see of the city is the inside of a casino. Hey Russell! There’s a lot going on in the city, we hope you will take an extra day or two and visit with us. We’d love to show you what we have to offer.
August 5 | 8pm | Red Robinson Show Theatre, 2080 United Boulevard, Port Coquitlam | Tickets are somewhere in the neighbourhood of $60-80

PRIDE

Get ready for Pride proper to take over the West End. Unless you found yourself a parking spot last Thursday, don’t bother taking the car. On foot is your best bet. On Friday night we’ve got the Caya Davie Street Disco Dance Party (7 pm-late) up and down the Davie Street Village. The ‘Queen of Disco’ Carol Jiani will lead a parade of performers for a full out “DISCO SHOW”. Drag queens and DJs in three different party zones! Come check out the dancers, the disco balls and all the glitter at this disco-themed dance party.
Friday July 29 | Davie Street | $20 for unlimited re-entry, jump the line, and preferred drink sales locations or $10 for General Admin. Pick up tickets at Little Sisters Bookstore

The main ticket of Pride weekend is the parade. It begins at 12 noon and (from floats and bands to feather boa wearing cowboys and dancing queens) will cruise Robson and Thurlow to Denman Street following along to Pacific and Beach Avenues finally ending up at Sunset Beach for a big ol’ party.
Sunday, July 31 | 12pm-3pm). Bute and Robson down to Denman and Sunset Beach

Celebrations continue during and after the Parade at the Sunset Beach Pride Festival. Over 125,000 people will fill the streets and beaches of the West End after the Pride Parade, maybe you want to be one of them. Chances are it’ll be a good time. Listen to live music and enjoy 140 booths with diverse products, services, and a private beer garden with DJ’s and dancing. Can’t have too much disco dancing on Pride Weekend!
Sunday July 31 |11 am-6pm | Sunset Beach | Free

——————————————————————————————–

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.

——————————————————————————————–