Vancouver Weekender: February 24 through 26, 2012

To kick off this weekender edition for YVR, we think YPs ought to jettison their way out of work and head over to The old Boneta locale at 1 West Cordova for the second pop-up of Beggars Banquet. This monthly ‘upscale’ flea market of sorts brings together an eclectic, artistic mix of old school vintage finds with modern, sought-after local designs – perfect for the young professional’s abode (or wardrobe). Admission is only $2 and gets you access to a great selection of cool curios, clothing and more (can we say, open bar?). 

If you make it down to the Banquet, it’ll be easy enough to stroll over to the new Boneta for a bite and a beer, literally right around the corner at 12 Water Street in Gastown. We can never get enough of their craft cocktails, relaxed-upscale ambiance, delectable menu and always charming wit doled out by the droves (thank you Neil!).  

Our final offer to help make your Friday notable: be sure to check out the latest FUSE event at the Vancouver Art Gallery starting at 8:30pm until 1am. This is a definite must-do for those YPs looking to mix a bit of fun into their approach to some tasteful and strategic networking with our city’s movers and shakers. With DJs, gallery tours, live performances and multi-level bars, not to mention stunning artistic displays, we think this event is where it’s at.

Wake up to your Saturday and seek out some action – slope-side, that is. Why not head up Grouse Mountain? They’ve currently experienced a nice little dumping of fresh powder. Strap on those skis, or lock in that board, or…for those craving an even greater workout, do up those snowshoes. We recently discovered their ‘winter’ version of the Grouse Grind, aka Mother Nature’s Stairmaster from Hell. To fool any tourists, they’ve simply called it Snowshoe Grind, and grind it is indeed. It’ll take you about an hour or so to trek up the steep terrain (just over 5km). The view at the apex is rewarding, but there is no tram to bring you back down. Nonetheless, it guarantees YPs an awesome workout worthy of a rewarding laid-back brunch (with beer) upon finish.

After you’ve had a bit of down time to relax, regroup (and shower) head over to The FALL Tattooing and Art Gallery and check out the Bill You Murray Me?’ exhibit – an ode to all things Bill Murray. What’s not to love about an event celebrating this humorous, noteworthy and award-winning actor as a modern-day objet d’art? The FALL gallery is located at 644 Seymour Street and, due to popular demand, this unique, multimedia exhibit has been extended to March.

Also on deck for Saturday: The Factory Girls mark their swan-song at the stunning, 14,000 sq ft Masik Studio and Gallery. Inspired by Andy Wharhol’s years of blue-collar factory work and 1960s art scene, this event aims to bring together a noteworthy selection of music, live performances and cinematic clips to help mark an end to Pamela Masik’s W 2nd Ave. location. Tickets are $35, more info is available here. A percentage of proceeds benefit The Sarah McLachlan School of Music Foundation.

Stroll into an Oscar-worthy Sunday (who can resist?) with a trip to the Winter Farmers Market to score your own rewarding stash of local goods. Whether you’re attending an Oscar-themed party or simply want to prep for a notable night at home, we love the abundance on offer from BC producers, artisans and specialty goods vendors at this dreary time of year. Need more inspiration? Be sure to check for more details here and build up that Oscar-party appetite.

Feeling lazy, but still up for a cinematic fix? Head to the always-fun Cinema Public House and take in their take of Oscar fun, Hollywood style. Complete with red carpeted arrival, a champagne fountain, multi-course menu and special Oscar-worthy cocktails, this is a guaranteed spot for dramatic fun.

Photo courtesy Boneta