MARK YOUR CALENDAR
/Here’s What’s Happening
In Your West End In …
November, 2023
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The following are highlights from the many programs available at the West End and Coal Harbour community hubs. Check the websites listed at the end of this section for complete listings of events and activities.
Community Calendar / Arts & Entertainment / Families, Kids, & Teens / Senior Moments / LGBT+ / Venue Directory
Community Calendar
STANLEY PARK WATER TUNNEL OPEN HOUSE
When: Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Vancouver Rowing Club at 450 Stanley Park Drive.
Cost: Free.
Details: The City of Vancouver is ready to start work on a new water tunnel under Stanley Park. This Open House is an opportunity to meet the project team, learn about their plans, and ask questions.
MAJONG
When: Saturdays through Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Nov. 18 is moved to the English Bay Room from 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.)
Where: West End Community Centre — Bidwell Room.
Cost: Free.
Details: A friendly Mahjong group based on Hong Kong style play. Everyone is welcome. Games accommodate tables from two to eight players with a score system based on points, with or without walls. Instruction available. Beginners and all skill levels welcome.
BEGINNERS DANCE
When: Sundays, Nov. 5 & 12 and 19 & 26 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre Dance Studio.
Cost: Free.
Details: Learn the basic tools to social dancing. Develop rhythm and socialize through dance, using basic grooving techniques like bouncing, rocking, waving, and more to a wide variety of groovy soundscapes. Two sessions.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
When: Saturday, Nov. 25 & Sunday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Auditorium
Cost: Free
Details: The popular craft sale featuring 35 tables of handcrafted items. A great selection of holiday gift ideas and additions to your home.
COMMUNITY LUNCH
When: Mondays and Fridays at 12 noon.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House (GNH)
Cost: $7 with a GNH membership, $8 without. Children 1 and up are half-price.
Details: Join other members of our community for a delicious home-cooked lunch. This is one of GNH’s many “Food Justice” programs that you can learn more about here. To reserve a spot call 604.683.2554 or email welcome@gordonhouse.org.
PLANTING WITH THE MOON PHASES
When: Sunday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Where: West End Community Centre — Bidwell Room.
Cost: $20. Free for Seniors 50+ with a $5 materials fee.
Details: Learn about planting, harvesting, and the relationship between planting and moon phases at a joint Village Vancouver and West End Neighbourhood Food Network Garden Club workshop. You don’t have to be an astronomer to test your green thumb with moon-phase gardening — it’s as easy as working with a calendar. The community seed bank will be on hand to pick up some free seeds for your garden or swap or donate seeds.
WEST END GARDEN CLUB
When: Sunday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre — Meeting Room 2.
Cost: Free.
Details: Attend a monthly, family friendly gathering organized by Village Vancouver and the West End Neighbourhood Food Network’s Garden Club. Each month features a short presentation and discussion on a different food and/or gardening topic. This month’s topic is Looking Ahead to 2024. Optionally, please bring some snacks or food to share. Children of any age are welcome, and must be accompanied by an adult.
INVESTMENT COFFEE CLUB
When: Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre (Nov. 4) Activity Room and West End Community Centre (Nov. 17) English Bay Room.
Admission: Free
Details: An informal gathering to discuss current events, the economy, and investing.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID & CPR/AED
When: Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre —Barclay Room
Cost: $99.75
Details: A basic First Aid course offering lifesaving first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills for the workplace or home. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial worker safety and insurance boards and includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.
HOLIDAY WORKSHOP
When: Wednesday, Nov. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre — Meeting Room 1.
Cost: $23. Free to seniors 50+ with an $8 materials fee.
Details: Learn to make cotton dishcloths using crochet techniques and discuss different patterns and yarns. Each participant will create a dishcloth in a beautiful pattern to take home. A joint Village Vancouver and West End Neighbourhood Food Network Garden Club workshop.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
TOASTMASTERS: Tuesdays, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. until Dec. 12, in the West End Community Centre’s Bidwell Room. Free. Learn and practice public speaking, impromptu speeches, and leadership skills at this weekly meeting.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Tuesdays, until Dec. 12, in the West End Community Centre’s Meeting Room 2. Free. Join a weekly conversation and drop in when you can to practice English in a relaxed circle of friendly people. Conversations are guided by experienced facilitators who strive to talk about things that interest you.
