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If you were to create a Venn diagram where one circle was labeled “cheap” and the other labeled “awesome”, the middle point where they cross over could be labeled “Vancouver on the Cheap”. In other words, this is a weekly series on things to do and places to go in Vancouver that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome. Got a cheap-living tip you’d like to share? Send it in!

This week’s “cheap thing” is a random combination of two cheap things I came across this week that need to be shared.

Cheap Thing #1: Sears Downtown is Closing!

Photo by jmv.

Apparently everyone else already knew this, but the Sears downtown is closing up shop, and so everything is on sale. Everything. I went in and the signage all said that everything was “at least 20-40% off” – but nothing that I saw was less than 40% off. Most of it was 40% off the lowest ticketed price, which was often already 50% off the original price. DEALS ABOUND!

If you need anything that Sears sells right now, go check it out!

Sears Closing Sale – ongoing until October
Robson & Granville

Cheap Thing #2: It’s a Sock Hop!

Matt Reznik in Mojo at The Russian Hall.

The good folks at Itsazoo Theatre (one of the cooler indie theatre companies in town) is closing up their latest show on Saturday night, and they are celebrating with a sock hop. Yes, that’s right, a sock hop. The Russian Hall will be decorated 50′s style, there will be fabulous old-school rock ‘n roll, and best of all, admission is FREE. Since I spent my teen years listening to the oldies radio station (anyone from Abbotsford remember Radio Max? Yeah, that’s right!), I love getting down to that good old-time rock and roll music, and even more I love being able to do so for free. Oh, and you’re going to throw in $4 drinks? Yes PLEASE!

There are also prizes for people dressed up in 1950′s outfits, so dress it up and get ready to get down.

Itsazoo Sock Hop
Russian Hall 600 Campbell Ave
Saturday, August 25 – 10:30pm (Post show)
$4 beer and wine
Free admission

If you were to create a Venn diagram where one circle was labeled “cheap” and the other labeled “awesome”, the middle point where they cross over could be labeled “Vancouver on the Cheap”. In other words, this is a weekly series on things to do and places to go in Vancouver that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome. Got a cheap-living tip you’d like to share? Send it in!

I’m always on the hunt for a cheap place to grab a pint, because there are few greater joys in life than sitting on a sunny patio with a cold beer and some good friends. Well, I have found one more place where the cheap drink and sunny patio meet: The Backstage Lounge.

The Backstage Lounge is on Granville Island, just beside the market. Their patio is right on the water, so you get to enjoy a pretty awesome view, and a good mix of sun or shade, depending on what you fancy.

Full disclosure: the food isn’t super cheap there, but if you go at the right time the drinks definitely are. Tuesdays and Thursdays are your watchwords, people! If you go then, you can get a drink and pay for it quite literally with pocket change: 10oz Bowen Island Lager and Cream Ale for $1.59. Plus if you’re not really into beer, you can get a highball for only $2.90. Every other day of the week they do have a decent array of drink specials, including daily $4 drinks and $13 pitchers on Mondays. Check their menu online for a full description of all the deals.

It’s worth noting a minor inconsistency in advertised price vs. actual price. The sign outside and the bar manager told me the beer was $1.75, but it was $1.59 on the bill. Also, the highballs were indeed $2.90.

Okay, I know that a lot of you tuned out everything after you saw that the $1.59 beer is only 10oz. That’s a pittance, right? I know, I thought that too at first. But then I realized something very important: a British pint (also referred to by many as a “real pint”, since, you know, we’re in the Commonwealth and all) is 20oz. That means that if you get two of these 10oz beers, you’re getting a full-sized pint for only $3.18. That is still a REALLY GOOD DEAL, don’t you think? Especially seeing as your average pint at a regular pub is going to run you between $6-8, this is basically two-for-one.

A lovely evening out, paid for quite literally with pocket change.

On top of the cheap drinks, they have nightly entertainment at The Backstage Lounge. Mostly this is made up with an ever-changing roster of local musicians, but every Thursday is Phonix, a retro funk band that apparently gets the place hopping. BEWARE: doors for the musical acts usually begin around 7 or 8, which means if you arrive after then there might be a cover charge. It always seems to be less than $10, so still on the cheaper side, but if you were planning to have a couple of drinks and drop a fiver, well, you’d be mighty disappointed.

If you were to create a Venn diagram where one circle was labeled “cheap” and the other labeled “awesome”, the middle point where they cross over could be labeled “Vancouver on the Cheap”. In other words, this is a weekly series on things to do and places to go in Vancouver that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome. Got a cheap-living tip you’d like to share? Send it in!

Had your fill of outdoor movies this week? How about an indoor movie? Tonight Pacific Cinematheque is celebrating its 40th birthday with a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest with $1 admission!

Just to repeat for emphasis, that’s $1 admission to see a sweet old Alfred Hitchcock movie that includes a scene where people climb Abraham Lincoln’s nose. (I know, right???) The usual membership fees at Pacific Cinematheque are also waved, just for tonight.

