This Friday, brush off your bargaining skills and be sure save your appetite for pop-up auction extraordinaire courtesy of the folks behind Gastown’s The Found And The Freed. Score big by bidding on the city’ hidden treasure you never knew you wanted (or needed). Slurp back freshly-shucked oysters, sip cocktails and wine to your hearts’ content (thanks to The Curious Oyster Catering Co.).
If you’re feeling a little bit fancy, you can also opt to score tickets to the Wine for Waves fundraiser taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel on Friday evening. This benefit aims to raise money and awareness for the Vancouver Aquarium’s OceanWise program and will offer young professionals the opportunity to rub elbows with YVR’s movers and shakers while sampling plenty of wine from the Naramata Bench. Try your hand at the tempting silent auction spread and enjoy this class-act affair.
Need a reason to get out and enjoy your Saturday away from the couch? Look no further than a day full of different (and tasty) options.
If you’re looking to channel your inner artist, the Vancouver Gallery Hop is meant for you. It takes place all day and includes a variety of different events guaranteed to suite your interests. Partake in a panel discussion, join a gallery tour (more than 20 to visit) or check out the spring issue launch of Canadian art (you’ll meet some interesting city influencers and score a free glass of wine too).
If you are more inclined to enjoy the outdoors, no problem. Maybe a quick trip over to check out one of several markets popping up around town is just the ticket. It’s almost time to officially transition into summer where Vancouver Farmer’s Markets are concerned. To help eschew the seasons along, this Saturday marks the last Winter Farmer’s Market at Nat Bailey Stadium. Also taking place, the Baker’s Market is back with plenty of freshly baked goods on offer, as is indie fai Got Craft! (where you can peruse plenty of edible and non-edible items while enjoying free entertainment).
Since you’re outdoors and exploring the city already, you might want to check out Velopalooza and the Cherry Blossom Festival, who have teamed up for Saturday afternoon’s ‘Bike the Blossoms’ ride. Grab your cruiser and head down to the blossom trees by China Creek South. If there’s one sure sign of the season in Vancity, it has to be the plethora of pink petals we’re now seeing. What better a way to celebrate this than by getting out to explore the seasonal beauty?
Okay, enough of that.
After all that good-for-you exercise and craftiness, why not sit yourself down on a patio and enjoy a pint of craft beer for the remainder of the afternoon? By this, we’re thinking you ought to beeline your way over and up to The Roof at Black + Blue’s (finally open in time for the weekend). We’ve teased you with details before, so now it’s time to go test it out for yourself (and do some serious people-watching while you’re at it).
Come Sunday, we vote that you grab your blades and cruise the Seawall before hunkering down for a bit of brunch at Forage or pop over to Revolver and enjoy a cup of their buzz-worthy coffee (they did just win an award earlier this week, after all).
Wind things down by heading out to Projecting Change Film Festival’s Closing Gala and final screening event (starts at 7pm). Help the organizers celebrate another successful year of discussion, cinematic exploration and hard work (and sip some Barefoot bubbly on the side). The party takes place at The Portside Pub with your choice of two screenings preceding it. Good company is guaranteed.
Top photo courtesy Revolver
