Editor's Note: Globe B.C. has joined forces with Scout Magazine to give you the best of what's happening in Vancouver this weekend. For a full week's worth of listings, head over to the complete Scout List, updated each week.
WATCH | The Latin Film Fest kicks off on Thursday night. Over 70 films (36 of which are features) will be screened at three venues over ten days, so this is a festival that you won't want to miss. From a documentary about a small community of albinos in the Dominican Republic to the story of a little boy obsessed with straightening his curly hair – the overarching aim of this fest is to bring Vancouver a cross-section of film reflecting the societies and people of Latin American countries in a real way. For a full line-up of screenings, visit the VLAFF website at www.vlaff.org Aug. 28 – Sept. 7 | Various times & venues | $8-$125 | www.vlaff.org
ART | Grunt Gallery is an artist-run centre working to bring contemporary art programming to the public. They've spent the last three decades mounting exhibitions, scheduling performances, and presenting artist talks in order to inspire public dialogue about art. That's a pretty great community service and one worth celebrating. This Thursday night, the gallery begins it's 30th year with a party. Hang out with artists, board members, and community members while drinking up, eating cake, and watching a slideshow of past and present art exhibitions. Important things to know: attendees are encouraged to bring kids, the cake will be cut at 7:15pm, and this party is dog-friendly – which is awesome. No need to RSVP, just show up and bring friends.
Thurs, Aug 28 | 6:30-8:30pm | 350 E 2nd Ave – Unit 116 | Free | www.grunt.ca
BEACH PARTY | Sunset Beach sounds like a pretty good time on Friday night: expect to see the strip of beach between Bute and Thurlow bustling with a roving Mariachi band, a makeshift Roller Disco rink (free skates to borrow), an art market (brought together by the crafty peeps at Blim), as well as ping pong, beach blanket hang outs, and free food from food trucks (you just have to sign up in advance to collect a voucher). Even if there are clouds in the sky, this is a great kick off to a Labour Day long weekend.
Fri, Aug 29 | 5pm till sundown | Beach Ave between Bute and Thurlow | Free
CONNECT | The Trout Lake Community Centre starts a new community tradition this Friday night. Twilight at Trout Lake is an end of the summer community gathering that encourages Vancouverites to bring lanterns to the park and participate in a procession around the lake to take in a variety of light installations, appreciate the beauty of the surroundings, and connect with friends and neighbours. This event goes down rain or shine. Arrive early to take advantage of the free lantern making workshop (6:30pm in the community centre)
Fri, Aug 29 | 7:30-9:30pm | Trout Lake Park (3300 Victoria) | www.facebook.com/events/863481627010491
BIRDS OF A FEATHER | Seasons are shifting. Bird migratory behaviour sees many of the species that have been hanging around Vancouver all summer start to head south while others arrive from the north. Grab yourself a Sunday morning coffee or tea and scoot down to Stanley Park for a guided walk that will focus on the varied and beautiful bird life of the park. Learn how to identify a different species, hear a little bit about bird behaviour, and fill your lungs with some outstanding fresh air while you're at it.
Sun, Aug. 31 | 9-11am | Stanley Park Ecology Society – Nature House | $By donation | www.stanleyparkecology.ca
LIVE MUSIC | The 10th annual Victory Square Block Party happens this Sunday. Local talent taking the stage include The Shilohs, Cool, Dead Soft, Tough Age, Supermoon, Purple Hearts Social Club, Nervous Talk, and Fountain. There will also be food trucks (everyone loves a food truck), DJ's to fill the space in between sets, prizes (a raffle of goodies supplied by local business) and general good vibes. Make sure you grab one of those raffle tickets with proceeds going to support Megaphone, a magazine sold by local homeless and low income vendors to generate personal income, and CiTR 101.9FM (Vancouver's super cool independent community radio station).
Sun, Aug. 31 | 2-9pm | Victory Square Block Party (Cambie & W. Hastings) | Free | www.victorysquareblockparty.com
GUERRILLA PARTY | If you wander a little further east along Hastings this Sunday you'll run into the Urban Guerrilla Folk Festival. From Princess to Heatley there will be musicians, fire eaters, folk dancers, drummers, jugglers, crafters – the usual awesomeness that comes with an East Side community festival, and yet this one is slightly different with guerrilla tone: no food trucks, no sponsors, and no proceeds, just a big potluck.
Sun, Aug 31 | 1:30-5pm | Hastings (Princess to Heatley) | FREE | No website (come on, Guerrilla events don't have websites)
CHOW | Food Cart Fest goes down on Sunday. Take advantage of the fact that close to two dozen food trucks will be parked around communal tables ready to feed you. And this week, Eastside Flea is arranging a Giant Open-Air Boot Sale & Market. "A boot sale is an old fashioned way of organizing a flea market. Traditionally vendors would pull up in their vans, open the back door and just start selling…"
Sun, Aug 31 | 12-5pm | 215 West 1st Avenue $2 entry charge | www.foodcartfest.com