(The annual Rubbout weekend will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the end of March. Join some of the guys for their advance kickoff party at the Pumpjack on Friday, March 11, 2016./Chris Mongrain photo/Rubbout 25)
Thursday, March 10
Dining Out For Life
You can make a huge difference, one bite at a time. From Whistler to White Rock and across the Lower Mainland, Dining Out for Life’s restaurant partners will contribute 25 percent of their food sales to Friends For Life and A Loving Spoonful. Invite friends, take a date or just eat alone, but do all you can. Hell, you can even invite me!
For a list of participating restaurants diningoutforlife.com/vancouver
Bratpack
If you ever see me stumbling home late on a Thursday night, dishevelled, covered in lipstick and smelling like a perfume bomb went off in my ass, then you know I was gangbanged by Davie Street’s newest girl gang. The Bratpack has moved to the neighbourhood, with Valynne Vile, Jane Smoker, Shanda Leer, Jem and Gia Metric, lord help us. Watch for bitchy banter, outrageous looks, wild performances and bad girls for days, all balanced out with DJ Nick Bertossi, whom I hope joins them in the alley!
9pm-2am. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover $5. facebook.com/events/1536014646710456/
Friday, March 11
John Ferrie: If Only I Had A Helicopter
One of the best artists Vancouver has to offer and one of its best kept secrets (the man never goes out; he must spend all his time creating). Tonight is your chance not only to see him but to view 20 paintings from his new collection. Vancouver philanthropist Dean Thullner will even conduct an interview with John at 7pm, so we can all learn the secrets behind the artist.
6-10pm. South Main Gallery, 279 East 6th Ave. facebook.com/events/521105044737430/
Rubbout 25 Kickoff Party
If you’re like me, you’re suddenly freaking out (having not realized how close this event is and some of us are still carrying Christmas weight. Not a good look for rubber outfits.) But don’t worry: this is the kickoff party before the main event, which isn’t for two more weeks. Tonight they will unveil their banner, share some history from the last 25 years, and have a little kinky fun. Hosted by Vancouver Men In Leather. Daily Xtra will have a photographer there from 8:30–9:30pm so get your gear and smile. It’s also Daddy Norm’s 50th so come give him a grope.
9-11pm. The Pumpjack Pub, 1167 Davie St. No cover in leather, rubber or fetish, $5 otherwise. rubbout.com
Wild Fruit
It’s not a long weekend but the women are coming out to play in a new space in the Village. This is Flygirl’s new monthly night with DJ Tanner, who will be playing everything from hip hop to old school throwbacks to the 80s and today’s hits. I haven’t made it past the front door yet but maybe the girls will take pity on me and invite me along.
10pm–3am. Playhouse Nightclub, 1240 Thurlow St. Tickets $10 at Little Sister’s, 1238 Davie St, and online at flygirlproductions.com
Saturday, March 12
St Patrick’s Day Run
It must be an Irishman organizing this run — no Irishman would give up the actual day of drinking to run 5k. (So plan it a week early, smart thinking!) Get a little Irish in you and register to run and raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association, or pick another charity from their list. The race will be starting at the Stanley Park Pavilion at 9:30am. Pick up your package at the Running Room, 679 Denman St, Thursday and Friday. I’ll be the one running with the Irish coffee six pack.
Info and race registration online at stpatricks5k.com
The Revival Show
This will be my pre-St Patrick’s Day salvation because I know I am going to need it. Hosted by Whoopsie Daisy, this family-friendly dry event brought to you by the Court of Surrey will feature Amanda Luv, Erica Divine, Martin Rooney, Marachino Cherry, “live” church artists Curt Allison, Gina Williams, Bob Peacock and more. Clean, Sober & Proud will have a coffee/juice/water/pop bar with proceeds benefiting other LGBT organizations. Get on the Skytrain and do your part to support this amazing event.
