We already L.O.V.E. Vancouver.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot to look forward to in 2015.
After all, you can never have too much awesome (fact).
So from shopping to real estate, and events to restaurants, this is everything you have to look forward to in Vancouver over the next 12 months…
Patio Season at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Alberni Street
There are multiple patios wrapping around this location at The Shangri-La Hotel. Repeat: multiple patios. Because the opening was in the fall, we suspect this will be a new patio hot-spot for the happy hour crowd.
The Flying Pig Olympic Village
They ended up opening doors ahead of the New Year but nonetheless; we know the newest location will be our new favourite choice to slide into for a good bite and great vibe.
Tap & Barrel – The Shipyards
Taking up prime real estate in Coal Harbour and Olympic Village with stunning views from indoor and outdoor seating areas matched with a completely laidback time – we can’t wait to take it all in from their first North Shore location. The new space takes over what used to be a shipyards site (hence the name) along the Lonsdale waterfront.
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
Pemberton Festival
After the inaugural edition in 2008, “Pemby Fest” finally returned and was an even bigger hit the second time around. The line-up hasn’t even been released and early bird tickets are already sold out. We expect big things.
Fiona Forbes
After co-hosting The Rush (formerly The Urban Rush) on Shaw TV, Vancouver’s Fiona Forbes returns with her own very own talk show. We knew she wouldn’t be away from the screen for long.
Deighton Cup & Diner En Blanc
We already claimed these two events as some of the best of 2014 – so why not expect great things again this year?. Deighton Cup will expand to other cities this year and we’re excited to see what twists and turns Diner En Blanc will serve up in its third year.
CHARITIES DRIVEN BY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Spectacle Vancouver
What was meant to be a one-off gala evening to raise funds and awareness for Seva Canada was so well executed, delivered, and appreciated by everyone attending that many have asked if it will happen again. Part two in 2015? We hope so…
Zajac Nights
Moving venues this year from the Vancouver Club to the Terminal City Club, the theme on June 6th will be all about experiencing a year in one night with each room offering a different holiday theme.
Lawn Summer Nights
This has to be one of the most fun – and active – charity events specifically for YPs. Commit to a month of Thursday evenings with a team and dress up and bowl away at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
SHOPPING
Nordstrom
We don’t have to say much here. Big launch plans are underway. The only date you need to know: September 18th, 2015.
Robson Flagship/Alberni’s Luxury Row
Expect to see more concept stores moving to one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. While just one block down, Dior will open in Hotel Vancouver and The Carlyle Building will welcome more luxury tenants.
McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Mall
Over in Richmond by YVR, we’ll be getting our first designer outlet destination. The wait isn’t too long for this one – it’ll be here by spring.
REAL ESTATE & PUBLIC SPACES
TELUS Garden
The opening of the TELUS Garden development means the nightmare traffic around the Georgia-Robson-Seymour-Richards area has finally come to an end. Just kidding. [EW2] One of this year’s most anticipated new buildings will house residents, businesses, and restaurants, and feature stand-out architectural design that’s been built with environmental sustainability in mind. Expect it to change the face of this area of the city.
Public Art – Vancouver Art Gallery, Westbank Corporation, & Vancouver Biennale
Vancouverites have loved seeing, sharing, and learning more about the story and purpose behind the Gumhead – the chandelier under Granville Street Bridge and the giant jelly beans along the seawall in False Creek. From what we hear, there’s more of this to come and we can’t wait to see what our city’s leading artists will come up with next.
BUSINESS
There are a couple areas of science that are currently helping to put our city on the map. IAS 2015, the largest open scientific conference on HIV/Aids, will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre where 6000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend.
Vancouver is also continuing to gain momentum as “Silicone Valley North” – with Hootsuite bringing international attention, Facebook setting up shop in Coal Harbour, and a burgeoning number of start-ups calling this westward city home. 2015 will include the opening of the Microsoft Excellence Centre office occupying two floors of commercial space in the redeveloped end of Pacific Centre.
SPORTS
FIFA Women’s World Cup
Come June, soccer will take over as BC Place welcomes some of the top female athletes in the world competing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. One of six cities to be hosting, Vancouver will play host to the final match on July 5th. NBD.
NEIGHBOURHOOD TO WATCH: RAILTOWN
The movement east has already started happening with many businesses and residents already calling the area home for years, but now people are starting to pay more attention. Though bordering on the key areas flagged with poverty, drugs, and prostitution, this ‘hood is still shining bright with the addition of new business developments that are helping to boost its credibility. Railtown is a diamond in the rough – and we expect it to continue to shine even brighter in 2015.
#NOTABLE
Cover image from: istock.com/LaserLens
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