Start things off by heading out for a bite at one of the more than 260 different restaurants participating in Dine Out Vancouver Festival (on until Sunday). As one of the largest food-focused festivals in Canada, it’s been a huge success.
If you’re looking for a laugh post-eats, grab tickets for The Odd Couple playing over at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. It’s a classic comedy of clashing personality and tells the story of mismatched roommates who have to overcome their quirky differences in close quarters… we’ve all been there. Bonus: tickets start from under $30, so it’s budget-friendly.
Also taking place this Friday (and part of Dine Out’s series of off-site events) is one that will have you quaffing back some noteworthy BC wines. The Grape Debate 2014 kicks off at the Vancouver Library starting at 7pm and calls to question whether or not wines are made in the vineyard or winery, featuring lively discussion courtesy of top critics, writers, winemakers and sommeliers. After the ‘friendly’ discussion, cruise around the room and sample your way through more than a dozen award-winning BC wines. It’ll more than warm up your palate – and get the night going.
Saturday, we suggest you pop over to the recently opened (and hopping) West End hot spot Greenhorne Espresso Bar for a little pick-me-up of java and fuel for the road (they’ve got a great little brunch offering worth biting into). Next, hit up the local Winter Farmers Market at Nat Bailey Stadium. It’s the perfect way to get the day started while squeezing in a little prepping for the week ahead. As the months tick by, new produce becomes seasonally available, more vendors are featured, and variety increases to keep your kitchen stocked of goods.
Follow suit and get in on the Chinese New Year festivities. If you missed Friday nights parade held at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, scoot over to FlyOver Canada and catch a screening of Flight of the Dragon. On for a limited time, you’ll feel like you’re actually experiencing the sights and sounds of this diverse nation first-hand.
Roll into what will be a Sunday-Funday by grabbing brunch at Yolk’s, or nabbing a table early on at one of our favourites, Yaletown’s Hurricane Grill, Mahoney & Sons (Coal Harbour) or Joey on Burrard. You’ll be glad you did given it is Super Bowl XLVIII after all! Since we’re all about supporting the west coast spirit, our vote goes to the Seattle Seahawks to win it.
If you’re not into football action… what’s wrong with you? We joke. Sunday also marks the end to several other events worth noting (especially if you’re looking for a little live entertainment and culture). Both Cavalia‘s esteemed equestrian show, “Odysseo,” and the Vancouver PuSh Festival wind things down. If you haven’t already had a chance to check out these two amazing options, be sure to do so.
Finally, another Sunday option is the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival and Parade that is set to take over the streets downtown, starting at Millennium Gate. Look for plenty of colourful performers, lion dances, and marching bands to wind their way through the culturally-rich neighbourhood. All the action gets going at around 11am – so get there on the early side to nab your spot.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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Top photo courtesy Greenhorn
