The Amanita muscaria mushrooms seen in our neighbourhood this time of year.
Fairytale mushrooms are cropping up along sidewalk edges, acorns and chestnuts are scattered in the grass, and in the gardens, dark plumes of unpicked kale threaten to overcome those tender perennials.
We could suggest fungi foraging. We could list acorn coffee or chestnut cake recipes. Or how about 100 ways to consume kale and still enjoy it? Nah. Instead, try one or more of these 5 free (or almost free) things to do in Kitsilano this weekend. And please, leave those pretty red toadstools alone and let the mycologist do the picking.
5 Free Things to Do in Kitsilano This Weekend
Friday, October 17
1. Fall fashion show
Not sure if skinny jeans are still in vogue? Thinking about retrieving your grandmother’s fur coat from storage? Is white really not cool this time of year? No need to dash off to Milan to find out about this season’s styles. Just sit back, strong espresso and plump pumpkin donut in hand, and watch the waves of locals walk by from the comfort of your covered patio seat at Forty Ninth Parallel Café. Don’t worry, you’ll know it’s a local to look out for rather than the myriad of visitors that flock to West 4th – just look for the calm and collected stride of the confident Kitsilano resident instead of the hurried and confused gaze of the out-of-towner.
Saturday, October 18
2. Morning movie outing
This Saturday is the Cineplex Community Day which means free movies at our Fifth Avenue Cinemas (yes, this independent was bought out by the theatre giant last year). Doors open at 8:30am with shows starting at 9am. Concession items like popcorn, drinks, and candy will be $2 with all proceeds going to the Free The Children Foundation. Check the links for the list of family-friendly movies on offer.
3. Look to the skies at night
Saturday nights, from 8pm-12am, the GMS Observatory gives you the chance to explore the skies around Vancouver through a 1/2-metre Cassegrain telescope. Skilled and experienced staff will guide your exploration and answer any questions you may have. The Observatory, built in 1979, is located next to the iconic Space Centre in Vanier Park. Admission is by donation.
Sunday, October 19
4. Get ’em while they’re fresh!
The Kitsilano Farmers Market will be holding their last one for the season this Sunday, from 10am-2pm. What’s in season? Squash, apples, pears, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbages, herbs, potatoes, and plenty more to recreate that fabulous Thanksgiving dinner you just had. The Market is located by the Kitsilano Community Centre at Larch Street between West 10th and 12th Avenue. The Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium starts up on Saturday, November 1st.
5. Keep the doctor away
Ok, not exactly free and not actually located in Kitsilano, but for a pretty reasonable price of $4 (plus the tasting tent fee of $5), the Apple Festival at the UBC Botanical Garden gives you an opportunity to bite into some really fresh, juicy, and crunchy local apples – 60 varieties to be exact. Sounds like a much better option than chewing on those mouth-puckering out-of-season berries for your daily fruit portion. Saturday and Sunday, from 11am-4pm. Cash only, kids 12 and under are free. Admission includes entertainment, a play area for kids, and time to explore the Garden. Food vendors on site.
Last modified: October 16, 2014
