MOOD SWING (MAY 14-21, 2026)
/It’s May long weekend, Vancouver’s unofficial start of summer!
Whether you’re staying put to avoid gas prices and ferry lines, or stoked to treat the city like your own extended backyard, this weekend is begging for art, connection and a little romance. From stacked gallery walls, to cathartic movie watching and speed dating on the seawall, fun awaits below—no camping gear required.
FRIENDS & FAMBLI ASTRO ☆ SAD Mag loves Astro, and I can’t wait to see what this art studio has in store for its latest edition of Friends & Fambli Show on Friday, May 15. The gallery walls will be stacked with work from 60+ faves, babes and beauties, plus sonic and visual accompaniments from the group Unsanctioned. Works will be for sale, drinks will be flowing and friends will be waiting to be made. Can’t make opening night? The show runs through May 22 by appointment.
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 6PM – 1AM ☆ 165 W 4TH AVE ☆ FREE
WALK AND FLIRT ☆ Sick of swiping? This Saturday’s Speed Dating Walk offers a romantic, low‑pressure way to meet fellow singles while taking in the views along the Stanley Park seawall. You’ll pair off for five‑minute walking chats, rotate, and then quietly indicate who you’d like to connect with post‑walk. Wear your comfy shoes and bring your whimsy.
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 3PM – 5PM ☆ MEET AT 1940 W GEORGIA ST ☆ $17
LOCAL FILM, FULL CIRCLE ☆ Award‑winning director Sophy Romvari makes her feature debut with Blue Heron at The Rio Theatre this week. It’s described as a lyrical, devastating coming‑of‑age story set on Vancouver Island in the late ’90s. Coincidentally, Romvari used to sell tickets and pop popcorn at the Rio, making these screenings especially sweet.
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 4:45PM | MONDAY, MAY 18, 2:30 PM ☆ 1660 E BROADWAY ☆ $16
HISTORY THROUGH HAIDA EYES ☆ MOA’s powerful new exhibition, I Use My Haida Eyes: The History Robes of Jut-ke-Nay–Hazel Wilson, opens this weekend. Opening‑day curatorial tours, led by MOA Curator ɬəkʷəlqinəm–Jordan Wilson offer a deeper dive into the late Haida artist’s genre‑defying body of work.
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 11AM – 1:30PM ☆ 6393 NW MARINE DR ☆ $26
A VERY SAD‑APPROVED ALBUM DROP ☆ After much anticipation, the release party for Francis Baptiste’s third full‑length album Lived Experience in East Vancouver is happening at Green Auto on Saturday, May 16. The show will feature friend of SAD Mag Dust Cwaine, Cara Bateman and ?NUMB?DAME?
Francis and Dust are SAD Cast alum, so you already know I think they’re great.
SATURDAY, MAY 16 ☆ 8PM ☆ 1822 PANDORA ST. ☆ $15 ONLINE / $20 DOOR
