The Vancouver Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (Sept. 22)

Welcome back to the Vancouver Group Chat, a weekly roundup of some of the city’s most exciting updates. If they haven’t hit your algorithm or group chats yet, now is your chance to spread the word.

It’s officially the first day of fall, and there’s a ton to look forward to, from a space-themed cabaret to multiple free workshops that’ll get you into a creative flow. And if you’d rather just sit and scroll, we’ve got a couple of fun posts to go over together, too.

What’s new, Vancouver?

It’s bear season

A video of two young-ish bears play-fighting (and a third just… chilling at the swing set) at what looks like Ozada Park in Coquitlam is going viral right now, and some of the comments are truly chuckle-worthy.

“I swear bears are just fat clumsy cats,” comments one Reddit user.

“Bro in the back found some magic forest mush prior to the park,” says another.

“Looks like they need to play a bit before going into hibernation,” someone adds — we think that’s pretty fair!

Where to see the burgeoning fall colours

Is it just us, or are fall colours back a little on the early side this year? As early as mid-August, we noticed our neighbourhood trees beginning to turn, and the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows are spreading rather quickly!

Maybe we’re just in denial about summer being over, or maybe there’s something more to it. Anyhow, here are a couple of beautiful spots we’ve visited over the past week or so that deserve a place on your next leisurely stroll.

• Guelph Park (Dude Chilling Park) – 2390 Brunswick St.
• Heather Park – 702 West 18th Ave.
• East End Billiards – 2305 East Hastings St.
• Grandview Park – 1657 Charles St.

A new Chinese restaurant is coming to Commercial

Move aside, Little Italy (kidding, there’s space for everyone at the proverbial table). There’s a new restaurant coming to town, and it’s going to feature a Chinese Pacific Northwest tasting menu.

The team behind Just Pizza on Kingsway is on a new venture, and it’s going to be quite the dining experience.

“I’m opening a fine dining restaurant just five minutes from here,” owner and chef Stephen Che shares in a recent Instagram post. “Sixteen courses over three hours. It’s been my dream since I started cooking, and I’ve been quietly working on every part of the restaurant for the past year.”

Set to open this October, Haisan will be reservation-only, with online reservations available one week ahead of its opening date. If you love a good tasting menu or are looking for a new go-to date night spot, you’ll be in great hands here.

A new mural has hit the streets

In other news, the city just gained another gem of street art. Located at the Laurel Street Landbridge, the new mural is by local artist Tyler Toews, and it might just make your brain hurt (in a good way), according to Reddit.

“Daaang it looks 3D,” says one commenter.

“This is great, Vancouver is really starting to shine in the mural category,” chimes in another.

Your sign to do something random

• Create something unexpected at this free collage night with Sad Magazine at Slice of Life Gallery on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
• Check out the opening night of a 19+ art show as part of the Chaos Collective on Friday, Sept. 25.
• Dance the night away at a space-themed cabaret at The Hideaway beneath the Waldorf on Saturday, Sept. 26.
• Find your next favourite locally made trinket at this fall pop-up market on Saturday, Sept. 26.
• Paint a hockey jersey mug at this workshop with Pomelo Pottery Club on Sunday, Sept. 27.
• Attend a Top Chef book signing (Top Chef Sheldon Simeon) at Knifewear on Main on Sunday, Sept. 27.

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