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Artisan Markets & Craft Fairs In East Van 2017

8 Nov

ChristmasBallsTis the season is upon us for artisan markets and craft fairs. Have you checked one out lately? They have evolved over the years. The artisans and makers we see today at these events have created amazing small businesses doing what they love.  We love supporting these makers at every turn. One of the many reasons is that “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $46 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $18 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.” So by supporting local, you are putting money back in our local economy.  So we encourage you to check out some of the great line of events listed below and think about supporting local when you doing your shopping this holiday season.

NOVEMBER 2017

Nov. 16: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5 pm – 10:30 pm
Nov. 17: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5 pm – 10:30 pm
Nov. 17: Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Comm. Centre 3 – 8
Nov. 18: All Handmade Sale – Grandview Cavalry, 1803 E. 1st 11 am – 5 pm
Nov. 18: Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Comm. Centre 10 – 5
Nov. 18: Christmas Craft Fair – Holy Trinity 154 East 10th Ave 10 am – 4 pm
Nov. 18: Christmas Craft Fair–Grace Memorial United, 803 E. 16th Ave 10-4
Nov. 18: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11 am – 6 pm
Nov. 19: Britannia Christmas Craft Fair – Britannia Comm.Centre 10 – 5
Nov. 19: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11 am – 6 pm

Nov. 24: Italian Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre 5 pm – 9 pm
Nov. 24: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 4 pm – 9 pm
Nov. 25: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10 am – 5 pm
Nov. 25: Strathcona Winter Craft Fair – Strathcona Community Centre 10 – 4
Nov. 25: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 am – 4 pm
Nov. 25: Renfrew Park Craft Fair – Renfrew Park Community Centre 10 – 3
Nov. 26: Bling – Wearable Glass Art Show – Heritage Hall 11 am – 5 pm
Nov. 26: Artisan Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Community Centre 9 am – 4 pm
Nov. 26: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm

Nov. 29: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop–Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10–6
Nov. 30: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop–Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10-6
Nov. 31: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop–Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10–6

DECEMBER 2017

Dec. 1: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop – Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10 – 6
Dec. 1: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 6-10
Dec. 1: Toque – Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Dec. 2: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. N 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 2: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop – Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 10  – 6
Dec. 2: East Van Bazaar – Kingsgate Mall 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dec. 2: Toque – Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 2: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 2: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington Community Centre 10 – 4
Dec. 3: Got Craft? Pop Up Shop – Little Mountain Pop Up, 4385 Main St. 11 – 5
Dec. 3: Toque – Western Front, 303 East 8th Avenue 11 am – 5 pm
Dec. 3: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 3: The East Side Best Side Holiday Pop Up Market – Russian Hall 11-5
Dec. 3: Pop Up Handmade – Speakeasy Salon 152 E. 8th Ave. 12 – 5
Dec. 3: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5

Dec. 7: Make It! – PNE Forum
Dec. 8: Make It! – PNE Forum
Dec. 9:  Make It! – PNE Forum
Dec. 9: Got Craft? – Maritime Labour Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 9: Shiny, Fuzzy, Muddy – Heritage hall 11 am – 7 pm
Dec. 9: Collingwood Artisans’ Village Market – Collingwood Neighbourhood House 11-4
Dec. 10: Shiny, Fuzzy, Muddy – Heritage Hall 10 am – 6 pm
Dec. 10: Got Craft? – Maritime Labour Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 10: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 10: Pop Up Handmade – Speakeasy Salon 152 E. 8th Ave. 12 – 5

Dec. 15: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street
Dec. 16: Crafty Affaire – Croatian Cultural Centre 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 16: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 16: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 16: Weirdos Holiday Market – 2244 East Hastings Street 11-7
Dec. 16: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-7
Dec. 17: River District Craft Fair – 8683 Kerr Street 11 am – 4 pm
Dec. 17: June Hunter Studio Sale – 2785 Parker Street 10 am – 5 pm
Dec. 17: Women’s Winter Faire – Heritage Hall 11-7
Dec. 17: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1024 Main Street 11-5
Dec. 17: Weirdos Holiday Market – 2244 East Hastings Street 11-7
Dec. 17: Pop Up Handmade – Speakeasy Salon 152 E. 8th Ave. 12 – 5

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What’s On East Van: November 3, 2017

3 Nov

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

Girls Like That – Templeton Secondary School – November 2 – 10, 2017

Growing up a girl is frought with pitfalls, in the digital age they have become land mines.  Girls Like That showcases what it’s like growing up a girl in this technological age, but there are many other messages hidden in this production for everyone.  If you are a woman, any age, you should see this. Tickets are a very reasonable $10 and available through Eventbrite. The cast features high school students from the Lower Mainland including several from Templeton Secondary School. This is about as real as it gets. See it.

