Now that we’ve officially ‘sprung forward’, there’s an extra hour of daylight to take full advantage of, which means more time during the work week to enjoy these things to do. From the East Side Beer Fest to a curry-making competition, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (March 11-15).

The Curry Cup  

Starting at 6:30 pm on Monday, March 11th, the Chef’s Table Society of BC and the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area are hosting the 10th annual Curry Cup at Heritage Hall. Here, eight of Vancouver’s top chefs will compete to create the best-tasting curry dish, and participants get to try all of their creations.

When: Monday, March 11th
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: $65.48

Vancouver Giants

The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Americans at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre this week. With plenty of home games to choose from (and $20 tickets), why not go and support our team & make some great memories in the process?

When: Tuesday, March 12th
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20

Job Fair Tourism and Hospitality

Love the tourism and hospitality industry? Looking for work? This job fair coming to Vancouver this Tuesday is one you will not want to miss! Hosted by the ISSofBC Career Services, the event kicks off with an Employers Panel from 10 am to 12 pm, then the job fair takes place from 1 pm to 4 pm.

When: Tuesday, March 12th
Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver, Canada Place

East Side Beer Fest 

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) presents the 10th annual East Side Beer Fest & tasting event on Wednesday, March 13th from 7 to 9 pm at The Wise Hall. Tickets are just under $30 and they’re all-inclusive – meaning guests get access to all 22 participating craft breweries of the event!

When: Wednesday, March 13th
Where: 1882 Adanac Street
Cost: $29.99

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Pub Crawl

Starting at 8 pm on Friday, March 15th, Gastown Pub Crawl will put on another crawl starting at Portside Pub. In addition to a scavenger hunt competition and costume contest, participants will gain one free shot at four different bars (with any drink purchase), and get free cover at two party bars and one nightclub.

When: Friday, March 15th
Where: The Portside Pub and locations around Gastown
Cost: $25

Punkstravaganza Night 1

The Dreadnoughts present Punkstravaganza VIII, which will feature music by The Dreadnoughts with Balkan Shmalkan, and You Big Idiot on Night One on Friday, March 15th.

When: Friday, March 15th
Where: 254 East Hastings
Cost: $30.68

The Road to Dublin: Jameson Distillery Pop-up Bars

Now in its second year, The Road to Dublin will bring the spirit (and spirits) of St. Patrick’s Day to two Freehouse Collective locations in Toronto and Vancouver respectively, and Vancouver’s location will be at The Ballyhoo.

Here, visitors can enjoy curated menus inspired by the famed Jameson Distillery in Dublin, enjoy live music, and participate in cocktail-making seminars. Oh, and the chance to win a trip for two to Dublin and a VIP Jameson experience!

When: March 1st to 17th
Where: The Ballyhoo, Vancouver

Snowshoeing at Cypress

And now, for some winter sports options. If you’re ready to take a day trip this month, know that Cypress Mountain has got a serious amount of snowshoe trails for you to explore.

When: Open until mid-April
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $20 without rentals, $38 with snowshoe rentals

Take a walk at VanDusen

Open from 10 am to 5 pm, March 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? A mix of winter berries, cherry blossoms, and if we’re lucky – some rhododendrons and magnolias as well.

Where: 5151 Oak Street
Cost: $9.80

And that’s a wrap on the week, Vancouver! Time to get out there and enjoy it.