by Gregory Adams
Sandwiched between October’s Halloween mania and December’s holiday spirit, November can seem like the fall calendar’s underdog. However, this month is packed with activity across the city. From cosplay get-togethers to cocktail competitions for charity, these are just some of the great events to check out in Vancouver this November. [Photo courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/Clayton Perry]
Give a warm welcome to Syd
There’s a wistfulness tied to the title of L.A. musician Syd’s most recent R&B EP, Always Never Home. But even if the singer is feeling homesick while performing tunes from her slow-grooved solo catalogue or from her funk ensemble the Internet, her upcoming stop at Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre on November 24th will no doubt have her adopted family/fanbase giving her a warm welcome.
Enjoy John Mulaney’s awkward charm
If you've already binge-watched Netflix’s recent, raunchy coming-of-age cartoon Big Mouth, get off the couch and see John Mulaney’s latest comedy tour. With a blend of awkward charm and wicked punch lines, the comedian and voice actor’s Kid Gorgeous tour has been getting rave reviews. The Chicagoan takes to the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre November 9-10.
Get grimy at the Rio Grind Film Festival
The Rio Theatre screens cult classics all year long, but you may be able to catch a new freaky favourite during this year’s Grind Film Festival. Running November 16-19, the program includes 10 features and 20 shorts running the gamut from shriek-inducing horror to grimy, grindhouse-style sleaze. Many of the films are making their Canadian or B.C. premiere at the festival – so grab some popcorn and check it out.
Sip a martini for charity at Yaletown Brewing Co.
November brings its fair share of rainy nights, but you can at least sip a dry martini at Yaletown Brewing Co. to beat those wet fall blues. The eatery’s Martini Madness event on November 2nd finds a trio of local bartenders prepping unique takes on the classic cocktail. You can sample and vote on all three twists for $10 – and all proceeds go towards Kids Help Phone.
Learn how to go vegan this 'vember
Been thinking about switching to a plant-based diet? The Vegan Project and Fresh + Fit Vancouver’s second annual Dairy-Free Living event on November 5th should give you a good introduction on how to make a mouthwatering meal without meat or dairy. Four speakers will be on hand at the Vancouver Public Library to tell you about the virtues of meat substitutes and cashew cheese – and those with a sweet tooth will get the goods on vegan baking, too.
Get wooly for men's health this Movember
A lot of guys in Vancouver are tossing out the razors this month in the name of men’s health. The popular Movember initiative raises awareness for prostate cancer and Vancouverites will be celebrating their lip wigs at events all month long. For the entire month, you can show off your handlebar while posing on a Harley at Trev Deeley Motorcycle’s pop-up photo booth.
Meet your heroes at Fan Expo
Costumed comic lovers will be converging at the Vancouver Convention Centre to meet their heroes at Fan Expo. This year’s super roster includes the stars of TV shows The Flash and Arrow, big screen X-Men star Famke Janssen, the original red Power Ranger and even the Fonz (a.k.a. Henry Winkler). You can catch them in action November 8-10.
Pay your respects at Victory Square
On November 11th, Canadians will pay their respects to military veterans at a number of Remembrance Day events across the Lower Mainland. A ceremony will once again be hosted downtown at Victory Square, with wreaths to be laid in honour of those that have fallen. The service will also feature a performance from the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir, while a 21-gun salute from the 15th Field Artillery Regiment will ring out from nearby Portside Park.
