Summer has ended for the year, but Autumn has just begun. Embracing autumn in Vancouver means immersing oneself in a cornucopia of events and festivals that ignite the senses and nourish the soul. As the leaves take on their fiery hues, our streets come alive with a vibrant tapestry of experiences. From the mesmerizing symphonies of dance concerts to the mouthwatering delights of food festivals, every corner reveals a new adventure. Why not check out some of the suggested events listed below?
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Fallen from Heaven (Caída del Cielo)
Sept. 27–30, 8 p.m.
The enfant terrible of Flamenco, Rocío Molina brings her masterwork Fallen from Heaven (Caída del Cielo) to Vancouver. Channeling multiple incarnations – fetishistic matador, bloodied avenging angel – Molina crushes expectations, reinventing classical form with anarchic punk energy and polymorphous perversity. Molina’s mastery of contrast is on full display in this event. Accompanied by four male musicians, she moves in thunder and stillness. Powered by avant-garde theatricality, peerless technique and a gonzo sense of humour, Molina summons the deepest stuff of life – blood and earth, ferocity and fragility – demanding audiences bear witness to her acts of radical creation.
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International South Asian Film Festival
Sept. 28–Oct. 1
The International South Asian Film Festival is committed to contributing towards a strong, diverse and inclusive Canadian society. Through arts and culture that play a critical role in strengthening communities and economies, the festival pursues progressive, innovative and inclusive ways to celebrate South Asian stories, artists and filmmakers of South Asian descent, and connect them to a global audience. For a complete list of feature films, short films and documentaries, please visit the festival’s website.
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Empire of the Son
Sept. 28–Oct. 21
The Pacific Theatre will be host to Empire of the Son from Sept. 28 to Oct. 21. Radio broadcaster Tetsuro Shigematsu wants to know his reserved, ailing father. As Tetsuro pieces Akira’s story together, three generations of crossed radio signals ripple out in a transcontinental tale of familial love, grief and joy. Experience this Canadian storytelling classic, reimagined for the Pacific Theatre stage after nearly a decade of international touring. Please visit the theatre’s website for tickets and more information.
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37th Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – A Circus of Dreams
Sept. 29–30, 5–11 p.m.
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
This year, the 37th Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is bigger and better than ever, with performances, food, tea ceremonies, art and activations curated throughout the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and the Zodiac Courtyard. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is a time-honoured tradition celebrated by families around the world. This festival holds great significance as it marks a time for loved ones to come together, enjoy delicious food and bask in the enchanting glow of the full moon. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is not just a yearly event but a cherished occasion that strengthens familial bonds and encourages cultural preservation, connection and tradition.
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Silver Apples of the Moon
Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
The concept of fantasy has a long history in music, and keyboard instruments are its main conduits. In the 18th century, composers were not only performers, but improvisers who would deploy their creative spirit for the public in real time by extemporizing on the keyboard. Inspired by this free form, and alongside fantasias by CPE Bach, Mozart, Koželuch and Beethoven, musician Mélisande McNabney adds her own improvisations which brings an introspective and expressive force to the programme.
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The Tempest at Studio 58
Oct. 5–22
www.langara.ca/studio-58/current-season/current-2023-the-tempest.html
A magical and ethereal tale, William Shakespeare’s The Tempest tells the story of Prospero, the former leader of Milan, and their child, Miranda. While living on a deserted island, Prospero conjures a shipwreck to bring their usurpers to justice. The Tempest deals with the timeless themes of power, love and betrayal and Langara College’s Studio 58 will be performing an adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic this October.
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Latin American Heritage Month
Oct. 6–Nov. 2
For the fifth consecutive year Latincouver celebrates Latino Heritage Month with a series of activities where audiences have the opportunity to learn part of the enriching Latino culture and connection and influence in B.C. and Canada. There will be a Brazilian Night opening ceremony on Oct. 6 and a Day of the Dead closing ceremony on Nov. 2. For more events, check out the Latincouver website.
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Seventh Annual Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival (VOAF)
Oct. 12–17
The Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival showcases the work of visual artists and performers outside of mainstream art institutions. The festival strives to provide a platform for these artists to share their unique perspectives and artistic visions with the community. The artists may be self-taught or trained: they are all devoted to their creative practices, and come from a point of view that is outside the mainstream art world trends. For more information and artist bios, please visit the festival’s website.
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Peace Country
Oct. 12–22
Inspired by playwright Pedro Chamale’s growing-up in Chetwynd, B.C., Peace Country is an examination of intercultural friendship, the realities of northern living and the vilification of northern communities in the fight against the climate crisis. Set in a small rural town in B.C.’s Northern interior, a new political party has swept into office with the promise of big changes: changes that could put the nail in the coffin for a little carbon-economy town, that is, if climate change doesn’t wipe it out first. In a time where it feels easy to spit rhetoric and blame each other, a familiar face in the party forces childhood friends to have tough conversations and work together for change. Through Peace Country, we see a plea for dialogue around climate action, in a time of great division.
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UBC Apple Festival
Oct. 14–15
The UBC Botanical Garden will be hosting the 32nd annual Apple Festival on Oct. 4 and 5. A family event for all ages, UBC Apple Festival celebrates one of B.C.’s favourite fruits. From learning about the diversity of apples to tasting rare and unusual varieties, the Apple Festival is a great opportunity to discover more about this delicious fruit. There will be food fairs and crafts, entertainment, activities and displays. For more information, check out the garden’s website.
