The Week Ahead In Your West End

Monday, May 19 - Sunday, May 25

Your West End / Coal Harbour neighborhood is a busy place.
The following are highlights from the many programs available at the
West End and Coal Harbours community hubs.
Check the community organization websites listed at the end of this section for complete
listings of events and activities and contact details for events requiring pre-registration.
Click on any image to enlarge.

Tell Us What You’re Up To !

Submit your upcoming events and photos to editor@thewestendjournal.ca

Check Out The Full April Calendar

You’ll find more April events and activities in the April issue of
The West End Journal’s “Mark Your Calendar” section, here.

And our May issue will be out the evening of April 30, with a whole new calendar of events.

Click On the Section You’re Looking For

Community Calendar | Arts & Entertainment
Families, Kids, & Teens | Senior Moments | LGBT+ | Venue Directory

Community Calendar

STEEPED IN TIME
A Tea History & Chinese Tea Ceremony

When: Sat. May 24 with two sessions (1.5 hrs each) - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: Roedde House Museum.
Cost: From $43.95. Tickets here.

Tea has shaped cultures, economies, and traditions for centuries, traveling across continents and evolving into diverse rituals along the way. This engaging 30 minute talk explores the global history of tea—from its legendary origins in China to its expansion along trade routes, and its influence on social customs worldwide.

In the one-hour tea ceremony following the talk you will experience the artistry of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Guests will witness the graceful preparation of tea, savor its nuanced flavors, and engage in a moment of mindful appreciation. This immersive event blends history, culture, and sensory experience, offering a rare opportunity to connect with tea’s timeless traditions in a heritage setting.

The talk and tea ceremony are presented by Teakan 茶間, a women-owned boutique tea company based in Vancouver Canada.

WEST END GARDEN CLUB

When: Sun., May 25 from 1 to 2;30 p.m.
Where: West End Community Centre Barclay Room.
Cost: Free.
Details: Join the Village Vancouver and West End Food Network Urban Garden Club monthly family-friendly meeting. Each momnth there is a short presentation or discussion on a different food and/or gardening related topic. Feel free to bring some snacks or food to share (no obligation). Children of all ages are welcome, and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a community seed library present so you can pick up some free seeds, swap or donate.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

When: Mondays and Fridays at 12 noon.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House (GNH)
Cost: $7.50 with a GNH membership, $8 without. Children 1 and up are half-price.
Details: Join other members of our community for a delicious home-cooked lunch. This is one of GNH’s many “Food Justice” programs that you can learn more about here. To reserve a spot call 604.683.2554 or email welcome@gordonhouse.org.

ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK

The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.

  • MAT YOGA: Mondays, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Gordon Neighbourhood House through to July 28. Learn correct breathing, body movement with alignment, eye exercises, and more. Registration required as the course is limited to ten.

  • TOASTMASTERS: Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the West End Community Centre’s Denman Room. Free. Learn and practice public speaking, impromptu speeches, and leadership skills at this weekly meeting.

  • ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Tuesdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the West End Community Centre’s Meeting Room 2. Free. Join a weekly conversation and drop in where you can to practice English in a relaxed circle of friendly people. Conversations are guided by experienced facilitators who strive to talk about things that interest you.

  • TABLE TENNIS: Tuesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Coal Harbour Community Centre. Drop-in $5 / $63 for 12 sessions. All skill levels are welcome. Two or three tables will be set up for recreational play, and participants are encouraged top register for the non-instructional session. No partner necessary.

  • WEST END WRITERS: Wednesdays April 9 through June 25 from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at the West End Community Centre’s Meeting Room. Free. Writers of all ages and experience are invited to join in reading works-in-progress and receiving feedback.

  • SOCIAL LOUNGE: Welcome to the Social Lounge at the West End Community Centre, Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., April 9 through June 25. Free. this space will be open to everyone come enjoy coffee and rtea and meet with old and new friends.

