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The 16th Annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival Happens September 22, 2018

11 Sep

MOON-FESTIVAL-POSTER-2018The 16th Annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival happens Saturday, September 22, 2018.  This family friendly event celebrates the full moon, harvest abundance and diverse cultural traditions. The festival highlights the arts, community and the environment. It is always held on the Saturday closest to the 8th full moon of the year, the harvest moon.  The Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival started in 2003 under artistic director, Carmen Rosen and now continues every year as a co-production between the Still Moon Arts Society and Renfrew Park Community Association. If you have not attended this event previously, it is an amazing display of creativity, colour, light and music.  We encourage you to check it out.

The festivities begin in the afternoon with the Harvest Fair which kicks off at 4:00 pm and goes till 7:00 pm at Slocan Park. This event is a pre-cursor to the parade that happens at dusk.  During the Harvest Fair, there will be games, crafts, musicians, last minute lantern making, community competitions and more. As the moon rises and the sun sets, the Giant Moon Lantern along with dancers and musicians make their way to guide a twilight lantern parade through the Renfrew Ravine to Renfrew Park.  Once you arrive at Renfrew Park at about 7:30 pm, you descend into a transformed world of the stream, Still Creek. The entire area around the creek is lined with lights, floating lantern art and ethereal music. It is quite something to see.  Time slows seems to slow down as you walk through the paths and absorb the beauty of candlelight, exquisite lanterns and the shimmering stream. Once you pass through the walkway, you come upon Renfrew Park Field which is where you will find musicians playing on the main stage and a Tea Garden with food service. The evening finale features youth performers showcasing dance, stilting and fire spinning to live music. Then the big finale is a display of fireworks around 9:00 pm.

If you are looking to make a lantern, note there are a couple of workshops this week, September 11th and 12th, a Salmon Lantern Workshop and a Bird Lantern Workshop, both held at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. For more information, visit Moon Festival Workshops.

Free Drive-In Movies At River District September 15th – October 13th

10 Sep

DriveInMovieDrive-In Movies are back at River District on the Fraser River in SE Vancouver. Wesgroup Properties and River District are hosting double feature films starting Saturday, September 15th that will be running weekly until October 27th and guess what, they are FREE! The Drive-In is located at 3650 E. Kent Avenue South which is located 1/2 a block south of Marine Way at Boundary Road.  Gates open at 6:30 pm and the movie gets under way at 7:15 pm with the second show getting under way at 9:30 pm (approximate times).  River District will provide you with the FM station for audio, so you need a working FM station to partake. This event is first come first serve, so best to arrive early to claim your spot. We’ve set out the schedule below as we know it today.  Note, these are subject to change without notice. Therefore, please visit River District to confirm what’s playing.  To get your FREE ticket, visit PICATIC.

September 22, 2018

Ant Man & The Wasp
Solo: A Star Wars Movie

September 29, 2018

Incredibles 2
Deadpool 2

October 13, 2018

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again
Dirty Dancing

October 20, 2018

Hotel Transylvania 3
The Strangers

October 27, 2018
Frankenweenie
IT

 

RiverDistrictMovieMap

What’s On East Van: September 7th Edition

7 Sep

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.  Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Plant Club With Wine – Figaro’s Garden Centre – September 7th

The first Friday of the month, Figaro’s Garden Centre, 1896 Victoria Drive, hosts Plant Club with wine.  You are invited to come hang out between 3:30 – 5:30 pm and talk plants while enjoying a glass of mind with other plant lovers.

Vancouver Fringe Festival – Various Venues – September 6th – 16th 

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is now under way until September 16th at various venues in the City including The Cultch, The Havana Theatre in Havana Restaurant and Your Open Closet on Commercial Drive to name a few.  Some may know that Havana Restaurant recently had a kitchen fire, but they’ve put out a note saying while the restaurant is still currently closed, the theatre IS OPEN for the Vancouver Fringe Festival line up.  To see the full line up, visit Vancouver Fringe Festival.

