Post-work, beeline your way to the nearest patio – stat. Count your lucky stars that we’re entering perhaps the third week of sunny weather and grab a celebratory cocktail at Reflections. Alternatively, we suggest you hunker down sans suit at the more laidback Dockside Restaurant and Brewery located on Granville Island to regroup for the weekend ahead.
Friday marks the return of FUSE at the Vancouver Art Gallery, so if you’re looking for an excuse to get a bit dolled-up, be sure to nab tickets in advance. This one promises to be the biggest of the year, with full patio open, more artwork than ever before, and free performances on Robson Street (tied in nicely with VIVA and Corduroy Road). The fun begins at 8pm and will cost you only $20 (plus booze).
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Get things started on Saturday by heading out to the Vancouver Folk Music Festival (on all weekend). It’s set to take place along Jericho Beach with a sprawling setup of stages and plenty of talent guaranteed to entertain. Pack your picnic, sunscreen and groove-worthy sandals – you’ll need it all. Celebrating its 36th year, Folk Music Fest is set to be the biggest one yet and includes a marketplace, food vendors and workshops.
After the music festivities, nip over to the newest location of ever-popular (and Notable favourite) Nook for some freshly baked pizza, pasta and charcuterie-style bites. This brand new space (located at 1525 Yew Street) is stunning. Mouth-watering menu aside, we’re loving the open-concept kitchen, expansive windows (that completely open up) and sleek decor that offer a breath of fresh air to dining options in the neighbourhood. Better yet, this new location offers lunch service and takeout – perfect for lazy days…
After you’ve been nooked, work off all that tasty pizza by biking over to Chinatown to check out the night market action. It’s the perfect way to wind down during the hot nights of summer in Vancity – and it’s free to boot. Cruise through the sprawling mix of vendors, barter your way to a deal on kitschy trinkets, sample exotic treats, enjoy live entertainment, partake in a bit of Karaoke and plenty more.
Come Sunday, if you’re not planning to ‘Bare your Buns’ at Wreck Beach or hit up a brunch spot like Adesso Bistro or Bistro Pastis in Kits, we suggest you head out of the city for some trail fun and make a leisurely morning of it. Find your way to either Deep Cove (North Van) or Lighthouse Park (West Van) and enjoy some R&R. Both destinations offer up fun and intermediate hikes that will land you equally stunning views you’ll thank us for suggesting.
After you’ve worked up a sweat, score some time in the sun and grab a beer down in Gastown. Finding a seat at Rainier Provisions‘ little ‘Paris-style patio’ (given it is essentially separated from the establishment by a sidewalk that runs between) has become a hot commodity. As a safe (and always trendy fall-back) head over to Chill Winston for quality cocktails and ample hipster people-watching.
Top photo courtesy Rosewood Hotel Georgia