WEST END WRITERS: Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m until Dec. 13. Free. Writers Club of all ages and experience are invited to join in reading works-in-progress and receiving feedback. Visit here for more information.
CRIBBAGE: Fridays, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. until Dec. 15, in the West End Community Centre’s Bidwell Room. Free. A friendly social card group sharing a fun game. Beginners and newcomers welcome. The Dec. 1 class will be in the English Bay Room.
LABYRINTH - A WALKING MEDITATION: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. Free. The Labyrinth is a full 13-metre replica of the medieval labyrinth laid in the stone floor of the 13th-century Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Chartres. The Labyrinth at St. Paul’s is open for silent walking, prayer and meditation to people of all faiths and spiritual disciplines as a resource for meditation, reflection, and prayer.
WATERFRONT WALKERS: Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m until Dec. 16. Free. A casual group of walking enthusiasts who meet weekly to enjoy a variety of scenic walks. Routes are regularly around 6km and last about three hours, with a stop along the way for coffee. Meet up at Coal Harbour Community Centre.
THE DARK SECRETS OF STANLEY PARK: Saturdays from 4 to 5:30/6 p.m. $32 for adults and $29 for youth and seniors. Information and tickets here. Discover the jaw-dropping beauty – and sinister stories – of Stanley Park. Behind those majestic forests, picturesque gardens, and stunning beaches lies a history of forced evictions, buried treasure, shocking crime scenes, and the macabre tale of Deadman’s Island. When you buy a ticket for this walking tour, two per cent of the ticket cost goes to support the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Arts & Entertainment
LUMIERE
After Darkness Comes The Light!
When: Wednesday, Nov. 2-6.
Where: Five West End & Coal Harbour Locations (see below)
Cost: Free. Information and details here.
Details: A re-imagined festival of light and colour will radiate through Vancouver's Downtown, Yaletown, West End, and Gastown neighbourhoods. Among the multitudes of interactive light sculptures and immersive installations, festival-goers can also attend a workshop and learn how to make fairy lanterns out of mason jars.
Among the ten Lumiere sites around the downtown penninsula, here are the installations taking place in the West End:
The Tunnel. (Photos Courtesy of Lumiere)
The Tunnel by Paul Magnuson: An immersive installation at Morton Park (1800 Davie Plaza at Davie and Denman). “The Tunnel” is made of 12-foot tall cosmic structures, complete with light and sound.
The Telefunkin Stage: A full immersive, interactive TV installation at Jim Deva Plaza (1200 Bute Street). Visitors can create a silhouette on the main screen, change the display using a large remote control, and control dancing cats on the screen with a video game controller. A live DJ will add to the fun experience.
A Magic Crystal Ball Kaleidoscope: This giant kaleidoscope at the West End Community Centre. is approximately eight feet in size and has over a thousand LED lights inside, creating mesmerizing, colourful patterns. In front of the kaleidoscope is a mysterious crystal ball that will translate a person's presence into a pattern inside the kaleidoscope.
(un)Comfortable Environments by Eos Lightmedia: The pedestrian boulevard or section of busy intersections is seldom a place of refuge. Comfort can be created in many ways. You can find this installation at Robson and Cardero.
Life Is A Circus.
Life Is A Circus by Sandra Bérubé: At Morton Park there will be an interactive large-scale art installation. It is a whimsical cirque-inspired scene that defies gravity. A zeppelin flying in the sky transports an elephant. A contortionist is hand-balancing on its trunk, peeking through a long telescope. A flock of a bird lives inside the aircraft and helps carry the elephant. The convoy seems like it’s hovering above the ground, attached to dock cleats and an anchor by ropes. The audience can pull on ropes dangling under the elephant to give them the motion of flying.
D.I.O.D.E. by Super Luminous: “D.I.O.D.E.” stands for Dielectric Intentional Optimistic Directional Energizer. Located at Arthur Erickson Place (1075 West Georgia Street), this installation representing a quantum leap in active-illuminance positronic neural alignment technology. Utilizing cutting-edge duplex awareness induction, combined with industry-standard hybrid polar-semi-cartesian virtual matrix structures, this device magnifies gratitude within its biphasic field radius (-/+10m). In simpler words, this lighting activation is designed to amplify feelings of gratitude. The bright colours are reminiscent of sunsets, sweet treats, and daydreams. Every moment can be special, if we choose it to be.
