Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 1-7

This week: Start holiday shopping early, enjoy international films, eat cereal for a good cause + more

Through my Eyes: Images + Words of Today’s Refugee Crisis – until Saturday, October 1

This collection of photographs from life in a war zone has been taken by Abdulazez Dukhan, an 18-year-old photographer from Homs in Syria who is currently in a refugee camp in Greece. Accompanying Abdulazez’s photographs are images from American photographer, Jeremy Oversier, who recently spent 19 days documenting the medical efforts of Global Outreach Doctors inside the al Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.

Visual Space Gallery, 5582 Dunbar Street
Thursday, September 29, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday, September 30, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission by donation (proceeds go to helping the Abdulazez and Greek refugee camp)

Crunchtime Cereal Bar – Saturday, October 1 to Sunday, October 2

Load up on a sugary start to the day at the pop-up Crunchtime Cereal Bar with nostalgic cereals from all over the world for $5 a bowl (75 cents for almond, soy, or chocolate milk; 50 cents for toppings like sprinkles and gummy bears). All proceeds go towards Backpack Buddies, a program that helps supply food to kids outside of school hours.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
311 West Cordova Street

Credit: VIFF

Where the Universe Sings: The Spiritual Journey of Lawren Harris – Sunday, October 2 and Tuesday, October 4

Screened as part of Vancouver International Film Festival, this world premiere is a visually stunning portrait of the pioneering Group of Seven painter Lawren Harris (1885-1970). One of the most valued artists in Canadian history, Harris’s canvases command millions of dollars at auction. This most comprehensive film based on his life is the creation of Emmy-winning director Peter Raymont and artist Nancy Lang in her directorial debut.

Cineplex Odeon International Village, 88 Pender Street
Sunday, October 2, 4 p.m.; Tuesday, October 4, 6.45 p.m., tickets from $12

Zombie Syndrome: Dead in the Water – Tuesday, October 4 to Monday, October 31

Halloween is coming… and so are the zombies! The Virtual Stage presents the fifth annual production of its spine-chilling interactive theatre adventure, which features the integration of Apple’s sophisticated iBeacon technology for the first time in Canadian professional theatre. Meet at the secret mission location and chase zombies across Vancouver in this outdoor adventure!

6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., (show runs every 30 mins)
Tickets from $25, (2-for-1 Tuesdays $12.50, Halloween show with prizes from $40)
Secret Rendezvous on Granville Island Revealed Day Before Mission via Email

Wang Dongling Live Performance – Tuesday, October 4

Renowned calligrapher Wang Dongling will be doing a live performance of his style of ‘chaos script’ when he writes the Heart Sutra, one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, during a public performance in the Vancouver Art Gallery’s rotunda this Tuesday.

750 Hornby Street
7 p.m., Gallery Rotunda, Vancouver Art Gallery

James & Jamesy present In the Dark – Wednesday, October 5 to Sunday, October 16

British comedians James & Jamesy, named “one of the most popular Fringe duos ever” by CBC, perform in darkness and are lit exclusively by their illuminating costumes in this comically inspiring tale of the beauty and richness of imagination and friendship. With roots in clowning and physical theatre, the duo uses their costumes to animate the story in this unique performance.

8 p.m., tickets from $15
Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street

Tsawwassen Mills: Grand Opening – Wednesday, October 5 to Monday, October 10

Shopaholic? You’ve probably already got the opening of the giant Tsawwassen Mills on your calendar, but get there early as the first 1000 people lined up at entrance 2 at 10 a.m. on October 5th will receive a $50 Tsawwassen Mills gift card. With 1.2 million square feet of retail space, featuring factory outlets, fashion brands and independent labels, there’s lots to see and do.

5000 Canoe Pass Way, Tsawwassen

Vancouver International Film Festival – until Friday, October 14

VIFF ‘Expands the Frame’ for the 35th year of the film festival to include workshops, late-night music acts, world premieres and an extensive selection of films from foreign language to homegrown talent.

Check out the full line up and more info on VIFF’s newly revamped website.

Roadside Harvest Social – until Sunday, October 23

What would make corn mazes more fun? How about some craft beer, a dog bar and some photo booths? The creators of the popular Abbotsford Tulip Festival have created a rustic autumn-themed event that includes a pumpkin patch and three different corn mazesfrom a kiddie one to a craft beer tasting oneso there’s fun for all the family.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
36737 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, Exit 95 at Whatcom Rd
$5 regular admission ages 3-18 years; $10 admission ages 19+ includes craft beer tasting, corn maze, and parking
; children 2 and under free

Urban Tea Merchant Pop Up – ongoing

It’s never too early to start holiday shopping and The Urban Tea Merchant pop-up has everything you need for the tea lovers in your life. Tea ambassadors are on hand to talk you through the wonderful world of teatreat yourself to some fancy TWG Tea to warm up this fall.

Level 3, Nordstrom Pacific Centre, 799 Robson Street
Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.