We’re well into August – prime time for summertime events, mini weekend escapes and a few noteworthy restaurant openings to firmly place on your radar. This Weekender edition spotlights a few choice suggestions we think you ought to fully consider.
Get things started on Friday by heading down to newly-opened Sol Sun Belt Cookery located along the Seawall in Coal Harbour. This project is the collaborative brainchild of both the owner of YVR’s infamous ‘Bin’ tapas bars and Go Fish! in partnership with the former owner of Bravo Bistro. Enjoy the waterfront ambiance, relaxed setting, live music (courtesy of resident DJ) and creative menu and wine selections influenced by the Mediterranean and beyond.
Segue your way over to check out Cirque du Soleil’s latest offering to roll into town: Michael Jackson’s THE IMMORTAL World Tour. There are still reasonably priced tickets available, but we doubt for long. This is one special show we think you won’t want to miss.
Post-performance, why not head over to Hooker’s Green in Yaletown for a nightcap and bit of late night fun? We love the subdued, sophisticated atmosphere and interesting mix of people – perfect for doing a little ‘eye-spy’ of your own.
Come Saturday, fuel up for a day that is bound to be action-packed by heading to either the more casual Deacon’s Corner in Gastown or more refined Heron’s Bar at the Fairmont Waterfont Hotel for a bite of brunch. Whichever you choose, you’ll be aptly satiated and ready to tackle our next suggested activities…
If you’re feeling musically-inspired then head out to Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park and grab some tickets to the 13th Annual Blues + Roots Festival. Take in the crooning of Amadou & Mariam or the Grammy-winning Indigo Girls. Check out the market, enjoy a cold beer lakeside, and take in a day loaded with great tunes and atmosphere.
Alternatively, you can opt to pull out your pinstripe suit, fasten your fascinator and head to the Deighton Cup Weekend at the Races (formerly Thoroughbred Day at the Races) taking place at the Hastings Racecourse. Tickets are slim, but still available – don’t wait, this event sells out every year and is a guaranteed good time. You’ll have the chance to meander your way around the sprawling venue, mingle with other YPs, sip cocktails and bet on the winning ride. A 7pm dinner and after-party follows at Gastown’s own HouseXGuest.
Start Sunday off with a bit of fresh air and go for a stroll along the Seawall through Stanley Park’s network of trails, or head over to West Vancouver ‘s picturesque Ambleside Park for a bit of waterfront action. Cruise your way along the seawalk (starting at the Capilano River) and find yourself in nearby Dundarave Village. Once there, grab a late brunch at the Beach House Restaurant before heading back to catch the last few performances of the Harmony Arts Festival (ends Sunday afternoon).
Alternatively, make your way over to Kitsilano to partake in the final day of this weekend’s KitsFest. It’s one of Vancouver’s best outdoor events celebrating sports and a healthy way of living (right down to the Lululemon beachfront yoga that’ll take place). Grab some food at the festival’s Baseline Bistro, featuring several noteworthy, popular local vendors (the Boathouse, Chronic Tacos and Earls) before heading home to gear up for the week ahead.
Photo courtesy HouseXGuest