Synergies by Grégory Lasserre & Anaïs met den Ancxt: An interactive, collective and performative digital artwork installation at Bentall Centre (505 Burrard). “Synergies” is renewing the approach of video mapping. The artwork’s software enables the creation of infinite narrative scenes by manipulating “video elements,” created in real time with the spectators.
Urban Light Contacts by Grégory Lasserre & Anaïs met den Ancxt: Also at Bentall Centre, “Urban Light Contacts” is an interactive artwork with an important social dimension. This artwork brings spectators together around an artistic experience and creates unpredictable and positive relationships between its viewers.
The DOOR(S) by Big Art: What does a door mean to you? Does it evoke feelings of opportunity or anxiety? How did a door become such a metaphor for success, failure, opportunity, family, home, change, transition, and so many other moments of emotional connection? This installation at Bentall Centre explores the greater meaning of a door, and its ability to change our path in life when we have the courage to open it. Over 200 custom experiences await with every opening.
Melissa Oei is Nora in the western Gold Theatre production of A Doll’s House Part 2 (Javier Torroes Photo)
THE DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2
A Western Gold Theatre Production
When: Thursday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 26.
Where: PAL Studio Theatre.
Cost: $25 to $36. Information and tickets here.
Details: The West End’s only resident theatre company presents a funny, probing, and bold new play by Lucas Hnath that is both a continuation of Ibsen’s exploration of traditional gender roles and a clever contemporary take on all human relationships. Directed by Seamus Fera, this play is sharp, witty, invigorating, and somewhat naughty. Fifteen years after Nora Helmer infamously slammed the door on her stifling domestic life, there is a knock at that same door. Nora has returned. But why? And what will it mean for those she left behind.
You can read more about the production and Western Gold Theatre in this month’s Community Spotlight here.
Chor Leoni, St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church’s choir in residence.
BOUNDLESS
A Remembrance Day Observance
When: Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 and 5 p.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church.
Cost: $20 to $70. Tickets and information here. Free tickets available for active or retired members of the military. Call 604.263.7061 to book.
Details: Chor Leoni opens their 32nd season with their annual Remembrance Day observance, joined by pianist Tina Chang, cellist Jonathan Lo, and organist Angelique Po on St. Andrew’s-Wesley’s Casavant pipe organ. Through folk, pop, and modern choral works, you’re invited to listen, reflect on the cost of war, and heal through the search and hope for peace. At the heart of the program lies a lyrical and soaring masterwork by Canadian composer, Don Macdonald, now in his final year as the choir’s Composer in Residence. There will be a talk-back with composers Don Macdonald and Patrick Vu after all three performances.
ORIGAMI
When: Sunday, Nov. 19 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre — Activity Room.
Cost: $17.30
Details: Learn the techniques and models for this traditional Japanese folk art. All supplies are individually packaged and included in the course fee. Please pre-register if you’d like to attend.
MUSIC OF THE WORLD
Golden Pearl Ensemble
When: Thursday, Nov. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Roedde House Museum
Cost: Seniors $24.64. General Admission $27.79. Tickets here.
Details: Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra and Roedde House Museum present a performance by the Sounds from Far Away: Japanese traditional instruments.
BOLLYWOOD MOVIE NIGHT
When: Saturday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House
Cost: $2, including popcorn and a cold beverage.
Details: A monthly series of the best of Bollywood’s films. This month’s feature is Badla, a 2019 Hindi mystery thriller directed by Sujoy Gosh The film is a remake of the 2016 Spanish film The Invisible Guest.
MINI-MACRAME WALL HANGINGS
When: Saturday, Nov. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre — Arts & Crafts Room.
Cost: $23.
Details: Learn how to make a mini wall hanging using macrame techniques and discuss different patterns and which yarns are suitable for different projects. Each participant will craft a wall hanging in a beautiful pattern to take home. A joint Village Vancouver and West End Neighbourhood Food Network Garden Club event.
