B.C. Adventures: Our picks for May

From dynamic plays to music festivals and more, here’s what to add to your calendar this month

1. DOXA Documentary Film Festival – Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 12

DOXA

This 11-day documentary film festival will feature productions by filmmakers from around the world. Audiences will not only get a chance to pick these creatives’ brains, but also view their work during exclusive theatre screenings. This festival is great for audiences who simply enjoy the art of documentaries, or even industry professionals who want to hear about other fellow directors’ experiences. There is an industry portion, where you can have in-depth conversations with filmmakers, and select screenings will also include live and pre-recorded filmmaker Q+As. Some feature films include ‘The Real Superstar’ by Director Cédric Dupire, ‘A Man Imagined’ by Brian M. Cassidy and Melanie Shatzky, and opening night feature ‘Adrianne & the Castle’ by Shannon Walsh.
Various locations; Tickets from $16; Details online.

2. OUROFEST – Saturday, May 25 to Tuesday, May 28

Abhishek Joshi

Immerse yourself in beats and rhythm during this four day street dance festival! This event is hosted by OURO Collective and marks their tenth anniversary in the Vancouver dance industry. You can expect to see local and national dancers performing their own choreography, as well as participating in dance battles. The last two days of the event will consist of workshops hosted by professional dancers M Queen and Kosi, who will give introductions to different styles of street dance.
Various locations; Entry by donation; Details online

3. Music On Main: Vicky Chow – Tuesday, May 28

Jan Gates

Following her sold out performance of Philip Glass’ Piano Etudes Book 1 in 2023, Vancouver-born pianist Vicky Chow is back on stage to perform Book 2. The New York-based musician made her orchestral debut at age 10 with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and served as Music On Main’s first artist in residence in 2018. Enjoy the beauty of classical music and Chow’s dynamic rendition of these works for one night only!
Christ Church Cathedral – 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $25; Details online. 

4. The Papa Penguin Play – Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, June 2

Tina Krueger Kulic

Bring the little ones to this children’s play, presented by Carousel Theatre and Zee Zee Theatre. This colourful performance depicts the story of two penguins who were given an egg at New York’s Central Park Zoo. Audiences can expect puppetry, drag performance, musical numbers and audience immersion for children ages 3-8. Vancouver playwright Dave Deveau based this intriguing story off of the children’s book ‘And Tango Makes Three’, with elements inspired by his own parenting experience with his husband (who is also the play’s director), Cameron Mackenzie. This play not only represents queer families in a fun and creative way, but also celebrates their hurdles and milestones.
Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $18; Details online.

5. The Prop House: A Collection of One Million Objects – Saturday, May 18 to Sunday, August 18

Jason Payne

This exhibition features artistic responses to the collection of Mount Pleasant Furniture, a family-owned film prop house that has been the cornerstone of the Vancouver film industry.  The MPF spans 35,000 square feet across two multi-level buildings in the heart of the Mount Pleasant warehouse district. Presented by Griffin Art Projects and curated by Lisa Baldissera and Paul Wong, audiences will get a chance to revel in works by Bagua Artist Association, Cathy Busby, Germaine Koh, Parvin Peivandi, Jay Senetchko and Charlene Vickers. Each artist has selected specific pieces in the MPF collection to respond to. Visit with your loved ones and explore the various interpretations of these film props from our local industry.
1174 Welch Street, North Vancouver; Free entry; Details online.

6. Chor Leoni: Earth and Aether: the archaeology of soul and sky – Saturday, May 11

Chor Leoni

The Grammy-nominated choir will take listeners through humanity’s story in this duo musical piece by choral composers Melissa Dunphy and Grammy-nominated Kile Smith. Dunphy’s composition, ‘The Things We Leave Behind’, explores humanity’s legacy through time; and ‘Wireless’ by Smith delves into our earliest radio broadcasts from 1896 to 1920. Harpist Vivian Chen and saxophonist Julia Nolan will also be performing in this one-time-only singing experience. Prepare yourself for an entrancing night in this lyrical masterpiece!
1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $20; Details online.

7. Osoyoos Spring Festival –Wednesday, May 15 to Sunday, May 19

Destination Osoyoos

This multi-day festival hosted by Osoyoos Arts Council features concerts throughout the week and caps off with a spring market on Sunday. You can enjoy a ticketed performance by Juno Award winner Jack Semple and Elvis tribute artist Steve Elliott at various venues around town. An admission-by-donation ‘Cultural Day’ will also be held at Gyro Park, featuring live entertainment, cultural displays and an artisan market. Spend a day in the spring sun with your loved ones and enjoy some live music!
Various Locations; Tickets from $20; Details online.

8. Pig Out Festival Weekend – Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5

Destination Osoyoos

The fan favourite Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country wine and food festival is returning for another season of feasting and wine-sipping. Starting off with the Pig Out Wine Dinner on Friday, ticket holders will have a chance to enjoy a feast at The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry at Spirit Ridge Resort. The dinner menu includes a range of pork dishes, a whole suckling pig and wine pairings from local wineries. Following this indulgent dinner, the Pig Out Fiesta will be hosted on Saturday at Cellar Door & More. The fiesta features a pork rib and artichoke paella from The Paella Guys and smoked bacon buns from Rollands Meats, amongst other vendors. Tickets for this event will include festival entry, tokens for food and a shuttle service. To cap off the event, the Big Porker Breakfast is happening on Sunday, where you will have your final opportunity to pig out. The breakfast menu includes sausages and molasses pork baked beans! Take your pick on which event you want to be a part of, or let loose and enjoy a full weekend of feasting! Keep in mind that each event has its own separate ticketing system.
Various locations; Ticket prices vary; Details online.