Vancouver Weekender: September 14 through 16, 2012

Already well into September, our events schedule is all but loaded with happenings, restaurant openings and parties worth noting – not to mention, the weather forecast calls for some major outdoors time.  Read on to find out more about what we think is worth noting for the weekend ahead.

After you’ve wrapped up work on Friday, celebrate by grabbing a few friends and heading down to Gastown to check out the recently opened (and stylishly appointed) Wildebeest Restaurant or head over to the newest location of Rogue Kitchen and Wetbar located along Broadway for a tasty bite.

Next, add a little culture into the mix by nabbing tickets to one of the last few nights of the Vancouver Fringe Festival (it ends on Sunday). With more than 30,000 theatre-going attendees this year, we love the variety of shows and calibre of talent.

Post show, continue the evening by paying a visit to Notable favourite HouseXGuest, where they’ve got a line-up of top notch cocktails and late night bites on offer (not to mention a stellar DJ mixing great tunes until the wee hours). This space oozes laid-back cool, and we love the eclectic mix of young professionals who consistently turn out for some late night fun.

Stroll into a sunny Saturday and get things started with a blade along the Stanley Park Seawall, or head over to UBC’s picturesque Pacific Spirit Park (with a friend) for a bit of outdoorsy exercise. With more than 10km of trails available and some pretty amazing views to be had, it’s always a worthy go-to spot for a workout.

Once you’re done, we’re thinking you might be up for a snack. Make your way over to grab a few sweet baked treats at the recently opened (gluten free!) Lemonade Bakery, where you’ll find a delectable assortment of goodies at their new Cambie Street location. 

Next, might we suggest going a bit eco and grabbing your bike to head over to check out the 3rd Annual Autumn Shift Festival taking place on Main Street (between Broadway and 12th). Take in more than 70 different booths from local (and not so local) vendors – including Lucy’s Eastside Diner, Cascade, Open Door Yoga, Cobs Bread and Habitat for Humanity. There will be plenty to get this street party going with live music, DJs and entertainment – with a community fashion show set to take the stage at 3:30pm at Main and 11th. For full details, click here; event takes place from noon until 6pm.

Post street-side celebrations, we suggest you make your way over to Gastown’s own Dirty Apron Cooking School for a bit of culinary education. They are featuring another round of exciting cooking classes for just in time for fall feasting…this Saturday’s is all about getting schooled, Italian-style. These social (and networking-friendly) classes sell out, so hop to their website to grab your spot here and learn more about other upcoming courses.

Not feeling oh so domestic? No problem. Pick up a few remaining tickets for this Saturday’s all-day music fest taking place in Stanley Park. Benefit concert  Voices in the Park kicks off starting at 2pm until late – with an all-star line-up of Canadian talent to the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Bryan Adams, Stevie Nicks, Hedley, Hey Ocean!, Jann Arden and more. Don’t even think about driving – the park will be packed. We suggest you walk or bike your way to the venue and enjoy this final send-off to summer in true West Coast style. PS. rumour has it that former President Bill Clinton will also be taking the stage in style…

Start things off on Sunday by making your way to Stanley Park’s Lost Lagoon to register for the annual Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research. Registration is free and starts at 8am – it’s a fun community event that will help get your heart rate up for a good cause. 

Post-run, get fuelled up by heading out to the bistro at Granville Island’s Edible Canada for some brunch. Enjoy a seat on their patio before heading into the market for a bit of weekend shopping, or head over to the Kitsilano Farmers Market to load up on the latest farm fresh produce of the season.

Winding things down on Sunday, the New Forms Festival that celebrates cutting edge music and arts in our midst has its last call. The festival features a great line-up of music and visual artists showcasing their acts throughout the weekend with tickets available for Sunday only. Find out more about it here.

To top things off (and back by popular demand), The Waldorf has held over its popular Food Cart Festival. So those Notable readers who have a hankering can head over for their foodie fix for yet another Sunday afternoon.

Photo courtesy Lemonade Bakery