LIVE AT THE SYLVIA
When: Every Wed., Thurs., and Sun. from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Sylvia Hotel Restaurant & Lounge
Admission: Free
Details: Three evenings a week enjoy live music at the lounge with a great view of English Bay. The November lineup includes: Wed. Nov. 1 - Jazz with The Kasuals; Thurs. Nov. 2 - Jazz with the Lesley Branton Trio; Sun. Nov. 5 - Jazz with the Caryn Slade Trio; Wed. Nov. 8 - Singer-songwriter Stephen Spender; Thurs. Nov. 9 - Acoustic pop with Jake Hammond; Sun. Nov. 12 - Indie alternative, pop, and jazz with Sieski Ft. Seb Chamney; Wed. Nov. 15 - Roots and jazz with the Soda Crackers; Thurs. Nov. 16 - Jazz with Harris & Debray; Sun. Nov. 19 - Acoustic vintage pop and folk with Jana Seale; Wed. Nov. 22 - Rockin’ roots with Chapter 11; Thurs. Nov. 23 - Indo-Canadian folk with Ranj Singh; Sun. Nov. 26 - Indie rock, folk, and pop with Sean from the Yukon; Wed. Nov. 29 - Flamenco fusion with Michael Fabroy; Thurs. Nov. 30 - Acoustic pop and jazz with Jake Hammond.
LIVE AT THE SHAMROCK
When: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 or 8 p.m. (see below).
Where: The Shamrock Pub.
Cost: No cover charge.
Details: What’s an Irish pub (especially one with a great food and beverage menu) without live music? We wouldn’t know, ‘cause the West End’s Irish pub features live music four nights a week. The November lineup includes: Thurs. Nov. 2 - Jay Bratten at 7 p.m.; Fri. Nov. 3 - Matty Miller & Hamish at 8 p.m.; Sat. Nov. 4 - Joe Murphy at 8 p.m.; Sun. Nov. 5 - Eogháin Reynolds at 7 p.m.; Thur. Nov. 9 - Éamonn MacHale at 7 p.m.; Fri. Nov. 10 - Joe Murphy at 8 p.m.; Sat. Nov. 11 - Aoife & Lola at 8 p.m.; Sun. Nov. 12 - Niamh O’Gorman at 8 pm.; Thurs. Nov. 16 - Éamonn MacHale at 7 p.m.; Fri. Nov. 17 - Eogháin Reynolds at 8 p.m.; Sat. Nov. 18 - Niahmh O’Gorman at 8 p.m.; Sun. Nov. 19 - Éamonn MacHale at 7 p.m.; Thurs. Nov. 23 - Éamonn MacHale at 7 p.m.; Fri. Nov. 24 - Éamonn MacHale at 7 p.m.; Fri. Nov. 24 - Eogháin Reynolds at 7 p.m.; Sat. Nov. 25 - Jay Bratten at 8 p.m.; Sun. Nov. 26 - Unplugged session at 3 p.m. and Aoife & Lola at 8 p.m.; Thurs. Nov. 30 - Jada McKenzie Moore at 7 p.m.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
HOT MIX BINGO: Mondays at 8 p.m. at The Shamrock Pub at 1184 Denman. Fun and games = music and bingo at this popular West End Irish pub.
KARAOKE TUESDAYS: At The Park Pub from 9 p.m. to late.
THE WEST END SINGERS: Wednesdays in the Salons at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church from 7 to 9 p.m. No auditions, it’s just for fun! Currently they're learning tunes by/from Styx, Cold Play, John Lennon, Les Miserables, La La Land, and others.
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS: Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church. By donation. Bring your bagged lunch and treat yourself to some of Vancouver’s best musical offerings featuring classical, gospel, jazz, folk and more with Dawn Pemberton, Corey Hamm, and Katherine Evans.
COMEDY TONIGHT! Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Park Pub (1755 Davie). Admission $25. TheatreSports alumni hosts Denise Jones and David Milchard hold an improv comedy night featuring a rotating cast of up to eight of Vancouver’s top improv artists, plus special guests.
IMPROV THURSDAYS: From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Park Pub. Admission $25. Theatre Sports alumni Denise Jones and David Milchard bring their new improv comedy troupe of award-winning actors and improv veterans to the West End.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: From 8:30 p.m. to late at The Park Pub enjoy great live music. The November lineup includes: Nov. 3 - Cici & The Dicks; Nov. 10 - The New Shackletons; Nov. 17 - TBA; Nov. 24 - Lee Nichols.
