This Vancouver Weekender edition is loaded with options that we think will satisfy every young professional’s penchant for fun. With the Vancouver Fashion Week in full-swing, galleries openings worth checking out, new restaurants to hit, and summer-like weather just beckoning for some quality patio or beach time, read on for our noteworthy picks.
Get things started this weekend at Yaletown’s Roundhouse for Beerlesque a celebration of beer and, obviously, burlesque. Your feather boa and $55 ticket will get you in the door to what has become a guaranteed great party back for another year. More than two dozen BC craft brewers will be on hand pouring their best while guests take in live music and plenty of performances courtesy of talented dancers and local food cart vendors, who will be on site to satiate your appetite. Visit here for more info and to purchase tickets. Be sure to dress up, too! There will be prizes for best costumes.
Another option perfect for getting things started on Friday evening calls for making your way down Denman Street to check out the newly-opened Espana Restaurant just a few blocks up from picturesque English Bay. This reasonably priced spot features plenty of tasty Spanish-style tapas and pinxtos (small bites) we think our readers will love.
Enjoy the simplicity of the menu, tight wine list and overall feel of the space – its rustic authenticity only adds to the appeal. On our must-try list: crispy squid served with chilis, and definitely save room for the house specialty churros (with chocolate).
Start off Saturday with an early morning rollerblade around Stanley Park, or check out the Baden Powell Trail in North Van (we recommend the 45-minute trek up to Quarry Rock where a stunning view awaits). Next, head out for a bite of tasty brunch at one of these diner-style spots for a serving of classic favourites. On our list: the recently re-vamped (and under new ownership) The Slocan is always a go-to, as is North Vancouver’s Tomahawk and Kitsilano’s kitchy Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, which always provides us with an entertaining way to start the day.
Next, head out to the grand opening of Cocoa Nymph‘s newest chocolate-fuelled locale (opening at Ontario and 7th Avenue) and take part in some sweet celebrations. They’re welcoming all to enjoy live music, chocolate-making demonstrations, wine and chocolate pairings, and more.
If you haven’t already managed to squeeze in a show or two, be sure to save some of Saturday for Vancouver Fashion Week events taking place at The Chinese Cultural Centre. There are still tickets to a handful of noteworthy runway shows (starting at 4pm through to 8:30pm) with plenty of local designers presenting their unique looks. For more information and to grab seats to specific shows, head here.
On Sunday, there are a handful of charitable happenings taking place that you ought to consider getting involved in. One of these requires a bit of an early rise but is definitely worthwhile; Vokra’s 3rd Annual Walk for the Kitties takes place on Sunday, starting at 9:30am. This amazing, Vancouver-based charity helps rescue orphaned cats and kittens and has a fundraising goal of $50K that they are hoping to meet. Join other supporters with coffee in tow and enjoy the scenic beachfront stroll as you help raise awareness and much needed money to help provide homes for Lower Mainland felines.
Also taking place on Sunday is the Aids Walk For Life Vancouver (now in its 27th year). If you’re interested, you can find out more info and register here and enjoy the waterfront Sunset Beach venue as you join hundreds of other supporters raising funds and awareness about the disease.
Post-walk, we recommend heading over to peruse the shops and cafes along Main Street for starters. Get your java fix by popping into the newly opened The Last Crumb Bakery. We love the tasty selection of pastries, with gluten-free and vegan options galore – not to mention an overall cozy-sophisticated atmosphere and stellar service. Order one of their signature, perfectly brewed cappuccinos and don’t leave without grabbing a freshly baked pie (go for the Lemon Meringue for an extra sweet treat).
While in the Main Street hood, make your way over to check out the latest finds at one of our notable go-to spots when sleuthing out the perfect ‘just because’ gift: Much & Little. This boutique has an eclectic mix of goods for both the home and the young professional wardrobe. You’ll find everything from kitchenware to candles, honey to handbags here – with plenty of items being sourced locally to boot.
Take the rest of the day to enjoy some down time at the beach, or cruise over to Granville Island‘s public market and stock up on farm fresh goods for the week ahead. While there, be sure to check out the finished works of more than 25 different artists who participated in the day-long Garbage Can Art competition – available for auction upon completion with proceeds going to BC Children’s Hospital.
Photo courtesy Cocoa Nymph