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 31st-November 6th, 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.

DARKNESS | Don’t forget that clocks go back on Saturday night at 2am! Which means that when, on Sunday, you look out the window into the darkness and say to yourself, “I guess I should start thinking about what to make for dinner…” only to discover that it’s just 4:47pm, you will feel sad. Sorry. It’s true. More bummer info here: DETAILS

PARADE OF LOST SOULS | Every year around this time a shadowy procession of characters meanders through the streets of East Van for the Parade of Lost Souls. Inspired by Day of the Dead celebrations, this community-driven Dusty Flowerpot-fuelled parade encourages participants to join the procession in costume, remember friends and family members who have departed, and celebrate life while enjoying pop-up performances, live music, mini dance parties and art installations. This year, the parade is switching it up by relocating to Trout Lake. Find out everything you need to know here: DETAILS

KANPAI | If you’re into Japanese culture, food and sake, then the Kanpai! Sake Celebration at the Nikkei Centre is where you want to be this weekend! Although premium sake tastings are the main attraction, there’s so much more to enjoy. Expect loads of tasty Japanese food from local vendors, and dive into the rich history and cultural heritage of sake through expert-led talks that’ll deepen your appreciation for this iconic drink. Stick around for a Samurai sword performance, followed by a Kimono Wedding Performance. You can also learn the principles of balance and harmony in a Rock Garden Workshop, create your own mini bonsai, or take a guided Gallery Tour. Driving out to Burnaby might seem like a trek, but there’s plenty to keep you entertained – make a night of it! Just remember to bring a designated driver, because you’ll definitely want to sample the sake. Each $30 ticket includes two cups of sake and all the entertainment, or you can opt for the $25 admission-only option. Workshops are available for an additional charge, and pre-registration is recommended. DETAILS

FUN | For 10 years now, RJ Hunt’s been capturing personalised licence plates from all over the place and sharing them on his IG feed (@arejayyyyy). What started small as a personal obsession shared with RJ’s pals on social media, has captured the attention of many and turned into something much, MUCH bigger. To date, over 100 people have sent him photos of plates, leading to RJ’s decision to move the online project into a physical space to show off the best of the collection and celebrate together. Better Plate Than Never is the name of the 10-year-anniversary exhibition, opening at B Suite Studio on Friday, November 8th. Stop by for the opening night or swing through the exhibit during regular hours over the weekend. It’s gonna be solid. DETAILS 

CELEBRATE | 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

LEARN | Whether you are seeking a spiritual experience or just trying to mask the lingering scent of your roommate’s old boots, incense is a fascinating practice. This weekend, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens are hosting a Chinese Incense Appreciation & Incense Ceremony, where participants will be introduced to the rich world of incense though a lecture and workshop. Under the guidance of incense master Xun Yu, this event will cover the origins, classifications, and historical significance of incense as a foundation, before offering guests the chance to gain hands-on experience by exploring how this ancient art form can be integrated into daily life for meditative and medicinal benefits. The workshop is free with Garden admission, so grab a friend and take a moment to enrich your senses. DETAILS

MAKE | Slice of Life Gallery has a fantastic lineup of creative workshops this weekend. Each session is hands-on, so you’ll not only learn new skills but also walk away with something special – a kinda cool way to kick off November! First up, they’ve got a Pottery Making Workshop where you’ll craft a mini vase – that’s happening at 1pm on Sunday, November 3rd, and it’s just $40. Participants will be guided through the process of building and painting your vase with some stunning underglazes by an experienced instructor. No prior clay experience needed; just dress to get a little messy. (Slice says: “feel free to bring the kids — just make sure they have an adult with them!”) Next up on Sunday, at 5:30pm, is the Leather Pouch Workshop. Here, you’ll create your own stylish leather pouch using reclaimed leather, plus there will be plenty of designs, colours, and threads to choose from to personalize your piece. The cost of this workshop is $45, which gets you all the materials (including thread, needles, hardware for a custom handle, and patterns). Finally, on Monday, November 4th at 7pm, they have the Mixed Media Embroidery Workshop for just $30 (all supplies included), where you’ll learn to blend collage and embroidery to create a unique piece of art. DETAILS

EAT LOCAL | Don’t panic – Summer Farmers Market season is indeed over, but it’s not like you have to push through the next seven months without a weekly visit with local farmers and their tasty food! The bravest of local producers will be gathering their goods at Winter Farmers Markets to keep us well fed through the colder months. There are two winter markets to choose from: Riley Park on Saturdays or Kitsilano on Sundays. So grab your reusable shopping bags and load up on all your fruit and veggie needs, as well as fresh bread, honey, dried fruits and scores of other goodies. DETAILS.

EXPLORE | This is perfect weather for exploring! Time to pull on some weather-appropriate gear and get hiking. We suggest spendinga few hours on the trails out at Pacific Spirit Park or taking a trip out to Iona Beach for some salty air and big skies. This weekend, Saturday and Sunday are both expected to have a little bit of everything on the weather front, so plan accordingly!

COMMUNITY. NOT CLICKBAIT.