Icons Vintage Market – 1024 Main Street – November 3, 2017

Love vintage? Head over to ICONS Vintage Market this Friday, November 3rd at the Eastside Flea, 1024 Main Street. The event features vintage clothing, vinyl records, housewares, music, unique finds, food and drink specials along with pinball and a DJ.  Doors open at 6:00 pm. Admission is $3. This is an all ages event.

Square Dance – Wise Hall – November 3, 2017

If you always wanted to learn how to square dance, now’s your chance.  Professor Bango, Paul Silveria, is hosting an evening at the Wise Hall this Friday. This is a beginner friendly event. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. 

Take Flight – Arts Factory – November 4, 2017 

You are invited to come celebrate 21 years of art creation at Eastside Culture Crawl’s 2017 launch party and benefit this Saturday. The first part of the evening is a reception with cocktails and appetizers and the first to get your hands on our 2017 program guide. At 8:30 pm, they open the doors to the public opening of the LIT Preview Exhibit  featuring 2017 Culture Crawl artists. 

East Van Opry – Rio Theatre – November 4, 2017 

Lots of local talent packed into the East Van Opry happening Saturday night at the Rio Theatre.  This event now in its 5th features country music and much more. Tickets are $24 in advance or $28 at the door.

Winter Farmers Market – November 4 & 5, 2017

Vancouver Farmer Markets kick off their winter markets this weekend.  Saturday’s market is at Nat Bailey Stadium from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sunday’s market at Hastings Park on the PNE centregrounds also from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Come out and support your local growers and makers

Big Top Tuesday – Libra Room – November 7, 2017

Starting Tuesday, November 7th, Big Top returns to their famed weekly residency at The Libra Room. Music kicks off at 8:00 pm and winds down at 11:00 pm. 

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre 

This Friday, Rio Theatre is hosting Fairytale Burlesque.  If you looking for a movie to check out to say indoors, the Rio is showing V For Vendetta with Natalie Portman this Sunday at 6:00 pm. Fets Whiskey Kitchen on the Drive is hosting a Whiskey Dinner this Sunday. To see more of what’s on, check our Events Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Winter Farmer Markets Are Back At Nat Bailey Stadium & Hastings Park

31 Oct

ProduceEricUrquhartVancouver Farmers Market hosts two winter farmer markets this year. Both kick off this weekend. Nat Bailey Stadium kicks off this Saturday, November 4th and Hastings Park happens Sunday, November 5th. These markets happen rain or shine and continue into April.  So if they can be out there in all the elements, so can we to support our local growers and makers.

Nat Bailey Stadium – November 4 to April 21 / 10 – 2

The biggest Winter Farmers Market is at Nat Bailey Stadium, 4601 Ontario Street on Saturday November 4th and runs each Saturday until April 22nd, 2018 save for December 30th.  The market runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Hastings Park – November 5 to April 29 / 10 – 2

If you prefer heading to the farmers market on a Sunday, then be sure to check out the now popular market at Hastings Park.  This farmers market will run every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until April 30, 2018 save for December 24th and December 31st.  The market is located on the Centregrounds.

Photo Credit: Eric Urquhart

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What’s On East Van: October 27, 2017

27 Oct

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

Parade of Lost Souls – East Van – October 28, 2017

This iconic East Van produced by the Dusty Flowerpot happens Saturday night and will feature costumes, live music, Thriller Flash Mob, parade of lost souls of course. This year’s theme Alter Ego. Costumes are highly encouraged.  This is an all ages event with an after party at the Legion for the adults, if not sold out, which it generally is right before the event.

Halloween Drive-In Movies – River District – October 28 & 29, 2017

Wesgroup Properties and Fresh Air Cinemas brings you double feature drive-in movies to SE Vancouver along the Fraser River (Boundary Road and SE Marine Drive). Saturday, October 28th they will be starting off the evening with a showing of Casper followed by The Shining.  There will be a second round of movies Sunday, October 29th (rescheduled for the rained out event October 21st) with starts off with ET and is followed by Friday the 13th.  Perfect shows for Halloween weekend.  Cost if $20 per carload for 1 movie, $30 per carload for double feature.

