The Lumière Festival in Downtown Vancouver is celebrating its tenth year of illuminating dark nights with captivating artworks, projections, free performances, interactive workshops.

Lumière Festival Around Downtown Vancouver

• Date: November 2 – 6, 2023
• Admission: Free

This year, the free and accessible Lumière Festival will showcase a variety of artists and their works of art, including international artists from France, Poland and the United States. The interactive, light-based pieces will be displayed in locations across downtown Vancouver, the West End, Yaletown, and Gastown neighbourhoods, including:

Opening Night

To kick off the festivities, an open-air spectacle at šxʷƛ̓ ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery, North Plaza) is planned for the evening of Thursday, November 2nd and will feature dynamic performances from Ember Arts, Elektric Collective and more.

“The 10th anniversary of Lumière represents a decade of artistic expression, community engagement, and the joy of experiencing our city in a new light,” says Deb Beaudreau, curator of the 10th annual festival. “I am honoured to be part of the journey this year, and can’t wait for everyone to see the incredible works of art and performances we have in store this November.”

Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram for more info.

Browse free/low-cost events around Vancouver »

Megaphone Magazine’s 2024 Hope in Shadows Calendar launched at the Carnegie Community Centre last Thursday. Hope in Shadows is a photography project that shares the stories of people living in extreme poverty through their own lens. Finalists were celebrated at the 21st annual event, and street sales of the calendar by low-income and homeless vendors began.

2024 Hope in Shadows Calendar

This year, Megaphone’s Hope in Shadows Calendar engaged a record of 150 Downtown Eastside (DTES) community members to take photos of hope and resolve in the face of poverty with a disposable camera. The 2024 theme being: “A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood“.

Over 2,500 images were pared down by a community jury and voted on by the public over the summer. Last week, the 13 finalist images were awarded in a public forum and then the calendar went on sale to low-income vendors for $10 who sell it on the street for $20, keeping the profit.

The project challenges the stigma that surrounds poverty by making space for marginalized people to share their own experiences and perspectives. Additionally, it is a way for people with multiple barriers to traditional employment to generate a meaningful income, develop soft skills and act as ambassadors for the DTES community.

Since 2004, the Hope in Shadows project has put more than $1.7 million directly into the pockets of low-income vendors in BC.

Local volunteer and community member, Ali Kenny, won the cover photo for this year’s contest. Her image, “Friendship” features two DTES locals outside of The Drinkers’ Lounge, a community-managed alcohol program in the Downtown Eastside that supports those with alcohol use disorder.

Lisa Curry, Megaphone’s executive director, says the community shows up in force every year eager to express themselves through photography. “Over 5 days, 150 participants went out into the streets with a disposable camera in hand. We were elated by the response and even heard stories of friends and family being reconnected through this project. Hope in Shadows has a profound and immeasurable impact on the community.”

Get Yours Today

Megaphone street vendors in Vancouver are now selling the calendar. You can find and pay vendors directly with their smartphone using the Megaphone App, available for free download from the Apple and Google Play stores. You can also purchase the calendar, magazine, and notecards online and receive them via mail or in-person pick-up through Megaphone’s online store.

Miss604’s Rebecca Bollwitt has been a columnist for Megaphone since 2020.

A beloved East Vancouver tradition, the legendary Parade of Lost Souls, is happening Saturday, October 28th with a whimsical blend of art, music, and dance.

Parade of Lost Souls 2023

• Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023
• Time: 6:30pm to 10:00pm
• Location: Britannia Library (1661 Napier St, Vancouver)

New this year, “choose-your-own-adventure” parades are happening at 7:30pm and 8:30pm, where you will have to choose between three bands going in three different directions.

The Parade of Little Souls for young people occurs just before 6:30pm.

The Lost Souls After Party will take place at The Wise Hall (1882 Adanac St) following the parades at 10:00pm, soaring into the witching hours and rejoicing in the magical blend of the night. This is a 19+ event.

Workshops

Sign up for workshops here for $10 suggested donation:

Do the Time Warp
Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Britannia Community Centre (1655 William St)
Learn the original, super fun, and very simple choreography to “The Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For ages 15-75.

Thriller Flash Mob
Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Cafeteria  – Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier St)
Let’s party like it’s 1899…learn the original choreography of Michael Jackson’s record setting break out hit Thriller. For ages 15-75.

