I don’t know about you, but I feel just about ready to enter my post-summer coma. After a full season of late nights, beach hangs and a packed schedule, even this social butterfly needs a break.

That’s why this week I’m bringing you a full list of cool art events that you can swing by solo or with your comfort people. Most run for multiple days and some don’t require tickets so that you can stop by whenever inspiration strikes! Check out a movie at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, enter a storybook world at a children’s art show and don’t forget to subscribe to the Mood Swing newsletter to get the list straight to your inbox every Thursday!

QUEER FILM FEST ☆ It’s the most wonderful time of the year for queer cinephiles with the return of the 37th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival. The festival includes 100 films from 25 countries, focusing on 2SLGBTQIA+ stories, and will also feature parties, performances, post-screening Q&As and industry events. Find the full program of films online!

SEPTEMBER 11 - 21 ☆ VARIOUS VENUES ☆ TICKETS ($7 - $19)

BACKYARD THEATRE ☆ Check out the final weekend of Eyelevel Theatre’s Brave Hearts, a play by Harry S. Rintoul about a fateful late-summer night at a queer party in the Prairies. This production is extra immersive, taking place in an East Van backyard with a mixture of chairs and blanket seating.

SEPTEMBER 11 - 13, 7PM ☆ 91 W 19TH AVE ☆ TICKETS ($22)

CHILDREN’S ART GALLERY ☆ Embrace your inner child and check out Tombolo House House, a pop-up children’s art gallery taking over a West End heritage house from September 12 to 21! Each room will be transformed with interactive exhibits and over 100 works of art from kids aged 3 to 10. Find the full schedule of pop-ups or workshops on their website.

SEPTEMBER 12 - 21 ☆ 753 CARDERO ST ☆ TICKETS ($10)

WESTERN ART SHOW ☆ Back for a second year, check out NEO NOIR 2: BADLANDS Art Show, a one-night-only exhibit of dark Western-inspired art from 16 artists. The show will feature paintings, photography, film, live tattooing, live music and DJs. Yeehaw!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7PM - 1AM ☆ 1885 FRANKLIN ST ☆ FREE!

FREE ART GALLERY ☆ Pendulum Gallery is hosting the annual Splash Preview Exhibition, featuring 92 artworks from emerging and acclaimed Canadian and international artists to view for free! The show features painting, photography, sculpture, and print media that will all be sold at auction on October 4, if you’re feeling fancy.

MONDAYS - SATURDAYS UNTIL OCTOBER 2 ☆ PENDULUM GALLERY, 885 W GEORGIA ST ☆ FREE!

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Mood Swing (September 11, 2025)