  • CRIBBAGE: Fridays, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the West End Community Centre’s Bidwell Room. Free. A friendly social card group sharing a fun game. Beginners and newcomers welcome.

  • BARCLAY YARN ARTISANS CRAFT FAIR: Fridays, from 1 to 4 p.m. through the summer at Barclahy Manor, the Barclay Yarn Artisans will be holding a craft fair of all their wares.

  • MAHJONG: Saturdays, April 12 through June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Meeting Room 2. Free. Dive into the captivating world of Mahjong, a strategic tile game. With every tile played, qa new adventure unfolds. Whether you’re an experienced player, a newcomer, or a drop-in, all are welcome. No sessions April 19, May 3, 17, and 31.

  • WATERFRONT WALKERS: Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. A casual group of walking enthusiasts who meet weekly to enjoy a variety of scenic walks. Routes are regularly around 6km and last about three hours, with a stop along the way for coffee. Meet up at Coal Harbour Community Centre.

  • THE DARK SECRETS OF STANLEY PARK: Saturdays from 4 to 5:30/6 p.m. $32 for adults and $29 for youth and seniors. Information and tickets here. Discover the jaw-dropping beauty – and sinister stories – of Stanley Park. Behind those majestic forests, picturesque gardens, and stunning beaches lies a history of forced evictions, buried treasure, shocking crime scenes, and the macabre tale of Deadman’s Island. When you buy a ticket for this walking tour, two per cent of the ticket cost goes to support the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.

  • LABYRINTH - A WALKING MEDITATION: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. Free. The Labyrinth is a full 13-metre replica of the medieval labyrinth laid in the stone floor of the 13th-century Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Chartres. The Labyrinth at St. Paul’s is open for silent walking, prayer and meditation to people of all faiths and spiritual disciplines as a resource for mediation, reflection, and prayer.

Arts + Entertainment

“HERE WE GO cast” L-R: Peihwen J Tai, Kate Robbins, Bernard Cuffling
David Bloom, Rosy Frier-Dryden, Richard Newman.

HERE WE GO
A Western Gold Theatre Presentation

When: Thurs. May 8 to Sun. May 25.
Wed. through Sat. at 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Sat., and Sun. matinees at 2 p.m.
Where: PAL Studio Theatre.
Cost: Tickets from $30 to $40 here.
Details: A funeral party for a man with an adventurous past and a ginger cat that needs a home. Written by Caryl Churchill, one of the world’s premier living female playwrights and directed by Kathryn Bracht, Here We Go is a humourous, moving contemplation of our own mortality. Rotating ensemble cast changes nightly and is subject to change.

DR. PETER CENTRE ART SHOW

When: Every Friday and Saturday in May from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Mole Gallery
Cost: Free.
Details: An exhibition and sale put on by the Dr. Peter Centre’s Art Department. The Opening Reception is on Friday, May 2 from 60 to 8 p.m.

LIVE AT THE SHAMROCK

When: Every Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 9 p.m., and Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m.
Where: The Shamrock Pub.
Cost: No cover charge.
Details: What’s an Irish pub (especially one with a great food and beverage menu) without live music? We wouldn’t know, ‘cause the West End’s Irish pub features live music four nights a week. This week’s lineup includes: Thurs. May 22 Liam Mullholland; Fri. May 23 - Zach Saunders; Sat. May 24 - Eamonn Machale; Sun. May 25 Eoghain Reynolds at 3 p.m. and Steve Marriott at 7 p.m.

LIVE AT THE SYLVIA

When: Every Wed., Thurs., and Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Sylvia Hotel Restaurant & Lounge.
Admission: Free.
Details: Three evenings a week enjoy live music at the lounge with a great view of English Bay. The coming week’s lineup includes: Wed. May 21 - Acousit Pop & Folk with Jana Seale; Thur. May 22 - Acoustic Folk, Rock & Country with Jenny Farrell; Sun. May 25 - Jazz with Bonnie Northgraves.

ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK

The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.

