Happening Friday starting at 5pm, be sure to head over to the Beggars Banquet – it’s not your average flea market. It’s the ultimate spot to stop by if you’re in the market for a new spring look with stylish finds guaranteed to suit all tastes. Speaking of tastes, you’ll be able to satisfy any post-work hunger as Bottleneck will be on hand, as will R&B Brewing. Look for labels from such lines as Hey Jude, Citizen Grace and Kristina’s Creations (for a little bling).
Also back for another crafty weekend and taking over The Croatian Cultural Centre is Make It! Vancouver. If you’re looking for a few unique items to freshen up your space for spring, this is likely where you’ll find it; more than 140 different local artists, designers and crafters will be on-hand showcasing their wares. If you need a little liquid assistance to loosen the wallet, there is a licensed bar on premise, live music food and plenty more.
Feeling all shopped out? No problem. Why not unleash your inner geek by heading down to the convention centre to partake in a little comic(al) action at this year’s Fan Expo Vancouver? Catch a slew of special appearances from the likes of the Walking Dead’s own ill-fated Merle (Michael Rooker), comic royalty Stan Lee, Buffy’s BF Angel (James Marsters), Sean Astin of GOONIES and Lord of the Rings, and plenty more. Score a chance to attend intimate Q&A sessions, catch artists at work, meet your favourite anime characters, and mingle with other fans. The Fan Expo runs all weekend and tickets can be purchased here.
Not that we’re advocates of this next tip, per se, but post fan-expo you might want to consider making your way over to the Vancouver Art Gallery for around 4:20pm. Whether you choose to join the thousands of others who will converge on the space for a hazy mission (read between the lines here), or simply want to catch a waft of the festivities, it might prove highly entertaining to say the least. Score a prime vantage point from Bel Cafe across the street and satisfy any munchies by noshing on their limited edition Hemp Seed Macaron – made especially for the occasion.
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If you’re hankering for some more good eats, we recommend you hit up the latest arrival to call Gastown home; The Flying Pig has finally opened the doors to its mew multi-level space (102 Water Street). With a prime corner location in the heart of all the action, we’re notably stoked that one of our long-time dining favourites has a second location – featuring the same delicious offerings. Whether you opt for a table for two or score a spot at the bar, get ready for a feast. Always on our must-eat radar: their house salmon sampler, cheese board, crispy Brussels sprouts, creamed corn (yup, that’s right) and pulled pork poutine. Hungry yet?
Come Sunday, we are betting you’ll feel like getting outside to enjoy some quality sun (here’s hoping it decides to stick around!) Set to get things off to a speedy start, the annual Vancouver Sun Run is back and taking over the majority of downtown for most of the morning and afternoon. If you’re participating, we wish you the best of luck. If not, grab a coffee at the recently-opened East Van Roasters and a chocolatey pastry and cheer on the athletes from the sidelines.
Feeling inspired to enjoy the outdoors for a bit longer? We think you ought to devote the remainder of the day to dusting off your green thumbs for a little home garden work. Whether you’ve got a petite patio or are blessed with a backyard, now is the time of year to get planning and potting. Where do we suggest you get started? Locally. We always find great green deals (not to mention advice) at the Van Dusen Gardens as well as love any excuse to venture out to picturesque Southlands Nursery for inspiration.
After you’ve worked up a mess, take a break and head over to Local Public Eatery in Kits for a little patio R&R. You can’t get much better than their near-waterfront view and laidback atmosphere. It’s the perfect answer for any lazy Sunday afternoon cravings…not to mention their killer Caesars served in a boot.
Finally, wind down the day by heading out to support the launch of Eco Fashion Week (starts Sunday through until next Wednesday). Local fashion maven Nicole Bridger will spearhead the festivities with an opening showcase of style at Portside. For a full listing of events, be sure to click here for details.
Top photo courtesy Bel Cafe