Quiz Show With Graham Clark – Fox Cabaret – September 7th

Looking for some good laughs at the end of the week? This Friday night, local comedian Graham Clark puts on a comedy show which features segments of various TV game shows. They are presented to you in one bizarre comedic event. Graham will be joined by comedians, Emmett Hall, Aaron Read, Katie Ellen Humphries and Christine Bortolin for this Friday’s show. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

River District – Savour Summer Series – September 8th 

You are invited to River District for an afternoon of free fun this Saturday.  The Savour Summer Festival happens in River District’s new Town Centre Plaza between the new Starbucks and Everything Wine. There will be free live music, entertainment, giveaways, a photo booth, local food trucks and more.  Some of the entertainment includes Raincity Blue,  Bobs & Lolo and Wooden Horsemen.  Activities get under way at 2:00 pm and go till 8:00 pm.  For those that wish to come early, note the first 200 people will receive a Savour Summer hat and a popsicle.

4th Annual Burlesque Marathon – Rio Theatre – September 8th

The 4th Annual Burlesque Marathon happens this Saturday at the Rio Theatre. There is a long line talent of burlesque talent set for this event. Doors open at 8:00 pm, festivities get under way at 9:00 pm.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Meet & Greet The Candidates – Commercial Street Café Sept. 8th & 9th

This weekend Commercial Street Café, 3599 Commercial Street, hosts the beginning of a series of meet and greets for those running for Mayor of Vancouver. This Saturday, come chat with independent candidate, Shauna Sylvester from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. On Sunday, another independent candidate, Kennedy Stewart will be on hand from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm to chat and answer questions about his platform.

Free Movie ‘Lady Bird’ – Britannia Community Centre – September 9th

Britannia Community Centre shows free movies on Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. This week they are showing Lady Bird. All are welcome to enjoy the movie along with the free popcorn.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

Looking to liven things up this weekend?  Breaking Boundaries is back at Café Deux Soleils this Saturday night. Doors at 8:30 pm, music gets under way at 9:00 pm. Cover is $10. Libra Room regularly hosts live music every night of the week. If it’s jazz your after, Sunday nights the Tangent Café regularly hosts live jazz music.  If you haven’t yet caught the documentary ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbour’ about the life of Mr. Rogers, it’s showing this weekend at the Rio Theatre Saturday at 1:15 pm and Sunday at 4:15 pm. Reviews we’ve heard it’s good, bit of a tear jerker, but good.

Three Farmer Markets happening this weekend – Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

First Pick Handmade Returns To The Heritage Hall September 15 & 16, 2018

4 Sep

First Pick Fall Postcard Cover 2018First Pick Handmade returns to the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, September 15 & 16, 2018. This is a curated event showcasing 30 Canadian men’s and women’s fashion accessory designers.  First Pick Handmade will transform Heritage Hall into a 3,300-square foot pop up boutique department store. The event will feature long standing Canadian designers as well as some new additions including Anian Manufacturing with eco flannels hats and sweaters and Dogwood Denim Apparel with custom jeans for men and women.  Some designers on hand include Bianca Barr Designs, Daub and Design/Daub Active, Billy Would, LanaBetty, Quw’utsun’ Made, Frances Felt, Roberto Fioravanti and Toodlebunny. To see the full line up of participating designers, visit First Pick Handmade.

First Pick Handmade was created and curated by Janna Hurtzig  who is the founder/designer behind Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere. Hurtzig has been part of Vancouver’s handmade scene since 1988 in a variety of roles including co-organizer of Shiny, Muddy Fuzzy.  First Pick Handmade happens September 15th & 16th from11:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm each day. Admission is $3.00 at the door. Whether it’s to browse or buy, stop by and support our Canadian designers. 

