Mood Swing (August 7, 2025)
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A COLLAGE FROM ONE OF SAD MAG’S PAST COLLAGE NIGHTS AT SLICE OF LIFE
The weather may have taken a turn for the worst, but let’s not forget it’s still summer here in Raincover! Even though the sun is taking a break, Mood Swing never rests from giving you the best free and low-cost arts and culture events to keep things bright.
This week, I have another delectable soup of events to serve you, from SAD’s very own collage workshop, to a burlesque show, to a live mural art festival that will make you forget this is our first summer in nearly a decade without the Vancouver Mural Festival (RIP). Keep reading to find out more and don’t forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the list straight to your inbox every Thursday!
COLLAGE NIGHT ☆ Get creative with some scissors, glue and old issues of SAD Magazine at SAD’s collage night at Slice of Life on Tuesday, August 12. Newbies can try out this super beginner-friendly and rewarding medium, while seasoned collagists can take advantage of some primo collaging materials with all the incredible art and prose from SAD’s backlog. Meet new friends, create a masterpiece and don’t miss the chance to score some SAD merch and our latest issue PLAY!
TUESDAY AUGUST 12, 7PM - 9PM ☆ SLICE OF LIFE, 1636 VENABLES ST ☆ TICKETS ($10)
BURLESQUE SHOW ☆ Let yourself get teased and tantalized at Ventura Room’s burlesque night on Friday, August 8, featuring artists from Vancouver Burlesque Company. If you’ve never been to a burlesque show, this is a great low-cost option to get yourself hooked on the seductive performance art. Plus, it just feels super classy to sip on a cocktail while watching beautiful people dance in gorgeous feathered garments.
FRIDAY AUGUST 8, 8PM ☆ VENTURA ROOM, 695 CAMBIE ST ☆ TICKETS ($10)
promo poster for chinatown today’s “let’s walk chinatown” event on august 9 at 2:30 p.m.
LET’S WALK CHINATOWN! ☆ Chinatown Today is celebrating the launch of their “Let’s Walk Chinatown!” card deck with a free interactive event taking visitors through the historic neighbourhood on Saturday, August 9. The 32-card deck features unique activities and memories from Chinatown residents with art from four local illustrators. The launch party will include a scavenger hunt, kung fu and lion dance workshops, arts and crafts and more!
SATURDAY AUGUST 9, 2:30PM - 6:30PM ☆ CHINATOWN MEMORIAL PLAZA, 135-137 KEEFER ST ☆ FREE! (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION ☆ If you’re willing to trek to the faraway land of Burnaby, check out this photographer's presentation at Deer Lake Gallery on Wednesday, August 13. A team of photographers representing Canada in the World Photographic Cup will be showcasing their work and discussing the award-winning images from past Canadian medalists. Enjoy the photographic excellence Canada has to offer and find out more about how to submit work for consideration.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 13, 7PM - 9PM ☆ DEER LAKE GALLERY, 6584 DEER LAKE AVE, BURNABY ☆ FREE! (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)
ASTRO ARTS FESTIVAL ☆ If there’s a Vancouver Mural Fest-sized hole in your heart this summer, check out the Astro Arts Festival, running this weekend from August 8 to 10. The stacked lineup features an opening exhibition, two days of block parties, open artist studios and live art battles. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, drop into the alley behind the Astro Club to watch over 30 street artists bring their work to life while enjoying a beer garden, live DJs and an artist market.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 10 ☆ ASTRO CLUB, 165 W 4TH AVE ☆ FREE!
