It's a new month, which means a fresh buffet of options when it comes to food and drink events in and around Metro Vancouver for the next few weeks. This month, Oktoberfest events continue or get underway, with plenty of beer and schnitzel to go around. There are casual post-work wine minglers, fundraisers, long table suppers, celebratory menus, a beer fest, and much, much more.
Check back during the month to see what events we’ve added to the delicious line-up.
If you have a tip for a food or drink event for October, or any other month, please send it to [email protected].
OCTOBER EVENTS
Bawktobeerfest
Juke’s Schnitzel Double Down. Photo courtesy Juke
You can to head to Juke in Chinatown for Bawktobeerfest – a celebration of beer and fried foods like none other. Vancouver’s Strange Fellows will be doing a tap takeover, showcasing their ‘Jukefest’ Lager made just for the occasion. And then there’s that sandwich. Riffing on the fast food headline-grabber that swaps out traditional buns for fried chicken, Juke will have a rendition that features schnitzel doubling down. They’ll also have Juke-brats sausages on the menu for that night only. 19+ only.
When: Tues. Oct. 1 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Juke - 182 Keefer St., Vancouver
Cost: $20 in advance (buy online) or $25 at the door
'Say it With Wings' Fundraiser
From October 1 to 14, WINGS Restaurants & Pubs will donate $1 from every order of
their Fall Featured, Pumpkin Spice wings to the Amanda Todd Legacy. The Amanda
Todd Legacy was founded by Carol Todd in memory of her daughter who took her life in
Port Coquitlam on October 10, 2012, after years of suffering from mental health related
symptoms due to bullying, cyber abuse, and harassment.
When: Oct. 1-14
Where: Participating B.C. locations include Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, and Vancouver
Vegan Harvest Dinner at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar will add a new twist to its award-winning recipe for culinary excellence when the Vancouver restaurant hosts its second Vegan Harvest Dinner at the start of the month. Spearheaded by Boulevard’s Executive Chef - Signature Restaurants, Alex Chen, each dinner will showcase the creativity of his kitchen team as he redefines the levels of sophistication and flavour of vegan cuisine.
When: Thurs., Oct. 3
Where:Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar - 845 Burrard St., Vancouver
Cost: $85 per person plus tax and gratuity; buy online
Sugar Skulls & Pan de Muerto Nights
Learn how to decorate a sugar skull. Metate Bake Shop/Facebook
Join Metate Bake Shop every Thursday in October for a fun night of sugar skull decorating and delicious Pan de Muerto (Mexican Day of the Dead Bread). Bring your friends and family and learn more about this beautiful tradition. If you'd like to decorate your very own sugar skull, register for their "Sugar Skull Workshop" via Eventbrite.
When: Thursday evenings in October from 3-7 p.m.
Where: Commissary Connect - 417 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $10; buy online
Oktoberfest at Vancouver Alpen Club
This is “das original” Vancouver Oktoberfest that you can’t leave off the list. Held at the historic Alpen Club, they’ve got three October weekends of beer, food, music, and fun. Dress up, dance, and raise a few glasses in the German tradition. Regular tickets $35 (plus taxes) include admission to the Oktoberfest, while VIP tickets $80 (plus taxes) include admission and access to a designated area that provides a delicious German buffet and a server who takes care of your drinks all night long (drinks not included in the prices).
When: October 4-5; 11-12; and 18-19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Alpen Club – 4875 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $35/80; purchase online
North Shore Craft Beer Week
Craft beer flight/Shutterstock
Special casks, limited edition brews, food and beer pairings and hops galore! These are just some of the things to look forward to at this year’s North Shore Craft Beer Week. While craft beer continues to steadily rise in popularity throughout Canada, the North Shore’s craft beer scene has absolutely exploded in recent years, welcoming a new wave of microbreweries, tasting rooms and of course, delicious craft beer.
When: Oct. 4-11, 2019
Where: Various North Shore locations
Another Oktoberfest
Get ready to have some fun down in New West courtesy Another Beer Co.’s Oktoberfest event. This will be a free all day event, but you can guarantee your spot by purchasing tickets for the festivities early. They will have four of their own German style beers to offer, along with a few special surprises. Plus they will have German foods available and multiple beers from some of their (other) favourite local breweries.
When: Sat. Oct. 5 from noon-10 p.m.
Where: Another Beer Co. – 30 Capilano Way #11, New Westminster
Cost: Free, but RSVP online to guarantee admission
Papi’s and Friends Dinner at Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
Papi’s Seafood and Oyster Bar Chef Max Straczek will share the spotlight with two fellow alumni of The Food Network Canada’s Top Chef Canada TV series when he welcomes Mark Singson and Wallace Wong to the line at the English Bay restaurant. Guests will enjoy a Prosecco welcome reception before a dinner that will see the trio of chefs trade talents and courses during a culinary collaboration that showcases their respective styles in such dishes as cauliflower panna cotta, truffle donut, mussel cannelloni, slow-cooked cog, congee with local seafood and ‘pumpkin latte’ dessert.
