Grab a cocktail at one of our favourites around town by popping into The Blackbird for a bit before heading over to the Rio Theatre for some cheeky fun at the Star Wars Burlesque Show. With a cast of 25 all-star nerdlesque performers set to take the stage, it’s going to be quite the night. A Nude Hope is pulling out all the stops for this special Geekenders Anniversary party complete with plenty of feathers, puppets and confetti. And, of course, people dressed up in full Star Wars-themed attire.
Saturday, be sure to cruise over to Yaletown and take in this year’s version of the uber-successful holiday festival CandyTown. On from noon until 9pm, this day-long event has plenty to offer that’ll get you into the seasonal spirit. Check out an ice carving demo, live music, and a special ‘All I Want for Christmas’ gift market, candy-making, and partake in a CandyTown Cocktail Tour. If you’re on the hunt for a Christmas tree, CandyTown is also featuring a Yaletown Rotary Club Xmas Tree Lot so you can nab one and let the decorating begin.
After you’ve gotten your festive fix, stick around town and make your way over to The Wine Bar (TWB) for a tour around the wine world without having to leave the city. We love the ample selection of wines available by the glass and on tap. Their waterfront location offers the perfect escape after a hectic day. Unplug your brain and go for any one of their specially-priced fixed menus (wine pairings are extra). It’s almost like escaping to the Mediterranean.
Stay in the festive spirit this weekend and get a bit more of that holiday shopping done with Saturday’s kick off to Shine, Shop and Dine (runs until December 21st). Score a free trolley tour courtesy of the Vancouver Trolley Company and make your way around the city’s West End mecca of culinary and consumer offerings. Grab gifts, grub and veg out in the heart of downtown.
After you’ve ditched your newfound wares at home, we suggest you put on some late-night dancing shoes and make your way over to Thunderbird Arena for some serious tunes guaranteed to keep you going until the wee hours. Steve Aoki is set to pay a visit to YVR as part of his Aokify America Tour – and his sound is worth it.
Come Sunday, make it a lazy start to the day by grabbing brunch at Forage for some refueling. We love the emphasis they place on sustainable and locally sourced food products. On our must-try list: their pumpkin brioche French toast and turkey sausage hash.
Next, it’s game on for the Grey Cup. Be sure to stake out your vantage point at one of our favourites for catching the game: The Local Public Eatery in Kits. Always buzzing with activity (not to mention eye candy), they’ve got their outdoor bar-side patio fully heated and covered, plenty of large screens available to catch the CFL action, and some of the best Caesars (we think) in town.
If you’ve still got room for a bit more crafty Christmas-themed fun, be sure to check out this year’s West Coast Christmas Show & Marketplace taking over the Tradex in Abbotsford. We know it’s a bit of a trek, but we promise it’ll be worth it with the likes of Food Network’s own Anna Olsen, a Festival of Trees on display, cheese seminars and even a ‘pet Santa’ making an appearance for Fido too.
Round out your weekend by grabbing a pair of skates and hitting up the Robson Square Ice Rink that has reopened for another season. It’s free and is the perfect place to unwind before the workweek cycle starts up again.
Top photo courtesy Forage