Frame grab from Hot Chocolate festival promo video.
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.
Post Secret: In 2004, U.S. artist Frank Warren decided to hand 3,000 blank self-addressed postcards to strangers. He asked individuals to write a secret on the postcard and mail it back to him. He encouraged participants to set themselves free by anonymously revealing that they had a crush on their best friend, cheated on an exam, lied, stole, hated their piano teacher or were addicted to spray cheese – you know, that sort of thing.
Mr. Warren has received more than a million secrets, more than a billion visits to his website, held multiple exhibitions, published six books and now a play. Head to the Firehall Arts Centre to catch this "audience-sourced non-fiction storytelling that reminds audiences that no matter what you may be facing, you are not alone."
Now through Feb. 7, 8 p.m., 280 East Cordova St., $16 – 32, firehallartscentre.ca
Human Library: The Human Library is a free performance piece that allows patrons visiting the main branch of the Vancouver Public Library to "check out" a human and "read" them in short (20-minute) one-on-one question periods.
The humans available will span a wide range from born-again Christians to drag queens. Human Library is just one of many events happening this week as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.
Now through Jan. 31, Vancouver Public Library (350 W. Georgia), pushfestival.ca
Art: Visit Winsor Gallery this month for an exhibition of work by Patrick Hughes. The artist (celebrating his 75th year) is known for his 3D-relief paintings (maybe you've noticed the one in the lobby of the Hotel Georgia).
From gallery representatives: "Visitors to the gallery will discover first-hand the mind-bending, space-altering qualities of Patrick's 3D paintings." The Hues of Hughes: Selected Works 1999-2014 opens with a reception on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 2-4 p.m.
Jan. 24–Feb. 24, Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Winsor Gallery (258 East 1st Ave.), winsorgallery.com
Make: Learn how to make sake this weekend. Mogu Mogu Goute (a local blog focused on simple, healthy Japanese food) will set up at The Homesteader's Emporium on East Hastings to teach the basics about the equipment and ingredients required to make doburoku (a farmer's-style rice ale or sake).
They'll school you about the different rice grades, sanitization precautions, the fermentation process and how to monitor and adjust your sake for taste.
The cost of the class includes a doburoku starter kit containing koji, dry yeast, rice and cheese cloth.
Sun., Jan. 25, 1-2:30 p.m., Homesteader's Emporium (649 East Hastings St.), $45, homesteadersemporium.ca
Chocolate: The annual Hot Chocolate Festival has begun. Twenty-four of Vancouver's top chocolate makers (plus a few bakers and at least one ice cream shop) have created interesting twists on the classic winter comfort drink.
Our pick? East Van Roasters' Peruvian drinking chocolate with pink peppercorn and vanilla.
Now through Feb. 14, various locations, cityfood.com/hotchocolate