JAZZ VESPERS: Sundays at 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Wesley United Church. By donation. An afternoon featuring some of Vancouver’s finest musicians and meditations on faith and life. The November lineup includes: Nov. 5 - Mark Glanville; Nov. 12 - the Bob Liley Sanctuary All Stars Big Band; Nov. 19 - Roots and Herbs; Nov. 26 - the Pressley Murillo Quartet.
SATURDAY NIGHT LAUGHS From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. followed by MAKIN’ JOKES at 10 p.m. at The Show Cellar. $25.89 for Saturday Night Laughs and $25.29 for Makin’ Jokes. Tickets and other show information here. Enjoy non-stop hilarity, from stand-up to improv to musical comedy to harmonica comedy (yes, that’s a thing). Full food and drink service during both shows.
Families, Kids, & Teens
RED CROSS BABYSITTING
When: Sun. Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre — Barclay Room
Cost: $75
Details: A nationally recognized program designed to help youth develop self-assurance, knowledge, and skills required for babysitting duties and when caring for themselves and others.
PLAYTIME!
When: Monday through Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m., except Wednesdays which are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 22.
Where: The West End Community Centre Auditorium
Admission: $3.50 drop-in per child. Registration required.
Details: Your child will love running, tumbling, riding bikes and cars, and making new friends. Parents are requested to help with set-up and take-down of play equipment.
YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT
When: Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre — Meeting Room 1 & Coal Harbour Community Centre — Meeting Room 1.
Admission: Free.
Details: Open to all ages 13 to 18, with popcorn and movie snacks provided. Pre-registration is encouraged but youth are welcome to register day of at the front desk.
PRO D-DAY CAMP
When: Friday, Nov. 24 (see times below)
Where: West End Community Centre Barclay Room
Cost: Before Care (8 to 9:30 a.m.) $8 / Camp (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) $35 / After Care (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) $10.
Details: While the teacher’s away (on Professional Development Day) the kids will play! An action-packed day of exciting activities, crafts, and games. Program offered for kids aged 5-12. Parents must complete a waiver form.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
FAMILY STORY TIME: Thursdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at Joe Fortes Library. Free. This program for parents and caregivers with young children shares songs, rhymes and stories. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn together.
JR. YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLUB: Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 14 through June 13. West End Community Centre — Meeting Room 1. Free. Youth in grades 10 to 12 gain leadership and mentoring experience while learning how to organize, plan, and implement programs at the Community Centre. They also learn valuable skills such as interview preparation, applying to college and university, and how to apply for scholarships and bursaries. For more information contact Jessica at jessica.mccalum@vancouver.ca.
PRE-TEEN NIGHT AT WECC: Fridays at the West End Community Centre Auditorium from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. through Dec. 15. No sessions Oct 27 and Dec. 1. Free. Youngsters (ages 9-12) participate in a variety of games, crafts, and activities including dodgeball, button and bracelet making, movie nights, and more. Maximum participation is 30 kids and registration is required.
TEEN NIGHT AT COAL HARBOUR: Fridays from 6:15 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 15 at Coal Harbour Community Centre. A free program for youths in Grades 8 to 12 (ages 13 to 18). Shoot hoops in the gymnasium, play board games upstairs, or get creative with some art supplies. Snacks provided. Teen Night has in-out privileges.
SINGLE MOTHERS CONNECTION GROUP: Fridays at Gordon Neighbourhood House from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free to GNH members — annual membership is $5 and can be purchased at the front counter upon arrival. This program is dedicated to expanding a support system for single mothers in the West End through peer support and building meaningful relationships. As a part of the group, toddler playtimes are aimed at promoting healthy socialization and development of kids ages 0-5. The group also holds monthly workshops, employment support sessions, and community events. To register email familyplace@gordonhouse.org.
Senior Moments
CURIOUS ABOUT CANNABIS
When: Friday, Nov. 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor
Cost: Free to WESN members.
Details: Susan Johnston RN will discuss how and why cannabis helps with pain and how to access cannabis for medicinal purposes.
