Vancouver Weekender: April 5 through 7, 2013

This weekend is loaded with an eclectic mix of happenings guaranteed to get you off your couch and out and about. With seasonal spring festivities kicking into high gear, Vegas-style fundraisers, new-found cocktail hot spots to check out and old favourites worth revisiting, there is certainly no shortage of action. 

Friday, if you’re looking to unwind with a few of Vancouver’s movers and shakers (while squeezing in a bit of charitable fun and networking), consider forking out $175 and making your way over to West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club to check out Vegas Night, Baby! Indulge in a cocktail reception hosted by Vegas showgirls, a gourmet multi-course dinner with wine included, casino games and plenty more set to take place. Feel better about dolling out like a high-roller, because all proceeds from the event will benefit Action 4 Kids’ efforts to ensure all kids have access to proper sporting equipment. For more info, click here

Also taking place on Friday, though without the need to put on your best party dress or bow-tie, Perogie Night is back. Save your appetite and make your way down to the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (located at 154 E. 10th). As always, the feast gets going on the first Friday of the month, and for $12 we guarantee you’ll leave beyond stuffed and happy.

Still hankering for some more fun on the town? If you haven’t already had the chance to check out the recently-opened Pidgin, we recommend you make your way down to Gastown for a quick post-work bite. There’s been no shortage of buzz around this hot spot as it’s garnered quite the foodie following (and then some). Next, be sure to stop by and pay our friends at Boneta a visit. The guys behind the bar offer up arguably some of the city’s best cocktails, not to mention a highly nosh-able menu (be sure to order their calamari chips – you’ll thank us later).

If you’re not quite into sticking around the city, we totally get it; those powder days of winter are definitely waning. Why not beat next weekend’s crowds and make your way to Whistler for a bit of snow and sun? There are plenty of deals to be had as the party atmosphere builds toward next week’s Whistler Ski+Snowboard Festival. Check out the schedule here to start planning your excuse to ditch the office early.

Also worth checking out this weekend is the 3rd Annual BC Youth Spoken Word Festival, Hullabaloo, that kicks the waxing poetic off at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Rec Centre in Yaletown. Be sure to head down and catch the multiple rounds of competition between 16 different teams from around Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Take in some free workshops and enjoy the ultimate word throwdown courtesy of spoken word veterans Amy Everhart and Truth Is.

Has the drab weather we’re unfortunately supposed to be stuck with for Saturday and Sunday got you longing for a taste of the sunny south? Perhaps you’re in need of a bit of Mexican cuisine and culture to distract you from the rain? Be sure to head over to 1622 Commercial Drive and pay a visit to the latest from the folks behind La Taqueria: La Mezcaleria. We’re hooked on their specialty Lamb Birria, killer Chorizo Taco and Carnitas already. Wash your feast down with an ice cold brew, or choose from one of a dozen different tequilas, cocktails and more. 

Come Sunday, be sure to partake in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (officially starts April 4th until 30th). Make your way over to the Van Dusen Gardens for a day of cultural exploration as part of Sakura Days Japan Fair, where you’ll have your chance to check out cultural activities, taste traditional foods, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony and catch live performances (including taiko drumming demonstrations) and more. 

Top photo courtesy Pidgin