Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for September 1 to 7

This week: hunt for antique treasures, see rising opera stars, celebrate the Fringe + more

1. Chinatown Movie Night — Saturday, September 1

Catch a free outdoor screening of Meditation Park in Chinatown. Directed by Mina Shum and filmed in East Vancouver, the movie is an empowering story of self-discovery and offers an honest portrait of Vancouver’s Asian immigrant community. Arrive early and take part in community activities, live entertainment and food offerings.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Courtyard, 50 East Pender Street, Vancouver; Event starts at 6 p.m. with screening at 8:30 p.m.; Free to attend

2. Kerrisdale Antiques Fair — Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2

The largest antique fair in Vancouver is on again this long weekend! Featuring vintage and retro collectables of all kinds, this event is perfect for the vintage-curious and hardcore treasure hunters. You’ll find more than 250 tables selling jewellery, books, art, decor, toys, textiles and more.
Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena, 5670 East Boulevard, Vancouver; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets $8 at the door, kids under 13 free with adult admission

3. 2018 TAIWANfest — Saturday, September 1 to Monday, September 3

TAIWANfest is taking over part of Granville Street again this summer with its family-friendly celebration! Jump aboard for the “jeepney” experience, a tight-quarters transportation option with questionable safety precautions. Check out TAIWANfest’s kids events, tasty food, music and VR experiences.
Granville Street from West Pender Street to Robson Street, Vancouver; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday; Free to attend

4. Sneak Peek: New Storyhive Shorts — Sunday, September 2

Supporting new and emerging filmmakers with funding and mentorship, Storyhive brings Canadian film dreams to the big screen. Catch never-before-seen films at this special free screening at the Rio Theatre.
The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver; Doors at 6 p.m.; Free to attend

5. Back to School TheatreSports Improv Comedy — Monday, September 3 to Saturday, October 6

In the spirit of the back-to-school season, Vancouver TheatreSports is running their own back to school show! Improv actors create on-the-spot sketches and play games poking fun at classroom clichés. As an audience member, you’ll be part of the action, generating suggestions for the comedy troupe to use in their unscripted comedy. And watch out for the stern principal overseeing the school…. you don’t want to end up in detention!
The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau Street, Granville Island, Vancouver; Show starts at 7:30 p.m.; Tickets $15.75, Details online

6. Operas & Arias: Bold and Beautiful — Monday, September 3

The UBC Opera Ensemble and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra come together to bring a unique opera experience to Vanier Park. Operas & Arias features thrilling selections from classic operas including La Traviata, Don Giovani, La Bohème, Die Fledermaus and more.  See UBC’s rising opera stars perform with the dramatic backdrop of the sea and mountains at the Bard on the Beach stage.
Bard on the Beach Festival Site,1695 Whyte Avenue, Vanier Park, Vancouver; Shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Tickets from $25

7. Marion Bridge — Thursday, September 6 to Thursday, September 20

Here’s your chance to see Canadian theatre classic Marion Bridge on stage. Written by playwright Daniel MacIvor from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, this powerful drama was nominated for the Governor General’s Award. Three sisters run to the aid of their dying mother and are faced with painful aspects of their shared past. Coming together in the kitchen of their family home, these estranged sisters connect to share grief, pain and hope.
Kay Meek Studio Theatre, 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver; Details online; Tickets $45

8. East Coast Boil at the Portside Pub — Thursday, September 6

Dig into this East Coast style seafood boil at the nautical-themed Portside Pub. Each ticket includes a drink of Halifax’s own Alexander Keith’s beer and an extra-generous heaping of fresh seafood. This year, lobster lovers can add an extra half-lobster to their meal. There will be a traditional Newfoundland “Screech-in” to welcome all the non-Newfies, as well as live music and a chance to rub elbows with friendly East Coasters.
The Portside Pub, 7 Alexander Street, Vancouver; Dinner served at 7:15; Tickets $37.99, with an optional extra half lobster add-on for $15

9. Vancouver Fringe Festival — Thursday, September 6 to Sunday, September 16

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is back! Showcasing alternative and independent theatre, there’s something for everyone at the Fringe. This year, highlights include TrudeauMania, a musical theatre re-telling of Pierre Trudeau’s life and career, and Forget Me Not – The Alzheimer’s Whodunnit which sees Jim solve the mystery of his wife’s death on the dementia ward… while battling his own dementia.
Details online

10. Groundswell in a Day — Friday, September 7

Do you have an amazing idea for a business or a non-profit but you can never seem to find time for it? Groundswell is an alternative business school helping people explore their entrepreneurial dreams. Take part in this one-day workshop where you’ll join a community of people working to make a difference in the world. You’ll build relationships and learn startup tools that will help get your idea growing.
Groundswell Clubhouse, 268 Keefer Street, Vancouver; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tickets $65