Though we can’t quite believe we’re already at the end of July, that doesn’t mean our weekends are any less packed with summer fun. This edition of Vancouver’s Weekender is loaded with options that’ll have your days fully loaded from start to finish. Read on to discover what’s made our Notable agenda…
Friday night, be sure to head down to Gastown for a bite to eat at recently opened hot spot The Sardine Can. This cool and cozy tapas bar specializes in Spanish specialty items, and a tight and carefully chosen wine and drinks list – all packed into a mere 500 sq ft of space. Next, wander over to 1 Cordova and check out the first Gather Pop Up Shop kicking off starting at 5pm until late. You’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other young professionals in-the-know as you peruse the goods of more than 25 local designers, vendors and more. There will be live music, a mini beer garden and some incredible, noteworthy works of art and installations to take in. It’s a unique evening fuelled by artistic and creative expression continuing all weekend long. If you opt to head down on Saturday or Sunday, you’ll have the additional chance to partake in one of several crafty workshops being offered for free. For full details and workshop schedule click here.
Saturday, we suggest you start off the day by strolling over to a rather unlikely spot for a bite of breakfast, Sciué Italian Bakery and Cafe, at their newest downtown location on Melville Street. Enjoy a lazy Italiano start to the day and select from Crespella (Italian crepes), breakfast pizza (offered several different ways), breakfast paninos, ciambella (Italian doughnuts dusted with fine sugar), and wash it all down with their own roast of Italian coffee – perfection. Open from 8am until 5pm on Saturdays.
Once you’ve fuelled up, beeline your way to the Seabus terminal and grab a ride over to the North Shore for a day of festive fun at the annual Caribbean Days Festival in the Park. This event always attracts a huge crowd and is as loud, colourful and flavourful as the Trinidad & Tobago culture it stems from. Work your way around to various stages, peruse the goods on offer from local vendors, catch live music and, the best part, taste the cuisine of the tropics (washed down with an ice cold beer at the on-site beer garden).
Saturday night, we’re all about heading downtown for eats before claiming your spot in English Bay in order to view this year’s Honda Celebration of Light kick-off fireworks show (courtesy of first-time country competitor Vietnam). Grab a pre-show bite at Cactus Club English Bay, Raincity Grill or spice things up a bit and head over to long-time favourite Lolita’s South of the Border Cantina.
Come Sunday, why not use the majority of your morning to get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather? Head along the seawall by bike or blade and opt to tackle the False Creek loop, toward Granville Island and Kitsilano Beach, grabbing a snack to go from the local’s convenient concession-stand, Nimby Burger.
Looking to work up more of an appetite? We think the perfect solution for a lazy Sunday afternoon is to head over to The Waldorf Hotel to check out their first Food Cart Fest (in partnership with Vancouver’s Food Truck scene and Yelp). With plenty of different food vendors on site to tempt your taste buds, an artisan market, live music, DJs, prizes and a beer garden, you’re bound to get more than your fill. Find it at 1489 E. Hastings Street and skip dinner.
Photo courtesy Cactus Club English Bay