SENIORS’ SAFETY FORUM
When: Thursday, Nov. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre
Cost: Free. Everyone welcome.
Details: Learn tips on staying safe in your home and on the streets, with information from the Vancouver Police Department, ICBC, and the West End - Coal Harbour Policing Centre. Free refreshments. Register by phone at 604.717.2924 or by email at info@wechcpc.com.
MEN’S HEALTH MONTH CELEBRATION
When: Wednesday, Nov. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: HI Vancouver Hostel.
Cost: Free.
Details: As men get older, having friends and staying connected becomes more important than ever. Working or socializing with friends is not just fun; it can be a shield against loneliness. Celebrate positive connections and fun times as you play cards and billiards, enjoy a BBQ hot dog and a beer. All genders and ages welcome. Call 604.669.5051 or email info@wesn.ca to RSVP.
SENIORS FIRST B.C. LAW CLINIC
Where: Kay’s Place in Denman Mall
When: The first Wednesday of every month.
Details: As part of its Satellite Elder Law Clinic program, Seniors First B.C. partners with the West End Seniors’ Network to offer pro bono legal consultations to eligible older adults.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.
FITNESS WITH LAUREN: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Gordon Neighbourhood House. Free. A weekly fitness class that incorporates resistance band exercises to improve muscle tone and strength. All seniors welcome.
BALLROOM DANCING & SOCIAL: Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the West End Community Centre Auditorium. Join a friendly group of ballroom dances and learn, practice, and meet new friends. Singles and those with partners both welcome. Drop-in $1.50 / Eight sessions for $7.60.
YOGA FOR SENIORS: Mondays at 12:15 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Dance Studio. A class for older men and women at all fitness levels, including those with some physical challenges. Each class provides a balanced full body workout, adapted to safely meet your needs. $11 drop-in.
TED TALKS & DISCUSSION: Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Barclay Manor. A lively gathering for informative talks and ensuing discussions. November topics include: Nov. 2 - How to be a leader for climate justice, the tree-growing movement restoring Africa’s vital landscape, and why change is so scary and how to unlock its potential; Nov. 9 - How to make sure materials get reused again and again, what a living whale is worth, why the economy should protect nature, and the magic of a creative career; Nov. 16 - Why women should tell the stories of humanity, why theatre is essential to democracy, and is the US headed towards another civil war?; Nov. 23 - Can global food companies make the shift to regenerative agriculture, the sustainable brilliance of Indigenous design, and how targeted ads might just save your life; and Nov. 30 - A mysterious design that appears across millennia, the “adjacent possible” and how it explains human innovation, start at the edge of what is known when looking for a new idea, and the puzzle of motivation.
CREATIVE QUEST: Thursdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Barclay Manor. The Barclay Manor Artists’ Collective meets for open studio time. Bring your project and supplies to paint with others in a studio setting. No teaching or supplies are given. For information contact Graham at creativequest2022@gmail.com.
LGBT+
Betsy Warland.
PRIDE ON THE PAGE
When: Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Joe Fortes Library
Cost: Free.
Details: An evening with Betsy Warland, Vancouver author of 14 books of creative nonfiction, memoir and poetry. Hear Betsy read from her work, talk about her experience mentoring emerging writers, and discuss her exploration of topics like feminism and queer life in her writing. Ask your questions in a live Q&A format.
DINNER & A DRAG SHOW!
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Bonta Italian Restaurant
Admission: Free.
Details: On Tuesdays it’s Carlotta Gurl and Thursdays it’s the unstoppable Conni Smudge entertaining at this popular Davie Street restaurant while diners enjoy a generous portion of Italian specialties.
ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK
The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info for all venues and organizations is at the end of this calendar.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLUB: Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at HIM on Davie’s Lounge Space. Join a conversation night for GBQ men and gender diverse people whose first language is not English, to practice speaking in a safe, non-judgmental and fun space. The program is fully inclusive for all folks regardless of refugee, visa, or citizenship status.
RAINBOW MEN’S GROUP: Mondays from 3 to 4:30 at Barclay Manor —Multipurpose Room. A group open to older gay, bi, and trans men to share experiences of life in the West End. Join for fun, socializing, and serious conversation. Facilitated by Bil Coleman and Jeff Darcy, counsellors in private practice and at WESN.
