We can’t promise March will bring sunnier skies, but it does signify the official start of spring and the eventual, far-off arrival of warmer weather and beach days to come. So prepare to shed those Arc’teryxs and Blundstones, fellow Vancouverites, and celebrate the coming of warmer weather the best way there is—with food and drink.
Brewchella Beer and Beverage Festival
March 4
This sampling event at the CRAFT Beer market features local brews, menu favourites and spirits, wine and cocktails. Don’t miss the 20 new beers (all $6) joining their already 100 plus collection. A ticket includes five sampling tickets but you can buy additional tokens for $2.
When: Wednesday March 4 | 5 – 8 pm
Where: CRAFT Beer Market
Cost: $15
More Info: craftbeermarket.ca
Happy Hour Film Fest
Every Thursday in March
If you find yourself bored and in need of some cheap eats, libations and entertainment that’ll make you feel like an in-the-know film student, the Rise is the place to be. They’ll be screening short microbudget films ($500 or less) every Thursday in March, accompanied by offerings from their happy hour menu (hello $5 pints and $6 sliders).
When: Every Thursday in March | 8 – 11 pm
Where: The Rise Eatery (3121 Granville St.)
Cost: Free
More Info: tourismvancouver.com
Vin Van Long Table – Alpine
March 6
Vin Van Long Table is back, this time highlighting crisp whites and dynamic reds from the alpine regions of France, Italy, Switzerland and Austria, all paired with dishes from chef Michael Varga. Tickets include a four-course meal plus wine pairings and a welcome cocktail.
When: March 6
Where: Nelson and the Seagull
Cost: $112
More Info: eventbrite.ca
Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival
March 7
The Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival is bringing brews from 50 breweries, cider houses and distilleries for its fifth year. The festival will highlight all things local: 90 percent of the vendors are from BC. Plus there’s a shuttle from Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station so there’s no reason not to try all the options.
When: March 7| Matinee and Evening slots
Where: Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club
Cost: Matinee: $45 | Evening: $55
More Info: coquitlambeerfestival.com
Vancouver Tea Festival
March 7 and 8
It’s teatime this weekend. Western Canada’s premier tea event is back for a sixth year, bringing 20 exhibitors, each with extensive selections. Prepare for a weekend full of presentations, shopping and tastings.
When: March 7 and 8
Where: Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, Burnaby
Cost: From $9
More Info: vancouverteafestival.ca
Savour the Sun: Intersection Estate Winery
March 8
Join winemaker Melissa Smits of Intersection Estate Winery for a special Women’s Day installation of Savour the Sun. We’re stoked for her talk on how women have been a driving force of change in the Okanagan wine industry (and the accompanying seasonally influenced, seafood-centric dinner).
When: March 8 | 6 pm
Where: Westin Bayshore
Cost: $114
More Info: oliverosoyoos.com
The Curry Cup
March 9
Reap the delicious benefits as eight local chefs from Burdock & Co, Fable Diner, Sing Sing and more compete for the Curry Cup, the Stanley Cup of curries. Hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC and the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area, a ticket includes a taste of each curry as well as beverage and dessert samples. Chefs get creative with dishes like North Arm Farm Beet Curry, Sunchoke and coconut curry on rice, tofu pineapple tikka and seafood Laksa
When: March 9 | 6:30 – 9 pm
Where: Heritage Hall (3102 Main St.)
Cost: $69
More Info: eventbrite.ca
An Evening with Botanist
March 11
Celebrate the coming of spring with an extravagant one-night only menu highlighting the bounty of the PNW. Created under the direction of Botanist Executive Chef Hector Laguna, there will be a course for each year the Fairmont’s operation (happy 10th anniversary!). The night also promises “special live entertainment.”
When: March 11 |
Where: Botanist
Cost: $268 | Optional wine pairings for $128
More Info: botanistrestaurant.com
Winter Foraging
March 14
The apocalypse is probably coming, so now’s the time to learn how to live off the land. Luckily in this class Chef Robin Kort will teach you how to forage for edible seaweeds, mushrooms, trees and roots in the winter. If you can’t make this one, you’re not a total goner – Kort teaches one every season.
When: March 14 |
Where: UBC Farm (3461 Ross Drive)
Cost: $40
More Info: ubcfarm.ubc.ca
Canine Coffee Crawl
March 15
If you’ve ever wished you could share your love of coffee with your four-legged friend, this one’s for you. Grab Fido and taste caffeinated libations at four neighbourhood spots. Afterwards, you can let your pupper run at Kits beach while you talk about how much you love coffee and your dog with the other K-9 parents.
When: March 15 | 10:30 am – 12 pm
Where: 1809 Fir Street, Kitsilano
Cost: $16
More Info: eventbrite.ca
The Vegan Night Market
March 19
Embrace your love of all things veggie at Vancouver’s third Vegan Night Market. Expect 20 plus vendors, offering local vegan product like clothing, jewellery and, of course, plenty of food.
When: March 19 | 6 – 10 pm
Where: The Waldorf
Cost: Canned food, pet food, clothing or unused body products or a $5 minimum donation
More Info: facebook.com
California Wine Fair in Vancouver
March 31
Another rainy Monday got you daydreaming of a sunny Napa Valley retreat? Take your tastebuds on vacation at the California Wine Fair, where you can sample over 350 wines from the Golden State.
When: March 31
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East
Cost: $90
More Info: artsclub.com
