BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for October 9-15

Fright Nights, at the PNE, runs October 15-31

What to do in BC this week

Taste Naramata Wines at Rootstock on the Bench – Oct 2 & 9
You’d be forgiven for wondering what the heck Naramata’s annual Rootstock on the Bench is all about. Despite the unusual name, there’s nothing odd about this “uniquely entertaining” Okanagan event that features two days of wine and entertainment, including an eclectic blend of roving artists, dance troupes and musical performers. And while music may be food for the soul, the biggest draw is invariably the vino, with visitors primed to enjoy the first pour of fall releases by Naramata Bench’s boutique wineries. Catch it on October 2 and 9, with more details available at 250-496-5522.

See Vancouver multi-media artist Dana Claxton – October 9-30
How much do you know about First Nations? If you’re like most of us, not so much, which is why Vancouver multi-media artist (and UBC art history professor) Dana Claxton’s latest exhibit is so illuminating. On display at Winsor Gallery (3025 Granville St., Vancouver), it challenges mainstream perceptions of indigenous cultures through a series of thought-provoking photos. Meet and greet Claxton at an artist’s talk on October 9 at 2:30 p.m., followed by photographer Thaddeus Holownia, whose work Wood is exhibited in Winsor’s lower gallery, at 3:30 p.m.

Check out  A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline  – October 9 & 12-23
“I’m gonna be something one of these days.” From small-town Virginia to the bright lights of Carnegie Hall, Patsy Cline’s legend is a monument to ambition, grace and talent. A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, presented by Arts Club on Tour, is a moving musical tribute to this dazzling country queen whose life was snuffed out at the age of 30 in a 1963 plane crash. Running from October 8 to November 15, the show features classics like “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Crazy” — tunes guaranteed to get toes tapping at The ACT Maple Ridge Arts Centre on October 9 and Surrey Arts Centre from October 12 to 23.

Don’t Miss “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Chicken!” – Oct 7-9 & Oct 14-16
What happens when you take a little bit of Saturday Night Live, mix it with some ol’ skool In Living Color, throw in a scoop of ethnic spice, sprinkle it with singing and dancing, and top it off with a whole lot of Bollywood? Answer: A recipe for laughs that’ll make you scream: I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Chicken! This all-new “reloaded” show, a comic collaboration between South Asian Arts and Bollywood Shenanigans, delivers irreverent riffs on issues like race, sex and terrorism. Check it out October 7 to 9 and October 14 to 16 at 8 p.m. 
at CBC Studio 700 (700 Hamilton St., Vancouver). Tickets, restricted to those 18 and over, are $15 in advance or $20 at door.

Participate in the Granville Island Turkey Trot – October 11
There’s nothing like a little pre-dinner jog to justify that oh-so-indulgent Thanksgiving meal, so why not lace up those trainers and take part in the Granville Island Turkey Trot on October 11? Open to runners of all levels, this 10K run, walk or stroll boasts flat terrain and spectacular seawall views, but the best part is that proceeds benefit the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Kids can get in on the act, too, with the Tot Trot, plus there’s complimentary catered eats from local chef Stephen Wong, free bike valet, and the first 1,000 registrants will receive a pair of New Balance technical socks. Catch it at 8:30 a.m. at Performance Works (1218 Cartwright St.).

Have a Laugh at SAY WHA?! – October 13
Have you ever read a poorly written novel and thought to yourself, who publishes this crap? Or come across a hilariously dated self-help book in a thrift shop? Perhaps you flipped through Miley Cyrus’s autobiography Miles to Go and LOL’ed at her life story. Well, that’s just what’s in store at SAY WHA?!, a night of literary lampoon from a posse of performers who‘ll put a comedic spin on some of the most cringe-worthy, embarrassing and painfully earnest writing in print. Previous audience members, who’ve called the show “hilarious,” have one recommendation: “Bring your own Depends.” Catch it on October 13, starting at 8 p.m. at Cottage Bistro (4470 Main St., Vancouver), for a suggested donation of $10.