As a person who works in the arts I will tell you that any nonprofit arts organization lasting for 40 years is a pretty amazing feat. It’s a fickle world, so this is definitely something to celebrate.

I got the chance for a quick Q&A with Amber Orchard, the managing director of Pacific Cinematheque.

Why did Pacific Cinematheque begin?

Incorporated in 1972, Pacific Cinematheque has been apart of the Vancouver landscape for forty years. Formed out of Intermedia and Vancouver Film-Coops to assist independent filmmakers and the distribution of their films, the Pacific Cinematheque first operated out of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The society’s main activities were weekly screenings with a focus on local filmmakers and to establish an archive of West Coast film production.

Why do you think Pacific Cinematheque has lasted so long?

We are a well managed, fiscally prudent, sustainable cultural organization that has prospered due to wide community support, extensive grass-roots engagement, and the highest standards of artistic excellence and relevance.

Any big plans for the future?

We are in the early stages of conducting a feasibility study of our building with a plan to expand our current home at 1131 Howe Street.

What’s the reasoning for picking North by Northwest as the film?

No real tie-in. Its a great film and timing wise worked for our event.

For those who might have never been to Pacific Cinematheque before and might be intimidated by the art film crowd, what should they expect?

An essential cinema experience! An intimate theatre, a quality presentation and the best popcorn in the city.

How early do you recommend people arrive to secure a seat?

Doors open at 6:30pm but I suspect people will be lined up before that.

Anything else you want people to know?

Seating is limited. Tickets are $1 and only cash will be accepted at the door.

In case you were wondering, the $1 price of admission was taken directly from Pacific Cinematheque’s original entrance fee. Don’t you love it when companies revert to their original pricing to celebrate anniversaries? (Oooh, that just gave me an idea for another post!)

North by Northwest
7pm on Thursday, Aug 2
Pacific Cinematheque (1131 Howe St)
$1 admission
Cash only, limited seating

If you were to create a Venn diagram where one circle was labeled “cheap” and the other labeled “awesome”, the middle point where they cross over could be labeled “Vancouver on the Cheap”. In other words, this is a weekly series on things to do and places to go in Vancouver that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome. Got a cheap-living tip you’d like to share? Send it in!

A short anecdote to get us started here today: a few years back I went to Montreal for 5 weeks in the summer. While there, I was amazed at the number for free concerts and festivals overrunning that incredibly cool city. At the time, I remember thinking “man, why doesn’t Vancouver do stuff like this???”

Turns out, it does! This summer there have already been loads of free entertainment events and now here’s another one: SHOREfest at the Honda Celebration of Lights. We’ve got two beaches, loads of bands, and even more people watching.

Spirit of the West performing in last year’s SHOREfest. Photo by Shayna Kerrie Photography.

The schedule:

The Rogue Stage (on Sunset Beach)

Saturday July 28
Rogue Stage Sunset Beach
2:00 – 2:45 Oliver Swain
3:00 – 3:45 Headwater
4:00 – 4:45 Harry Manx
5:00 – 6:00 Barney Bentall
6:00 – 6:30 V3
6:45 – 7:15 SEACHS
7:30 – 8:15 Jim Byrnes and Steve Dawson
10:00 Vietnam Fireworks Show

Wednesday August 1
Rogue Stage Sunset Beach
4:00 – 4:45 The Breakmen
5:00 – 6:00 Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson
6:00 – 6:30 Ache Brasil
6:45 – 7:15 Grupo America
7:30 – 8:15 The Be Good Tanyas
10:00 Brazil Fireworks Show

Saturday August 4
Rogue Stage Sunset Beach
2:00 – 2:45 Bocephus King
3:00 – 3:45 Partick Brealey
4:00 – 4:45 Viper Central
5:00 – 5:45 Cousin Harley
6:00 – 6:30 Famee Furlane Balletto
6:45 – 7:15 Joel Plaskett
7:30 – 8:15 Great Lake Swimmers
8:30 – 9:30 Patrizia Colletta
10:00 Italy Fireworks Competion

The Shore 104 Stage (at English Bay)

Saturday July 28
Shore 104 Stage English Bay
7:30 – 8:15 Zaac Pick
8:30 – 9:30 Bahamas
10:00 Vietnam Fireworks Show

Wednesday August 1
Shore 104 Stage English Bay
7:30 – 8:15 Jets Overhead
8:30 – 9:30 Trews
10:00 Brasil Fireworks Show

Saturday August 4
Shore 104 Stage English Bay
7:30 – 8:15 Hannah Georgas
8:30 – 9:30 Said The Whale
10:00 Italy Fireworks Show

Dan Mangan in last year’s SHOREfest. Photo by Shayna Kerrie Photography.

I caught up with Ronnie Stanton, Operations Manager at Shore 104FM to get more info on the concerts.

Whose idea was SHOREfest in the first place?
This is our 4th SHOREfest. When the station was originally built, the desire was to create a radio station truly created for music lovers – accordingly the promotions we do are always music focussed. A free music festival is right up our alley!

