Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May 9 to 14

International Summer Night Market – May 8 to Sept. 27

A visit to the International Summer Night Market is a seasonal must for Vancouverites. The market features 100 vendors selling everything from cell phone accessories to the latest fashions at bargain prices. And make sure to come hungry because there will be over 60 vendors selling mouth-watering snacks and indulgent desserts.

Fridays & Saturdays, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond

Taco Fest – May 9

Kick back with a taco in hand and enjoy the laid-back vibes of Vancouver’s Taco Fest. If relaxing isn’t your style, then join in the Ring of Fire taco-eating contest to snag prizes and bragging rights. Tacos will be provided by Sal y Limón and sold for $3 each (or four for $10). Fifteen bands will play throughout the evening, so prepare for a long, fun-filled night.

5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The Harbour Event Centre (aka the Taco dome), 750 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
This event is 19+

Stone Soup Festival – May 9

Celebrate 20 years of community festivities with the anniversary of the Stone Soup Festival. It’s the perfect way for the whole family to get outside and enjoy the sunshine this Mother’s Day weekend. The festival focuses on food sustainability and keeps it fun with something for everyone. Aspiring foodies can catch a lesson on spice blending, and kids are sure to love hearing the Stone Soup Storytelling. Check out the Facebook page for a full schedule of events.

12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Napier Greenway in front of the Britannia Community Services Centre, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver

Studio Ghibli Night at the Rio – May 10

Japanese Studio Ghibli is known for producing some of the best animated movies, and on May 10 the Rio will be hosting a Studio Ghibli Night with a triple feature including My Neighbour Totoro (pictured), Grave of the Fireflies, and Princess Mononoke. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door with all ages welcome and bar service for the adults.

4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
1660 East Broadway, Vancouver

Main Street Vinyl Fair – May 10

Record sales are alive and thriving in Vancouver, and the Main Street Vinyl Fair is the hottest spot to get your vinyl fix. Fifty different vendors will be selling everything you need to get your vinyl collection started, and all kinds of rare finds. Entrance to the event includes a discount card for 12 local record stores, and a Main Street Meal Ticket with restaurant deals.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver

Night with Grizzlies – May 12

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about B.C.’s most infamous forest giants, then Night with Grizzlies is the talk for you. After a sold-out Whistler event last year, three grizzly bear experts will be sharing their stories with audiences in North Vancouver on May 12. Speaking at the event will be Chris Morgan, a TV host who has worked with PBS, BBC, and National Geographic; Tony Hamilton from the Ministry of Environment; and Johnny Mikes, a backcountry tour guide.

Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver

Tequila Taco Safari Shaker – May 12

It’s a good week for lovers of Mexican cuisine because the Tequila Taco Safari Shaker is like a bar crawl with a spicy twist. It starts off at Tacofino Taco Bar in Gastown before making stops at Los Cuervos, Tacofino Commissary, and La Mezcaleria. Each destination will have tasty tacos and specially picked tequila pairings.The ride in between restaurants is the perfect time to get social, meet new friends, and raise a toast to tacos.

7:30 p.m.
Starts and ends at Tacofino Taco Bar Gastown, 15 West Cordova Street

*This is an open Shaker. Shaker Series focuses on young single professionals under 40, but for this adventure it’s just about being social and eating tacos, so all relationship statuses are welcome as are friends in their 40s.

Yoga Rave with Gloria Latham – May 14

If you’re looking for an event that’s a little off the beaten path, then Gloria Latham’s Yoga Rave is the perfect choice. Recharge with your friends at this glow-in-the-dark yoga party. Come early and sample juice, slap on some body paint, and get into your glow gear. DJ Urn sets the mood for the yoga and dance portion led by Semperviva’s Gloria Latham, and the party continues long after the yoga’s over. At the after-party, guests can enjoy healthy snacks, tarot readings, and a silent auction. The bonus? The event supports the Vancouver Friends for Life Society.

6 to 10 p.m.
FIVESIXTY at 560 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Art Battle – May 14

Art enthusiasts should mark May 14 on their calendars for Art Battle, a “live competitive painting” event pits some of Vancouver’s finest artists against each other in a fight for audience votes. Artists set up in the middle of the room and the audience circles around them, watching as they create their masterpieces. At the end of each round, the audience votes for their favourite painting and a winner is declared.

7:00 p.m.
Electric Owl, 928 Main Street, Vancouver

Sensory Cinema: Amelie – May 15

Immerse yourself in the charm of Paris with Sensory Cinema’s showing of Amelie. Amelie is a romantic comedy that follows the quirky adventures of a woman in Paris on a quest to bring happiness to those around her. A special tasting menu created by Beaucoup Bakery will accompany the movie with sweet and savoury tasters being served to the audience at key points in the movie. You can buy tickets to the event online.

7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Groundswell Cafe, 100-566 Powell Street