  • HOT MIX BINGO: Mondays at 8 p.m. at The Shamrock Pub at 1184 Denman. Fun and games, music and bingo at this popular West End Irish pub.

  • KARAOKE TUESDAYS: At The Park Pub from 9 p.m. to late.

  • COMEDY TONIGHT! Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Park Pub (1755 Davie). Admission $25. TheatreSports alumni hosts Denise Jones and David Milchard hold an improv comedy night featuring a rotating cast of up to eight of Vancouver’s top improv artists, plus special guests.

  • IMPROV THURSDAYS: From 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Park Pub. Admission $25. Theatre Sports alumni Denise Jones and David Milchard bring their new improv comedy troupe of award-winning actors and improv veterans to the West End.

  • FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT THE PARK PUB: From 8:30 p.m. to late enjoy great live music.

  • SATURDAY NIGHT LAUGHS: Two laugh-a-minute shows every Saturday, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at The Show Cellar.

  • JAZZ VESPERS: Sundays at 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Wesley United Church. By donation. An afternoon featuring some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, and meditations on faith and life. The April lineup TBA.

Families, Kids, & Teens

KIDS’ CLOTHING EXCHANGE

When: Tuesdays through Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House
Admission: Free to GNH members.
Details: The kids are shooting up faster than their wardrobes can keep up with them? Drop by this unique community clothing exchange and drop off or pick up (or both) up to five pieces of children’s’ clothing.

JELLYFISH PLAYTIME
For Up To Age Five

When: Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. from 9:30 to 11 a.m. / Tues., Thurs. from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Where: Coal Harbour Community Centre.
Cost: $3.50 drop-in.
Details: Toys, balls, and games, and a play house. Parents are required to help set up and clean up each day. No sessions July 3 and August 7.

PLAYTIME!

When: Monday through Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. except Wednesdays which are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 22.
Where: The West End Community Centre Auditorium
Admission: $3.50 drop-in per child. Registration required.
Details: You child will love running, tumbling, and riding and bikes and cars and making new friends. Parents are requested to help with set-up and take-down of play equipment.

ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK

  • The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.

    • TEEN OPEN GYM: Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Coal Harbour Community Centre Gymnasium. A free program for youth in grades 9 to 12 (ages 12 to 18) with badminton and volleyball on Tuesdays and badminton and basketball on Wednesdays. Non-instructional, with in-out privileges.

    • YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLUB: Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Meeting Stanley Court Room. This program is designed for youth who are looking to gain leadership and mentoring experience while learning how to organize, plan, and implement programs in the community centre.

    • BABYTIME: Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 am at Joe Fortes Library. Free. Rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories for parents and caregivers and their babies. Recommended for newborns to approximately 18 months.

    • FAMILY STORY TIME: Thursdays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. at Joe Fortes Library. Free. This program for parents and caregivers with young children shares songs, rhymes and stories. Suitable for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn together.

    • TEEN NIGHT: Fridays from 6:15 to 9 p.m. at Coal Harbour Community Centre Gymnasium. A free drop-in for Grades 8 to 12 (ages 13 to 18). Come by and shoot hoops, play board games upstairs, or get creative with some art supplies. Teen Night has in-out privileges.

    • SINGLE MOTHERS CONNECTION GROUP: Fridays at Gordon Neighbourhood House from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free to GNH members — annual membership is $5 and can be purchased at the front counter upon arrival. This program is dedicated to expanding a support system for single mothers in the West End through peer support and building meaningful relationships. As a part of the group, toddler playtimes are aimed at promoting healthy socialization and development of kids ages 0-5. The group also holds monthly workshops, employment support sessions, and community events. To register email familyplace@gordonhouse.org.

    • PRE-TEEN NIGHT: Fridays (April 4 to June 27) 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. (no session April 18). A free drop-in at the West End Community Centre for youth ages nine to twelve. Drop by and participate in a variety of games, crafts, and activities including dodge-ball, capture the flag, button and bracelet making, movie nights, and more. Registration is required, with room for a maximum of 30 youths.