“Now more than ever, consumers can make a difference by
supporting Canadian designers and the environment with
shopping locally and sustainably,”

 Janna Hurtzig, First Pick Handmade Founder, and Curator. 

 

Commercial Street Café Hosts Meet & Greet With Candidates For Mayor of Vancouver

3 Sep

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Commercial Street Café, 3599 Commercial Street, located in Cedar Cottage is hosting a number of meet and greet sessions this September with candidates running for Mayor of Vancouver. For those following politics, or event if you are not, this election is expected to be quite different. It is the first time in 30 years that an independent candidate could take the top job in our fair City.  We are pleased to hear that Commercial Street Café will be hosting a number of 2 hour sessions on various Saturdays and Sundays in September which will allow Vancouver residents to sit down and chat with the candidates.

This is your opportunity to get their position on issues first hand and how you think they’ll fare as Mayor.  We know housing and affordability are big topics, but there are many other issues that are near and dear to those that call Vancouver home.  We encourage you to be engaged, ask questions and make an informed decision on Election Day October 20th.  This date will be here before you know it.   We’ve set out the schedule of candidates and dates/times they’ll be on site at the Commercial Street Café. We invite you to stop by:

Saturday, September 8th – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Shauna Sylvester (Independent)

Sunday, September 9th – 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Kennedy Stewart (Independent)

Saturday September 15th –  10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Hector Bremner (YES Party)

Sunday, September 16th – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ken Sim (NPA)

Sunday, September 16th – 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ian Campbell (Vision Vancouver) CANCELLED

 BE Engaged – ASK Questions – GET Informed + Vote October 20th!

What’s On East Van: August 31st Edition

31 Aug

 

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.  Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

PNE – Playland – To September 3rd

This is your last weekend to catch the PNE along with the SuperDogs, mini donuts, rides and nightly summer concerts which this weekend features Burton Cummings on Friday night and Chicago on Saturday night. PNE is open 11:00 am till late all weekend.

Songs of Peace and Social Justice – The Cultch – August 31st

The Cultch plays host to an evening of music and song this Friday.  A long line up of talent will be performing original songs along with some classic with the theme of peace and social justice.  Performers include Jim Byrnes, Howard Lee Naylor and Carole Cote.  Tickets are $10 available through The Cultch.

Family Night – Grandview Park – August 31st

The Commercial Drive Business improvement Association will be hosting a Family Night this Friday in Grandview Park.  There will be lots of fun activities for the kids including balloon twisting, face painting and more. As this is the last one of the summer season, there will also be a movie showing at dusk Coco.  Fun gets underway at 5:00 pm and goes till 9:30 pm.

Grease Sing-A-Long – Rio Theatre – August 31st 

You can still experience a last bit of summer with some Summer Lovin’, Grease-style. The Rio Theatre is hosting a sing-a-long tonight celebrating 40 years of rockin’ and rollin’. Fun gets under way at 7:00 pm. All ages welcome.  Costumes encouraged.

History Walk With James Johnstone – 696 E. Hastings St. – September 1st

If you want to learn about the fascinating history of East Vancouver James Johnstone is your man. He has a wealth of knowledge of about the many faces and places of East Van from days long ago. This Saturday James will be hosting a walking history tour that starts at The Heatley, 696 East Hastings St. in Strathcona at 10:00 am. Cost is $20.

Itsumo Life Summer Pop Up – 478 Union Street – Until September 3rd

Itsumo is hosting a summer pop up show on now until September 3rd at 478 Union Street. This pop up features Japanese lifestyle items including table and kitchen ware, textiles, some vintage, incense and candles. Pop up is on 12 pm – 8 pm daily until September 3rd.

Electro Recycle – Trout Lake Farmers Market – September 1st

Electro Recycle is back at the Trout Lake Farmers Market this Saturday. So if you’ve been holding on to any old or broken small electrical appliances, bring them on down to the market with you this Saturday.

