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 Monday. See the list in calendar view here.
Shop hop: The Gastown Fall Shop Hop happens on Thursday night. The one-night-only event offers the opportunity to cruise 54 of Gastown's best shops, check out the new fall wares and get great deals, in-store specials and the occasional treat (read: glass of champagne or decadent cupcake). And get this: the kind people of Gastown want to make sure that you don't get tired out trying on clothing and carrying bags, so, with every purchase, you'll receive a food or drink voucher to a nearby restaurant to keep your energy levels up. Even if you're not looking to spend, the vibe is good and the business owners are friendly. Thursday, Oct. 17, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Gastown, gastown.org
Japandroids: The rock duo Japandroids is playing a home gig at the Biltmore Cabaret on Thursday night. There really is not much more to say except that if you're planning to score tickets, move fast. Great venue for what promises to be a phenomenal show. Thursday, Oct. 17, 9:30 p.m., The Biltmore (2755 Prince Edward St.), $15, biltmorecabaret.com
Eastside Flea: Somewhere between a boutique vintage pop-up and a garage sale, a well-executed flea market offers thrifty treasure hunters the chance to score unique goods at reasonable prices. If the key components are good selection, low prices and a mix of old and new, then The Eastside Flea at the Wise Hall is a home run. Expect found, salvaged and reclaimed goods, vintage clothing and vinyl, hand-made soaps, jewellery and accessories as well as baked goods (East Village Bakery will be there), treats from Prophouse Café and some Varincey pakoras. Organizers are encouraging attendees to come looking for unique costumes and spooky decorations for Halloween. Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m., The Wise Hall (1882 Adanac St.), Free, eastsideflea.com
Architecture: The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is offering a tour of laneway homes this weekend. With a view to expose laneway housing as a clever solution to "densification without demolition," VHF has arranged for several homes to be opened to the public. According to VHF: "From income-producing rentals to a way to keep family close in an increasingly expensive city, the laneway house has become an appealing option for many families." Take a peek inside seven unique homes and be inspired by design and innovation that demonstrate that increased density can be smart, stylish and comfortable by making good use of underused land on existing lots. Saturday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m., Various locations, $30, vancouverheritagefoundation.org
Apple festival: This fall festival is educational, delicious and inexpensive. Wander the UBC Botanical Gardens, take in a live musical performance and visit tasting tents to sample more varieties of new and heritage apples than you ever knew existed (more than 60). Master gardeners will be available to discuss apple-related diseases and pest management for those with trees at home. You can also buy many varieties of apple trees. But the best part? No end of apple pie, hot apple cider, caramel apples, apple chips and organic B.C. apple juice. Oct. 19 and 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., UBC Botanical Garden, $4 (kids free), botanicalgarden.ubc.ca