When: Sat. Oct. 5
Where: Papi's Seafood and Oyster Bar - 193 Denman St, Vancouver
Cost: $79 per person plus tax and gratuity; buy online
Craft’s Brühaüs
Brühaüs is a two-day festival celebrating all things Oktoberfest, featuring German-inspired eats, big beers, music, attire, sights and sounds. They’re calling this an “Oktoberfest-inspired” event, and there’s no admission fee, but you will need to pre-register online. Seating will be first-come, first-served, and based on availability.
When: Oct. 5 from 6 p.m.-late and Oct. 6 from 2 p.m.-late
Where: CRAFT Beer Market Vancouver – 85 West 1st Ave
Cost: Free, but pre-registration required (RSVP online)
Oktoberfest at Trading Post
Both locations of Trading Post’s brewpub will be holding Oktoberfest events, with Abbotsford starting the party on Oct. 5, and Fort Langley following on Oct. 19. You’ll finda day of music, dancing, games, and plenty of German food, and beer from Trading Post, Steel & Oak, Sun Down, Four Winds and Field House Brewing. There’s a daytime and an evening session, ticketed separately. Your ticket includes admission, a 500ml glass stein and your first beer. Additional beer tickets and food platters for four can be purchased online on Eventbrite and redeemed at the event.
When: Oct. 5 (Abbotsford) and Oct. 19 (Fort Langley). Noon-5 p.m. and 6 p.m.-midnight
Where: Trading Post – 3058 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford and 9143 Glover Road, Langley
Cost: $24-65. Purchase online: Abbotsford or Fort Langley
Apero at Dachi
East Van's Dachi is holding a casual Apero afternoon, featuring snacks and wines by the glass, or $5 corkage on your BYO bottles of wine (fee will be donated to B.C. Hospitality Foundation). Super casual, no reservations. Just spend an afternoon like a French person!
When: Mon. Oct. 7 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Dachi - 2297 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship Fundraiser
For one night only Nightingale’s Chef Phil Scarfone is joined by Chef Renée Lavallée of The Canteen & Little C Take-Out, Nova Scotia together with Chef David Hawksworth to prepare a multi-course feast in support of the Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship Foundation.
When: Mon. Oct. 7 from 6:30-10 p.m.
Where: Nightingale - 1017 W Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: $175 per person. Reserve via email or phone ([email protected] or 604-695-9500)
Harvestland and Harvest Haus
@_brandonartis / Instagram
The PNE grounds will be transformed into a land of all things Oktoberfest this fall at Harvestland, Canada’s largest harvest festival. This expansive multi-day Oktoberfest event invites fair-goers to slip into their finest dirndls and lederhosen to celebrate community, nature, agriculture, exploration and imagination.
When: Harvestland at the PNE (all ages) Oct. 10 – 20, 2019 Harvest Haus (19+)
Oct. 10 – 12, 18 & 19
Where: Pacific National Exhibition – 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cost: Harvestland Tickets: General (13 to 64 yrs): $14.99; Child (4 to 12 yrs): $9.99; Senior (65+): $9.99; Family Pass (2 Adult & 3 Child): $44.99
Harvest Haus Tickets:¨Evening Seatings:$29.99 GA, $49.99 VIP; Matinees: $24.99 GA, $39.99 VIP
28th Annual Whiskey, Port, & Chocolate Tasting
Liberty Merchant Company proudly presents the 28th annual Port & Chocolate Tasting, and for the first time this event will also feature whiskey. All proceeds from this “Tasting-in-the-Park” event is to benefit the Vancouver Rowing Club’s Amateur Sports Program Sweet Ports, incredible whiskies, decadent chocolates, a silent auction and excellent company await
When: Thu. Oct. 10 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Rowing Club - 450 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $29.99; buy in-store at all Liberty Wine Merchants locations.
Oktoberfest Pub Nights on the Fraser
Embark on an Oktoberfest booze cruise on the mighty Fraser. Pub Nights on the Fraser goes German-style for their paddlewheeler tour. German-themed food and drink will be available for purchase on board, plus music and lots of fun. 19+ only.
When: October 11-12 and 18-19 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: $39.95 plus tax; book online
Seasons in the Park 30th Anniversary Menu
Photo courtesy Seasons in the Park
Longstanding Vancouver dining destination Seasons in the Park will mark its 30th anniversary this fall with a special limited-edition menu. The prix-fixe menu will honour the milestone by bringing back fan favourites and classic dishes from the restaurant's original menu when it first debuted back in 1989. Available for lunch and dinner from Monday through Thursday, the 30th Anniversary Menu includes a wide range of chef-prepared appetizers, entrées and desserts all inspired by the restaurant's opening menu.
