Vancouver Weekender: September 8th through 11th, 2011

With a long weekend now behind us and already a week into September, it seems the social calendar of must-see-do-go events just keeps getting bigger! We’ve got the scoop on this weekend’s offerings in Vancouver, so go-ahead and pick your poison…

This weekend, kick things off by checking out the Hapa-Palooza Festival (officially runs from the 7th to the 10th at various venues around Vancouver). This (mostly) free series of artistic events celebrates the evolution of community and cultural diversity. View buzz-worthy works by renowned local artists and catch a conversation-starter documentary, or be entertained by Kokoro Dance and cabaret-style performances at the Roundhouse (with special circus performance by Chris Murdoch). Get groovy with the hip-hop musical talents of artists Ndidi Cascade and Deanna Teeple.

Yet another noteworthy festival also celebrates it official launch this weekend: the Vancouver International Fringe Festival starts on September 8th and is set to once again bring a refreshingly eclectic ménage of theatrical works to audiences through 11 days of live performances. Choose from over 700 different shows brought to you by 90 different troupes of artists and performers – and unleash the drama King or Queen that lives within.

Speaking of fringe, we suggest you fuel up this weekend and visit the newly opened (and uber cool) Revolver Coffee Shop at 325 Cambie Street on the border of Gastown. It’s been on our radar for a while and it was refreshing to stop by this cozy, sibling-run caffeine haven on opening day to enjoy a cuppa joe.

Hankering for something a little more substantial to fill your appetite? Cruise over to one of our favourites, L’Abattoir which can be found at 217 Carrall Street, and tuck into some of their sinfully good offerings (might we suggest the Steelhead and crispy potato salad for starters, followed by their signature Steak Diane?) Wash it down with one of their craft beers or locally-sourced wines (think: Naramata’s Nichol Vineyards Cab/Syrah) and you’re golden.

Laze it up on Sunday and take advantage of this weekend’s gorgeous forecast (ah! Endless summer…) and head to the beach or grab your trail bike and get thee to thy North Shore Mountain destination for a carb-burning cruise. Check this out for trail ride ideas, and go play outside! Need a rental? No problem. We recommend turning to the folks at Endless Biking who will gladly help kit you up and get you out pedalling; find them at 1401 Hunter Street in North Vancouver.

So you’ve either taken it easy beach-side or you’ve grubbed yourself up a bit with some North Shore biking (and worked up an appetite). Why not saunter on over to Burgoo Bistro’s 3 Lonsdale Avenue location for some Sunday comfort food? We dig their laid-back sin-sational take on home-cooked cuisine, replete with the best selection of sandwiches, soups and stews. What better excuse to put off the weekly grocery shop than this?

Still up for a Sunday soirée of notable proportions? Do some good all dolled-up in your finest attire at one of Vancouver’s “Best Small Gala” events of the year: PASSIONS, a benefit for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. Though it’s an investment for the cheque-book, this event always brings together a well-heeled crowd that is perfect for young professionals hoping to connect with Vancouver influencers.

Image from Hapa-Palooza’s Facebook page.