Tango Lessons – Italian Cultural Centre – October 27, 2017

This Friday is your last chance to try a tango lesson at the Italian Cultural Centre. Drop is $20 and class runs from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Night For All Souls – Mountain View Cemetery – October 28, 2017 

The 13th Annual All Souls Night happens this Saturday from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street.  The event creates a sanctuary for remembrance and reflection. You are encouraged to bring a lantern and candles as well as photos if you wish to create a memorial for a loved one in a gentle atmosphere of contemplative beauty. The event takes place rain or shine.  To learn more about All Souls Night and events that continue to November 1st visit a Night For All Souls.

2nd Annual Fall Harvest – Croatian Cultural Centre – October 28, 2017

Elemental Trends is hosting an artisan market this Saturday at the Croatian Cultural Centre from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Lots of great local vendors on hand. So if you are doing early Christmas shopping or trying to find that perfect birthday gift for someone, this would be a great spot to check out.

The Artisan’s Event – Heritage Hall – October 29, 2017

Another great opportunity to shop local is this Sunday at the Heritage Hall. The Artisan’s Event happens from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

David Myles – Wise Hall – October 29, 2017 

David Myles will be performing at the Wise Hall this Saturday bringing his soulful yet contemporary sound along with jazzy folk ditties and some infectious hip-hop. For tickets, which are a very reasonable $25, visit Ticket Zone.

Dream Horror Live Haunted House – Casa Verde – To October 31, 2017 

We’ve learnt that off a quiet little street in East Van in Cedar Cottage, there is a haunted house which features 21 live actors, trap rooms and crawl spaces, clowns and creepy dolls.  One of the organizers, Mikayla Sorensen, states it’s what nightmares are made of.  Entry is $10 at the door the fun starts each evening at 7:30 pm. For more info, visit Daily Hive.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre 

Are you a fan of the Rocky Horror Picture Show?  This weekend is your chance to catch it at the Rio Theatre with other fans. It’s a triple threat this weekend with showings of the movie Friday at 11:30 pm, Saturday at 11:45 and Sunday night at 10:00 pm.   Prefer something a little lighter, Beetlejuice is showing Friday at 6:30 pm. If you are looking for Halloween events, check out our feature Halloween Events In East Van.  To see more of what’s on, check our Events Listing.

Image Credit: June Hunter

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Cooking Classes Around East Van This Winter

11 Oct

Now that cooler temperatures are here, it’s time to get cozy with some great food.  We love spending time at cooking classes learning new dishes this time of year. We have been scouting around and have found a great selection of classes and have set out our favourites below. Whether you are a beginner, seasoned cook or vegan cook, we hope you’ll find something that piques your interest and taste buds.

Holiday Canning – December 4, 2017 – Italian Cultural Centre

You are invited to learn to how to preserve for the holiday season with BenedettaHolidayCanning Diamanti who will be conducting this workshop at the Italian Cultural Centre on December 4th. Benedetta is a graduate of the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and she will teach you how to make red wine jelly, cocoa jam and a cinnamon scented pear. This is an intimate hands-on class covering the basics, best practices and safety techniques. You will get to take home a jar along with ideas of some delish gifts to make this Christmas.

Chocolate Lovers Cooking Class – December 7, 2017 – Kensington Community Centre

Looking to learn to make some decadent and easy chocolate desserts this holiday season?  If you so, check out this delish class being offered Thursday, December 7th at the Kensington Community Center. You get to enjoy lava cake in class and take the rest of the goodies home. You will learn to make:

  • Chocolate Mousse
  • Lava CakeChocolateLovers
  • Chocolate Truffles
  • Chocolate Sauce

All recipes will be provided and experience is required.  Cost of the class if $50 and registration is through City of Vancouver.

Holiday Side Dishes – Gourmet Warehouse – November 26, 2017

If you have your main dishes down cold, but want to add some new side dishes to your holiday menu, Caren McSherry, owner of the Gourmet Warehouse is leading this demonstration cooking class on Sunday, November 26th. Cost is $79 and you will learn some delish dishes from Caren’s new cookbook “Starters, Salads & Sexy Sides”:

•Roasted butternut squash with crispy halloumi cubes
•Whole roasted cauliflower
•Jacket roasted sweet potato with crispy chorizo and creamy herbed feta
•Whipped rutabaga with crispy shallots
•Wild and mixed mushroom saute

To register, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pâtés – Uncommon Cafe – January 24, 2018

Valentine of Tartine Maple introduces a cooking class series that will take you on a culinary tour of France. Each class in the series brings you food from a different region of France. While learning about culinary and cultural facts, Valentine will prepare a main dish and sides typical of the chosen region. The first class in this series begins January 24th entitled French Gastronomy Series: East Country Pates. This class will focus on East “Terroir”. You will learn to make:

  • Chicken Liver Mousse: The easiest pate.
  • “Terrine Campagnard”. A rich meat pâté, delicious served for appetizer with bread and pickles.
  • Pâté en Croûte: the richness of a warm porc and poultry pâté cooked in puff pastry.