Attend the Whistler Readers and Writers Festival – October 14-16
Think of the ninth annual Whistler Readers and Writers Festival, running from October 14 to 16, as one great big book club. Along with readings from 20 guest authors, local literati can enjoy panel sessions, writing workshops, book launches and spoken-word performances. Plus, you’ll be in for the write stuff at PechaKucha night on October 15 at Maxx Fish (4232 Village Stroll), where you’ll see why spoken-word artist C.R. Avery has been hailed as Bob Dylan in the body of Iggy Pop. The next night, the Gala Jam gives you the most bang for your buck with a packed stage of award-winning writers taking turns at the mic at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (4584 Blackcomb Way). For details, visit theviciouscircle.ca or whistler.com.

See Bret Michaels in Concert – October 15

After his life-threatening health scares this year, you’d think Bret Michaels would be at home kicking back on his La-Z-Boy. But, nope, the former Poison frontman and 2010 Celebrity Apprentice winner has just launched a concert tour to promote his latest solo album, Custom Built. The bandanna-wearing rocker is set to make a stop in the Lower Mainland, too, for a one-night show on October 15 at Boulevard Casino’s Red Robinson Show Theatre (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam). Tickets for the concert, starting at 8 p.m., are $69.50 for orchestra seats and $79.50 for golden circle seats, exclusive of service charges. Buy them at Ticketmaster outlets, or charge-by-phone at 604-280-4444.

Attend the West Coast Chocolate Festival
 – Oct 15 – Nov 10
Gone are the days when chocolate was considered a junk food full of empty calories. Now it’s lauded for its innumerable health benefits — including an ability to help stave off strokes, according to recent reports by the American Academy of Neurology. That’s one great reason to visit the West Coast Chocolate Festival, taking place October 15 to November 10 at various venues in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. With everything from chocolate high tea, gala tastings and romantic weekenders to chocolate factory tours, chocolate yoga and meditation, you’ll find loads of appetizing events, including plenty of kid-friendly ones, too. Call 604-628-9547 for information.


Get Spooked at Fright Nights – October 15-31
There’s a reason why Fright Nights is arguably the best Halloween event in Vancouver. Picture a PNE that’s gone over to the dark side, where light, levity and laughter have been replaced with roaming zombies, haunted houses, billowing fog and spider-web-enshrouded concession stands. It’s all the handiwork of Scare Factory, the horror-meisters behind Hugh Hefner’s legendary Halloween parties. This year’s scarefest, running from October 15 to 31 at the PNE fairgrounds, features an all-new 3D clown house, “Car-n-evil,” plus a BC Lions Fanfest night on October 18. Check it out from 6 p.m. till late, with tickets available online for $3 less than gate prices.

Leave Your Pet in Good Hands – anytime
Have you ever walked out the door, suitcase in hand, only to have your holiday haunted by the memory of Rover’s sad puppy-dog eyes? Now you can take the guilt out of your next trip thanks to Jet Pet Resort (100-5980 Miller Road, Richmond), Vancouver Airport’s newest dog- and cat-boarding facility. This state-of-the-art, 15,000-square-foot space features 70 private suites, spa and grooming services, a pet boutique, indoor and outdoor runs, an indoor play area equipped with full-sized trees and even a few swimming pools. It’s convenient, too, offering overnight and long-term boarding, plus 24-hour drop-off and pick-up. For more info, call 604-238-7387.


Go Golfing at Bear Mountain Resort – Thanksgiving weekend
What’s a long weekend without hitting the links? This Thanksgiving, let’s all give thanks to the fact we live on the West Coast, where it’s still possible to go golfing in October. So where can you get into the swing of things? Try test driving the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at Bear Mountain Resort (1999 Country Club Way in Victoria). Set amidst breathtaking alpine scenery, the highly vaunted course is just another reason why the resort is considered one of Western Canada’s premiere golf destinations. Book your tee times by calling 1-888-533-BEAR.

Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.