Celebrate the last long weekend of summer in style and be sure to make the most out of that extra day off before the season is officially over. This Vancouver Weekender is full of options to help you max out your schedule – read on for our city scoop.
Start things off in the city and check out the recently opened Wildebeest restaurant for a carnivorous bite. This redone space oozes rustic charm and is infused with a clean and modern twist (and houses a classy little wine bar too!). We love the tasteful meat-centric menu that offers the perfect culinary answer to those craving simple, farm-sourced fare – and especially pine for the paired down wine bar menu. Bring on the truffle popcorn, salt water-infused hazelnuts and house-made pate, please.
En route home, get cultured and stop by Chinatown for the last remaining outdoor concert as part of Enchanted Evenings at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens prior to perusing the lively nearby Night Market (on until September 9th).
If you’re mulling over an escape out of town for Labour Day, there are plenty of options. A few noteworthy festival happenings to consider are the 31st Annual Sunshine Coast Music Festival (at Palm Beach Park) and the 25th Annual Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival. Closer to home, we’ve got the TAIWANfest marking its return, bringing with it plenty of arts, entertainment, music and food starting Saturday.
Speaking of food, this weekend is fully loaded with tasty treats – and you will be too if you attend the Gastown BBQ & Chili Festival (hosted by The Blarney Stone). Beef up for a great cause; proceeds from this free neighbourhood event that features live entertainment, a cook-off and BBQ competition go toward helping underprivileged kids participate in sports.
Come Sunday, head to Dockside Restaurant on Granville Island and plant yourself on their waterfront patio for a laid-back, Blues-infused brunch – or hold off until their Labour Day Monday’s celebration of summer and partake in an afternoon BBQ with Big Lou’s Butcher Shop on deck serving up eats.
In keeping with foodie happenings around town this long weekend, don’t forget to save room for the final Food Truck Fest at The Waldorf taking place this Sunday. If you haven’t had a chance check it out yet, this is one celebration not to be missed and worth skipping breakfast for. Take in the always-fun scene, sample your way around a few dozen or so food vendors on-site, nip into the beer garden and do a little shopping at the adjacent market.
This Sunday also marks your last opportunity to add a little educational inspiration to your weekend – the Telus World of Science will see the departure of its popular ‘Da Vinci – The Genius’ exhibit and tours (Friday and Saturday are sold out). Sunday evening’s show starts at 5:30pm and tickets must be reserved here.
Though the weather has cooled off a bit, it’s still set to be sunny. One thing we’re pretty sure you’ll want to do this long weekend is get outside for a bit of R&R (preferably at the beach).
Given that summer is coming to a meandering end, as Vancouverites we know how good it is to kick back, catch some rays and relax at one of these spots around town. So come holiday Monday, we think you ought to do just that. Grab your BBQ, leave the laundry for another inevitable rainy day and chill ocean-side.
Photo courtesy Wildebeest