Madhatters Tea Party – Riley Park Community Garden – Sept. 1st

The folks at Riley Park Community Garden are hosting a Madhatter Tea Party Saturday, September 1st from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.  There will of course be tea, snacks and hat making.  Everyone is invited to attend. All ages welcome.

A Night Of Acoustic & Soul – Café Deux Soleils – September 2nd

Café Deux Soleils on the Drive will be hosting  a night of acoustic and soul this Sunday night. On stage you will find Ivan Hartle, Candace Coker and Matt Storm. Doors open at 7:00 pm, music at 8:00 pm. Cover is $10.

15th Annual Corn Festival – Britannia Community Centre – September 2nd

The Britannia Community Centre plays host to the 15th Annual Corn Festival this Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Latin American community is hosting their annual corn harvest fiesta.  There will be food, live music and dancing.  This is a free event for all ages.

Bayanihan Filipino Celebration – Trout Lake Community Centre – Sept. 2nd 

You are invited to come experience a taste of the Philippines this Sunday from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at Trout Lake Community Centre. Lots of family friendly activities.  Free event, but registration is required.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

Looking for live music? Leah Barley will be performing this Saturday night at Café Deux Soleils along with Kellen Saip. Music gets under way at 9:00 pm, cover is $10. Libra Room regularly hosts live music every night of the week. If it’s jazz your after, Sunday nights the Tangent Café regularly hosts live jazz music.

Three Farmer Markets happening this weekend – Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

11th Annual Accordion Noir Festival At The Wise hall September 14 – 16, 2018

29 Aug

AccordionNoir2018The 11th Annual Noir Festival returns to East Vancouver September 14 – 16, 2018 at the Wise Hall.  They have a full slate of talent lined up including singer and author Geoff Berner who is also billed as the patron Saint of the Accordion Noir movement. Geoff has participated in many of the festivals and is determined to show an entire generation of accordion punks that another, less bubbly, world is possible. Also taking part in the festival is legendary busker-king Jason Webley  returning to the festival after a long absence who will be spinning yarns like a Russian sailor we hear. Also performing is Emchy who is inspired by 1920s cabaret music, murder ballads and Leonard Cohen. Saturday’s festivities include a Polka Party, so come on down and kick up your heels and dance.  The festival kicks off Friday evening at 8:00 pm. Admission is $20.  Advance tickets for Saturday’s dance party available through Brown Paper Tickets

Jewellery Making Workshop At The Italian Cultural Centre Starting September 19th

28 Aug

RobertoJewelleryIf you are interested in jewellery making with silver, Roberto Fioravanti will be hosting a workshop divided up over 3 evenings starting September 19th. The Italian Cultural Centre plays host to these workshops in which Roberto will help you create your own ring which you will take home with you after your last class.  Sessions happen September 19th, September 26th and October 3rd from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Cost is $275.00. To register, visit the Italian Cultural Centre.

Story Story Lie Goes Back To School September 5th At The Rio Theatre

27 Aug

storyStoryLieInLightsIt’s time to go back to school with Story Story Lie on September 5th. You are invited to the Rio Theatre to see if you can spot the liar.  If you are not familiar with the premise of this show, it is an interactive show where some of Vancouver’s best entertainers share intimate, funny and often embarrassing stories about themselves. One of them is lying and telling you a tall tale. But which one?   The audience gets to take part in the interrogation to reveal who the liar is. And the first audience member to guess the liar, wins the grand prize as well as bragging rights. The contestants for the Back To School Story Story Lie are Jon Bennett (The Moth), Conni Smudge (Drag Queen),  John Cullen (Just For Laughs),  Andrea Jin (Comedian), Gustavo Ferman (Dancer & Entertainer), Marty Lawton (Irish Actress) and host Jo Dworschak.   The Westender calls this show “One of the most inventive events on the Vancouver arts calendar” Tickets are available in advance online at Rio Theatre for $10 online or $12 at the door. Fun gets under way at 7:00 pm and runs till 8:30 pm.