How do you choose the bands who will play?
Firstly we look for fit. We want the artists to be eclectic yet have some familiarity – they need to be relevant, cool and interesting. Plus, we want diversity in sound. We also aim to showcase seasoned performers and up and coming Canadian acts.

Why make it free? Why not charge cover for these awesome bands?
SHOREfest is attached to the biggest free nights of the year in Vancouver with the Honda Celebration of Light. It had to be free!

Are you anticipating the huge crowds the fireworks are known for? Will people need to arrive early to stake out a spot?
Yes – we imagine there will be a lot of people there. Our acts start on stage mid afternoon so come early and enjoy the free music. Then when the fireworks are on make sure you listen to Shore 104 for the musical soundtrack for the visual spectacular!

Anything else you want people to know about SHOREfest?
We recommend using public transport as parking might be a challenge later in the day. Come and enjoy.

Yep, a pretty big crowd, alright. Photo by Shayna Kerrie Photography.

This post is doing double duty, because I also have to tell you about Carousel Theatre’s summer Shakespeare show The Tempest that you can also see for FREE! Yes, this is teen performers, but Carousel is known for putting together some rocking productions with its teen performance troupe.

The show runs Monday to Saturday from July 27th to August 11th at 7:30pm, with 2:00pm matinees on Saturdays (Jul 28, Aug 4 + 11) and Monday, August 6th (BC Day). Advance reservations can be made for $5/seat.

For more information please call (604) 685-6217 or visit our website at www.carouseltheatre.ca

If you were to create a Venn diagram where one circle was labeled “cheap” and the other labeled “awesome”, the middle point where they cross over could be labeled “Vancouver on the Cheap”. In other words, this is a weekly series on things to do and places to go in Vancouver that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome. Got a cheap-living tip you’d like to share? Send it in!

It’s Outdoor Movie season! Actually, it has been for a little while, but I won’t let that impede my excitement in writing about it now. For the newcomers to Vancouver, or those who don’t pay much attention to what’s going on, free outdoor movies have become something of a tradition here in this fine city. Might have something to do with the fact that during the summer this is quite literally one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and we’ve got to soak up every minute of outdoor time we can before it starts raining again.

There are a few different hosts for the outdoor movies this year: Fresh Air Cinema does the Stanley Park Series, The City of Vancouver hosts screenings in some parks around town, and Nat Bailey Stadium even has some showings!

Photo provided by Fresh Air Cinemas

Stanley Park

July 24, 2012: The Lion King
July 31, 2012: Grease
August 7, 2012: The Blues Brothers
August 14, 2012: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
August 21, 2012: Labrinth
August 28, 2012: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Nat Bailey

JULY 27 – THE INCREDIBLES
AUG 10 – FIELD OF DREAMS
AUG 31 – ALADDIN
(movies start at 7:00, doors at 6:30)

City of Vancouver

AUG 11: Back to the Future
Trout Lake Park – starts approx. 8:40pm

AUG 19: Dirty Dancing
David Lam Park – starts approx. 8pm

PS: Fresh Air Cinema is also running a contest right now to get a free back yard movie screening at your lovely home! Now, if you actually live in Vancouver chances are you don’t have a back yard all to yourself, but hopefully you know someone who does who would be more than happy to play host, because think of the fun!

PPS: Just an FYI, there’s a bunch of cheap theatre happening in town this weekend! Some of it I’ve already mentioned, but reminders are nice. Closing Saturday is Armed by Xua Xua Productions. Sunday is the pay-what-you-can day at The Neanderthal Festival, and also a pay-what-you-can performance of Proud, a play about Stephen Harper that was censored out, so naturally everyone’s producing staged readings now in protest.

If you were to create a Venn diagram where one circle was labeled “cheap” and the other labeled “awesome”, the middle point where they cross over could be labeled “Vancouver on the Cheap”. In other words, this is a weekly series on things to do and places to go in Vancouver that fall into that magical category of being both cheap and awesome. Got a cheap-living tip you’d like to share? Send it in!

We all love a good games night, right? Sometimes there’s no better way to pass an afternoon than with a few friends and a new game. Buying a new game can be kind of expensive though, and you can only dig out that old deck of Apples for Apples so many times before you need a change of scenery.

Enter Drexoll Games. According to all my gamer-nerd friends, this is the place to go to buy a new game. Better than that, however, this is the place you go to play games for FREE! The back of the store is overflowing with games, new and old, that are free for the using. Just take your pick, sit down, and play for as long as you like.

Just a portion of the free games available for play at Drexoll.

The selection of free games available is definitely unfamiliar – you’ll likely find yourself trying something new – but you likely won’t be disappointed, and you may even find a new favourite.

My friends and I went out last week, we brought our own game (Zombie Dice!) and then picked a game at random from the wall. We wound up with a game called Factory Fun, and let me tell you, fun it was!

Drexoll Games is located on 4th Ave at McDonald – check it out next time you’re in Kits and play some games!