I have an exciting announcement to share with you this week. Today is my birthday! I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself as your esteemed Mood Swing curator.

My name is Phoebe, I’m a freelance journalist and researcher originally from Calgary and have been living in Vancouver for four years. I’m a Leo sun, Sagittarius moon and Gemini rising, and you don’t have to know much about astrology to know that means I am insane. I love lake swims, horror movies, fruity beers, reality TV and my Google calendar. I have always been the planner friend who loves hunting for cool events and keeping busy, which makes Mood Swing and me a match made in Type A heaven.

In the spirit of this most sacred holiday (my birthday, duh), this week’s list includes some of my favourite summer activities: watching bad movies, singing karaoke and making cool art! Read on to celebrate my birthday week in style and don’t forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the list straight to your inbox every Thursday!

SING AT FUNKY WINKER BEANS ☆ You may be shocked at how I can in good conscience recommend this place, but I would be remiss to leave it off my birthday list. I’ve dragged a group of friends to karaoke at Funky’s every birthday for the last three years because nothing beats the free cover, cheap drinks and chance to have a rock star moment on a stage. Just make sure to submit your song by 10:30 p.m. if you want to sing before your friends get too tired and go home!

EVERY NIGHT AFTER 9PM ☆ FUNKY WINKER BEANS, 37 W HASTINGS ☆ FREE

B MOVIE DOUBLE FEATURE ☆ Perhaps you’ve seen Tommy Wiseau’s cult classic so-bad-it’s-good movie, 2003’s The Room, but have you seen his 2023 follow-up Big Shark? Lucky for you, you can catch both in an iconic double feature at the Rio Theatre on Thursday, August 21, hosted by the star of both movies, Greg Sestero. Bring some plastic spoons (IYKYK) and revel in the B-movie glory.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 7PM ☆ RIO THEATRE, 1660 E BROADWAY ☆ TICKETS ($30)

BLACK BLOCK PARTY ☆ Celebrate Black culture and creativity this Sunday, August 23, at the Black Block Party outside the Vancouver Art Gallery! Now in its fourth year, the event aims to bring Vancouver’s Black community together and create a platform for expression and visibility. Enjoy a full lineup of performers, DJs and drag and explore the offerings from local Black vendors and food trucks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 1PM - 9PM ☆ VANCOUVER ART GALLERY NORTH PLAZA ☆ TICKETS (FREE OR BY DONATION)

FREE CRAFT WORKSHOP ☆ Gallery Gachet is offering their final free craft workshop of the summer this Wednesday, August 27, at Oppenheimer Park. This week, experiment with some cyanotype patch-making to spruce up an old tote bag or add a DIY touch to your wardrobe. No experience necessary and all materials are provided!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2PM - 4PM ☆ OPPENHEIMER PARK, 400 POWELL ST ☆ FREE!

LIFE DRAWING ☆ If you’ve been wanting to get into or practice life drawing, the timeless art of sketching live nude models, check out the classes at Slice of Life. Offered every Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Saturday and Sunday morning, these accessible classes offer minimal instruction but are open to all levels. Drawing boards and easels are provided, and paper and drawing utensils are available for purchase.

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS ☆ SLICE OF LIFE, 1636 VENABLES ST ☆ TICKETS ($10)

SAD Online

Mood Swing (August 21, 2025)