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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May 7-13

This week: gather your amigos for a street-style fiesta, visit Vancouver's largest indie-craft market, get your spot prawn on + more

By Amy Watkins /

Credit: In a Sequoia 

Mindful Pop Up – Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7

Shop with some soul this weekend and check out the Mindful Pop-Up: a community of conscious companies that have come together to raise funds for Vibrant Lives Foundation, a charity that aims to change the public perception on mental health. Brands such as Woodlot, Mala Collective and My Modern Closet will be there, and from 2 to 3 p.m. on May 7, Mindful Mutts will be onsite with puppies to play with.

11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 434 Columbia Street



Credit: Casa De Amigos 

Cinco de Mayo at Casa de Amigos – Saturday, May 7

Gather your amigos and head to Robson Square this Saturday for a Mexican-themed party with street-style food such as gourmet tacos and ceviche from Buena Onda of Savoury Chef Catering. Sip on signature margaritas and cervezas at the bar or check out the authentic street vendors, piñatas, Mariachi bands, traditional dancers and even a wrestling ring with high-flying Luchador wrestlers. 

4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Robson Square (plaza level)
Tickets $20



Credit: Facebook/Deaf Deaf West

Deaf Deaf West – Saturday, May 7

Explore Deaf Deaf West, a village where you can experience deaf culture for the day and learn more about American Sign Language (ASL) and the challenges faced by people with hearing impairments. Turn your voice off at the door and take part in hands-on activities, including ASL school, that will help you navigate the deaf village. This annual event is a unique opportunity for non-signing hearing people to experience being a minority in a deaf world.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Vancouver Community College, 1155 East Broadway, $5 admission 



Credit: Flickr/Got Craft?

Got Craft? – Saturday, May 7 to Sunday, May 8

Celebrating a decade of indie-craft design, this weekend’s Got Craft? fair features over 70 makers and designers showcasing everything from organic beauty products (hello, last-minute Mother’s Day gifts) to home decor items, foodie treats and accessories. Check out the free DIY workshops and arrive early to get a swag bag (first 50 guests). Music and tasty treats will also be available so you can make a day of it. 

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Pipe Shop Building, 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Tickets available online for $3 in advance or with flyer at the door, at the door without flyer for $5



Credit: Tourism Langley

Bloom Spring Market – Saturday, May 7 to Sunday, May 8

Take mom out to Fort Langley this weekend for a Mother’s Day treat and check out the Bloom Spring Market. It’s the perfect place to pick up a last-minute gift with up to 30 talented local artisans in attendance, selling everything from pottery, art and fashion to beauty products, home decor and sweet treats. Proceeds from admission go to Project Aftershock Thrift Store to support medical relief trips to Haiti.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fort Langley Community Hall, 9167 Glover Road
$2 admission (kids 12 & under free) 



Credit: Instagram/Obakki Foundation

Holt Renfrew + Obakki Walk for Water Fashion Gala – Tuesday, May 10

Fashion meets philanthropy at this unique event, which sees supermodel Heather Marks walk the runway alongside top South Sudanese models to raise awareness and money for the Obakki Foundation, the charitable arm of Vancouver’s Obakki fashion label. Showcasing designs from Obakki’s new collection, the fashion gala will be fundraising for clean water projects in South Sudan and the evening also features stories from South Sudanese models/activists and music from acclaimed hip-hop artist, Emmanuel Jal. 

7:30 to 10:00 p.m., Holt Renfrew, 737 Dunsmuir Street
Tickets from $50



Credit: The Biltmore Cabaret

The Biltmore’s 8th Anniversary – Wednesday, May 11

Say ‘Happy Birthday’ to East Van’s cultural clubhouse with an eighth-anniversary bash at The Biltmore on May 11. Pick up some Postmark Brewing beers, listen to live music from Needles//Pins and The Ballantynes and dance it out to DJ-spun tunes into the night.

8 p.m. to 1 a.m., The Biltmore Cabaret, 27755 Prince Edward Street
Free with RSVP



Credit: Flickr/Dress for Success

Make An Impact 360 – Thursday, May 12

Dress for Success Vancouver’s annual fundraiser takes place on Thursday, featuring canapes, live music from jazz singer Martina Griffiths, a fashion show, designer cocktails and an auction hosted by man about town Fred Lee. Three hundred of the city’s most influential business leaders, sponsors and community supporters will be in attendance to enable 100 women to be sponsored through the Dress for Success program to help them back into employment.

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Regency Lexus, 2288 Burrard Street
Tickets $150



Credit: Instagram/Bobbie Burgers 

Baby Go Round Garden Party – Thursday, May 12

BabyGoRound is hosting a garden party fundraiser in the private studio of acclaimed artist Bobbie Burgers. It will be a magical evening surrounded by beautiful artwork, sculptures and a living floral installation created by Bobbie herself. Sip cocktails, enjoy appetizers by Railtown Cafe and listen to live music by Colin Bullock. Proceeds will go towards mothers with babies who cannot support themselves. 

7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., 20 Orwell Street, North Vancouver
Tickets $95



Credit: Facebook/Chef's Table Society of BC

Spot Prawn Gala – Friday, May 13

Signalling the start of spot prawn season (hurrah!), the inaugural Spot Prawn Gala kicks off the weekend festival with a black-tie extravaganza of canapes and six courses of spot prawn perfection. The dishes will be prepared by Canadian chefs including Angus An from Maenam, Roger Whittaker from Forage, Sean Cousins from Vancouver Club, Mattias Fong from Calgary’s River Cafe, Bill Jones from Deerholme Farm in Duncan, Ned Bell from Four Seasons and Anthony Walsh from Toronto’s Oliver Bonacini. Raising funds for Ocean Wise, the gala event will also feature wines from Evolve and TIME wineries.

6:30 to 10 p.m.,Vancouver Club, 915 West Hastings Street
Tickets $200



Credit: Instagram/DOXA

DOXA Documentary Film Festival – Until Sunday, May 15

Held at multiple venues across the city, DOXA explores the fascinating world of non-fiction films with a theme of taking a leap of faith in the quest for justice, peace, freedom and naked glory. Special programs for 2016 include Borders and Boundaries, Rated Y for Youth, Justice Forum, French French and two curated programs: Black Life Is, Ain’t and Still Rises and Arab Spring/Arab Fall. Viewers must join the Documentary Media Society ($2) to be able to view the films in the festival and the schedule features documentaries from around the world.

Tickets + information