Knit Social 2013 Croatian Cultural Centre October 26th & 27th

23 Oct

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Knit Social is back for a second year at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive.   If you love to knit, purl one, purl two this event is for you.  There will be a lots of great workshops, demos, tips, tricks and much more. The list of vendors participating in this weekend’s event is quite extensive, but include Baaad Anna’s, Astor Tsang, Drama Llama, The Red Fox and Gown, Sanjo Silk, Vegan Yarn, The Wacky Windmill and Yarn Makes Me Happy. For a full rundown of all the vendors on site for the show, visit Knit Social’s website.  If you get hungry, food trucks will be at the venue for the duration of the show specifically: The Bean Buggy, Varinicey Pakoras and Taser Sandwiches.  Knit Social will also be giving away 50 swag bags this weekend, but instead of handing them out at the door, they will be drawing 25 names each day at 1:00 p.m. If your name gets drawn, you win a bag.  Knit Social takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Admission is $5.00 (cash only) with children 12 and under free.

Photo Credit: Ula Kapala

Calling All Souls! Parade of Lost Souls & Dance Party Saturday, October 26th

21 Oct

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Many will be pleased to hear that this much loved East Van event will carry on.  The Public Dreams Society and The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret will be co-producing this year’s event. Kat Single Dain co-founder of The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret will be at the helm as the Artistic Producer.   The Parade of Lost Souls is a community-driven parade inspired by Dia de Muertos (The Day of the Dead). In recent years, the parade has travelled around various parts of East Vancouver featuring performance art, interactive art installations and YOU lost souls. This is a transitional year for the parade and as such, this will be a smaller and cozier event. The parade takes place from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. In keeping with tradition, the parade’s location will be announced at 12:00 a.m. midnight on October 26th on the Public Dreams website as well as Twitter and Facebook.

For those that wish to carry on after the parade, The Parade of Lost Souls Dance Party returns to The Hangar, 577 Great Northern Way. The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret has joined forces with The Work Less party to bring you an event that will “rock the house and wake the dead”. You can expect some mischief, dancing, performers, musical acts including CR Avery, The Tailor, Briden, Manhai, Matty For Life and maybe a few ghosts in the air. The dance party gets under way at 9:00 p.m. and goes till 3:00 a.m. Tickets are available online only starting from $20 with donation options of $5 and $10 to help support this volunteer driven event. Note: tickets will not be available at the door. Come out and celebrate life! 

UPDATE: Secret location has been announced. The location of the Parade of Lost Souls will be Brittania School Yard – Football Field, 1001 Cotton Drive.

Photo Credit: Public Dreams Society

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SE Vancouver in October: Pie Making Contest, Pumpkin Patch, Free Movies & More

18 Oct

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Lots going on at the River District in SE Vancouver this October.  There are so many events, we have set them out by date order.  

Friday, October 18th

Free showing of Tim Burton’s animated movie the Corpse Bride at 4:00 pm. As always, popcorn will be served.

Saturday, October 19th

River District Farmers Market is on from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Only two more markets left in the season. This Saturday’s market, they will be handing out 25 umbrellas to the first visitors to the Information Tent. Yoga classes routinely run on Saturdays at 11:00 am and 12:15 pm.

Sunday, October 20th

The Pumpkin Patch is back this Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm.  Come play in the pumpkin patch, pose for photos and pick out your perfect Halloween pumpkin. Urban Digs Farms will be selling pumpkins for $5 each (cash only). There will also be lots of fun activities and crafts for the kids happening inside the Centre.

River District Knitting Club meets on Sunday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.   All ages are welcome. No experience is required. You are asked to bring your own materials and equipment. If you miss this week’s MeetUp, the Club will be meeting bi-weekly on Sundays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. You can RSVP for this event at MeetUp.com or by calling T: 604.431.5594.

Saturday, October 26th

The last River District Farmers Market of the season takes place on October 26th from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Come out and stock up on some local goodies.

Did you perfect your pie making skills over the Thanksgiving long weekend?  If so, you may wish to enter the Pie Making Contest being held on October 26th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. which will take place after the last Farmers Market for the season. Prizes include:  1st Prize: Metropolis Gift Card $150, 2nd Prize: $50 Gift Card to Romer’s Burger Bar and 3rd Prize: $25 Gift Card Starbucks.  Apply in person at River District or online by October 24th.

Sunday, October 27th

Halloween Party: Princesses, Pirates & Creatures Party will be taking place. Come dressed in your favourite princess, pirate or magical creative costume. There will be a costume contest crafts and other fun activities for the kids.  The event runs from 1:00 – 3:00 pm   And at 3:00 pm, there will be a free Munchkin Matinee showing of Escape From Planet Earth with popcorn, of course.

