The Vancouver Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (Aug. 18)

Welcome back to the Vancouver Group Chat, a roundup of some of the city’s biggest updates and bits to send your friends. While it’s easy to get lost in the reels and the endless scrolling, we’ve done the work for you and compiled a little list of some fun events, summer spots, and ways to maximize every last drop of the season.

Here’s what your friends are talking about this week in Vancouver (Aug. 18).

What’s new, Vancouver?

A little Robson Public Market nostalgia

One (of many) things that’s practically guaranteed when you open up the Vancouver subreddit is the occasional upvoted historical photo, painting a picture of what the city was like in a different time. Nostalgia is a powerful feeling, people!

This post of the Robson Public Market is currently making its rounds with a photo taken in 1986, showcasing the market in a completely different light.

“Robson used to look so different; love seeing these old shots,” says one Redditor.

“That used to be such a great little market back in the day. I worked part time for a couple years at the wine store that was in there,” adds another.

“I went in there a few years ago for the first time since the ’80s, and was surprised to see it approaching a Sun Wah Centre level of decay.”

Batch lands at Trout Lake

Everyone’s favourite container bar has officially opened at Trout Lake (John Hendry Park), marking the fourth Batch location in Metro Vancouver. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cheeky beverage and soak up every last bit of sunshine, and we’re sure it will serve as a cozy gathering spot during the rainier and colder months, too.

Don’t get us wrong; we’re all about plopping down on a picnic blanket by the lake, but we’re of the mind that a designated spot for drinks and live music is a welcome addition to any city park.

And just when we thought Trout Lake couldn’t get any more chic.

Batch Trout Lake is now open Friday to Sunday, from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and from noon on Saturday and Sunday.

The last secret rooftop concert of summer

Summer’s not over until the very last Sofar Sounds rooftop concert concludes, and even then, there will still be a handful of outdoor events to check out. But this rooftop series in North Van is undeniably one of the most anticipated events of the season, and for very good reason.

Overlooking the gorgeous Vancouver skyline, the ocean, and mountains, the specific rooftop location will drop closer to the date (Saturday, Aug. 29), but the sunset views and sounds will be every bit as memorable as their other rooftop events.

As of now, three secret artists will perform a mix of country, rock, soul, folk, and r&b; so there will be a little something for every music lover.

Snag your tickets before they’re gone.

Can’t make it to this one? There’s also a concert on top of Grouse Mountain on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Your sign to do something random

• Put on your dancing shoes at this Cuban Social Dance session on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
• Start that project you’ve been putting off at this artist cowork session on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
• Enjoy a free outdoor reggae concert at the Cambie and 18th plaza on Thursday, Aug. 20.
• Check out a local author talk with Book Warehouse at the Main and 21st plaza on Thursday, Aug. 20.
• Indulge in a Caribbean barbecue and lime outside of LIVIA on Friday, Aug. 21.
• Check out the Food Collective Show at Slice of Life on Friday, Aug. 21, which spotlights the work of over 30 local artists.
• Peruse an open-air antique market at the Main and 21st plaza on Sunday, Aug. 22.
• Grab a limited-edition “pizza dawg” from Mimi’s Focaccia at Vin Van’s next Granville Island Pop-up on Friday, Aug. 21.

Get out there and make the most of the sunshine!

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