After the class, you get to sit in the restaurant and enjoy the food with a glass of wine. For $65, you get a cooking class, great meal and bit of a culinary tour. To register, visit Eventbrite.

EastCountryPates

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Artisan Markets This Fall In East Van

3 Oct

FallLeavesColourAre you a fan of shopping local? Do you support small business enterprises in your community?  When you shop local, you support those around you that help create the fabric that is your community.  This fall there are few local events featuring local artisans and makers you may wish to check out. We’ve set out a few below hat we’ve come across. If you know of more, drop us a line and we’ll add them to our list.

EASTSIDE FLEA – Harvest Market
Friday, October 20, 2017 at 6:00 pm
October 21 & 22, 2017 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street

You are invited to check out a great line up of vendors with everything from new to vintage. Friday night is a bit different set up in their full market on the weekend. It features a select group of artisans as well as craft beer & drink specials, pinball and DJs to round out the evening.  Saturday and Sunday is the full market experience with 50 vendors and food trucks on hand. To learn more visit them at Eastside Flea.

2nd ANNUAL FALL HARVEST MARKET
October 28, 2017
Croatian Cultural Centre
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm

Whether you are shopping for yourself, or that birthday gift or some early Christmas shopping, the 2nd Annual Fall Harvest Market is a great opportunity to support local makers.  Elemental Trends is hosting this event featuring over 30 vendors.  To keep an eye on which vendors will be on hand visit them on Facebook at Elemental Trends.

THE ARTISAN’S EVENT
October 29, 2017
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Another back to back opportunity to shop local.  The Artisan’s Event happens Sunday, October 29th featuring over 35+ local makers and artisans. Admission is by donation. To learn more about the vendors, visit them at The Artisan’s Event.

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What’s On East Van: September 22, 2017

22 Sep

 

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

Tango Lessons – Italian Cultural Centre – September 22, 2017

Looking for a perfect date night?  How about a tango lesson at the Italian Cultural Centre. This is currently a weekly event happening on Friday nights until the end of October. Classes run from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Cost is $20 per person per class, or you can register by the month at a cost of $60.

Comedy With Debra DiGiovanni – York Theatre – September 23, 2017

One of Canada’s funniest female comedians will be at the York Theatre this Saturday night.  This is where you’ll find us. Tickets are a very reasonable $25 if you can still snag yourself a ticket. We recommend you do.

Affordable Concert Series: Big Easy Funk – Rio Theatre – September 23, 2017

The Big Easy Funk Ensemble along with guests Disco Funeral and Subscura are performing at the Rio Theatre this Saturday. The show features sounds from the 60s funk legends to funk, jazz and blues. This event is part of the Affordable Concert Series, it is just that affordable. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. To learn or buy tickets visit, the Rio Theatre.

Benefit Concert For Aunt Leah’s Place With Blue Dirt Girl At The Notional Space

You are invited to listen to the sounds of Blue Dirt Girl tonight at the Notional Space at 1523 E Pender Street.  If you don’t know it, Blue Dirt Girl is the latest musical project of singer, songwriter, guitarist, and Vancouver indie artist, Kathryn Sutherland. The Notional Space show will feature blue dirt girl’s trio along with craft beer by Luppolo’s Brewing. They will be raising funds for Aunt Leah’s Independent Lifeskills Society which helps event children in foster care from becoming homeless and assists mothers in need.  To reserve your spot email: bluedirtgirl@gmail.com.

Clothing Swap – Wise Hall – September 24, 2017

Do you have clothes, books, shoes, craft supplies, jewellery, accessories you’d like to rehome? Maybe pick up a few new items in the process. Clothing Swap happens this Sunday at the Wise Hall from 12-3 pm.  Drop off is 12:30 – 1:00 pm, cost is $10. Come back between 1-3 pm and shop. All eras, sizes, mens, women’s and children.  For more information visit the Wise Hall.

