Start of the weekend by mixing in a bit of culture and grab a pair of tickets for the 8pm show featuring one of the Bard’s best, The Taming of the Shrew, at this year’s Bard on the Beach. We love this Oceanside venue for its laidback, causal take on classic theatre performances at a great price. Up the ante on the evening and order a pre-packed picnic selection courtesy of Emelle’s catering (we’ll leave the sneaking in of wine-filled flask to you).
Roll into the rest of your weekend by grabbing a bit of brunch at Perch in Gastown (we can’t get enough of their pulled pork hash and huge breakfast sandwiches). This cozy, no-frills spot is a favourite of locals and offers the perfect opportunity for you to chill out while you check out work from new artists around town (displayed on monthly rotation throughout the space).
Once fuelled and filled, head out to Burnaby Heights to take part in the annual, Hats Off Day voted “Burnaby’s Best Festival” by Burnaby Now for nearly a decade. Streets will be packed with festival-goers and local merchants; restaurant and cafe owners will be out promoting their businesses with giveaways and then the party gets started with an annual parade.
This weekend also marks the last chance for you to catch Beat Nation exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery (ends June 3rd). This modern take on the expression of Aboriginal tradition is one worth noting. Through the use of hip hop, installation art, performance, video and other popular forms of expression, Beat Nation has given a newer generation of artists an opportunity to creatively relay the importance of culture and its longevity.
Looking for something involving a bit of fashionable fresh air? Head out to the Thunderbird Classic Grand Prix to check out the Mibroc World Cup on Saturday, June 2nd at 2pm. Hang out with the horses and watch Canadian Olympian Jonathan Asselin, USA Nations Team member Ashlee Bond and Irish Nations Cup team member Jennifer Crooks as they go up against a few local favourites (Brian Morton and Samantha Buirs) for a chance to take home $53,000.
Next, head underground for a memorable dining experience as brought to you by the folks behind The Culinary Circus, who have organized an event set to take place this Saturday evening starting at 6pm. Feast Roman-style, bring your own blanket and nosh on delicacies brought to you by Chef Mahin. For more details and to purchase your ticket, click here.
Come Sunday, head over to the North Shore for a few noteworthy reasons. First being, we think it’s high time that you revisited the Lynn Valley Canyon for a bit of a leisurely hike. Who needs to fork out $30 to cross a suspension bridge when Lynn Valley has one that’s free and just as beautiful?)
Next, be sure to head over to Lynn Valley Village and check out Conquer Cancer Lynn Valley (starting at 1pm). This fundraising event is open to the public at minimal cost ($10) and benefits the BC Cancer Foundation and the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. There will be plenty to do and see, local vendors on hand with special offers, and a free outdoor concert featuring the up and coming talents of popular band Headwater. For more info on this day-long event, click here.
Wind things down for the weekend and head to one of our favourites, Memphis Blues BBQ, for a bite to eat that doesn’t require a fork and knife. Grab their Memphis Feast platter for a perfect, finger-lickin’ sampling and veg out there or at home. We’re excited for the upcoming opening of their next downtown location set to be made official any day now on Robson (near Richards).