Mood Swing (December 18, 2025)
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Friends! ’Tis the season when your calendar is already doing the absolute most, but Mood Swing is still coming in hot with free and affordable events to carry you through the final stretch of the year — including a free New Year’s Eve party (yes, really!).
Before we dive in: This week’s Mood Swing is coming to you from, Lindsey, SAD’s Marketing Director, while our newsletter editor Phoebe is lying on a sunny beach in Mexico. I, on the other hand, have forgotten what the sun looks like entirely. But our fearless editor deserves a vacation, and I’m very happy to step in while she’s recharging.
We launched Mood Swing this year to highlight arts and culture events in Vancouver — especially the ones led by emerging artists and community organizers — and share things you could actually say yes to, even on a tight budget. As a volunteer-run organization, we can’t cover everything on the site or in print, so this little newsletter has become a way to show some love to our community. Hearing that you’ve been enjoying it (and actually using it!) has meant the world to our team.
A quick heads up: Mood Swing will be taking a short holiday break, but we’ll be back January 8 with more events to turn your frown upside down (subscribe for the email newsletter here). And if you’re anything like me, January is when that help is needed most. Until then, here’s what’s on for the final stretch of 2025.
THE DRIVE FOR PALESTINE ☆ Support the Gaza Soup Kitchen with an all-day community fundraiser this Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11a.m. to 6.p.m at Britannia Community Centre. Expect a local vendors market, Palestinian food, an art exhibit, cultural performances, a kids’ corner, raffles, and more.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 ☆ BRITANNIA COMMUNITY CENTRE - GYM D, 1661 NAPIER ST ☆ FREE/BY DONATION
BURLESQUE CHRISTMAS PARTY ☆ If you loved the burlesque performances at the SAD launch party, this one’s for you. Everyone’s welcome to the Vancouver Burlesque Company’s festive floorshow on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Ventura Room starring their instructors, followed by holiday hangs and a dance party.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 ☆ VENTURA ROOM, 695 CAMBIE ST ☆ TICKETS ($14)
HOLIDAY DRAG-STRIP-CABARET ☆ Christmas, but make it filthy! Man Up presents XXX-MAS, a holiday drag-strip-cabaret at the Birdhouse, on Dec. 27 from 9 pm to late, that promises festive chaos in the sexiest way possible.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 ☆ THE BIRDHOUSE, 44 WEST 4TH AVE ☆ TICKETS ($15–20)
LITERARY LAUNCH PARTY ☆ We had to sneak in something for our literary lovers (and those who need a break from the holiday chaos). Join friends of SAD Chthonic Lit on Dec. 29 at Enabling Arts as they celebrate one year of storytelling and the launch of their newest issue. Expect drinks, raffles and secret works.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 ☆ ENABLING ARTS, 343 RAILWAY ST ☆ FREE! (RSVP)
FREE NEW YEAR'S DANCE PARTY ☆ A free New Year’s Eve party?? In this economy?? The Lido always delivers—and this time with a dance party featuring disco, house, and new wave vinyl. Come early, stay late, kiss your lovers, kiss your haters, and say goodbye to 2025.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 ☆ THE LIDO, 518 E. BROADWAY ☆ FREE!