What’s On East Van: August 24th Edition

24 Aug

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming week.  Beyond the week, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Serate in Piazza – Italian Cultural Centre – August 24th

You are invited to come listen to live music and dance at the outdoor piazza at the Italian Cultural Centre this Friday night.  There will also be food and refreshments available for purchase, should you wish, but the music is free. Fun kicks off at 7:00 pm.

Family Night – Grandview Park – August 24th

The Commercial Drive BIA and the Vancouver Park Board Rangers are hosting a Family Night in Grandview Park this Friday from 5:00 – 9:30 pm.  This event features a film, a Kids Zone with balloon twisting, face painter and caricature artist.  It’s a free event. Everyone is welcome to stop by.

RnB Icons Motown Dance Party – Federico’s Supper Club – August 24th

Looking for a fun night out of dinner and dancing?  Federico’s Supper Club is the place to be Friday night with their Motown Dance Party. Dinner reservations start from 5:30 pm. Music kicks off a little later. To reserve your spot, visit Federicos’s Supper Club.

Tremors 2018 – Italian Cultural Centre – August 24th & 25th

This is your last weekend to catch 3 contemporary Canadian plays by emerging artists.  The productions take place at the Italian Cultural Centre. They include Selfie by Christine Quintana, Tiny Replicas by Dave Deveau, and Theory by Norman Yeung. The performances are Pay What You Decide. For more information on times and tickets, visit Tremors 2018.

Won’t You Be My Neighbour – Rio Theatre – August 24th & 25th

The documentary ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbour’  takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination.  One of his aims was to bring up a generation of good neighbours.  Did he succeed? This is one film that’s on our list and will be showing at the Rio Theatre Friday at 3:15 pm and Saturday at 1:00 pm.

Tiny House Design Weekend  – Britannia Community Centre – August 25 & 26

If you are interested in tiny homes, designing and or building them, then you may wish to check out The Tiny House Design Weekend happening at the Britannia Community Centre.  The cost is $349 for the 2 days and coverages a wide range of topics and is geared to all skill levels from those just researching the idea to custom builders. To register, visit Eventbrite.

Summer Savour Festival – River District – August 25th

River District is hosting it’s 3rd in a series of 4 summer fun events, Summer Savour Festival. This Saturday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, there will be live music by the Myles Bigalow Trio, Dr. Strangelove to name two. Romer’s Burger Bar will be on hand with free slider samples as well as beer samples. There will be a small marketplace and some food trucks on hand.

Saturday Morning Brunch With Cartoons – Storm Crow Tavern – August 25th

Really how often can you have brunch and watch Saturday morning cartoons while out at a restaurant? Stop by Storm Crow Tavern from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm to have brunch and watch Adventure Time.

Artful Sunday – Napier Greenway – August 26th

Artful Sundays happens again this Sunday in the Napier Greenway by the Britannia Community Centre. This outdoor visual art market features local artists, workshops, artist demonstrations, live music and more. Stop by between Noon – 5:00 pm.

Live Music, Comedy & Entertainment

The Rickshaw Theatre is hosting a BC Wildfire Benefit Concert to help those affected by wildfires this Friday, August 24th. Tickets are $12. Looking to take in some comedy, East Van Improv League is at Havana Theatre Sunday night at 7:30 pm and Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery is Monday night at Havana Theatre 9 pm. If you are looking to keep the kids entertained, big or small, Playland is now open daily from 10 am – 7 pm. Three Farmer Markets happening this weekend – Saturday it’s Riley Park (10 am – 2 pm) and Trout Lake (9 am – 2 pm) and Sunday, Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in Dude Chilling Park from 10 am – 2 pm.  Note, for the tomato lovers, there’s a Tomato Festival at Trout Lake this Saturday where there will be 100+ varieties. To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver, check our Event Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter