The latest arts, culture and other happenings in Vancouver this October, 2023. Have a tip? Email kristi@looselipsmag.com
Classification Crisis: A major survey of artist Sonja Ahlers’ 30+ year career, curated by Godfre Leung. Throughout the decades, Sonja has had a knack for capturing the cultural moment in her deeply personal oeuvre of collage art, poetry, books, and zines. She is a touchstone for generations of feminists, starting with her work in the zine and Riot Grrrl subcultures of the 90s.
Date: September 9 – November 5
Location: Richmond Art Gallery
Vancouver International Film Festival: The annual Vancouver International Film Festival showcases exceptional cinema in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Our spectacular 2023 roster will include some of the best cinema from around the globe, talks, conferences, live performances and other unique events that celebrate film and film culture.
Dates: September 28 – October 8
Location: VIFF Centre and various venues
Dressed for History: Why Costume Collections Matter: Costume collectors share their deep knowledge of costume history by showcasing pieces from their collections at MOV. The exhibition makes the case that fashion and costumes are significant and enduring expressions of personal identity and of political and social change.
Date: Until November 1
Location: Museum of Vancouver
Fright Nights at Playland: Don’t you DARE miss Vancouver’s scariest Halloween experience – Celebrating 20 years of fears! On October 6, Playland will once again be transformed into Fright Nights, a terrifying Halloween-themed experience with haunted houses, rides, creepy décor, and live performances. New attractions include a new haunted house, The Void, and a revamped Carn-Evil experience!
Date: October 6 – 31
Location: Playland (2901 E Hastings Street)
Little Shop of Horrors: The sci-fi musical thriller with a killer ’60s sound from The Arts Club. Synopsis: Things start looking up for Seymour, a nerdy flower shop assistant, when he discovers a highly unusual plant during a solar eclipse. This fast-growing and fast-talking new organism, named Audrey Two, attracts fame and helps Seymour win the affection of his crush. But will the price of satisfying the plant’s hunger for human blood prove too steep?
Date: Until October 8
Location: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Gatlin: I Sleep Fine Now Tour presented by MRG Live
Date: October 10, doors 7 PM
Location: The Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward Street)
The Biting School’s Suddenly Slaughter Cinematic Premiere: A cinematic response to The Biting School’s 2019 interdisciplinary stage performance of the same name and based on a prominent Iranian play written in 1971, this film adaptation intertwines recreated scenes from the play with scenes of the difficult journey of the show’s fictionalized immigrant director (played by Aryo) during rehearsal. Suddenly Slaughter tells the story of the tenants of a communal house in a poor part of Tehran and a stranger who arrives with a suitcase they assume is full of money. The newcomer becomes the object of his neighbours’ curiosity, envy, and hatred. In the end, he is murdered by the society around him—a fate paralleling that of the director.
Date: October 10, 7 PM
Location: The Cinematheque (1131 Howe Street)
Someone Like You: Open-hearted Isabelle is a lifelong romantic, but modern love isn’t like a pop song or an old novel—or is it? When her best friend, Kristin, embarks on a rebound romance, things get complicated as Isabelle’s “wingman” duties cross the line. This charming new comedy launches the mistaken identities of Cyrano de Bergerac into 21st-century Vancouver with millennial manifestos, dating apps, and the quest for self-love.
Date: October 5 – 29
Location: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
Laughs in Queer – A Comedy Social & Open Mic: Laughs in Queer is a new monthly open-mic event for all your QTBIPOC comedy cravings. Hosted by Kay from the Transgender Expressions Haven, we’re here to bring you a space to learn, share, and workshop your material with each other in a safe community environment.
Date: October 11
Location: The Show Cellar (1755 Davie Street)
The Art of Dimension: A vibrant celebration of Haida metalwork practices, and a powerful artistic affirmation of Indigenous knowledge sharing across generations, The Art of Dimension features the copper, gold and silver carving artistry of Haida Gwaii’s lauded Skil Xaaw Jesse Brillon, alongside Bill Reid’s own masterful repoussé works.
Date: Until October 15
Location: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (639 Hornby Street)
Tommy Lefroy: MRG Live presents Tommy LeFroy with special guests, PAPA.
Date: October 16
Location: Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward St)
Vivek Shraya and How to Fail as a Pop Star: Presented by VIFF and OUT ON SCREEN, the first three episodes of How to Fail as a Pop Star (debuting on CBC October 13) will be screened at this special event. Vivek Shraya will also be in attendance to talk about the adaptation.
Date: October 18, 7:30 PM
Location: VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre
Women Trans Queer Night 2023 by Our Community Bikes/PEDAL Society: This evening is open for women, trans, and queer people to work on their bikes while being supported by fellow community members who are trained in mechanics. Two staff members and volunteers* are available to answer questions, help you purchase new or used parts, and provide hands-off guidance to repairs.
Date: October 18 (recurring weekly)
Location: Our Community Bikes (2429 Main Street)
Refuge Canada at the Museum of Vancouver: Through images, soundscapes, first person accounts and artifacts, this powerful exhibition begins “no one wants to be a refugee, anyone could become a refugee.” Moving through major waves of arrival from Second World War era up to present day, Refuge Canada does not shy away from opportunities to portray the darker chapters of history. Hopeful stories of optimism and success are balanced by moving accounts of shattered lives, fear, and examples of Canada’s mixed record in welcoming refugees.
Date: October 12 – February 2, 2024
Location: Museum of Vancouver
Kidd Pivot’s Assembly Hall: Award-winning collaborators, Kidd Pivot Artistic Director Crystal Pite and Electric Company Theatre Co-Founder Jonathon Young, once again join electrifying forces in their latest dance/theatre hybrid that promises the creative pair’s signature eviscerating wit and razor-sharp physicality. In a genre-defying classical farce, reality is subverted by ancient forces suddenly awakened in a high stakes journey of mind-bending mysticism. Assembly Hall is presented by DanceHouse. Ticket prices: From $35
Date: October 25 (Preview), 26, 27 & 28
Location: Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton Street)
Death Becomes Her- Halloween Fundraiser by Out on Screen: Don’t miss this screening of the campy queer cult classic Death Becomes Her and drag performances by Batty Banks, Bibi Soupresh, and Tiffany Ann Co.!
Date: October 27
Location: The Cultch, Historic Theatre (1895 Venables Street)
