Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for April 14 to 20

This week: dance after dusk in the park, snag East Van fashion finds + more

1. Capture Photography Festival – Now until Sunday, April 29

Discover new talent, take part in themed tours, watch photography-focused films, listen to artist talks and enjoy community events at the annual non-profit Capture Photography Festival, which takes place across Vancouver this month.
Various locations and times; Details online

2. B.C. Distilled – Saturday, April 14

Enjoy unlimited samples from 40 local distilleries and tasty canapés from chefs at Forage, Juniper Kitchen & Bar, Whiskey Six BBQ and H2 Rotisserie & Bar. Line your stomach with food from both Tacofino and Mom’s Grilled Cheese food trucks (outside the main doors until 6:30 p.m.) and meet the makers of the province’s best liquors. There will also be the chance to cuddle puppies from the Pacific Assistance Dog Society and buy local spirits from the Legacy Liquor pop-up shop.
Croatian Cultural Centre, 3520 Commercial Drive, Vancouver; Trade tasting 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with public tasting from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tickets $69.99

3. Party for the Planet – Saturday, April 14

Celebrate Earth Day at Party for the Planet in Surrey, featuring a matinee headlining performance by Juno-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Sam Roberts, as well as performances by Vancouver-based children’s musical duo Bobs & Lolo, new R&B group Star Captains, DJ and production group The Freshest, children’s entertainers Rockin’ Robin, the Colin Bullock Duo and the Smile Band. There will also be the annual tree and plant sale, a rock climbing wall, a bike-powered smoothie stop, storytelling, eco-crafts for kids, road hockey, an urban farmers market and food trucks.
Surrey Civic Plaza, Surrey; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission free

4. Spring Lights Illumination – Saturday, April 14

Illumination pioneers Hfour will be lighting up Queen Elizabeth Park with vibrant projections and a new walk-through experience that showcases the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Heather Laura Gray and dancers will be performing interpretive dances to reflect the beauty of the flowers.
Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver; Dusk to 10 p.m.: Admission free

5. Nifty for Fifty – Sunday, April 15

Bag a designer bargain at the 11th annual Nifty for Fifty sale, where more than 30 local designers will be selling jewellery, clothing, accessories and ceramics for $50 or less. Bring cash to get deeply discounted deals!
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Admission $2

6. Art! Vancouver – Thursday, April 19 to Sunday, April 22

Discover—and purchase!—pieces by Canadian and international artists at this four-day celebration of art from around the world. Gallery crawls and art lessons accompany the art fair‘s marketplace, featuring special openings, events and collections.
Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver; Various times; Tickets $15 to 100

7. Science World After Dark – Thursday, April 19

Rediscover the excitement of childhood and check out the exhibits at Science World… after the sun goes down. The event explores the science behind Ripley’s Believe It or Not, including a model of the world’s largest snake and the chance to see how you measure up to the world’s tallest person.
Science World at Telus World of Science, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets $29 (19+ only)

8. After Hours at Vancouver Aquarium – Friday, April 20

Trivia buffs can geek out at the Vancouver Aquarium’s next After Hours event, which features a “true or fish” trivia contest, as well as adults-only access to the new Shark: A 4-D Experience, special programs like Meet a Penguin and an adults-only puppet show. Guests can also get hands-on learning with marine invertebrates like sea stars, sea urchins and more in the Wet Lab. As it falls on 420, Chef Ned Bell will be creating sustainable (sea)weed brownies, but the only green stuff in them will be kelp.
Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Tickets $27 for members and $35 for non-members (19+ only)

9. Eastside Flea Two Year Anniversary – Friday, April 20

Eastside Flea celebrates two years in its Ellis Building location with a party featuring performances by War Baby & Basic Instinct, plus the usual selection of vintage vendors, food trucks, pinball games, flash tattoos and a spinning prize wheel.
1024 Main Street, Vancouver; 6 p.m. to late; Admission $5 before 8 p.m. and $8 after (All ages)

10. 420 Protest and Farmers Market – Friday, April 20

Legalization is on the horizon but this 420 event has been protesting since 1995 and this year the celebration of cannabis culture continues at Sunset Beach with a festival of music, speeches and a “farmers market.” Watch out for those gluten-free, organic pot brownies!
Sunset Beach Park, Vancouver; Noon to 8 p.m.; Admission free