Lantern Making Workshop October 19th 1:30 – 5:30 pm

17 Oct

Lantern Workshop & Walk 2013 PosterSouthHill

South Hill Neighbours is hosting a lantern-making afternoon at the Celebration Hall at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, this Saturday afternoon.  You are invited to come and create your own lantern. Supplies will be provided to create one of the following types of lantern: a hand-carved turnip lantern; a wax paper window lantern or a tissue paper globe lantern. They will also have a simpler version of the globe lantern for small children.  All ages are welcome to attend the workshop.

The aim is to create lanterns in preparation for a lantern procession to All Souls Night which takes place in the evening on Saturday, October 26th at Mountain View Cemetery. All participants in the All Souls Night are welcome to bring photos of loved ones they have lost which can be incorporated into the lantern so that it becomes a creative memorial to honour that person. This workshop is being offered through Neighbourhood Small Grant Project which is funded through the Vancouver Foundation. If you would like further information or to register for the workshop, email: southhill.neighbours@gmail.com.

Saturday Night Concerts: Tipper Supper Series Begins October 19th

16 Oct

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The Tipper Restaurant and Review Room begins their 2013/2014 Saturday Night Concert Series this Saturday, October 19th.  On deck this Saturday are Pearl, that being Kathy Francis and Andrea Smith. These two soulful performers have been a big part of west coast music camps over the years and pop-up at coffee house and festivals whenever asked. From swing to folk to old time, this duo will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone with their lush harmonies and varied instrumental support including guitar, mandolin, clarinet, ukes and percussion.  Add in a few original songs and pearls—what’s not to like? These ladies will also be launching their new CD ‘Happy to Roam’ this Saturday which will be available for sale for $15, for those that are interested.  Music begins at 8:00 p.m., but doors open at 7:15 p.m. Reservations are not available, thus it is recommended to come early to grab your seat, or better yet come early for dinner. Cost for the show is $10, or what you can pay. The Tipper Restaurant and Review Room is located at 2066 Kingsway at Victoria Drive.

Fall Harvest Community Dance at Trout Lake Community Centre October 18th

16 Oct

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Bring the family for a fun filled evening of square dancing, music and dinner at Trout Lake Community Centre this Friday.  Admission is $6 per person (children under 2 years of age are free). For dinner, you will receive a hearty soup/stew, fresh bread, beverage and a beautiful pottery bowl made and donated by the Trout Lake Pottery Club to eat from. Yes, you get to take it home. Enjoy making arts and crafts at the supervised teen station. You are asked to pre-register for this event at Trout Lake Community Centre, 3360 Victoria Drive, T: 604.257.6955. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and goes to 8:00 p.m.

Photo Credit: Bev Lloyd-Roberts

4th Annual BC Beer Awards & Beer Festival October 19th Croatian Cultural Centre

15 Oct

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Eagerly anticipated by many, the 4th Annual British Columbia Beer Awards takes place this Saturday, October 19th at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. This event will showcase the very best of locally made beer. Open to the public, this one day event will include not only the awards ceremony but will play host to BC’s best breweries showcasing what they do best, making great beer!

The event kicks off at 1:00 p.m. and runs till 6:00 p.m. Tickets for this event are available for $35. This includes 4 drink tokens and a 4 oz taster glass (yours to keep).  You can purchase additional drink tokens for $1.25 each.  Note: VIP Packages for groups of 6 were being offered at $400 a pop as was a Hops Connect Class, but these two options are already sold out.  Do we love our beer or what?!

The Beer Awards & Beer Festival will have two local charities on hand. One, The Greater Vancouver Food Bank which will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations at the door. Also on hand, will be the BC Hospitality Foundation who provide assistance to those working in the hospitality industry that are struck by illness.

Food for the event will be provided by Re-Up, Swiss Bakery, Biercraft and The Croatian Cultural Centre.  To purchase, your ticket(s), visit Eventbrite

Learn To Play the Ukulele At The Sarah McLachlan School Of Music

14 Oct

Sarah_MacSchoolOfMusicCome out sign and learn to play the ukulele.  Whether you have ever played an instrument, the ukulele I hear is fun and easy to learn.  You will learn to sing and strum to your favourite songs including folk, old time, rock’n’ roll and pop.  The Sarah McLachlan School of Music is offering weekly lessons free of charge to anyone 55+ on Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, 138 East 7th Avenue.  All instruments will be provided  and transportation will be available from Britannia Community Centre. Apply by email, telephone or in person to:

Email:                craig@sarahschoolofmusic.com

Phone:               Craig Shervey, 604.709.4415 ext. 203

In Person:          200 – 138 East 7 Avenue, Vancouver, BC

The school will also be hosting a 30 minute tea/coffee and cookie break after each class.  Classes begin on Thursday, October 24th. 