5–9pm. Lighthouse of Hope, 726 12th St, New Westminster. Cover $15, EPAMA members $10. facebook.com/events/945551285533947/
Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar Reunion
I hope this is like those Housewives reunions where they just bitchslap each other the whole time! Can you imagine it, with all the drag contestants that didn’t win? Join all 18 contestants, with judges and producers, as they break down the dirt, give the Top 5 best performances, Top 5 best fashion moments and, of course, the Top 5 most shocking moments. Plus the first Miss/Mr Congeniality will be crowned. If you missed all the weeks, this is the one to watch. Hosted by Shanda Leer.
8–11pm. XYYVR, 1216 Bute St. No cover. facebook.com/events/197757850574844/
Salacious Saturdays
I thought I was in heaven. It’s a dance party, it’s a bathhouse, it’s men, and my mind is reeling. Imagine a night where you go dancing and you don’t have to worry about being the wallflower that never gets asked. You’ll be lucky to get the dick out of your mouth long enough to be able to dance! This is a night where everyone is there to just enjoy the vibe and maybe drop a towel or two. DJ Gingerbear Todd keeps the beats up so all the right things are bouncing. There are visuals and then there are visuals. This is definitely a 100mg Viagra event.
9pm–4am. Steamworks Baths, 123 West Pender St. Weekend rates starting at $16 apply. steamworksbaths.com/vancouver
Sunday, March 13
The Brooke of Mormon
Seeing as how I wasn’t prepared to take out a second mortgage on the condo to see the Book of Mormon when it was here, I’m hoping this parody will make up for it. This is the first of a monthly fundraising show hosted by Ms Gay Vancouver 36, Brooke Davis, and her friends. Tonight is a ’90s theme, so get out the tickle trunk and see what you have.
11pm. The Junction, 1138 Davie St. Cover by donation. facebook.com/events/467028820161834/
Prime Timers Membership Meeting
I’m sure there are a few guys around like my friend Syd: too old to have a daddy, too young to be a daddy. Here’s where you can get together with guys our age and figure it out, while making friends and getting involved in events. This is an active social and recreational club for mature gay and bi men and their admirers. At today’s membership meeting find out what they do and listen to guest speaker Mister Blake, a musician and recording artist, as he shares his story.
1:30pm. West End Community Centre, 870 Denman St. vancouverprimetimers.wix.com/vancouverprimetimers
Tuesday, March 15
Bondage And Rope Play
Who needs dates? Just go to HIM’s weekly info sessions and get more action than riding the sling at Steamworks (that is if you can get the manager out of the sling). Whether we admit it or not, we all have questions about bondage and rope play, right? Now you can learn everything you need to know so the knot stays tied until you shoot (or is that just me?). This is a fun workshop where you can “learn the ropes” about tying guys up and enjoying some mutual fun. To register call 604-488-1001 or email register@checkhimout.com.
7–9pm. Club 8×6, 1775 Haro St. Free admission. checkhimout.ca
Wednesday, March 16
Diversity: Welcoming, Including and Integrating Newcomers
A community conversation with a panel of four presenters who will share their knowledge and experience, and an opportunity to discuss how our community can better support LGBT immigrants and refugees. Hosted by Alexandra Neighbourhood House.
7–9pm. Ocean Park Community Hall, 1577 128th St, Surrey. Free admission but please register at 604-535-0015, all are welcome. alexhouse.net
Gay & Bisexual Men Speed Dating
Tomorrow is St Patrick’s Day and this is your last chance to find a little leprechaun or a tasty Irish ginger, or maybe even the man of your dreams. Single and Eligible brings you a mixed night of gay and bi men to spice up your love life. These nights are designed for professional men who believe in loving and enjoying lifelong relationships.
7:30–9:30pm. 1181, 1181 Davie St. Cost $40, register and sign up at singleandeligible.com
(Think there’s an upcoming event I should attend? Click here to list your event on dailyxtra.com or send me a note at oitc.vancouver@dailyxtra.com.)
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