When: Mon-Thurs. from Oct. 16-Nov. 28
Where: Seasons in the Park - Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver
Cost: $49 per person (plus taxes and gratuity)
FEAST Asian Dining Festival
After a successful inaugural year, the month-long celebration of Asian food in Metro Vancouver returns this fall. FEAST: Asian Dining Festival will shine its spotlight on the local Asian culinary scene, giving locals and visitors alike the chance to enjoy specially-curated group menus at participating restaurants in Richmond.
When: Oct. 17-Nov. 18, 2019
Where: Participating Richmond restaurants
‘Fall Game and Mushroom’ Menu at Wildebeest
Wildebeest will continue to underscore its philosophy of working closely with local providers and introduce the newest edition to its rotating lineup of seasonally inspired menus when it features a Fall Game and Mushroom Menu available exclusively at the Gastown hotspot from October 17 through 30. The new menu follows the lead of the restaurant’s recent Spring Field and Forest and Summer Farmers’ Harvest menus and showcase Head Chef Ian McHale and his culinary team’s philosophy of incorporating a wide array of fresh ingredients sourced from forests, farms and fields around the province in a series of unique dishes. Reservations strongly recommended.
When: Oct. 17-30
Where: Wildebeest - 120 W. Hastings St., Vancouver
Uno Gelato 101
Consider yourself a "cone-aisser" of all things gelato? Give a gelato-making class a try then! Uno Gelato will offer 1.5-hour courses every Thursday night starting in mid-October and running through late-February at their Kitsilano location.
When: Thursdays from Oct. 17-Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
Where: Uno Gelato Kitsilano - 2579 West Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $50 per person plus taxes, includes cone or cup during class, pint to take home
Taste of Yaletown
Eat your way through Vancouver's trendy Yaletown for this multi-day dine-out series. Participating restaurants will have special menus and other delicious specials for this annual neighbourhood classic foodie event.
When: Oct. 17-27, 2019
Where: Participating Yaletown restaurants
UBC Apple Festival
Photo: Unsplash
A family event for all ages, UBC Apple Festival celebrates one of BC’s favourite fruits. From learning about the diversity of apples to tasting rare and unusual varieties, Apple Festival is a great opportunity to discover more about this delicious fruit. One of the most popular activities at the Apple Festival is the Friends of the Garden Apple Tasting Tent. For an additional $5 (cash only), curious event-goers can taste a huge variety of new and heritage B.C.-grown apples.
When: Oct. 19-20, 2019 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: UBC Botanical Garden. Please note there is no parking at the venue; check the event listing for full details on parking and transportation options
Cost: $5 cash only; kids 12 and under are free
Drags Benny
Canada's only pop-up drag brunch is coming to Vancouver's Fairmont Waterfront on October 20 in support of Vancouver Pride Society. Eat North's one-of-a-kind brunch and drag queens event is a lively way to spend your Sunday. In addition to the food and drink, there's the brunch series' celebrity hostess, Laila McQueen of RuPaul's Drag Race, as well as a line-up of some of the B.C.'s top drag performers drag queens: Kendall Gender, Gia Metric and Mina Mercury as well as Calgary drag darlings Angelina Starchild and Perla Coddington.
When: Sun. Oct. 20 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Hotel Waterfront - 900 Canada Place
Cost: $70-640; buy online
BC Beer Awards Brewers' Brunch
Cheers to the First Annual BCBA Brewer’s Brunch, which goes down the day after the BC Beer Awards & Festival. There’s no better cure after an evening of indulging in our province’s best brews than keeping the party going. Tickets include your choice of a Caesar or Michelada followed by a buffet brunch featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast sausages, hash patties, Texas toast, and of course cereal!
When: Sun. Oct. 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Brewhall - 97 E 2nd, Vancouver
Cost: $20; buy online
Vin Van Long Table Dinner
This time around, it's all about the BBQ eats. For the next instalment in their ongoing monthly Long Table Dinner series, Vin Van will be popping some special bottles, putting on some funky tunes and chef Nick Menzies will be rustling up a multi-course feast of North American and European inspired BBQ dishes.
When: Sun. Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.
Where: The Ellis Building - 1024 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: $90; buy online
Hog Shack's Swinefest 2019
It's the 9th annual Swinefest, oooooeeeee! This is an evening of competition style BBQ brought to you by Hog Shack's award winning BBQ pitmaster John Lim Hing. They are going to throw down another ultra meatfest with all of your favourites, like Smoked brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken and boatload of southern sides. This year they will be featuring smoked whole lamb shawarma, a whole roasted pig, and wagyu brisket. Plus a mini tap takeover from Four Winds out of Delta.
