Promo image for sad mag’s launch party for issue 38: *play* ON JULY 5

Welcome to the first-ever edition of Mood Swing, a new weekly event round-up from SAD Online. Each week, we'll share a carefully curated list of five upcoming local events and activities that won't break the bank (or your heart). Expect workshops, walking tours, live performances, markets, art shows and whatever else we think will fill you with the inspiration you need to get through the week (and fight that summertime SAD-ness).

Find some ideas to fill those gaps in your calendar, share the list with a friend and subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the list straight to your inbox every Thursday.

SAD MAG LAUNCH PARTY ☆ Shameless self promo alert! SAD Mag is hosting a launch party for our newest issue PLAY at Vines Art Society on Saturday, July 5th at 8 p.m. Mingle with fellow artists, meet SAD volunteers and contributors and be the first to read the new issue! You can also enjoy some playful drag from SKIM and Percy Pegg, live music by Rafa, drinks from our sponsor Luppolo Brewing Co., prizes and more!

SATURDAY, JULY 5 8PM - 12AM ☆ VINES ART SOCIETY, 825 E HASTINGS ST ☆ TICKETS ($18)

ART BOOK FAIR ☆ The Vancouver Art Book Fair is back Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. Browse booths and catch talks from over 100 local and international publishers, writers and artists—all for free! Learn from Saturday’s panel featuring writers working at the intersection of contemporary and literary art, take Sunday’s art writing and bookmaking workshop or discover your new favourite book at the exhibition hall. Find the full schedule of panels, workshops and performances on their website.

FRIDAY, JULY 4 - SUNDAY, JULY 6 ☆ ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY ARTS AND RECREATION CENTRE, 181 ROUNDHOUSE MEWS ☆ FREE ENTRY

SEE LAI COMEDY ☆ Come support your local comedy scene at this all-Asian comedy lineup that's sure to make you giggle! See Lai Comedy promises to share the Asian experience from the perspective of seven Asian comics, including host Kay, known for her multi-sold-out show Trans Girls Raw and Uncut. Catch the show at Little Mountain Gallery’s Raccoon Room on Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 5 7:30PM ☆ LITTLE MOUNTAIN GALLERY, 110 WATER ST ☆ TICKETS ($15)

WINE SOCIAL ☆ Fruit Forward's queer wine socials are back and kicking off the summer with a patio party at The Birdhouse on Friday, July 4! Connect with fellow wine lovers and enjoy a curated selection of natural and non-alcoholic wines while playing games and dancing under the sun. Since launching in 2023, Fruit Forward has filled Vancouver summers with wine tastings and classes made approachable and fun with the addition of live DJs, drag, burlesque and event pottery painting. If you can’t make it to this one, be sure to keep an eye out for their future events!

FRIDAY, JULY 4 5PM - 10PM ☆ THE BIRDHOUSE, 44 W 4TH AVE ☆ TICKETS ($15)

FREE MURAL TOUR ☆ Ever wonder about the story behind that cool mural you always see on your walk to your fav Main Street cafe? Vancouver DeTours offers free street art and mural tours in Mount Pleasant three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Tours include detailed explanations of 20-30 murals, emphasizes Indigenous artists and uses street art to explore larger topics like gentrification, colonialism and public art policy.

EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SUNDAY, VARIOUS TIMES ☆ MOUNT PLEASANT ☆ FREE (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)