Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 20 to 26

This week: Eat mac ‘n’ cheese for a good cause, get in the Halloween spirit, feast like a crazy rich Asian + more

 

1. Loserpalooza – Saturday, October 20 & Sunday, October 21

Motorcycles meet art at Loserpalooza with a celebration of beers, bikes, tattoos, music and art. And don’t forget to check out the pre-party on Friday, October 19th at Lion’s Speed Shop to kick off the weekend.
The Pipe Shop, 115 Victory Way, North Vancouver; Saturday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

2. VanDusen Glow in the Garden – Friday, October 19 to Wednesday, October 31

Take a whimsical walk at VanDusen and explore the magical world of Hänsel and Gretel. Illuminations, characters and fun food options make the gardens a great place to take the whole family for seasonal celebrations. New this year are timed tickets to make sure everyone can enjoy the experience.
5251 Oak Street, Vancouver; open daily, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; tickets $13.50 for adults and $11.50 for seniors and students ($1 cheaper online)

 

3. Hot One Inch Action – Saturday, October 20

Check out the final annual art swap Hot One Inch Action. Buy, collect and trade the art of 50 artists that are on limited-edition one-inch buttons. The buttons are displayed on the gallery wall and sold in mixed bags of five random buttons for $5. Trade to get the ones you want!
The Arts Factory, 281 Industrial Avenue;  7 to 11 p.m., free

 

4. Crazy Rich Asians Feast – Saturday, October 20

Get a taste of the Crazy Rich Asian lifestyle at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA)’s themed pop-up multi-course Singaporean dinner with Chef Regina Lee, a PICA alumna who will be creating a family-themed feast to showcase South East Asian cuisine.
Bistro 101 at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts; 6:30 to 10 p.m.; tickets $128 per person (including a welcome cocktail, service charge and taxes) and are available online

 

5. Soweto Gospel Choir – Saturday, October 20

Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir returns to Vancouver for Songs of the Free, celebrating 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela. The 20-member ensemble will be singing African gospel songs, spirituals and American pop music, sung in six of South Africa’s 11 official languages.
Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street; 8 p.m.; from $29

 

6. Mac and Cheese Cooking for Kids Fundraising Event – Friday, October 19 to Thursday, October 25

Chow down on some classic comfort food this week to support the Vancouver Firefighter Charities’ Snacks for Kids Program. Look out for special mac-and-cheese options at the Teahouse in Stanley Park, Cardero’s, Seasons in the Park, The Sandbar, Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse, Coast and all Flying Pig and Wild Tale restaurants.

 

7. Tasting Plates Gastown – Wednesday, October 24

Vancouver Foodster presents an evening of tasting your way around Gastown. Get a gourmet glimpse of the neighbourhood with stops at Water St Cafe, Bailia Taste Kitchen, Wishing Treats, Milano Coffee and Uno Gelato.
6 to 11 p.m.; $45-60

 

8. Nerd Nite v 38 – Wednesday, October 24

Nerd out over a beer and listen to science-based talks that cover a wide range of subjects from neuroscience and linguistics to fighting the stoner stigma.
Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street; 7 to 9:30 p.m., $7 to 15

 

9. MurderCon – Thursday, October 25 and Friday, October 26

Fandom can be fateful. Head to Science World after dark to experience an interactive murder mystery event set at a Sci-Fi fan convention. Use science to solve the crime! Come in costume for a chance to win a prize at this science-themed Halloween horror show.
Science World at TELUS World of Science, 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., $36

 

10. Cirque Noir Gets Freaky – Friday, October 26

Covering three rooms, this Halloween-themed night includes appearances from silk aerialists, stilt-walkers and other cirque performers.
The Imperial, 319 Main Street, 9pm-2am , from $50

 

Bonus: Goosebumps – An Evening with R.L Stine – Friday, October 26

Are you brave enough to listen? World-renowned writer R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps and other scary stories, talks about his life and career, followed by an audience Q&A.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 8 p.m., tickets from $32