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 24-30th, 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.
GOODBYE | After nearly 50 years on Commercial Drive, Joe’s Cafe is shutting its doors for good. Known for its eclectic crowd and iconic rainbow sign, Joe’s has been in operation since 1976, but the time has now come for owner Joe Antunes – who is now 89 – to retire to Portugal. Over the years, Antunes always kept it old-school – no upgrades or fancy renovations; just a no-nonsense vibe that made Joe’s feel like an anchor in the neighbourhood. The last day of operation is coming up fast (this Saturday, October 26th), so now’s the time to make a date with a pal, to swing by 1150 Commercial Drive for one last cup of coffee and a bit of reflection. Thanks Joe! Respect.
COSTUMES | Getting excited about Halloween, but not excited enough to resort to the Value Village solution for your costume? Drop by the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret for a special costume sale and open house! You can make or buy a costume, contribute to set decorations for next week’s Parade of Lost Souls, meet potential collaborators, or even jump in as DJ for those hanging out. Plus, you’ll get a chance to meet the crew of the Parade of Lost Souls and share any ideas you have for the big event! DETAILS
ART | Richmond Art Gallery is bringing the subject of food to the forefront with Foodways, a dynamic exhibition that digs into how food shapes cultural identity, traditions, and history. This group show features a stellar lineup of artists whose works explore everything from colonial histories to the social rituals surrounding food. If you’re into art that makes you think about what’s on your plate, this one’s a must-see! Featured artists include Derya Akay, Sara Angelucci, Jesse Birch, Patrick Cruz, Ellie Kyungran Heo, Kosisochukwu Nnebe, Karen Tam, Tania Willard, Paul Wong, Marlene Yuen, and Shellie Zhang. Running alongside it is Hong Wo 同和, a look at Richmond’s first “supermarket” and its impact on the Steveston community. DETAILS
CELEBRATE | Diwali is coming to Vancouver. The South Asian festival symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Join the celebration at Diwali Downtown Vancouver on Sunday, October 27th, at the Roundhouse Community Centre. The event will feature lively South Asian music and dance performances, a festive Diwali market, food trucks, and engaging activities like Rangoli and Diya painting. This year’s celebration pays tribute to the beautiful, vibrant creatures and marine life from both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. From the event organizers: “Many ocean creatures display bright colours and patterns, fluorescence, and bioluminescence, evoking the universal light we all carry—a hallmark of Diwali.” Check the Diawli Fest website for more DETAILS.
LEARN | Consider yourself a “cat person”? Then join Harvard and U.C., Davis educated evolutionary-biologist-slash-cat-enthusiast, Jonathan Losos, for an engaging lecture on the fascinating evolution of domestic cats. “From their wild African origins to their spot on your sofa” Losos will explore how cats became one of the world’s most successful species. Using evidence collected using tools like GPS tracking, genomics, and forensic archaeology, he’ll reveal surprising insights into your feline friend’s history and behaviour. Expect stories of wild relatives, the evolution of modern breeds, and the ongoing influence of cats on the world. Heads up: there are a lot of cat people out there, and space to this free event is available on a first-come, first-seated basis…so move fast! Doors open at 6:30pm. DETAILS
MOONLIT MARKET | Get ready for the Halloween-themed Moonlit Market, happening Saturday, October 26th from 1-9 PM at Container Brewing in East Vancouver. This outdoors women-led market features everything from tote bag ghost painting and spooky denim jacket customization workshops, to a Halloween makeup pop-up, mini flash tattoos, tarot readings, and live DJs… Not to mention The Good Sauna’s on-site cold plunge and sauna! Plus, local makers will be offering vintage items, handmade jewellery, and treats. Add to all that: food trucks, craft beer, and a $5 minimum donation for entry, and this event promises a good time for all. DETAILS
FRESH AIR | This is a phenomenal time of year to head out to the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island. Reifel is a protected habitat for migratory birds, located at the northern end of the island looking out to the ocean. Even if you’re not into birds, there are few prettier places in the Lower Mainland to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air. Plan on a pitstop in Steveston on the way home for some fish & chips and a walk on the docks. DETAILS
SCORE | Looking to refresh your toolbox for an upcoming project? On Saturday, October 26th, hit Vancouver Tool Library’s seasonal Sidewalk Sale between 10am and 2pm to find a wide selection of secondhand power and hand tools in good condition. This is a great opportunity to grab some quality tools at bargain prices and learn more about the VTL’s membership program, which offers access to over 1000 tools year-round. DETAILS
EAT LOCAL | This is it folks: the last weekend for Summer Farmers Markets. Pick the market closest to you and head on over to fill your best reusable shopping bag to the brim with tasty apples, perfect plums, and as many pears as you can handle. This month is brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables – not to mention cheeses, artisan breads, preserves, honey, wild salmon, cookies, pies, eggs, and pickles. Support the people who grow our food! DETAILS
LISTEN | There’s something about the shift in seasons that fits so well with a reflective night of classical music. Grab a seat at The Orpheum to listen to pianist Alessio Bax, alongside conductor Han-Na Chang, for a captivating performance of Liszt’s First Piano Concerto. The evening continues with Brahms’ emotionally charged Fourth Symphony, and Tansy Davies’ ethereal Plumes (a duet inspired by air and water). DETAILS
GIG | Not into classical? How about some all-female ethereal yet strong surf-meets-garage rock? La Luz, fronted by Shana Cleveland, are rolling into Vancouver next month for a stop at The Pearl on November 3rd – and you don’t want to miss it! Their latest record, News of the Universe, dropped earlier this year on Sub Pop, and it’s a real leap forward for the band — think psychedelic vibes, sweet vocals, and some serious grit. Cleveland really poured her experience into this one, with songs dealing with a cancer diagnosis and new motherhood, while being surrounded by an all-women crew from production to mixing. It’s going to be a killer live show and it will sell out, so we’re giving you a heads up now. Get tickets! DETAILS
GATHER | In Mexico, starting at midnight on October 31st, the worlds of the living and the dead unite, allowing ancestors to return — not to be mourned, but to celebrate life with their loved ones during Día de Muertos. The foods shared during this time not only nourish the living, but also symbolically sustain the spirits on their journey to Mictlán (a final place of rest). It’s a reminder that even in death, the bond of family remains strong, and the best way to honour that connection is through celebration, not sorrow. On Monday, November 4th, La Mezcaleria will host a special four-course Día de Muertos Dinner inspired by the spirit of remembrance, celebration, and connection, paired with some seriously good tequila. Tickets are moving quickly, so we’re letting you know now: scoop a seat before they are sold out (and we’ll see you there!) DETAILS
We aim to highlight a cross-section of the coolest things to do in Vancouver, focusing on affordability and community. If you’ve got a tip on an upcoming event, shoot an email to michelle [at] scoutmagazine.ca
Please keep in mind that our list is limited to ten events, so not everything can make the cut.
COMMUNITY. NOT CLICKBAIT.