BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for September 22-28

Math Out Loud aims to demystify math through dance and storytelling

What to do in BC this week

Get Creative in Shawnigan – September 21-23
Celebrate all things creative at the Inspire! Shawnigan Festival of Art, Culture and Heritage, a weekend roundup offering entertainment for the whole family. From concerts and art exhibitions to dance and live music, the festivities kick into high gear on Sunday with a street party featuring musical and dance performances, live artist demos, great local food and art workshops. Catch it from September 21 to 23 at Shawnigan Lake Village.

Attend the Esquimalt Lantern Festival – September 22
Happy 100th birthday, Esquimalt! To celebrate, the Vancouver Island town is hosting the Esquimalt Lantern Festival on September 22. Bring your own lantern and join a procession winding between Barnard and Captain Jacobson parks at 5 p.m., then stick around afterward for free, family-friendly fun, music and dance until 10 p.m. PS: Bring some cash, ‘cause glow sticks and refreshments will be sold on site.
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Go on a Mathical Mystery Tour – September 24-29
Demystifying math. That’s the goal of Math Out Loud, a trail-blazing stage show that brings this oft-intimidating topic to life through music, dance and storytelling. The critically acclaimed multimedia production aims to inspire young minds by telling the tale of two teens who are guided on a journey through time by the Wizard of Odds to meet history’s greatest math geniuses. See it at Norman Rothstein Theatre in Vancouver from September 24 to 29, followed by stops in Sidney and Surrey.

Catch a Riveting Flick at VIFF – September 27 – October 12
Critically acclaimed as “an unspoiled celebration of world cinema,” the 31st annual Vancouver International Film Festival is set to screen close to 380 films from around the world from September 27 to October 12. Sound impressive? This cinematic showcase, taking place at various venues including Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour St), ranks among the five largest film festivals in North America.

Get an Eye for Design at IDSWest – September 27-30
Living in such a pretty city has given Vancouverites an eye for aesthetics. That’s one guess as to why 28,500 of us attended last year’s Interior Design Show West, an annual exposition featuring 200 vendors showcasing all the quality products and services you need to turn your house into a home. Organizers expect the turnout to be just as big this year, so buy your tickets now for the September 27 to 30 show, held at Vancouver Convention Centre West.

Enjoy Dinner and a Comedy Show – September 28
Here’s another reason to TGIF: Comedy Dinner Fridays at Federico’s Supper Club (1728 Commercial Dr, Vancouver). On September 28, emcee Patrick Maliha, described as a cross between Ray Romano and a 21st-century Don Rickles, opens for headliner Damonde Tschritter, the first-ever Canadian to win the Seattle International Comedy Competition. After the show, you’ll dine on an award-winning multi-course meal, followed by live music and dancing, all for one inclusive price. Book by phone at 604-251-3473.

Get Literary at Word on the Street – September 28-30
If you find your local library oddly empty from September 28 to 30, that’s because all the bookworms have headed to The Word on the Street. This big-time bash, now in its 18th year, salutes Canada’s literary landscape with free author readings, workshops, musical entertainment and even a massive marketplace. Check it out Sunday at Library Square, with related events Friday and Saturday at Banyen Books, Carnegie Centre and Historic Joy Kogawa House.

Geek out at VCON 37 – September 28-30
It’s not fair, but sci-fi fans and sniggers just seem to go together like macaroni and cheese. But don’t worry, Trekkie types will find plenty of kindred spirits at VCON 37, an annual sci-fi convention from September 28 to 30 at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel (15269 104 Ave, Surrey). Along with a costume contest, art show and music workshops, you’ll enjoy author readings, panel discussions and the infamous Elron Awards, mocking “disservice to science fiction” since 1971.

Raise Your Glass at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival – September 28 – October 7
A toast is in order for the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. Not only is it set in Canada’s only true desert, it’s also the only wine festival in North America that takes place during the heart of grape harvest season. This world-class sip-fest, running from September 28 to October 7, features over 165 events running the gamut from wine and food tastings to seminars and vineyard tours across the Okanagan Valley.

Go See Award-winning Play Clybourne Park – until October 7
When a play has won a 2011 Pulitzer Prize and a 2012 Tony Award, you know it’s destined to be a future classic. Such is the case with Clybourne Park, a wickedly funny comedy set in 1959 Chicago about an African-American family who moves into an all-white neighbourhood. See it until October 7 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville St, Vancouver), with a special September 30 performance for the visually impaired.

Dine in the Dark – now
When it comes to cuisine, it’s said that presentation is a big part of the package. Not so at Dark Table (2611 West 4th Ave, Vancouver), where daring diners will eat in complete darkness, served by visually impaired staff. Billed as a perfect place to bring a “blind” date, this novel restaurant even offers surprise dishes where you have to guess what you eat, relying only on your sense of smell, texture and taste. For details, call 604-739-3275.

Grab Some Guilt-free Grub at Heirloom Vegetarian – now
For a city that’s big on health and wellness, Vancouver has a surprising shortage of vegetarian restaurants. Filling the void is Heirloom Vegetarian (1509 West 12th Ave), a newly opened eatery serving gourmet-quality cuisine by chef Georgia Morley, a holistic nutrition expert who once worked in Lululemon mogul Chip Wilson’s private kitchen. With a pedigree like that, one thing’s for sure: conscientious eaters are guaranteed to find guilt-free fare. For operating hours, call 604-733-2231.

Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.