Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for August 17 to 23

Meet other dog lovers, run a half marathon, drink cider for a good cause + more

1. Deep Into Darkness — Until August 25

Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, this elaborate 15-character and 150-minute original immersive theatre production has its world premiere at The Cultch Theatre. The show is completely immersive, which means that audience members are encouraged to follow characters of their choosing across more than 20 rooms and all the floors of the Cultch, which will be transformed into a mysterious and macabre 19th-century Victorian world.
The Cultch Theatre, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $55; 8 p.m.; Details online

2. The Fair at the PNE — Friday, August 16 to Monday, September 2 

The Fair at the PNE means that it’s (sob!) getting close to the end of summer, but it also means fun at the fair with plenty of attractions and shows, including knights jousting, mechanical bull riding, “live” dinosaurs, pig races, the strong woman, drag shows, agriculture displays, cooking demonstrations, Superdogs, Reveen the Hypnotist, summer night concerts, and all manner of delicious, deep fried food. 
PNE, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Closed Monday August 19th and 26th; Various prices; Details online

3. Reel to Real Free Outdoor Film Series — Friday, August 16, 23 & 30

Reel 2 Real International Film Festival for Youth’s free outdoor film series features three Fridays of family-friendly films, including the Academy Award-nominated Song of the Sea; a program of local and Canadian shorts called Short Films From Coast to Coast; and a recent cinematic adaptation of the beloved children’s tale, Heidi, starring the late Bruno Ganz. Free animation workshops start at 6 p.m. before the screenings. 
Ron Basford Park, Granville Island, Vancouver; 9 p.m.; Details online

4. Seawheeze Sunset Festival — Saturday, August 17

10,000 runners will descend on Vancouver this weekend for Lululemon’s annual Seawheeze Half Marathon. Even non-runners are welcome to attend the Sunset Festival in Stanley Park for an evening of yoga (bring your own mat), food, drinks, and music from Big Wild and Kascade. 
Brockton Oval, Vancouver; $48; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Details online

5. 11th Annual Richmond Garlic Festival — Sunday, August 18

Get your mint gum at the ready and celebrate how great garlic is with plenty of farm fresh garlic, garlicky dishes made by local chefs, growing garlic workshops, farmers market, kids zone, bird of prey demonstrations and live music. 
The Sharing Farm, 2771 Westminster Highway, Richmond; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Details online

6. RathaYatra — Sunday, August 18

Everyone is welcome to attend the Hindu festival of RathaYatra, which includes a colourful parade that features decorated chariots (raths) and a free festival featuring a complimentary feast of vegan and vegetarian food, as well as cultural performances, music and a kids zone.
Parade along Beach Avenue, with festival in Stanley Park; 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Details online

7. Vancouver’s Biggest Dog Meet Up — Sunday, August 18

Dogs of Vancity hosts a huge meet-up of doggos for a paw-ty at Trout Lake this weekend. Bring your bow-wow or come and pet the pooches!
Trout Lake, 3300 Victoria Drive, Vancouver; Free; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Details online

8. The 3rd Annual East Van Cider Fest — Wednesday, August 21

In support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, which helps provide food for up to 25,000 people in need each week, this evening will feature cider, mead and spirits from all over B.C., along with tasty bites from local businesses. 
The WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver; Tickets $29.99, plus a non-perishable food bank donation; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Details online

9. Unibrow Arts Festival — Thursday, August 22 to Sunday, August 25

Vancouver’s first comedy and ‘zine fest comes to Mount Pleasant. From sketch comedy to flash tattoos, ‘zine presentations and screenings, Main Street is host to weird and wonderful comedy and DIY art comics.
Various locations and times; Details online

10. Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival — Friday, August 23 to Sunday, August 25

Check out the wooden boats at this family-friendly festival, which includes heritage boats and ones that people have built at home. Take part in the paddle build challenge, canoe building demo or the Children’s Boat Building Adventure festival. 
Granville Island, Vancouver; Free; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Details online