Top Things to Do in Vancouver This Week

Monday, May 11, 2009 – Laura Calder

Enjoy a night at the movies with cookbook author and Food Network host Laura Calder ( French Food at Home) She will be appearing at an event at the Vancouver International Film Centre, followed by a Q&A and reception featuring her new book French Taste: Elegant Everyday Eating. Guests will get to take home a copy of her new book, watch the movie with Laura and follow up with a reception  including French wine and hors d'oeuvres catered by Gastown restaurant Social at Le Magasin. Cost is $75, find details at Books to Cooks or call 604-688-6755.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 – Vancouver International Children's Festival

Bring the kids to the Vancouver International Children's Festival for hands-on art activities, music by Fred Penner, Music with Marnie, Al Simmons, puppetry, circus performers, storytelling, and theatre groups from Scotland, Ontario, Quebec, and Vancouver. Admission is $10, show tickets are $16-$20 at Ticketmaster, and the event takes place at Vanier Park (1000 Chestnut St.). Find out more here.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 – Diana Krall

Tonight and tomorrow evening at 8 pm, Grammy–winning jazz vocalist-pianist Diana Krall will be at the Orpheum (884 Granville) playing songs from her new CD Quiet Nights. Krall, who comes from Nanaimo, will be accompanied by members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.Visit Diana Krall's website for info and get tickets here.

Thursday, May 14, 2009 –  Rethink Breast Cancer

Have a great time and support an even greater cause at The Rethink Romp. There will be a silent auction, make-up touchups courtesy of Joe Fresh's freshly launched beauty line, the Schick Booby Booth, cocktails and treats provided and much more. Funds raised will go to Rethink Breast Cancer's research, awareness and support programs. The event begins at 7:30 pm at Pop Opera (686 West Hastings). Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Find out more at Rethink.

Friday, May 15,  2009 – Fleetwood Mac

Revisit the 70's with songs like Go Your Own Way and Rhiannon when Fleetwood Mac takes the stage at GM Place (800 Griffiths Way). Current lineup is vocalist Stevie Nicks, guitarist-vocalist Lindsey Buckingham, bassist John McVie, and drummer Mick Fleetwood. Doors open at 7 pm with the show at 8. Tickets are still available at Vancouver.com.

Saturday, May 16, 2009 –   Young Stars Festival

It's time again for the 5th annual Young Stars Festival for wonder kids aged 5-16. This concert series highlights the amazing musical talents of talented youth at the UBC School of Music Recital Hall (6361 Memorial Rd.) at 7 pm. Buy tickets for $12 at the Young Stars site.

Sunday, May 17, 2009 – Vancouver Chinatown Night Market

The 14th annual Vancouver Chinatown Night Market returns, bringing an extravaganza of  Asian traditional handicrafts and gifts, multicultural performances, games, prizes and a huge selection of ethnic snacks. The market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, at Keefer and Main St. (between Main and Columbia St.).