Things To Do In Vancouver, Oct 16-22, 2008

It's been an ideal October week to get active after Thanksgiving dinner and round three or four of turkey leftovers, but expect the weather to turn dreary before the 16th and stay that way until we hit the weekend. Luckily there are some great indoor events going on as well to keep you from being stuck at home. Check out some things to do in and around Vancouver this week:

Thursday, October 16 – Fall Book Sale at VPL

Pick up some great winter reads for the upcoming months at the annual Fall Book Sale at the Vancouver Public Library from Oct. 16-19. There will be thousands of books to choose from, ranging from just a quarter to $2.25. Leave the debit and credit at home as it's cash only; admission is free. Find more info at www.vpl.ca. (Alice MacKay Room, Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia).

Friday, October 17 – Sara Bareilles at The Vogue

Los Angeles chanteuse Sara Bareilles

Singer-songwriter-pianist Sara Bareilles had her start performing in bars and clubs around L.A., but she has become much better known ever since her debut “Love Song” was released in 2007, and soon climbed to the number one spot on music charts everywhere. She'll be performing songs from her first CD, Little Voices, at the Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). The show starts at 7:30 (doors at 6:30), with tickets for $30 at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Saturday, October 18 – Pop Culture Collectibles Fair

Star Wars, WrestleMania, and Hot Wheels fans unite for a huge display of all things comic, manga and anime. Find displays of books, DVD's, records, toys, video games and magazines from various TV shows, movies and comics. The fair takes place at the Croatian Cultural Center (3250 Commercial) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. Get more information at www.geocities.com/turnbuckle99.

Sunday, October 19 – Stereolab at The Commodore

Stereolab's new (old) line-up

While British band Stereolab hasn't enjoyed huge commercial success since their beginnings in the 90's, they've built a solid following and have bravely soldiered on following the death of singer Mary Hansen in a cycling accident in 2003. They're back in Vancouver with original members - and former spouses - Tim Gane and French vocalist Laetitia Sadler this Sunday, with songs from their 2008 release Chemical Chords. With their latest release, the group return to their roots, combining electronica with lounge and pop, while blending in disparate genres seamlessly. Find tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca for $24.50, or at Zulu, Scratch and Red Cat Records. Doors open at 8 p.m. at the Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville) and the show starts at 9:15 p.m.

Monday, October 20 – Fright Nights At The PNE

Get terrified at this year's Fright Nights, with five new haunted houses, a Nightmare Maze, and access to Playland rides and shows. Stay away if you are under 12, over 65, sensitive to strobe lighting, have high blood pressure or heart conditions, or are pregnant. Also, costumes are not allowed, so leave your Halloween flair at home. Fright Nights runs until Nov. 1, starting at 6 p.m., and you can get info at www.pne.ca.

Tuesday, October 21– Prêt-à-Pour Tea

Join CTV's Tamara Taggart along with QM/FM's Tara McGuire for a fashion show featuring clothing from Jacqueline Conoir, Chloe Angus and Wear Else. Tickets are $85, with proceeds going to the BC and Yukon chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The fashion show also includes a silent auction, a traditional high tea, and door prizes. The event goes from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Seasons in the Park (405 W. 33rd, Queen Elizabeth Park). Get more information at www.pretapourtea.com.

Wednesday, October 22-26– 21st Annual Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival

Cellist Of Sarajevo author Steven Galloway

It's time again for the annual Vancouver International Writers and Readers Festival at Granville Island, featuring a number of literary events with 100 authors from around the world, including Elizabeth Knox, Austin Clark, Steven Galloway, Craig Boyko and more. From author lectures to poetry readings to performance art, the festival brings together published authors, aspiring writers and readers and attracts more than 10,000 people each year. See all the details at www.writersfest.bc.ca, including info on the short story and poetry contest and how you can be a festival volunteer.