Over the last few years, Love in the Square has become a tradition in Vancouver. Over 300 starry-eyed lovers have exchanged vows in the heart of the city, supporting a local cause with a donation. Organizers have announced that this will be the final year of free weddings at Robson Square, so your last chance to be a part of this unique (and fabulously frugal) ceremony is April 14th.
Free Weddings at Robson Square
When: Sunday, April 14, 2019 Registration at 10:00am, ceremonies 11:00am to 5:00pm Where: Robson Square (under 800 block Robson St, Vancouver) Cost: Bring you marriage license and a $20 donation to the Vancouver Food Bank.
The event will be first come first served but they will do their best to marry everyone that comes down that day. Couples only need themselves as well as a properly filled out marriage license. Having some witnesses is always a good idea but not 100% necessary. Pop Up Weddings asks that couples dress for the weather.
Vancouver TheatreSports (“VTS”) is thrilled to present Throne and Games – The Last Laugh at The Improv Centre on Granville Island every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30pm from Friday, April 26 to Saturday, June 15, 2019.
The satirical parody, loosely based on HBO’s popular TV series, will feature some familiar characters along with a myriad of unexpected plot twists as suggested by the audience. Because of this key element, no two performances can be the same. As in its TV inspiration, the audience has no idea what to expect next…and neither do the improvisers.
Vancouver TheatreSports Presents Throne and Games – The Last Laugh
When: April 26 – June 15, 2019 Thursday-Saturday @ 7:30pm Where: The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau St on Granville Island) Tickets: From $10.75 online
VTS improvisers are master actors – creating the plot line, and developing the characters and dialogue on the spot based on audience involvement and suggestions. It’s this unpredictability that adds to the humour of every performance and has audiences returning to see different performances of the same show again and again.
With a new scenario mapped out by popular ensemble members Graeme Duffy and Denise Jones, a murderous cast of characters, an innovative set by Mo Sherwood and more plot twists than the original TV show, this all-new VTS production comes with a severe hilarity warning: attendance could lead to sore sides from laughing. Which of the characters will have the last laugh and sit triumphant on the Iron Throne? Who knows? You’ll have to come and see for yourself to find out.
For more information follow Vancouver TheaterSports on Twitter and Facebook.
Vancouver is known for its annual Shakespeare festival Bard on the Beach, which takes place in Vanier Park, but did you know there’s another tribute to the bard in Stanley Park? Located near the Rose Garden on the northwest side of Pipeline Road, you’ll find the Shakespeare Garden monument.
“Developed to reflect the aspirations of early Vancouver, the Shakespeare Garden is a secluded arboretum of trees mentioned in the Bard’s plays and poems. The first tree was planted by Mrs. Jonathan Rogers in 1916 on the three hundred year anniversary of the Bard’s death.”
It’s been over 100 years since the arboretum was planted and to this day you can walk through a grove of black walnut, red oak, atlas cedar and a dozen other trees most of which feature tags that include quotes from Shakespeare’s works.
Why, ’tis a cockle or a walnut shell, A knack, a toy, a trick, a baby’s cap.
The Taming of the Shrew (IV.iii.66)
The first tree was planted in 1916, additional trees were planted in 1921 by actress Eva Moore and Sir John Martin Harvey and the garden officially opened on August 28, 1936 thanks to the Kilbe Shakespeare Circle and the Vancouver Shakespeare Society.
The worthy fellow is our general: he is the rock, the oak not to be windshaken.
Coriolanus (V.ii.116)
Some of the other trees originally planted include fir, beech, catalpa, fern leaf beech, tree of heaven, flowering ash, pacific dogwood, and laval hawthorn.
While Vancouver’s version of a Shakespeare garden is less architecturally groomed than others you might find around the world, the grove’s diverse canopy seems like a fitting west coast tribute.
LitFest New West brings together readers, writers, community for two days of celebrating New Westminster’s literary arts community April 26 & 27, 2019.
9th Annual LitFest New West
When: April 26 & 27, 2019 Where: Various venues including 100 Braid Street Studios, Anvil Centre, Old Crow Coffee Co and River Market Tickets: Free! Register online here.
Showcasing BC’s vibrant talent, the 9th annual LitFest New West returns with an exciting mix of featured author events, writing workshops, and poetry panels at venues throughout New Westminster.
The festival will begin with a special kickoff with Natural State: Three Poets at 100 Braid Street Studios from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Friday April 26, 2019. A poetry panel featuring Jónína Kirton, Rob Taylor, and Isabella Wang will be moderated by Christina Myers. Presented in partnership with the Federation of BC Writers, this event features three accomplished poets sharing their most recent works.
Saturday features a wide range of author workshops for literary artists looking to develop their skills. Royal City Literary Arts Society have curated four writing workshops taking place on Saturday April 27, 2019 at the Anvil Centre. Presenting authors include a sensory writing workshop with Cynthia Sharp, understanding how literary artists are performers with Tawahum Bige and Chelsea Franz, a flash fiction workshop with Cathleen With and Indigenous storytelling with Tekatsi’tsaneken Everstz.
Saturday’s featured evening event, Read Aloud: An Evening of Writers, takes place at River Market (7:00pm to 9:00pm) featuring a presentation of New Westminster’s newest Poet Laureate, Alan Hill, the unveiling of the winners of the 2019 Darychuk Law Short Story Competition, a partnership between the New West Hospice Society and the Arts Council of New Westminster.
The festival will be rounded out with a variety of workshops and events happening throughout the community featuring readings by local authors and poets. New West Writers hosts a Critique Session at the Anvil Centre, there will be a Slam Poetry event by the New Westminster Secondary School Creative Writing Club, and Stories from the Heart will be held in the back room of Old Crow Coffee Co presented by Laughter Zone 101.
Welcome back to the Vancouver Sun Run! If you’re checking this page in 2022, here is the route map around Downtown Vancouver and False Creek:
2019 Sun Run Road Closures and Route Map
The 2019 Vancouver Sun Run presented by Ford of Canada takes place Sunday, April 14th at 9:00am in downtown Vancouver. Online registration closes tomorrow (April 10th) for Canada’s largest 10K road race, however you can register in person only, at the Vancouver Sun Run Fair at BC Place before the end of day on April 13th.
