The next couple of months bring a variety of food and drink events to Vancouver, highlighting everything from our lively cocktail scene to the bounty of B.C. wines.
Cherry blossom season is also upon us, which means it's time for Sakura-themed events to usher in spring and all its beauty.
Whether it’s a thoughtfully curated wine pairing dinner or an elegant afternoon tea, these upcoming Vancouver events offer plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s food and drink scene.
Bite of Burnaby
What began as a celebration of local restaurants has grown into a premier dining festival, showcasing the city’s rich culinary diversity. With more than 65 restaurants offering exclusive prix-fixe menus and special deals, this month-long festival is a must for food lovers looking to explore Burnaby’s evolving food scene. From casual eats to elevated multi-course meals, participating restaurants will offer curated dining experiences that highlight their signature dishes.
Alongside prix-fixe menus, this year’s festival brings new immersive dining experiences. Highlights include Dinneraad, a long-table experience pairing Dageraad Brewing’s award-winning Belgian-style beers with locally inspired dishes; A Taste of Japan at Nikkei, featuring a traditional tea ceremony, artisan chocolate-making, and miso fermentation workshops; Taste of Trattoria, a multi-course Italian feast at Trattoria by Italian Kitchen showcasing house-made pastas and regional specialities; and Celebrate Holi with Kurry Wala, where guests can enjoy a festive buffet, live music, and the vibrant energy of colour play.
When: Now through March 31
Where: Participating restaurants in Burnaby
All-Day Happy Hour at The Greek Yaletown
The Greek Yaletown is celebrating a decade in the neighbourhood with a special anniversary Happy Hour featuring some of its most beloved dishes at unbeatable prices. Guests can enjoy favourites like hummus or keftedes for $3, calamari or pork souvlaki for $4, and Greek salad or chicken souvlaki for $5, alongside $5 local beers and house sangria. To make the celebration even sweeter, every guest will receive a complimentary mini baklava. With recent upgrades to the kitchen and bar, The Greek Yaletown is ready to welcome friends old and new for this one-day-only event.
When: Wednesday, March 12, all day
Where: The Greek by Anatoli Yaletown – 1043 Mainland St
Cost: Dishes start at $3; drinks from $5
Chambar x Clos du Soleil Winemaker’s Dinner
Chambar and Clos du Soleil team up for an intimate winemaker’s dinner featuring a four-course menu expertly paired with five wines from the esteemed B.C. winery. Winemaker and Managing Director Michael Clark will co-host the evening, sharing insights into Clos du Soleil’s wines and the Similkameen Valley terroir. Expect bold flavours, refined techniques, and pairings including Clos du Soleil’s flagship 2020 Signature and late-harvest 2022 Saturn. Guests will get the chance to meet Chambar’s newly appointed Co-Wine Directors, Alex Catto and Aimbree Bystrom, alongside Clark, a UBC grad and the Winemaker and Managing Director of Clos du Soleil.
When: Wednesday, March 12 at 6 p.m.
Where: Chambar - 568 Beatty St
Cost: $195 per person. Purchase online in advance.
Aprés Beach Happy Hour at Kits Beach Coffee
This daily happy hour, running from 4 to 6 p.m., invites beachgoers, locals, and visitors to enjoy the café's vibes. With a refreshing cocktail, beer or glass of wine, guests can unwind after a day in the sun or a busy workday. To make this even more convenient, the café will be extending its hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, ensuring that guests can enjoy their favourite drinks, food and baked goods all day long. The café plans to keep chasing the sunset with longer evening hours coming in May.
When: Starts Thursday, March 13 (4-6 p.m.)
Where: Kits Beach Coffee - 1945 Cornwall Ave
Half-price bottles of B.C. wine at Belgard Kitchen
Belgard Kitchen is making B.C. wines more accessible with 50% off bottles from its exclusively local wine list every Monday and Tuesday. A longtime champion of BC’s wine scene, Belgard has been highlighting the region’s top producers since opening in 2014. At a time when supporting local is more important than ever, this initiative offers an easy way to enjoy exceptional wines at an unbeatable value while directly supporting B.C. wineries.
When: Every Monday and Tuesday
Where: Belgard Kitchen – 55 Dunlevy Ave
Five Sails Canadian Culinary Championship Tasting Menu
Experience the award-winning flavours of Chef Alex Kim, 2025 Canadian Culinary Champion, with an exclusive tasting menu at Five Sails. Available until March 19, this multi-course dining experience showcases the BC-inspired dishes that earned him the title of Canada’s Top Chef, featuring standout ingredients like Haida Gwaii sablefish, Fraser Valley duck, and BC side stripe shrimp. Elevate the experience with expertly curated wine pairings from Head Sommelier Alexandre Blais (available for an additional charge).
When: Now through March 19
Where: Five Sails – Pan Pacific Hotel, 999 Canada Pl
Cost: $155 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reserve online.