When: Mon. Oct. 21 from 6:15-11 p.m.
Where: Hog Shack - 3900 Bayview St, Richmond
Cost: $59.95-64.95; buy online
Tasting Plates Gastown + Chinatown
Get to know two exciting Vancouver neighbourhoods through their restaurants. Each restaurant will be serving up Tasting Plates and Tasting Cups for guests to enjoy and you will have a chance to visit many different types of restaurants throughout the event, meet some new food loving friends, and learn about each of the participating restaurants.
When: Weds. Oct. 23 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Participating restaurants
Cost: $30-60; buy online
ONGOING
Poutine With Purpose
Poutine With Purpose Vancouver offers diners the chance to eat and enjoy a poutine at any of several partner restaurants, and for every poutine sold, a healthy meal is provided to a youth in need through charity partner Mealshare.
When: Sept. 27 through Oct. 5, 2019
Where: Participating restaurants
Sustenance Festival
If you’ve been thinking about fermenting foods, learning how to reduce your kitchen waste or exploring a new cuisine, then you might want to check out the long list of events at Vancouver's Sustenance Festival.
When: Sept. 18-Oct. 19, 2019
Where: Various Venues
Cost: Free or small fee
Wünderbar ‘Oktobeerfest’ Pop-Up at Bells and Whistles
The Oktobeerfest Platter at Bells and Whistles. Photo by Jonathan Norton/courtesy Bells and Whistles
When the clock strikes midnight in Munich on Saturday, September 21 at 3 p.m. Bells and Whistles will don the lederhosen and kick off 17 days of Bavarian-inspired celebrations by hosting its second annual Wünderbar ‘Oktobeerfest’ Pop-Up until Sunday, October 6. During the event, a number of Oktoberfest-themed favourites will return to the menu, and German brews will be at the bar.
When: Sept. 21-Oct. 6, 2019
Where: Bells and Whistles – 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Sunday Paella Dinner Series Continues at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Following its recent string of sold-out Summer Seafood Boils, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar will continue its Sunday Paella Dinner Series on October 6, 20 and 27 at the award-winning downtown restaurant. Each event begins with a reception at 6 p.m. where guests will enjoy a glass of house sangria or Estrella Damm Spanish lager before sitting down for a three-course dinner with Chef Alex Chen’s Spanish-inspired West Coast Paella — comprising a bounty of Pacific octopus, local clams and mussels, prawns and chorizo soffits simmered in a saffron and shellfish stock — as the centrepiece.
When: Sunday, October 6, 20 and 27
Where: 845 Burrard St, Vancouver
Cost: $68 per person plus tax and gratuity; buy online
Spice Merchant Afternoon Tea
Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is spicing up Afternoon Tea service with their Spice Merchant-themed limited edition menu. Sip on tea and nibble on Spiced Chai Tea Scones with clotted cream, mango preserve, and apple chutney along with Indian-inspired mini sandwiches and sweets.
When: Weds.-Sun. from Sept. 25-Nov. 17, 2019; sittings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Where: Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - 900 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Adults $65; Children $32.5 (ages 12 and under)
Big Day BBQ Tailgate Parties at The American
Photo courtesy Big Day BBQ
Running every Sunday, Big Day BBQ is holding a pop-up Tailgate Party for game day Sundays at The American. The menu includes Big Day BBQ’s classic spread of 14 hours smoked brisket, Memphis-style ribs, pulled pork, and a variety of sides – Tex-Mex Pasta Salad, Smokey Slaw, and Pit Beans.
When: Sundays at 10 a.m. through Dec. 29, 2019
Where: The American – 926 Main St, Vancouver
Richmond Night Market
Midway games, vendor booths, live entertainment, and an insane amount of food will once again draw crowds at this popular event. The market consistently offers an impressive quantity of options for shopping and eating–they have over 100 food stalls and 200 vendors. But the food is always one of the most exciting parts of the Night Market, so you can expect to find everything from those iconic “tornado potatoes” to grilled meats, bubble waffles, “large” fried chicken, wild beverage concoctions, epic treats, and who knows what else is in store for this year.
When: Now to Oct. 14, 2019. Fridays, Saturdays: 7 p.m. to midnight; Sundays and Stat holidays: 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost: General admission $4.75; kids 8-under free; seniors 60+ free
West Coast Culinary Experience at PICA
The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) recently launched this immersive exploration of B.C.’s vibrant culinary landscape. Take a guided tour of Granville Island with food and wine experts, then enjoy some delicious food. The experience takes about three hours.
When: Daily from now-Oct. 13. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: PICA – 1505 W 2nd Ave #101, Vancouver
Cost: $167 per person before tax. For more information or booking, please call: 604-734-4488 or email [email protected]