BINGO FOR LIFE: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at The Junction Pub at 11:38 Davie. Free. Drag diva the Unstoppable Conni Smudge presides over a weekly fundraiser for The Vancouver Friends for Life Society.
TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: At the Fountainhead Pub at 7 p.m. No cover. An evening of trivia and fun hosted by Richard Romano-Carlsen.
QUEERPROV: Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Junction. Pay What You Can. A weekly celebration of improv comedy. The November lineup includes: Nov. 1 - Halloween Hangover; Nov. 8 - Queerprov Challenge; Nov. 15 - Coming Out Stories; Nov. 22 - Perfect Catch; Nov. 29 - Fruitbowl …. followed by —
DRAG ME TO HELL! Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. An evening of killer drag hosted by Miss Understood and featuring a revolving cast of special guest performers and music by Dj Amy Grindhouse. Admission $12 in advance (here) and $15 at the door.
UNITY FRIDAY: At The Junction. Showtime 11 p.m. Service until 4 a.m. Hosted each week by a variety of Queer community members. $15 cover. Music by DJ Dennis Kindel.
VANCOUVER PRIME TIMERS: Sundays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the West End Community Centre — Denman Room. Free. Since 1990 this group has been providing mature gay and bisexual men with opportunities to come together for social, educational, cultural, and recreational programs and activities. Contact primetimersvancouvercanada@gmail.com for more information.
THE REALLY GAY HISTORY TOUR: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It’s time for Vancouver’s secrets to come out of the closet. Tour guide Glenn Tkach tells the stories of drag kings and two spirit warriors, queer church ministers ,and transgender crime fighters. This two-hour walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city. $32 for adults and $29 for youth and seniors. Information and tickets here.
Venue Directory
WHERE THEY’RE AT AND HOW TO CONNECT …
If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca
1181 Lounge / 1181 Davie / 236.513.1181 / Website
Art@Bentall Gallery / 595 Burrard St - Concourse #05 / 604.682.3701 / Website
Barclay Manor / 1447 Barclay / 60.-669.5051 / Website /wesn.ca/ (West End Seniors’ Network)
Bonta Italian Ristorante / 1047 Davie / 604.687.0055 / Website
Chef Ron Restaurant / 1037 Denman / 604.336.9994 / Website
Coal Harbour Community Centre / 480 Broughton / 604-718-8222 / Website
Fountainhead Pub / 1025 Davie / 604.687.2222 / Website
Gordon Neighbourhood House / 1019 Broughton / 604.683.2554 / Website
Health Initiative For Men (HIM) / 300 - 1033 Davie / 604 488 1001 / Website
HI Hostel Vancouver / 1114 Burnaby / 604.684.4565 / Website
Joe Fortes Library / 870 Denman / 604-665-3972 / Website
Kay’s Place / 118 - 1030 Denman (Denman Mall) / 604.669.5051 / Website
Mole Gallery / 1157 Pendrell Street, access from Jepson-Young Lane. / Website
PAL Studio Theatre / 581 Cardero / 604.255.4313 / Website
Shamrock Pub / 1184 Denman / 604.428.4414 / Website
St. Andrew’s- Wesley United Church / 1022 Nelson / 604.683.4574 / Website
St. Paul’s Anglican Church / 1130 Jervis / 604.685.6832 / Website
The Fountainhead Pub / 1025 Davie / 604.687.2222 / Website
The Loft Lounge / 1184 Denman / 604.602.1000 / Website
The Park Pub / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / Website
The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website
The Show Cellar (at the Park Pub) / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / Website
The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website
West End Community Centre / 870 Denman / 604.257.8333 / Website
SUPPORT YOUR WEST END - COAL HARBOUR COMMUNITY MEDIA
The West End Journal, including “Mark Your Calendar”, is made possible by local advertising and monthly contributions from our Faithful Readers Circle. If you would like to support your community media, please visit our fundraising site here to contribute any amount from $5 a month up. If you have a business in the West End / Coal Harbour neighbourhood, check out our advertising rates and information page here.
Thank you!
Kevin Dale McKeown
Editor & Publisher
editor@thewestendjournal.ca
If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca
