Vancouver has an active Events Scene all year round. The following sections list some of the events taking place around the Symposium dates.
MUSIC
The National
The Brooklyn-based quintet excels at making music that’s downbeat but expansive. Led by Matt Berninger’s literate, cerebral lyrics, sung in his signature sombre baritone, it’s the ultimate ruminative rock (see also adult-alternative music; and the New Sincerity, the movement of our times). Scotland’s urgent yet emotive Frightened Rabbit are worthy openers.
Sept. 22, doors 5 p.m. | PNE Amphitheatre, Vancouver BC. Tickets: $40 at www.ticketleader.ca
Neko Case
The one-time Vancouver-based folk noir singer-songwriter has just released the most outstanding album of her Grammy-nominated career, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You. Already heaped with international praise (Rolling Stone calls it “perfectly turned”), let’s hope Neko Case can love herself now as she enters perhaps the most triumphant phase of her stellar career.
Sept. 20, 8 p.m. | Orpheum, Vancouver BC. Tickets: $28.50/$35.50 at www.ticketmaster.ca
Janet Jackson: State of the world tour
Sept. 26. | Rogers Arena, Vancouver BC. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca
THEATRE, ARTS AND LITERATURE
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival’s 28th season runs from June 1 to September 23, 2017 in modern theatre tents in Vancouver’s waterfront Vanier Park. The stylish romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, directed by John Murphy (Measure For Measure, 2013), opens the season on the BMO Mainstage. It plays in repertory with a classic staging of The Winter’s Tale, a moving and magical drama directed by Dean Paul Gibson (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2014).
June. 1 to Sep. 23 | Vanier Park, Vancouver, BC. Tickets and information: www.bardonthebeach.org.
Other Desert Cities
Jon Robin Baitz’s emotional and intellectual play tells the story of a leftie daughter who has written a book exposing her wealthy, Republican parents’ terrible secret: Their eldest son bombed a Vietnam-era military recruitment facility and then shot himself. Her book blames the parents and its publication will ruin them. Crackling dialogue and a surprising twist fuel this roiling family battle, a Broadway hit when it debuted in 2011.
Sept. 19 to Oct. 20 | Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Granvile Island, Vancouver BC. Tickets: $29-$65 at www.artsclub.com
Salman Rushdie in conversation
One of the most celebrated public thinkers of our time, the multi-award-winning and bestselling author Salman Rushdie discusses his latest, brilliant epic, The Golden House, at this special event.
Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. | The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, at UBC, Vancouver, BC. Tickets: $30 - $50. More information.
SPORTS
Football
BC Lions– pro football against Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Sept. 22 | BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, BC. https://www.bclions.com/
Soccer
Vancouver Whitecaps– soccer match against Colorado Rapids at BC Place Stadium
Sept. 23 | BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, BC. https://www.whitecapsfc.com
NATURE / ACTIVE LIVING
Bird Walk
Take a guided tour through VanDusen and learn about the native bird species that make their home in the garden. Join Jeremy Gordon for a guided birding exploration in the Garden. Meet in the Visitor Centre Atrium. This event takes place rain or shine. Free for Members or with Garden admission. Reservations or registration are not required or taken for this walk.
Sept. 23 | VanDusen Visitor Centre Atrium, Vancouver, BC. More information.
Pure Protein Night Race
A night run which will take runners through Stanley Park to create a moving celebration of light - a celebration that will continue at the post race party!
Sept. 22 | Stanley Park, Vancouver BC. More information.
NIGHT MARKETS
North Vancouver’s Shipyard Night Market
The market features a live music concert every evening, dozens of food vendors serving a wide variety of tasty foods, a beer garden with locally crafted brews and dozens of artisan stalls.
Every Friday May 5 to Sep 29 | Shipbuilders’ Square at 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC. More information.
Richmond Night Market
The Asian-themed Richmond Night Market is Metro Vancouver’s biggest and most amazing night market, and the largest of its kind in North America.With hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors each weekend, it’s a sight to be seen!
May 12 to October 9| 8351 River Road in Richmond, BC. More information