Vancouver Weekender: January 13 through 15, 2012

This weekender is notably loaded with variety, from news about the latest pizzeria to finally open its doors to where to find your horror flick fix (just in time for Friday the 13th) and a festival devoted to all things hot chocolate. You may just need to run a few laps around the seawall after. Just sayin’.

Post-work Friday, hustle over to taste test the latest much-anticipated pizzeria to grace our fair city. Pizzeria Barbarella has finally been given the go-ahead, so score yourself a seat at their 654 East Broadway location and dig into their diavola pizza, grab a slice of their salsiccia or nosh, on their amatriciana. They’ve got a tight list of offerings and a lot of buzz. 

Feeling rather creatively-minded or pining for a pinch of nostalgia (circa the 70s) Friday night? Then head down to Canvas Lounge for the Polaroid Party hosted by none other than Team Awesome set to benefit a great cause, Imagine1Day. Tickets are only $10 and it gets you in the door to an awaiting drink, DJ beats courtesy of DJ Marvel, DJ Seko and DJ Yurie, and your very own chance to win a Polaroid camera.  There will be artsy Polaroid photos on display from over 20 talented local photographers, available for purchase with 100% of proceeds going to Imagine1Day.

Looking for something likely to have you on the edge of your seat? Check out the Viscera Film Festival presented by Curio Media as they screen a stack of short films of the gore and horror kind. Screening of these R-rated short films commences at 7:30pm at The Rio Theatre and tickets are $13. What better a way to get into ‘Friday the 13th’ mode than with a bit of gore? Confirmed host is the always-entertaining Fiona Forbes (Urban Rush) and notable filmmakers and special guests (Rachel Talalay (Tank Girl), Lori Bowne (Aftershock) and more will be in attendance.

Settle into Saturday and plan to trek around town while taste-testing offerings from the 2nd Annual Hot Chocolate Festival at participating venues. The festival will feature more than 50 different flavours and chocolate-creations on offer from 15 local chocolatiers, as well as spiked gelato to cool you off. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. We’re especially keen to see what gelato-concotion will be revealed by Bella Gelateria, who has partnered with previously featured Notable YP Erin Ireland to showcase her “It’s To Die For” Banana Bread. 

Looking for something a bit different to do Saturday night? Consider checking out the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s special introduction course for curious concertgoers. The class aims to educate novice concertgoers to the main musical periods, notable composers and instruments in their respective orchestras and will include two complimentary tickets to the evenings VSO concert (Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Beethoven’s Symphony No.6, Pastoral).

Lighten up and laugh it up at The Vancity Culture Lab’s comedy show featuring the hilarious antics and observances of Adam Pateman and Ryan Beil. These funny guys are reuniting as part of Giants III: Self Quest and the show is guaranteed to have you doubled-over, in a good way. Show starts at 10pm and is only $10.

In the mood for a late night? Then check out the Lobby Recall 2012 – Request for Return party that is set to take over Granville Street’s Barcelona Nightclub. This event will have you dancing to the beats of DJ’s SKLA, Tyson V, and Germany’s own Marco Petralia, to name a few. Party starts at 10pm and goes ‘til late. 

Roll into a lazy Sunday by grabbing brunch-with-a-view at a one of our favorite Kitsilano go-to spots, Local before you stroll along the beachfront toward Burrard. Head back up toward West 4th Ave. and peruse the shops; take advantage of all the post-Christmas sales offering steep discounts. This is the perfect time of year to scoop great savings and update that young professional wardrobe of yours.

Speaking of adding to the wardrobe, if you (or someone you know) got engaged over the holidays, head down to Engage at The Vancouver Club for their first boutique bridal showcase. Take in a live runway show of couture bridal fashions guaranteed to inspire your planning. Tickets for Engage start at $25 (advance) or $35 at the door and are a great way to sneak a peek at this swanky, historic members-only club.

Sunday night is all about the Canucks, so we’re thinking you’ll likely either be parked at home, at your favorite pub, or lucky enough to have scored a few tickets to the 6pm game.  Wondering where to head to catch the game with a crew? Venture out to the Yaletown Brew Pub for action and entertainment, or shuffle down to the Rooftop Bar and Lounge at Yaletown’s Keg Restaurant for a truly west coast vibe.  Alternatively, you can still score some great seats either in-person or online.