Vegan Night Market
Fans of plant-based food and products should have the Vegan Market on their radar. The market, which features everything from food to clothing to skincare products to books, has set dates for two Wednesday night events in East Van at the Waldorf on March 12 and April 16. Entrance is $4 or a donation of canned goods, clothing, or pet food. Shop from 45+ vendors, and enjoy live music, bonfires, giveaways, and "soy" much more.
When: March 12 and April 16 from 6-9:30 p.m.
Where: Waldorf Hotel - 1489 E Hastings St
Cost: $4 or a donation of canned goods, clothing, or pet food
The Lamplighter's 100th Anniversary celebration
The Lamplighter at The Dominion Hotel is getting ready to celebrate 100 years of hospitality with a party featuring a North American tour kickoff with East Van guitar rockers Black Pontiac. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. with Mayor Ken Sim and other local dignitaries expected to attend with the Anniversary Party beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets for Black Pontiac are available online now with DJ Krisp Kutz to follow the show and keep the good times rolling
until late into the night.
When: Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m.
Where: The Lamplighter - 92 Water St.
Cost: $10 plus fees. Purchase tickets online.
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Notch8
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s beloved Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea returns for the season, offering an elegant tribute to the beauty of sakura. This exquisite experience features a curated selection of teas, handcrafted pastries, and savoury bites, all delicately adorned with cherry blossom-inspired touches. Highlights include Morello cherry and buttermilk scones, pork menchi katsu sandwiches, sakura matcha mousse cake, and specialty floral teas. Enhance the experience with sakura-infused cocktails for a truly indulgent springtime treat.
When: Now through May 25; Wednesday to Sunday, seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. (excluding March 8-9, April 20; open on Monday, April 21)
Where: Notch8 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver - 900 W Georgia St
Cost: $75 per adult, $45 per child (ages 12 and under)
Crab Fest at Water St Café
The Annual Crab Fest is back this month, showcasing a delicious menu of crab dishes crafted by the team at Water St. Cafe. Along with the special menu, the Crab Fest Passport Contest returns. Pick up a passport and collect stamps at any of the three Island locations to receive a $20 Gift Card for the new sibling restaurant location opening at the Fairwinds Golf Course Clubhouse on the Island.
When: March 7-31
Where: Water St. Cafe - 300 Water St (2nd floor)
Community Roots Menu at Published
From March 9 to March 27, Published on Main is relaunching its special $100 prix-fixe menu in celebration of the community that has supported them since day one. Founded with a focus on seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes and locally sourced produce, the restaurant quickly became a beloved neighbourhood spot. Now, after gaining recognition and demand, they’ve remained true to their roots by offering an accessible dining experience that combines exceptional value with the quality they’re known for. This limited-time menu is designed to celebrate their growth and reconnect with the people who helped shape their success.
When: March 9-27
Where: Published on Main - 3593 Main St.
Cost: $100 per person. Reservations and pre-payment via OpenTable
Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival
Organized by Noms Magazine, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival is in its second year. Though it is not affiliated with the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, its spirit of sakura is the same (and anyone can most certainly take part in both). The event is once again bringing together several cafés and restaurants in Metro Vancouver who will feature special cherry blossom-inspired treats and drinks for a DIY multi-week event. From March 14 to April 27, you'll find special items on offer at nearly two dozen businesses spanning Vancouver, Richmond, and Burnaby.
When: March 14-April 27
Where: Various locations in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Richmond
Wa-Bagel's bagel-making classes
Vancouver’s Japanese-style bagel shop is "rolling out" new bagel-making classes on select weekends. Led by head baker Yukiko Iikura, these hands-on classes offer guests a rare opportunity to learn the art of making Wa-Bagel's signature chewy bagels. The classes are hands-on and small-scale, with only seven seats up for grabs. The classes are three hours long, during which the bakers can roll, shape, bake, and, of course, taste their own freshly made bagels. All classes include complimentary coffee or green tea. While many of the initial run of classes are full already, there are some openings later this spring. There are three kinds of classes: Beginner Bagel-Making Class (April 19, April 26); Beginner’s Filled Bagel-Making Class (March 8); and Beginner’s Matcha Cheesecake Bagel-Making Class (March 22). Sessions are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
When: Select dates in March, and April; Sessions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Wa-Bagel - 666 Burrard St
Cost: $90 per person. Book online.
11th Annual Curry Cup
The Chefs' Table Society of BC and the Mount Pleasant Business Improvement Area are bringing back the 11th annual Curry Cup on March 24. Eight of Vancouver’s top chefs will go head-to-head in this lively competition, showcasing their unique takes on curry—often a beloved staple of staff meals and a reflection of cultural heritage. Guests will have the chance to sample each chef’s creation, along with beverage and dessert tastings. This cocktail-style reception promises an evening of bold flavours and culinary creativity. Must be 19+ to attend.
When: Monday, March 24, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hall - 3102 Main St
Cost: $87.91. Purchase online.
