Events

5 Events to Start April off Right (April 1-7)

By Alyssa Hirose /

You’d be a fool to not attend these hype happenings.

(Photo Credit: Gourmet Warehouse.)

Claimthe Kitchen

April 2 & 3

The weather’s warming up, and that means party season is just around the corner – take The Art of Catering Your Own Event: A Gourmet Warehouse catering masterclass and prepare to impress all your friends, family, and foes (we know you invite them just to show off). This masterclass is split into two nights of instruction lead by chef and bestselling cookbook author Caren McSherry, and participants will learn how to craft delicious dishes like lamb cigars with fresh herb yogurt dip, crusted wild Pacific salmon and mini lemon-infused cheesecakes.

When: Tuesday April 2 and Wednesday April 3, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Gourmet Warehouse
Cost: $249
More Info: gourmetwarehouse.com

(Photo Credit: Firehall Arts Centre.)

ArchivalArtistry

April 2-13

The Tashme Project: The Living Archives is a moving performance that you won’t want to miss. Created and performed by Julie Tamiko Manning and Matt Miwa, the show tells the stories of Nisei (second generation Japanese Canadians) who were children at the time of Japanese internment. It’s inspired by the lived experiences of 20 Nisei from across Canada, and spotlights a dark but critical part of Canadian history.

When: Tuesday, April 2 – Saturday, April 13
Where: Firehall Arts Centre
Cost: From $25
More Info: firehallartscentre.ca

(Photo Credit: Vancouver International Burlesque Festival.)

BadassBurlesque

April 3-6

Catch Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière, the first Indigenous performer to be crowned ‘Queen of Burlesque’ in New Orleans at the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival this week. This woke and wacky festival’s new diversity policy anchors their belief that every body is a burlesque body, and the lineup this year features performers from all struts of life. Expect stocking peels, fan dances, and an erotic performance tribute to Harry Potter – a true mosaic of tease.

When: Wednesday, April 3 – Saturday, April 6
Where: Various venues
Cost: From $35
More Info: vibf.ca

(Photo Credit: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.)

BlossomBeats

April 4

Celebrate the beginning of the gorgeous Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival at the Cherry Jam Downtown Concert this Thursday. This free concert features Canada’s first taiko group, Katari Taiko, as well as the Zimbabwean-inspired Zimbamoto Trio and the polyrhythmic MNGWA Band. The groovy tunes and delicate blossoms are a perfect lunch break de-stress.

When: Thursday, April 4 12:00 p.m.
Where: Indoor Concourse, Burrard Skytrain Station
Cost: Free
More Info: vcbf.ca

(Photo Credit: BC Distilled.)

SipSpirits

April 6

Finish off the week with Canada’s premiere artisanal distillery event, BC Distilled. This boozy bash is celebrating its sixth year with spirits from 40 B.C. distilleries, canapes created by local chefs, and a liquor pop-up shop so you can take a taste of the evening home with you. Rumour has it there will also be a few dapper dogs making the rounds to raise money for the event’s charity partner, the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society – cheers to our four-legged friends.

When: Saturday, March 6 6:00 p.m.
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre
Cost: $70
More Info: bcdistilled.ca

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.