BC SPCA’s Barktoberfest Raises $4,608.25

12 Oct

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The Vancouver SPCA is pleased to announce that the recent fundraiser Barktoberfest held on October 3rd at Ceili’s Irish Pub raised $4,608.25!  This was a fundraiser for both the Vancouver and Burnaby SPCA shelters. Charlotte Ellice, the SPCA’s Vancouver Branch Manager, is pleased to report that over 100 people attended and fun was had by all. The Vancouver SPCA sends heartfelt thanks to all those that participated in this event with a special shout out to their sponsors Arts Automotive and Aqua Paws Canine Water Wellness. Your support goes a long ways to meeting the needs of those that can’t speak for themselves.  We thank you.

Celebrate The 5th Annual Sustenance Festival

10 Oct

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This October celebrate the 5th Annual Sustenance Festival. Sustenance is a celebration which reflects local and global intersections of art, culture, food, and sustainability. The festival is based at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, but Sustenance is a city-wide festival with satellite activities in various parts of Vancouver.  For a listing of some of the events happening in East Vancouver see the events listed below. For a full run down of events, visit Sustenance Festival.

Saturday October 12th 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

New People / First Peoples: Food Sharings Harmonizing Dance,
 Art, Music, and Ritual
Host: Grandview Woodlands Food Connection
Location: Britannia Community Centre
(Upstairs Canuck Family Education Centre)
1655 William Street Off Grandview Park
For Information:  604-718-5895
Suggested Donation: $10 – $15

Saturday, October 12th 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

South Vancouver Community Harvest Potluck
Host: South Vancouver Neighborhood House
Location: Nancy Styles Hall, 5988 Nanaimo Street

You are requested to bring a dish to share and join the South Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Network for a community meal. Sample nibbles from their Tasting Kitchen, enjoy live music and activities and purchase affordable veggies and fruit at their mobile market. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information contact: Zinnia Clark at E: southvancouverliteracy@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 17th 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Krazy Kale
Host: Hastings Sunrise Community Food Network
Location: Clinton Park Slocan and Grant Street by the field house.

You are invited to visit the Kale Plot at this community garden where you will received information and kale, seeds and how to grow your own. Village Vancouver will be on site with their seed library – bring some seeds to swap if you’d like.  This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.  For more information  contact Eva Aboud at T: 604 761 9828 at Frog Hollow

Thursday, October 17th 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Garden Tours
Host: Hastings Sunrise Community Food Network
Location: Hastings Community Learning Garden, East Hastings & Lillooet

You are invited to a one hour free garden tour to learn about permaculture, how to garden and about their upcoming workshops. Village Vancouver will be on site with their seed library. You are welcome to bring seeds to swap. For more information contact Grant Watson at E: grant@gourmetgardens.ca.

Saturday October 19th 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Beginner’s Seed Saving
Host: Village Vancouver
Location: Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver

This free workshop will focus on the basics of seed saving as well as annual and biennial food plants. They will help you  identify self-pollinators and cross-pollinators and talk about the best seeds to start saving. They will also discuss the easiest seeds to save in small gardens and why, and how to harvest, dry and store seeds. They will also show you how to clean seeds. The event will cover the basics outlined in the booklet, The 5 Levels of Seed Saving. Workshops limited to 20 participants. To register for this class, visit Village Vancouver.

Saturday, October 19th  – 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Advanced Seed Saving
Host: Village Vancouver
Location: Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, Vancouver

This free workshop is for those that understand the basics of seed saving. They will discuss topics that relate to saving more challenging food plants, such as cross pollinators (squash) and biennials especially as they relate to seed saving challenges in city gardens. Bring your questions. This workshop is also limited to 20 participants. To register for this class, visit Village Vancouver.

Monday, October 21st 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Canning and Preserving with Caitlin Dorward
Host:  Village Vancouver
Location: Strathcona Community Centre, 601 Keefer St., Vancouver
Fee: $30

In this workshop you will learn how to can and preserve some of your fall bounty. This workshop will focus on jam and pickles and participants will be able to take some home at the end. To register call, T: 604-713-1838 or register in person at the Strathcona Community Centre. Advance registration is requested.