Choucroute Garnie à L’Alsacienne at Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie
Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie invites guests to experience Choucroute Garnie à L’Alsacienne, a cherished Alsatian tradition, for two nights only on March 25 and 26. This special five-course menu highlights the classic dish of sauerkraut braised in Riesling and served with a selection of cured and slow-cooked meats, a staple of Alsace’s wine taverns. The menu also features foie gras terrine with ice wine jelly, duck consommé with black truffle, and indulgent apple and cinnamon beignets. Inspired by his travels, Feenie pays tribute to this hearty and celebratory dish while infusing it with West Coast influences.
When: March 25 and 26
Where: Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie – 909 Burrard St
Cost: $110++ per person. Reservations available via Le Crocodile's website.
Blue Jay Sessions Vancouver pop-up at Café Medina
Award-winning songwriter series Blue Jay Sessions is making its Vancouver debut with a special one-night event at Café Medina on Thursday, March 27. The after-hours showcase will feature two sessions of storytelling and live performances from top independent Canadian musicians, offering an intimate listening experience with only 50 seats available per session. The first session, with doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7 to 8:15 p.m., features Antonio Larosa and Tea Fannie as co-hosts alongside performances by Katie Rox (Nice Horse), Amy Hef, and Sail Cassady. The second session, with doors at 8:15 p.m. and music from 9 to 10:15 p.m., will also be hosted by Larosa and Tea Fannie and includes performances by Jade Turner, Emma Peterson, and Zenon. Guests can enjoy Café Medina’s signature hospitality with a curated evening menu of elevated bites and music-inspired cocktails.
When: Thursday, March 27, 7 and 9 p.m.
Where: Café Medina – 780 Richards St
Cost: $12.50-$20, tickets available via Showpass
Sipping Around B.C. Dinner Series at L'Abattoir
L'Abattoir’s popular Sipping Around B.C. dinner series returns, expanding to explore even more of British Columbia’s diverse wine regions. Presented in partnership with S. Pellegrino, each dinner brings together top BC winemakers and winery principals for an evening of expertly paired food and wine, celebrating terroir, microclimates, and the unique varietals shaping BC’s wine industry. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase featured wines at cellar door pricing. Tickets for each dinner will be available in the month before the event, with priority access for past attendees. Tickets for the first dinner on April 4 are now available.
When:
- Friday, April 4: Naramata Bench (Little Engine Wines, MacIntyre Heritage Reserve, Terravista Vineyards)
- Friday, June 13: Similkameen Valley (Clos du Soleil Winery, Orofino Vineyard, Little Farm Winery)
- Thursday, October 23: B.C. Islands (Averill Creek Vineyard, Unsworth Vineyards, Kutatás Wines)
Where: L'Abattoir (Private Dining Room) - 217 Carrall St
Cost: $195 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Purchase tickets online.
Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival - UBC
The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival is rolling in 21 vendors to the Commons in front of the AMS Student Nest on April 3 and 4, showcasing a smorgasbord of international street cuisine.
The line-up includes favourites on wheels like Chickpea, Shameless Buns, Say Cheese, Crema, and many more. Admission is free and the event will take place rain or shine, so grab your wallet and your umbrella if there are April showers.
When: April 3-4, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: UBC Commons in front of AMS Nest - 6133 University Blvd
Cost: Admission is free
Taste Sound: An Immersive Dining Experience at Burdock & Co
Burdock & Co continues its Taste Sound dinner series with an evening of sonic gastronomy featuring musician and biologist Tarun Nayar (Modern Biology). On three upcoming dates, guests will experience Chef Andrea Carlson’s menus while listening to the bioelectric activity of its ingredients through biodata sonification. This multisensory collaboration explores the connection between taste and sound, offering a unique way to engage with food. Beverages available in addition include natural wines curated by Kelcie Jones, the Vancouver Michelin Guide’s 2023 Sommelier of the Year and a signature cocktail. The themes for the dinners in the series are Resin (May 22), Road Trip (Sept. 25) and Radicchio (Nov. 20). Tickets are on sale for all dinners in the series now.
When: May 22, Sept. 25, and Nov. 20, 2025
Where: Burdock & Co - 2702 Main St
Cost: $200 per person + tax & gratuity (includes a four-course meal and headphone rental). Reserve and pre-pay online.
Brewery & the Beast Vancouver
Brewery & the Beast returns to Vancouver on Sunday, July 27, bringing an afternoon of open-fire cooking, incredible food, and refreshing drinks to Concord Pacific Place. This highly anticipated annual event showcases some of the region’s top culinary talent, offering guests an all-you-can-enjoy experience featuring expertly grilled meats, seasonal sides, and a selection of wine, beer, cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages—all without the hassle of drink tickets. Live entertainment, a lively atmosphere, and the chance to watch chefs in action make it a true feast for the senses. For those looking to enhance their experience, the VIP tier offers exclusive early access, special dishes, and a private lounge. A full lineup of participating chefs and restaurants will be announced soon.
When: Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. (VIP lounge access opens at 1 p.m.)
Where: Concord Pacific Place - 88 Pacific Blvd
Cost: VIP Experience $299.95; Main Event $178.95 (plus taxes and fees). Tickets available online.
With files from Kyle Balzer and Brendan Kergin
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