Walk For Reconciliation – Strathcona Park – September 24, 2017

The first-ever Reconciliation Expo will be held Sunday, September 24th.  The event begins at 10:00 am with a 2 km walk that starts at  650 Cambie Street and travels to Strathcona Park.   After the walk, there are a host of activities lined up for the day at the Expo that continues till 3:00 pm. The event will include community booths that include information about reconciliation, cultural activities as well as presentations by community groups.  Along side the events, there will be an area dedicated to local artisans and it will be a great opportunity to experience local Indigenous art and culture as well as musicians and dance groups.

Jazz Night With Dylan Cramer Quartet – Italian Cultural Centre – September 27, 2017

Dylan Cramer performs with his swinging quartet at the Italian Cultural Centre.  A buffet is available from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The concert starts at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $35 for dinner and $15 for concert only.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

If you are looking to take in some interesting theatre, we recommend checking out Feasting For Famine which runs for a brief period at the Firehall Arts Centre September 27 to 30, 2017. The show features one man’s journey through the extremes of body building and health fitness  If you missed the sold out show Draining The Swamp during the Vancouver Fringe Festival, it has been held over at Havana Theatre until September 23rd. You have a chance to catch it.  To see more of what’s on, check our Events Listing.

 

 

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What’s On East Van: September 15, 2017

15 Sep

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Lots happening in East Van this next week.  Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out 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.

Tango Lessons – Italian Cultural Centre – September 15, 2017

Looking for a perfect date night?  We suggest trying out a tango lesson at the Italian Cultural Centre. This is currently a weekly event happening on Friday nights until the end of October. Classes run from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Cost is $20 per person per class, or you can register by the month at a cost of $60.

Vancouver Fringe Festival – September 7-17, 2017

This is the last weekend to catch the Vancouver Fringe Festival.  In East Van, you find shows at The Cultch and Firehall Arts Centre. To see a full listing, visit Vancouver Fringe Festival.

First Pick Handmade – Heritage Hall – September 16 & 17, 2017

First Pick Handmade brings together 27 Canadian men’s and women’s fashion accessory designers. The Heritage Hall will be transformed into a 3,300 square foot pop up boutique with a variety of items for men and women. Event runs Saturday (11:00 am – 7:00 pm and Sunday (10:00 am – 6:00 pm). Admission is $3 at the door.

Drive-In Movie – River District – September 16, 2017

After a false start last weekend with a last minute cancellation, Drive-In Movies are back at River District. The evening starts off this Saturday with a showing of Wonder Woman at 7:30 pm, followed by The Transformers The Last Knight at 10:00 pm.  Cost is $20 per carload for one movie and $30 per carload for 2 movies.  Gates open at 6:45 pm and is first come first serve

Tailgate Party – Whisky Six BBQ  – September 17, 2017

Whisky Six BBQ at 826 Renfrew Street invites you for a Tailgate Party with BBQ, beer and cocktails. We hear the good folks at Bomber Brewing and Odd Society Spirits will be on hand.  Event runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Yoga In The Park – Grandview Park – September 17, 2017

Ocean and Crow Yoga will be hosting free yoga in the park this Sunday, September 17th. Bring your own towel and yoga mat and you are set.

Story Story Lie – Rio Theatre – September 21, 2017

Can you spot a liar? Story Story Lie is an interactive, live and laughter filled show with one simple premise: Vancouver’s best share intimate, hilarious and often embarrassing stories that seem too strange to be true. The catch? Someone’s lying. The audience takes part in an interrogation to reveal who it is. The Westender calls this show “One of the most inventive events on the Vancouver arts calendar” Story Story Lie now moves to a bigger space at The Rio Theatre for its first show in this venue on Thursday, September 21st.  Tickets are available in advance for $10 online or $12 at the door.

Entertainment, Comedy + Live Theatre

If you are looking to listen to music, Columbian group Breaking Boundaries will be performing at Café Deux Soleils on Friday night. Cover is $5-10. If it’s saucy and sexy you are wanting, you may wish to check out Dan Savage’s Hump Festival Tour 2017 happening at the Rio Theatre all weekend.  To see more of what’s on, check our Events Listing. 

