Although it still feels like late August, autumn midterm season has kicked into high gear. The Ubyssey has a list of event recommendations to help you relax and wring out your brain like a sponge.
Whether you're in the mood for some contemplative visual art, upbeat dance performance or autumnal outdoor activities, remember to take some time for yourself this October — you deserve it!
Elemental Cinema Tour (October 11, 1–2 p.m., Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery)
Elemental Cinema brings together the collaborative film works of social justice professor Denise Ferreira da Silva and artist Arjuna Neuman. This exhibition includes installations of their films to date: Serpent Rain (2016), 4 Waters — Deep Implicancy (2019), and Soot Breath // Corpus Infinitum (2020). The three films, exhibited together for the first time, present an immersive experience situating the body in relation to the four elements.
Free admission. To RSVP please contact belkin.tours@ubc.ca.
Dissolve (October 11, 7:30–8:30 p.m., Chan Centre)
Following a college girl on a night out, one actress plays 16 characters, both comic and dramatic. Moving back and forth from bedroom to bar scenes, Dissolve addresses the serious issues of sexual consent and drug-facilitated sexual assault from a darkly humorous perspective. The show is designed to provoke thought and dialogue about dating abuse and consent.
$10 or free admission for UBC students using promo code ART22
Art Immortal (October 13–22, 6–11 p.m., The Beaumont Studios)
Enjoy the immersive combination of an escape room, haunted house and theatrical performance in this interactive art installation created by AIya — "Vancouver's first autonomous AI artist." This hour-long event will definitely be a surreal Halloween experience.
$25 (Sundays), $40 regular, 19+
Good things take time: Joy Kinna Fall Art Show (October 13, 6:30–8:00 p.m., Sundays Vancouver Showroom)
Join Joy Kinna at the Sundays Vancouver Showroom for the launch of her much-anticipated fall collection, Good things take time. Enjoy light bites, drinks, and good conversation as you take in the art amidst thoughtfully designed furniture. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the work on presale.
Free
UBC Apple Festival (October 15–16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., UBC Botanical Garden)
Support UBC’s Botanical Garden through this community fundraising event, which includes a multitude of apple displays, food options and live entertainment. The ticket also includes full access to the Botanical Garden and Greenheart Walk.
$9, all ages
Eastside spotlights: Open Stage Drag Show (October 16, 7 p.m.–12 a.m.)
Interested in trying your hand at drag? This all levels, all bodies, queer drag variety show is for you! Email eastsidespotlights@gmail.com to participate, or simply attend as a spectator to support new drag talent.
$11
Art Battle Vancouver (October 22, 6–10 p.m., The Red Room)
Come watch the paint fly before your eyes and help vote to determine the winner as artists battle the clock and each other in three fast-paced rounds. All artwork will also be available for auction during this incredible night of community and creation!
$22
Treat show comedy (October 15–November 17, The China Cloud)
Treat Show is the weekend comedy fireworks you know you want — and in truth, desperately need. Each Saturday, six exceptional, randy improvisers come together for two glorious comedy shows. An exquisitely fun, 90-minute celebration of improv delight.
$20
Creative Reflections Open Studio (October 12–December 21, 1525 W 7th Ave)
No art experience or fee is necessary for this open studio artistic time — just a willingness to connect in creative ways. The space can look like whatever you need — whether it be time for you to be social and creative with others or a time for you to reflect on yourself.
Free
Discover Dance! VanVogueJam (October 27, 12 p.m.–1 p.m., Scotiabank Dance Centre)
Join local Vancouver performers from the Kiki Ballroom Scene in an afternoon showcasing the dance style's grace, symmetry and precision, while honouring the Black, Latinx, Trans, and Queer communities from which this cultural phenomenon emerged.
$13–$15, all ages
Harvest Days (October 2–30 on Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m., VanDusen Botanical Garden)
Celebrate the fall season with a wonderful array of fun activities and entertainment, including live music, food vendors, and a crafts section. Afterward, explore the garden and experience the beautiful autumn scenery along with a variety of trees and vegetation.
$0–$8.60, all ages