Get ready, Vancouver, because it’s shaping up to be quite an eventful weekend. Brewhalla is kicking things off with its first beer & music fest of the season, and Grouse Mountain is wrapping up another season with its annual Slush Cup festivities. Let’s dive right in: Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (April 14-16).
Brewhalla North Vancouver
With multiple dates and locations slated for this spring and summer, Brewhalla is officially back in Metro Vancouver, and the music & beer fest kicks off on Friday, April 14th at the Shipyards! From 5 to 10 pm, the Shipyards will come alive with over 25 local craft beverage makers, including beer, wine, cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic sips.
As well, each festival will feature live music, interactive games, and delicious food. And if you’re feeling extra brave, you can enter a surprise contest or skill competition with your “brewcrew” in the Games Zone.
When: Friday, April 14th
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: $36.38
Grouse Mountain Slush Cup
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As a final sendoff for a fantastic ski and snowboard season, Grouse Mountain is hosting its annual Slush Cup this Sunday, April 16th. Every year, competitors and spectators alike gather on top of the mountain, donning their most ridiculous costumes and indulging in bbq and brews from their beer garden.
As for the competition, participants will attempt to cross a pool of slush on their skis and boards – ending the season with a great splash. Prizes will be awarded to those with the best costume, tricks, crowd favourites, and more.
When: Sunday, April 16th
Where: Grouse Mountain
Cost: $20 to participate, plus the cost of a lift ticket
Abbotsford Tulip Festival
This weekend marks the first few days of the largest tulip festival in Canada, which happens to be right here in BC – specifically, in Abbotsford! Presented by Lakeland Flowers, the Abbotsford Tulip Festival marks the first of six months worth of flower festivals to come, with over 70 stunning tulip varieties lined across 27+ acres to see.
When: April 14th to May 14th
Where: 39171 No 4 Road, Abbotsford
Cost: $15-$20 for weekend tickets
Opening reception at The Gallery George
Luckily for art lovers, The Gallery George has just reopened in a new location in Gastown. From 6 to 9 pm on Saturday, April 15th, you can check out over 20 artist studios courtesy of their open reception and artist meet-and-greet! Plus, the gallery will be hosting monthly themed exhibitions, starting with ‘New Beginnings,’ which is open from now until April 30th.
You can reserve your spot for this weekend here.
When: Saturday, April 15th
Where: 140 West Hastings
Cost: Free
Hot Chefs & Cool Jazz Gala
The Hot Chefs & Cool Jazz gala is hosted by Fairmont Pacific Rim and is coming up this month! In support of the Junior Culinary Team Canada, the gala will feature a night of live chef cooking stations, with exclusive dishes designed for this event only. Guests can enjoy live jazz while they sip on award-winning Mission Hill wines, and of course, some top-notch eats.
When: Saturday, April 15th
Where: 1038 Canada Place
Cost: $225
Check out a sample sale
Fortunately for those who enjoy a good sale, there are several sample sales making their way to Vancouver this weekend. Whether you’re looking for some new statement pieces for your spring wardrobe, or to pick up a new pair of hiking shoes or jeans, chances are you’ll find something at one of these spots – and at a great price point!
Where: See locations above
Hot Fruit Figure Drawing Series
The James Black Gallery in Mount Pleasant is an artist-run gallery where members of their collective can exhibit their work and host interdisciplinary events open to the public. On Saturday, April 15th, they’re hosting a figure-drawing event centred around QTBIPOC models and artists.
Sessions range from classical nude figure drawings to fashion-forward, and participants can sign up ahead of time online.
When: Saturday, April 15th
Where: 144 East 6th Avenue
Cost: $15
See what’s playing at VIFF
It doesn’t take a film genius to know that VIFF always has some great options onscreen. Right now? You can check out The Five Devils by Léa Mysius Home Truths: back home by Nisha Platzer, Showing Up by Kelly Reichardt, and much more. As well, you can see a showing of the movie musical classic Singin’ in the Rain, which seems very fitting this weekend!
When: Showtimes throughout the weekend
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Cost: $15 for GA
Hit up the Rolla Skate Club
From Saturday Skate Nights to themed skate nights with hosted DJs, there’s always something fun and exciting going on at the Rolla Skate Club. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, why not lace up those skates this weekend for some indoor fun?
Where: 2901 East Hastings
Take a walk at VanDusen
Now open from 10 am to 5 pm, April is a great time to visit VanDusen and check out some beautiful spring foliage – once the weather gets on the same page, that is. This month on the bloom calendar? Everything from cherry blossoms, magnolias, and tulips to crabapples.
Where: 5151 Oak Street
Cost: $8.90
And that’s a wrap on some exciting things to do this weekend. Cheers!