    • KIDSZONE: Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Free. At Joe Fortes Library. A time for kids to meet kids and share books, crafts, and fun activities at the library. For Grades K to 7.

Senior Moments

PLEASE NOTE: Some events require a membership in the presenting organization. Contact information for all is at the bottom of these listings.

THE MAY BIRTHDAY PARTY

When: Friday, May 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Barclay Manor.
Cost: Free to West End Seniors Network members. Information here.
Details: A celebration for folks whose birthdays are in May (you’re an Taurus or a Gemeni) with tea, coffee, cake, and good times.

SENIORS FIRST B.C. LAW CLINIC

Where: Kay’s Place in Denman Mall
When: The first Wednesday of every month.
Details: As part of its Satellite Elder Law Clinic program, Seniors First B.C. partners with the West End Seniors’ Network to offer pro bono legal consultations to eligible older adults.

ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK

The following events almost always take place as scheduled but things do get moved around, so if you’re not sure, check the relevant website or call ahead. Contact info at the end of this calendar.

  • BALLROOM DANCING & SOCIAL: Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the West End Community Centre Auditorium. Join a friendly group of ballroom dances and learn, practice, and meet new friends. Singles and those with partners both welcome. Drop-in $1.50 / Eight sessions for $7.60.

  • YOGA FOR SENIORS: Mondays at 12:15 p.m. at the West End Community Centre Dance Studio. A class for older men and women at all fitness levels, including those with some physical challenges. Each class provides a balanced full body workout, adapted to safely meet your needs. $11 drop-in.

  • CREATIVE QUEST: Tuesdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at Barclay Manor. The Barclay Manor Artists’ Collective meets for open studio time. Bring your project and supplies to paint with others in a studio setting. No teaching or supplies are given. For information contact Graham at creativequest2022@gmail.com.

  • TED TALKS & DISCUSSION: Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Barclay Manor. A lively gathering for informative talks and ensuing discussions. The coming week’s lineup includes:

    • May 22 • Are We Alone in the Universe? We’re Close to Finding Out | Lisa Kaltenegger, astrophysicist • The High Wire Act of Unlocking Clean Energy | Jason Huang, materials scientist • Will AI Make Us the Last Generation to Read and Write? | Victor Riparbelli, entrepreneur.

  • ESL KARAOKE: Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. at Barclay Manor. Practice pronunciation, build confidence, and enjoy singing along to popular tunes. No singing experience needed - just bring your enthusiasm. Please RSVP to 604.669.5051 or info@wesn.ca.

  • CRIBBAGE: Fridays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the West End Community Centre / Bidwell Room. Free. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, with every card played and point pegged the charm and thrill never fades. Join in for good company, laughter, and the joy of a well-played hand. Beginners and drop-ins welcome.

  • MAHJONG: Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the West End Community Centre / Meeting Room 2. Free. Dive into the captivating world of Mahjong, a strategic tile game. with every play a new adventure unfolds! Beginners and drop-ins welcome. No session March 15.

LGBT+

There’s nothing hotta than dinner with carlotta - at bonta italian restaurant.

DINNER & A DRAG SHOW!

When: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Bonta Italian Restaurant
Admission: Free.
Details: On Tuesdays it’s Carlotta Gurl and Thursdays it’s the unstoppable Conni Smudge entertaining at this popular Davie Street restaurant while diners enjoy a generous portion of Italian specialties.

ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK

  • ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLUB: Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at HIM on Davie’s Lounge Space. Join a conversation night for GBQ men and gender diverse people whose first language is not English, to practice speaking in a safe, non-judgmental and fun space. The program is fully inclusive for all folks regardless of refugee, visa, or citizenship status.

  • RAINBOW MEN’S GROUP: Mondays from 3 to 4:30 at Barclay Manor Multipurpose Room. A group open to older gay, bi, and trans men to share experiences of life in the West End. Join for fun, socializing, and serious conversation. Facilitated by Bil Coleman and Jeff Darcy, counsellors in private practice and at WESN.

