Summer is over for 2024, but the autumn season is just beginning. Embracing autumn in Vancouver means diving into a rich array of events and festivals that stimulate the senses and uplift the spirit. As the leaves transform into their brilliant shades, the city bursts into a vibrant mosaic of experiences. From captivating dance performances to intriguing film festivals, every corner offers a new adventure. Why not explore some of the recommended events below?
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Green Swans:
Wildfires and Rising Seas
Sept. 21–Nov. 16
Centre A will present Green Swans: Wildfires and Rising Seas, a solo exhibition by Ramona Ramlochand until Nov. 16. In Ramona Ramlochand’s first exhibition in Vancouver, the Montreal artist has created an entire series of new photographic and video installations confronting the devastating impact of global warming on all the planet’s living species. One of the installations is a large photo-based woven tapestry suspended in mid-air, that exposes the dark underbelly of unsustainable toxic capitalism, allowing eco-anxiety-inducing plastics, deeply-conflicted discomforts and unthinkable degradations to seep through to the surface. According to the artist, “the impetus for my multi-discipline installations derives from her extensive travels, and focuses on the ambiguity of place, the uncertainty, fragility and interconnectedness of the world and one’s place within it.”
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SongBird North
Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m.
www.dawnpemberton.ca/songbird-north-w-shari-ulrich
SongBird North launches its 29th season in Vancouver on Sept. 24 with producer Shari Ulrich hosting Dawn Pemberton, Leeroy Stagger & Suzie Ungerleider on the Roundhouse stage. For almost three decades now, SongBird North has been beloved by audiences for the rich variety of songwriting styles that are on display at each show, and the magical alchemy that happens when talented artists take turns sharing songs and stories about their work. It’s a one-of-a-kind evening of live music – an opportunity to get up close and personal with the music and the artists who create and perform it.
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Tina Tom: Brushstrokes of Life
Sept. 24, 2024–January 6, 2025
www.richmondartgallery.org/brushstrokes-of-life
Brushstrokes of Life presents a collection of Chinese ink and brush paintings by artist Tina Tom. Focusing on flower-and-bird subjects, the works invite viewers into a world where every brushstroke conveys a sense of emotion and purpose. It highlights Tom’s profound connection to the natural world, bringing to life the intricate details and vibrant colours that define her unique style. Tom began her artistic journey in 2017 by attending watercolour painting classes at the Richmond Cultural Centre. She has since become a council member of the Chinese Artists Association of Richmond, who helps facilitate the classes where her passion for painting first blossomed.
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International South Asian
Film Festival
Sept. 25–29
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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As You Like It Or The Land Acknowledgement
Sept. 25–29
www.thecultch.com/event/as-you-like-it-or-the-land-acknowledgment
The title of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It holds a double meaning that teasingly suggests this is a play to please all tastes. Is that possible? Called “sly, funny and charming” by the Toronto Star, As You Like It Or The Land Acknowledgement by cultural provocateur Cliff Cardinal, is a devastating yet laugh-out-loud examination of land acknowledgements as cultural and political practice. A timeless tale of mistaken identities, banishment and forgiveness takes on an entirely new meaning in this subversive update of the Bard’s classic. Cardinal’s Cree and Lakota heritage deeply inform his take on the play, which is acerbic, mischievous and fearlessly deals with difficult subject matter.
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Word Vancouver
Sept. 28, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Come and check out the 30th Word Vancouver, Western Canada’s largest celebration of reading and literacy. The main festival takes place on Sept. 28 at UBC Robson Square. Enjoy free readings, panel discussions and live performances. Activities include writing workshops as well as a variety of literacy activities. Canadian authors and book and magazine exhibitors will also gather to share a passion for the written word. An entertaining and educational experience for all ages. For a complete schedule of events and more information, please visit their website.
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Riverfest 2024
Sept. 28–29
www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/riverfest
RiverFest returns to the New Westminster Quay for another year! This two day, free, family-friendly festival is a great way to enjoy the beginnings of fall on the New Westminster waterfront by the Quay. Since its inception, the festival has continued to grow steadily with new and exciting components that highlight and celebrate the environmental, economic and socio-cultural importance of the Fraser River. This year the festival includes vendors whose products embody the Fraser, a diverse assortment of exhibitors, children’s activities and live music. For a scheduled list of events, check out the festival’s website.
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By a Thread
Sept. 28–29
www.theactmapleridge.org/by-a-thread
By A Thread by Australia’s One Fell Swoop Circus, is a contemporary aerial circus show that illustrates movement through acrobatics. Using no safety nets or harnesses, the artists rely on a 30-metre rope to connect themselves to one another, exploring themes of human connection, relationships and trust. Daring stunts include hand-to-hand duos, aerial and group acrobatics. Filled with music, dance and theatre elements, the show appeals to all senses and all ages. Check out their website for tickets and more information.
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Baggage
Oct. 3–13
https://langara.ca/studio-58/current-season/current-2024-baggage.html
Unabashed, cynical and just a bit stuck, Jill navigates a new relationship with Ben in her late twenties. She’s surrounded by her failed relationships – literally. The emotional baggage of her exes lives in her apartment and the personified bags weigh in on her every move. Baggage explores what it’s like to be haunted by heartbreak and your past. The show will be performed live at Langara College’s Studio 58 from Oct. 3 to 13. Check out Langara’s website for more information.
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Biltmore Cabaret:
Turkish Tunes
turkishcanadiansociety.org/event/turkish-tunes-7-live-convert
Turkish Tunes takes center stage on Oct.6, as the Turkish-Canadian Society (TCS) invites you to an enchanting evening of music and cultural celebration at the Biltmore Cabaret. With performances from a diverse lineup of both local and international artists, this one-of-a-kind event will immerse audiences in the rich, varied sounds of Turkish music – from traditional folk melodies to contemporary fusion.