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First Pick Handmade At The Heritage Hall September 16 & 17, 2017

13 Sep

First Pick Postcard jpegThis weekend you are invited to First Pick Handmade YVR happening at the Heritage Hall at 3102 Main Street on September 16th and 17th. This is a curated event of 27 Canadian men’s and women fashion accessory designers. They will be on hand with a limited run of their fall picks.  First Pick Handmade will transform Heritage Hall into a 3,300-square foot pop up boutique department store for the person that values Canadian design and quality materials.   The event will include a combination of long standing designers as well as newer start ups.  The common thread all these designers share is high quality construction and materials. The event will showcase clothing, jewelry, hats, winter accessories, shoes and bags, for both men and women.  Some of the local designers featured include Westerly Handmade Shoes, Friday Socks, Bill Would, Winterluxe, Anderson Boots, Daub and Design, Lana Betty and Buruko Bags and Zed Handmade just to name a few.

First Pick Handmade was created and curated by Janna Hurtzig  who is the founder/designer behind Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere and Astrosatchel labels.  Hurtzig has been part of Vancouver’s handmade scene since 1988 in a variety of roles including co-organizer of Shiny, Muddy Fuzzy.  So we are expecting to see some great things at this upcoming first ever market.  First Pick Handmade YVR runs this Saturday from  11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entrance is $3.00 at the door.

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A Little East Van History – Motel Row On Kingsway

11 Sep

MotelVacancyTraveling along Kingsway through Collingwood, I noticed some inconspicuous street signs the City installed a few years back. Designed in the style of 1960ʼs era Trans Canada Highway markers, the signs proclaim Indigenous Trail and Wagon Road. This was done as an acknowledgement of Kingsway as a historical route into and out of Vancouver for indigenous and non-indigenous people.

These signs got me thinking about my own use of the route. In particular how I had designated some navigational points along Kingsway which I used to gauge my progress entering or exiting the City. These points are or were motels that stand out against the shifting commercial landscape of Kingsway. I set off to rediscover my motel route.

Heading east the starting point was always the Biltmore at 12th and Kingsway. Once a Howard Johnsonʼs Hotel, and previously various others, it is now social housing. The next point is the Days Inn at Kingsway and Victoria. This place has been there for 70 years and in the early days was considered quite upscale. I know because the hotel is where my mom stayed on her wedding night. Either that or my Dad really was the cheapskate he was suspected of being.

Continuing east to Kingsway and Nanaimo, where there once stood a vast motel with beer parlour and off-sales called the Eldorado. It has since been replaced by several condo towers although the motel name lives on with the small Eldorado liquor store on the corner. I wonder if the owners actually did their research on the name. The beer parlour with off-sales was called Mulhernʼs Pub, named after the family that owned the Eldorado. A curious side note about the pub is that a family member apparently attempted to pull a stick-up of Mulhernʼs, but had a little problem with the stocking over their face and was recognized. Always helps to have a proper disguise when robbing family.

Past the old Eldorado site is the iconic and hard to miss 2400 Motel. This city owned 3 acre enclave of 18 cottages has been a frequent film location for everything from the X-Files to Smallville. The 2400 also briefly hosted Ahmed Ressam the Millennium Bomber, who fortunately didnʼt overcook anything during his stay. After the 2400 Motel is the last point before Boundary the Mr. Sport Hotel at Kingsway and Battison. This placeʼs marquee always seemed to advertise it as the last stop for strippers and off-sales before the wilds of Burnaby. The Mr. Sport eventually became a Ramada and then like the Biltmore was bought by the City and turned into social housing. A painted over Ramada sign and faded “Lobby “awning stand as a reminder of its intimidating previous lives. The Mr. Sport looked then and still looks to me now like a place you went into and instantly got shit kicked.

Aside from these motels, there are two other strange atolls of accommodation along the Kingsway route. One, almost directly across from the old Mr. Sport, is the Deluxe Hotel. I suspect it is as deluxe as that burger you get from the cafe gas station garage in Boston Bar. One the other hand the Deluxe, which has been around since 1958, recently changed hands. It has a nice new sign and may be slowly drifting towards the boutique style. Although youʼll probably never find out as it is probably booked full of would be novelists trying to get that gritty East Van feel.

More suspect is the Cassandra at 3075 Kingsway. While it advertises itself as a “comfortable and connected 3 star”, youʼve got to wonder what it’s doing there. From the outside it definitely has that must be a front for something feel. Certainly if you are in a witness protection program,  or generally have at least one hand gun stuffed into your saggy baggy jeans, you might not feel out of place.

By Contributing Writer Al Tee

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