  • BINGO FOR LIFE: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at The Junction Pub at 11:38 Davie. Free. Drag diva Kamelle Toe presides over a weekly fundraiser for The Vancouver Friends for Life Society.

  • TUESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: At the Fountainhead Pub at 7 p.m. No cover. An evening of trivia and fun hosted by Richard Romano-Carlsen.

  • QUEERPROV: Thursdays at 8 p.m. at The Junction. Pay What You Can. A weekly celebration of improv comedy. Nov. 15 features Coming Out Stories …. followed by —

  • DRAG ME TO HELL! Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. at the Junction. An evening of killer drag hosted by Miss Understood and featuring a revolving cast of special guest performers and music by Dj Amy Grindhouse. Admission $12 in advance (here) and $15 at the door.

  • UNITY FRIDAY: At The Junction. Showtime 11 p.m. Service until 4 a.m. Hosted each week by a variety of Queer community members. $15 cover. Music by DJ Dennis Kindel.

  • THE REALLY GAY HISTORY TOUR: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. $32 adults and $29 youth and seniors. Information and tickets here. It’s time for Vancouver’s secrets to come out of the closet. Tour guide Glenn Tkach tells the stories of drag kings and two spirit warriors, queer church ministers ,and transgender crime fighters. This two-hour walking tour is a celebration of the unsung heroes who forever changed the social fabric of our city. 

FOR MORE LGBTQ+ EVENTS …

Find a current calendar of community events here, and subscribe to their weekly newsletter.

Venue Directory

WHERE THEY’RE AT & HOW TO CONNECT

If we’ve missed a venue please let us know at editor@thewestendjournal.ca

  • 1181 Lounge / 1181 Davie / 236.513.1181  / Website

  • Art@Bentall Gallery / 595 Burrard St - Concourse #05 / 604.682.3701 / Website

  • Barclay Manor / 1447 Barclay / 60.-669.5051 / Website (West End Seniors’ Network)

  • Bonta Italian Ristorante / 1047 Davie / 604.687.0055 / Website

  • Chef Ron Restaurant / 1037 Denman / 604.336.9994 / Website

  • Coal Harbour Community Centre / 480 Broughton / 604-718-8222 / Website

  • Fountainhead Pub / 1025 Davie / 604.687.2222 / Website

  • Gordon Neighbourhood House / 1019 Broughton / 604.683.2554 / Website

  • Health Initiative For Men (HIM) / 300 - 1033 Davie / 604 488 1001 / Website

  • HI Hostel Vancouver / 1114 Burnaby / 604.684.4565 / Website

  • Joe Fortes Library / 870 Denman / 604-665-3972 / Website

  • Kay’s Place / 118 - 1030 Denman (Denman Mall) / 604.669.5051 / Website

  • Mole Gallery / At the rear of 1157 Pendrell Street, access from Jepson-Young Lane. / Website

  • PAL Studio Theatre / 581 Cardero / 604.255.4313 / Website

  • Robert Lee YMCA / 955 Burrard / 604.939.9622 / Website

  • Shamrock Pub / 1184 Denman / 604.428.4414 / Website

  • St. Andrew’s- Wesley United Church / 1022 Nelson / 604.683.4574 / Website

  • St. Paul’s Anglican Church / 1130 Jervis / 604.685.6832 / Website

  • Stanley Park Ecology Society / 610 Pipeline Road / 604.257.6908 / Website

  • Stanley Park Nature House / 712 Lost Lagoon Path / 604.257.8544 / Website

  • The Fountainhead Pub / 1025 Davie / 604.687.2222 / Website

  • The Park Pub / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / Website

  • The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website

  • The Show Cellar (at the Park Pub) / 1755 Davie / 604.682.1831 / Website

  • The Pumpjack Pub / 1167 Davie / 604.685.3417 / Website

  • West End Community Centre / 870 Denman / 604.257.8333 / Website

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