Underwhelming Places Cabaret

Come as you are with no pressure to be inspired, impressed, or positive. Just explore, be creative, and see where it takes you.
About this Event

Underwhelming Places Cabaret

A two-day creative experience for people who don't always feel impressed by awesome things.

What happens when you visit somewhere that is supposed to be AMAZING...and your honest reaction is, "Meh." ?

For people living with depression, anhedonia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, addiction, or other mood challenges, the world can sometimes feel like it's constantly telling us to "just do something fun!" But what happens when you do and you still don't feel much?

Underwhelming Places Cabaret explores that space between feeling unwell and feeling "better." The space where you're functioning, participating, and showing up but the joy hasn't quite returned yet.

Over two days, we'll visit places that are supposed to inspire awe, then use our experiences as fuel for creativity. There is no requirement to have fun, be positive, find the experience meaningful, or pretend to feel something you don't.

You can simply be honest surrounded by a community of peers.

DAY ONE — Monday September 28, 2026

9:30am -11:00am: Vancouver Lookout

We'll head up to the observation deck at Vancouver Lookout and take in the city from above. Is it spectacular? Is it overrated? Do you feel inspired? Completely indifferent?

There is no right answer.

12:00pm-4:30pm: VanDusen Botanical Garden

We'll move to the beautiful VanDusen Gardens classroom, surrounded by floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gardens. We'll slow down, reflect on the morning's experience, and create without censoring ourselves or forcing positivity.

Through guided prompts, you'll be invited to turn your honest reactions into whatever form of creative expression feels right...writing, poetry, comedy, storytelling, music or something entirely your own.

*Please bring an idea of something you are letting go that no longer serves you and also bring a small meaningful trinket like a photo, crystal, flower or anything else that would inspire you to create. This will be put on the communal altar and taken home at the end of either day one or day two depending on if you are staying for both days or not.

DAY TWO — Tuesday, September 29, 2026

A full day at VanDusen Gardens

We'll spend the morning creating, experimenting, and following guided prompts designed to help you explore your experiences without judgment or expectations.

Then we'll bring it all together.

The afternoon ends with an Underwhelming Cabaret, an informal showcase where participants can share something they've created during the two days. Sharing is optional, there is zero pressure to share.

You don't have to be a comedian.
You don't have to be a writer.
You don't have to perform.

You simply have to be willing to explore what happens when we stop pretending we're impressed.

Come for one day or both.

You can attend either September 28, September 29, or both days.

Important: You must register separately for each day you wish to attend.

This isn't about forcing happiness.

It's about finding connection, creativity, maybe some humour and possibly meaning in the space between meh and yay!