Witches Dance Workshop
Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm (the last of four sessions)
Cafeteria  – Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier St)

Happy Hour Drop-In Friday

Join The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret on Friday October 20th at 2050 Scotia St (entrance at loading bay) where you can do a variety of things, including: make a costume; buy a costume; contribute to set decoration preparations; meet potential collaborators; perform karaoke on the custom LED dance floor; get a tour of the space; volunteer with the team; and more!

​Through this diverse array of workshops leading up to the grandeur of the Parade of Lost Souls, participants are not just attendees but become an integral part of the performance, immersing themselves in dance, music, and artistry.

Every soul is invited to help turn the community into a canvas of expressive art, echoing the unison of spirits and the enigmatic whispers of Halloween. Follow on Facebook for more information.

Browse more Vancouver Festivals this season »

InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care will host the 8th annual A Night to Inspire Gala on November 1st to raise funds to ensure cancer patients and their loved ones have free access to supportive care programs and services across British Columbia.

A Night to Inspire Gala

• Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
• Time: 5:30pm
• Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver)
• Admission: Tickets are available now

This enchanting event unites over 500 members of BC’s philanthropic community in a shared commitment to supportive cancer care. Hosted by legendary emcee Fred Lee and CTV news anchor Mi-Jung Lee, the gala promises a night of entertainment, inspiration, and giving.

Guests will be treated to a gourmet 3 course meal accompanied by wine, have the opportunity to bid on bespoke auction items, and enjoy inspiring performances and patient stories that truly make this a night to remember.

Every ticket purchased, every donation made, provides better health and recovery options for cancer patients in need across British Columbia.

About InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care

For over 25 years, InspireHealth has profoundly impacted the mental and physical health of cancer patients throughout British Columbia.

Their compassionate approach provides supportive care through stress reduction, counselling, exercise therapy, nutritional support, and education to assist patients in their recovery while helping to improve overall quality of life. All services are free and can be accessed in person or virtually, making supportive care more convenient and accessible to cancer patients across the province.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of our healthcare system and increased the challenges faced by those navigating their cancer journey throughout this unprecedented time. As such, the need for supplemental supportive cancer care is higher than ever, with the number of patient visitations seen by InspireHealth more than doubling since the onset of the pandemic.

Win Tickets

I have a pair of tickets to give away for this incredible event, here’s how you can enter to win:

Follow InspireHealth on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Miss604 is a Media Sponsor of the A Night to Inspire Gala

There’s a solid lineup of indoor and outdoor family friendly Halloween activities in Metro Vancouver this year, with old favourites returning alongside new activities and adventures for all ages. Here are Miss604’s top picks:

Family Friendly Halloween Around Vancouver

Burnaby

Haunted Village at Burnaby Village Museum

• When: October 19-22 and 26-29 at 5:00pm until 9:00pm
• Where: Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby)
• Admission: Purchase tickets online. Adult General Admission $10, Children 2-12 $5

Central Spark

• When: Friday, October 27th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
• Where: Patterson Ave (Kingsway to Central Blvd) & Central Park (Kingsway & Patterson Ave)
• Admission: There is free fun for everyone including a spooky outdoor maze, roving entertainment, carnival games, art activities, a photobooth, food trucks and a fireworks finale all taking place in Central Park. Don’t miss the fireworks finale at 8:15pm!

Trick or Treating at Metropolis at Metrotown

• When: Tuesday, October 31st from 2:00pm to 6:00pm
• Where: Participating retailers + Grand Court activities (Metropolis at Metrotown)
• Admission: Free!

Halloween Howler

• When: Saturday, October 28th from 10:00am to 12:00pm
• Where: Cameron Recreation Complex (9523 Cameron St)
• Admission: Free! Recommended for families with children 8 and under. Dress up and enjoy children’s crafts, a gymnastic circuit, Monster Mash dance, face painting and more.

Ghouls & Goblins Toonie Skate

• When: Saturday, October 28th from 12:15pm to 2:00pm
• Where: Bill Copeland Sports Centre (3676 Kensington Avenue)
• Admission: $2 per person, free for children 3 and under. Skates and helmet included in admission. Costumes are encouraged!

Pumpkins After Dark

• When: October 6 – 31, open Thursdays through Sundays after sunset
• Where: Swangard Stadium 6100 Boundary Rd, Burnaby
• Admission: Purchase tickets online in advance.