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, October 3-9, 2024. Please note that you can once again get the Scout List – with a few extra pieces of intel included – sent to your inbox every Thursday. Sign up for your subscription here.

GET BOOKISH | Got some empty bookshelf space to fill before the Fall hits Vancouver proper? London-based writer, Anne Hawk, is paying a visit to Upstart & Crow bookshop on Granville Island to launch her new novel, The Pages of the Sea, at 7pm tonight (October 3rd). A bit about the book, from the event page: “A story of sisterhood, secrets, and the sacrifices of love set on a Caribbean island in the mid-1960s, The Pages of the Sea is a tenderly lyrical portrait of innocence and an intensely moving evocation of what it’s like to be a child left behind. Kirkus Reviews called it “beautiful, a lyrical and loving portrayal of an island and its people… a unique, scrappy, tender bildungsroman.”” The first-time author and former journalist, paralegal and schoolteacher will be be chatting with local award-winning author, Jasmine Sealy – odds are there will be some stimulating conversation. No tickets are required to attend; however, if you’re familiar with the Upstart & Crow then you know that space is tight, so getting in your RSVP here ASAP is a good idea! So is planning on staying a bit late to get your book signed by Hawk after the talk. DETAILS.

VIFF | The 43rd iteration of the Vancouver International Film Festival continues, with screenings wrapping up on Sunday, October 6th. Of our original list of two-dozen “must-sees”, our picks for this final week would be: Flow, She Loved Blossoms More, Rita, Preface to a History, Super Happy Forever, Living Together, Ninan Auassat, Universal Language, Rumours, The End, A Traveler’s Needs, Holy Cow, Shepherds, Cherub, and Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts. DETAILS.

COMMUNITY | Every Thursday, from 12-6pm, Antisocial Skate Shop hosts Valley Buds Flower Farm (aka Vancouver-based ‘buds’, Alana Paterson and Michelle Pezel) for a pop-up market where you can grab locally grown veggies and flowers. These two grow all manner of produce in the Squamish Valley, and their set up is located right outside of Antisocial – making it super easy to score healthy, nourishing food in the heart of Mount Pleasant, mid-week. Plus, this skate (and city) institution collects rad people, and it’s a given that there will be a friendly, interesting crew helping out. So that’s nice, too! But don’t stop at the market — head inside to scoop some sweet kicks, a new hoodie, or a fresh deck while the pavement is still dry. DETAILS

BEER | As of last month, September 23rd, Strathcona Beer Company has officially expanded beyond its namesake neighbourhood with a second location inside the Londsdale Quay Market (123 Carrie Cates Court) on the North Shore, aptly called ‘Strathcona North’. Besides its very different setting, what makes this new spot so distinct – and therefore well worth the trip across the Harbour, in our opinion – is its “culinary-driven” concept. While the full menu won’t launch until the wintertime, the options so far seem delicious! It’s the ideal stop for a quick drink and bite before or after visiting the market or enjoying a brisk autumnal walk along the waterfront. Even the beer at Strathcona North is getting special treatment, via the team’s ‘Beer Sommelier’. FIND OUT MORE.

OKTOBERFEST | There are only four days remaining until 2024 Oktoberfest celebrations wind down from their 16-day-long stretch on Sunday, October 6th. Consider this permission to fill up on as much bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, spaetzel, pretzels and German-style beer as possible! To soak up some fun Bavarian-inspired beer hall vibes, we recommend hitting Bells and Whistles Fraser Street for their annual Wünderbar pop-up. The restaurant’s legendary ‘Oktoberfeast’ platter checks off pretty much all of the apropos food “boxes”, and you know your stein will be filled with only the best on-theme, locally brewed beers. DETAILS | Need more? For an upscale take on Oktoberfest classics, swing by the Wedgewood Hotel’s Bacchus restaurant for a menu inspired by Executive Chef Stefan Hartmann’s German roots including Poached Bavarian Weisswurst, a Bavarian Oktoberfest Platter, and a Warm Apple Strudel, enjoyed alongside imported German beers and wines. Reservations recommended! DETAILS

MADNESS | Up for a scary flick? Osgoode Perkins’ Longlegs is being billed as the horror sensation of 2024, drawing in audiences with its relentless dread and haunting performances from Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. Monroe plays an FBI agent tracking a serial killer (Cage) through a maze of occult clues in this gripping thriller that refuses to rely on typical horror twists. Shot in Vancouver, Longlegs has become the highest-grossing indie release of the year. This is the sort of film you really should see on a big screen, inside an old, pitch-dark theatre…The Rio has two screenings next week, Tuesday and Wednesday, that can sort you out. FIND OUT MORE

ART | I think it’s super cool when someone working in the hospitality industry has the opportunity to show off their creative side. Case in point: Jon O’Leary, night manager at Ask for Luigi, is showcasing his artistic talents with a solo show of paintings and ceramics at Slice of Life Gallery. Opening night for ‘And I Draw a Line’ is tonight (October 3rd), from 7-11pm. O’Leary explains the show as a love letter to the world, and an exploration of the colour blue. It’s also a testament to the importance of art, creativity and building community. I’m looking forward to checking out the gallery this weekend. Thanks, Slice! RSVP

FARM | Fall is such a nice time to hit up a farm, when the shift in textures and colours, and the energy of the harvest is in full swing. Obviously this time of year most farms are slammed, pulling things out of the ground – which means they don’t really need a bunch of city slickers roaming around; so with that in mind, I always make note of those places that do open for visitors for an autumn wander. 30-acre regenerative farm Athiana Acres in Richmond is one of them. This coming weekend, they are even hosting a Pumpkin Centrepiece Workshop (Sunday, October 6th, 9am-4pm) where people can follow the farm’s in-house florist in crafting a floral arrangement inside a pumpkin, and make a dried flower bouquet to take home. Just saying – it could be a nice way to bring a little autumn into your life! REGISTER HERE

FUN | Once again, Sons of Vancouver Distillery is paying homage to the long-lost Dark Manor Inn on Fraser Street by transforming their tasting room into a haunted bar. Running from October 2nd to November 3rd, the pop-up will feature original Dark Manor decorations, including a 9-foot-long “coffin table”. Veteran Bartender Amanda MacMullin (ex-The Diamond) has created a spooky cocktail menu just for the event, with the ‘Plasma Punch’ served tableside in an I.V. bag. Yes, it’s gimmicky; but it’s also fun as hell. Get into it. FIND OUT MORE

PITCH IN | Get your hands dirty and join the Locarno Beach litter cleanup on Saturday, October 5th, from 10am-12pm. Hosted in partnership with Ocean Wise, this cleanup is your chance to keep the beach spotless while simultaneously learning about the area’s shoreline litter history. Gear up with gloves and bags provided on-site, or bring your own. Registration required. DETAILS

HIKE | Leaves are just beginning to turn, get out there and enjoy the beginnings of fall. Our suggestion: Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Trails are quieter now that the summer flocks have retreated. FIND OUT MORE

COMMUNITY. NOT CLICKBAIT.