Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for April 27 to May 3

Thought-provoking docs, holistic wellness, the art of brunch + more

1. Throne and Games: The Last Laugh – Friday, April 26 to Saturday, June 15

A lonely queen sits atop the Iron Throne, but her kingdom is under threat from all sides. The final fight between the Lannisters, Starks and Targaryens is about to go down and everyone will probably die… laughing. Vancouver TheatreSports presents an improvised play about all things GoT.
The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Tickets from $10.75

2. LitFest New West – Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27

Explore New West’s literary scene with two days of readings, slam poetry, storytelling, short story competitions, workshops and discussions with local and award-winning authors.
Various locations and times; Details online

3. The Big Sing – Saturday, April 27

Choirs and individuals can join in the Big Sing to fill Robson Plaza with song, as part of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. Pre-register for a celebration of song this spring. Rehearsals are being held in advance in Coquitlam, Vancouver, North Vancouver and Surrey.
Vancouver Art Gallery, South Plaza, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver; 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Details and registration online

4. On Art Run – Saturday, April 27

Showcasing the powerful intersection of art and running, On Art Run raises funds for The Beaumont Studios Artist Society, which focuses on community building, stewarding creativity, and providing spaces and opportunities for all artists. Runners check in at the studios before taking part in a five kilometre run, followed by a celebration with food, drinks, music and live art.
The Beaumont Studios, 316 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver; From 5 p.m.; Tickets $10

5. Happy Brunching – Sunday, April 28

Take a yoga class then discover how to make a healthy traditional Israeli brunch of  shakshukas—poached eggs in tomatoes and veggies—and learn to make challah bread, salads and smoothies.
The True Nosh Kitchen, 2200 Ontario Street, Vancouver; Yoga at 10:30 a.m., with brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tickets $10 to 50

6. VanDusen Plant Sale – Sunday, April 28

Celebrate the city’s blooming gardens and pick up some new plants at the 41st annual VanDusen plant sale. All proceeds are donated to the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association.
VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Details online

7. Rum Dinner Series – Tuesday, April 30

Jay Brown, brand ambassador for Santa Teresa Rum, will be pairing cocktails with dishes from Calabash Bistro’s chef Kevin Shawcross at a special five-course dinner. Learn about this unique rum from Venezuela during a fun, educational evening.
Calabash Bistro, 428 Carrall Street, Vancouver; 7 p.m.; Tickets $75

8. REWIRE – Wednesday, May 1 to Saturday, May 4

Presented by Some Assembly Theatre Company and the Roundhouse Youth Theatre Action Group, and created by industry professionals in collaboration with a diverse group of metro Vancouver youth, REWIRE is a new and original multimedia production that speaks to both youth and adults. On the night of a symbolic lunar eclipse and major video game event, a group of youth come together to bravely tackle root causes of stress, including poverty, grief and sexual assault.
Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver; May 1st and 2nd at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., May 3rd and 4th at 7:30 p.m.; Admission is free, though donations to Roundhouse Youth Theatre Action Group are appreciated; Details online

9. Caring for Your Whole Self: An Evening of Wellness – Wednesday, May 1

B.C. Women’s Hospital and Health Centre Foundation and YYoga present an evening of female-focused wellness. A flow yoga class is accompanied by live music, followed by an engaging panel discussion about how to care for your whole self, healthy food, a kombucha bar and drinks from Lonetree Cider and Pyur vodka soda.
Pipe Shop Venue, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver; Tickets $60

10. DOXA Documentary Film Festival – Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 12

DOXA offers 82 films (both features and shorts) from 28 countries, as well as expanded industry programs, panels and parties over 11 jam-packed days. Local filmmakers explore topics from abuse to endangered species. Because We Are Girls is filmmaker Baljit Sangra’s intimate portrait of three sisters who were abused by a relative. Shot across five different countries, director Shannon Walsh’s expansive Illusions of Control introduces us to five courageous women, each reflecting on crisis and resilience in the face of ecological instability. Paul Émile D’Entremont’s Standing on the Line provides a thoughtful and empathetic portrait of gay athletes in Canada and the battles they’ve waged. In Candice, director Sheona McDonald explores the life and career of Candice Vadala (aka Candida Royalle), known to many as the “godmother of feminist porn.”
Various dates, times and locations; Details online