Cultural Calendar

Right now it’s all about clinging to the fading sunshine and savouring summer’s leftovers. Sample the finest in grilled goodness at the BBQ on the Bypass Competition or deck yourself out in new threads from local designers at Spend on Trend. Voices in the Park is a chance to enjoy some big acts, see Bill Clinton (yes, the Bill Clinton) and service your social conscience. For something different check out Blind Date – we’ve all been there so this time laugh at someone else’s first date awkwardness and terror.
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Vancouver International Fringe Festival
Until September 16
Various Venues
604-257-0350
www.vancouverfringe.com

Expect the usual eclectic mix of weird and wonderful theatrical offerings at BC’s largest theatre festival with more than 800 performance by 98 artists. Enjoy live theatre presented in an informal, accessible an inexpensive environment. See website for ticket prices.
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Spend on Trend designs. Photo courtesy of Spend on Trend

Spend on Trend
September 14–16
(Friday 5–9 p.m.,
Saturday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.,
Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St.
www.spendontrend.com

Since its creation in 2004, this event has been a vital channel for local designers to launch their collections. Check out new designs in clothing and accessories unveiled for the first time. Get there early because the first 25 shoppers each day receive a gift. Tickets: $5.

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Farmer’s market product. Photo courtesy of Mark Max Henckel, Flickr

Farmers’ Market at Trout Lake
Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
until October 20
North parking lot
of John Hendry Park
604-879-3276
www.eatlocal.org/troutlake.html

Support local produce and find out where your food comes from and who cultivates it. Enjoy the day discovering fresh agriculture, quality prepared foods and original fine artisan products. The markets are dog friendly but parking is limited so see website for suggestions. Open to the public.
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Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House
Saturday, September 15,
10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
667 Davie St.
thedancecentre.ca
604-606-6400<

The eleventh annual open house offers the chance to sample a host of dance styles in a day of open classes, studio showings and events. Highlights include contemporary aboriginal dance, an improvisation workshop for young families, and open rehearsals of upcoming works in development. Open to the public.
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Voices in the Park Benefit Concert
Saturday, September 15, 2 p.m.
Brockton Fields, Stanley Park
www.voicesinthepark.com

This star-studded line up features Stevie Nicks, Bryan Adams, The Boom Booms and a special appearance by former president and long-time friend Bill Clinton. Proceeds will go to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music which uses the power of music to inspire youth in under-served communities. See website for shuttle bus details and ticket prices.
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BBQ aficionados will grill up some meat at BBQ on the Bypass on September 16 in Langley. Photo courtesy of BBQ on the Bypass

BBQ on the Bypass
Sunday, September 16,
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
20771 Langley Bypass, Langley
www.bbqonthebypass.com

The competition was founded in 2005 with a goal was to invite teams from all over the Pacific Northwest to compete in the ultimate BBQ-off. The pitmasters and their teams will be vying for the Grand Championship in five different meat categories. The best part? Sampling their creations for free. Open to the public.
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Comedic awkwardness. Photo courtesy of the Cultch

The Cultch Presents Blind Date
Tuesday, September 18– Sunday, October 7
Tuesdays-Sunday, 8 p.m.
Historic Theatre
www.thecultch.com

Experience all the awkwardness and excitement of love as a Parisian temptress plucks a different man from the audience every night for a blind date. Be sure to have a look at the subscription packages on the website for a discount. Tickets: from $17.
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Beerlesque II
Friday, September 21,
6 p.m.–11 p.m.
Yaletown Roundhouse
Corner of Davie St. and Pacific Dr.
604-713-1800

In partnership with Vancouver Craft Beer Week, the Roundhouse presents a celebration of burlesque and BC craft beer. Entry price includes all entertainment and beer. Dress to impress for a chance to win the prize for the best costume. Tickets: $55 (19+).
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Tour a Vancouver Special. Photo by Duncan Rawlinson, Flickr

Vancouver Special House Tour
Saturday, September 22,
1–5 p.m.
Various venues
604-264-9642
vancouverheritagefoundation.org

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation has organised a four-hour, self-guided event showcasing a number of privately owned ‘Special’ houses around the city. Popular and quick to build, thousands of Specials were constructed in the 60s and 70s, making them the dominant house type in Vancouver. Tickets: $30.
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12×12 Photo Marathon Exhibition
Saturday, September 22, 6:00 p.m.
The Salt Building
85 West 1st Ave.
www.vancouverphotomarathon.com

Back in August, sixty photographers traversed the city to capture 12 exposures of 12 subjects over 12 hours. Go and see everything that was captured in this photographic documentary of a day in Vancouver as seen by the people who shape the city. Open to the public.
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Digital Art Reflections & 10 Seconds in Time
Until September 30
Corner of Robson and Granville St.; CBC building, 700 Hamilton St.
www.vancouver.ca

Sponsored by the City of Vancouver, two programs of digital art are playing among the ads on the screens mounted above two busy thoroughfares. Look up and see short animation and video works by local artists and be reminded to take time out of rushed urban life to be mindful of everyday experiences. Open to the public.