Segue into things by heading out for post-work drinks and a bite at the Portside Pub in Gastown. They’ve got one of YVR’s finest selections of beer on-tap and a truly noshable menu. You’ll need to fuel-up before you make your way over for a bit of eclectic fun at the Electro Vaudeville Festival. It’s where you’ll find yourself jiving to vintage tunes melded with modern beats of electro swing, blues and jazz performed by bands from across Europe and North America
Take it easy on Saturday and grab some brunch at one of our favourites, Save-On-Meats, or shift things a bit further down Hastings to The Red Wagon for endless coffee and their Super Trucker breakfast.
Next, be sure to cruise a bit further down the road to check out the Winter Farmers Market and their fresh crop of local offerings. Hundreds of local vendors will be on-hand showcasing the latest seasonal picks – and then some. It’s one of the last markets of the season, so take advantage and load up before things officially wind down (don’t worry, more markets return next month and through the summer).
Also taking place this weekend, and one to put on your notable radar, is the official start of the Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival (runs from April 12 to 21). Beeline your way up to the slopes for the day, or the entire weekend (it all depends on how debaucherous you’re feeling). Regardless, the next two weeks will be a guaranteed good time fuelled by amazing events, free concerts, demos and more – check the schedule of happenings and book your room now to avoid crazy costs.
Feeling more in the mood for a dash of artistic expression? Why not head down to the Vancouver Art Gallery to take in their latest installation, Grand Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life (commissioned by the VAG) and peruse the latest works that explore the essence of this classic hub of activity. This particular exhibit charts the evolution of the hotel from an isolated and utilitarian structure to (what we notably now identify as) a “cultural phenomenon” and popular gathering spot for social activities, business and networking. Be sure to take a look at the upcoming schedule, featuring a curator’s tour and speakers series while you’re at it.
Taking place on Sunday, we think Notable readers ought to gear up and get their shop on by paying a visit to the 6th Annual Nifty for Fifty sale taking place at the Heritage Hall. With about thirty different local designers showcasing their wares (all for $50 or less), entertainment and more, it’s the perfect way to spruce things up for spring and summer. Grab goods from designers and lines such as Allison Wonderland, Toodlebunny, Adhesif Clothing and plenty more.
Post shopping extravaganza, we’re thinking you may have worked up an appetite. For more fun, we’ve got a few options for further consideration before you get back into work week prep-mode.
Number one: Tasting Plates is back with another delectable offering of nosh-worthy temptations. This time around, it’s all about desserts. The deal is you need to save your appetite and cruise around to a variety of different local restaurants, cafes and bakeries sampling their signature sweet treats. You’ll meet plenty of other YPs on the way and have a great opportunity to fit in a bit of networking in between bites. Tickets and more information about this event can be found here.
Second, whet (and educate) your palate by checking out the latest courtesy of our friends at Vancouver Urban Winery. Not into the more formal, sit-down wine education classes? No problem. For $35 you can attend their version of ‘Sunday School‘, a series of informal, different and irreverent wine seminars sure to be a blast. Learn more and buy your tickets here.
Top photo courtesy Vancouver Art Gallery