Spring is in full swing, bringing fresh flavours and exciting culinary experiences across Metro Vancouver.
As April winds down and May gets underway there are plenty of ways to sip, savour, and support local restaurants, chefs, and businesses.
Plus, we're already looking ahead to some of the glorious hot-ticket summer happenings like long table dinners with sweeping Whistler mountain views and Vancouver's incredible Brewery and the Beast event.
In the meantime, we've got a staggering line-up of cocktail events as North America's 50 Best Bars lands in Vancouver, the launch of the Richmond Night Market, peak spot prawn season events, and much more.
Whether you’re in the mood for a brewmaster;s dinner or an Indian Mother's Day tea, these upcoming events in and around Vancouver offer the perfect way to explore the city’s ever-evolving food and drink scene.
Richmond Night Market
Richmond hosts one of the largest outdoor markets in North America and has up to 150 retail stalls and 130 food vendors, as well as entertainment and carnival games. This year it is adding a 600-foot zipline ride by to celebrate its 25th anniversary (available starting May 19).
Also, to celebrate 25 years, the market will also offer happy hour specials and admission discounts. Every night, drinks will be under $7 and food under $10 at every food stall, while admission will be $5 after 10 p.m. General admission is $7 for anyone older than 7 but under 60; kids up to 7 and those 60+ get in for free. A Zoom Pass, which gives you the ability to skip the line, is $35.
When: April 25-October 13
Where: 2431 No. 3 Rd, Richmond
Vancouver Brewers Fest
Vancouver boasts the largest concentration of craft breweries in Western Canada, and Vancouver Brewers Fest is a 10-day celebration of the breweries, people, and communities that have grown together. Now in its second year, the festival features a range of unique events hosted by individual breweries, from some of the province’s oldest to some of the most innovative in the country.
Check the brewery list and event calendar for full details on what’s happening throughout the festival. Upcoming highlights include: Strathchona Beer Co's Brewmaster Dinner (April 30); Porchetta Palooza at Storm Brewing (May 2); and Gravity Fest at Luppolo (May 4).
When: April 25-May 4
Guest Shifts at Laowai + Bagheera
The World's 50 Best Bars will be in Vancouver on April 29 to announce the winners of this year's North America's 50 Best Bars, and that means some of the best bartenders in the world will be in town. Among the top spots hosting "guest shifts" are Chinatown's acclaimed Laowai and Bagheera, who each have an impressive roster of talent coming in for exclusive one-night-only stints. Get reservations locked in ASAP, as these are expected to be very popular evenings.
Laowai's lineup
- Tuesday, April 29: Meadowlark (#32, NA 50 Best); Limantour (#9, NA 50 Best); The Cold Room; Eximia
Where: Laowai - 251 E Georgia St
Bagheera Bar Series
- Tuesday, April 29: Nutmeg and Clove (#28, World’s 50 Best); SilverLyan
- Wednesday, April 30: Ceiba
Where: Bagheera - 518 Main St.
- LOOKING FOR MORE SPECIAL EVENTS AS PART OF NORTH AMERICA'S 50 BEST BARS IN VANCOUVER? FIND FULL EVENT LISTINGS >>> HERE.
Umami: A Mushroom Food & Drink Experience
Dive into the deep, earthy world of mushrooms at a pop-up dinner hosted by a quarter of talented collaborators: Chef William Lew, Oyster and King Mushrooms, Pallet Coffee, and Mama in the Kitchen Chili Oil, who promise an intimate evening of flavours, stories, and connection. "Through Chef Will’s creative dishes and the freshest seasonal ingredients, this will be a celebration of everything we love about food and collaboration," they add.
When: April 29 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: The Living Room - 654 Nelson St
Cost: $20-120. Purchase online.
Mexico City Night: Hanky Panky x Brujas at Chupito
Chupito is hosting a powerful takeover by two of Mexico City’s most iconic bars. Gina Barbachano, bar manager at Hanky Panky and Spirited Awards nominee, brings the spirit and precision of one of the world’s best speakeasies. From Brujas, Bianca “Piba” Bertoli channels the magic of her all-female team and their roots in curanderismo and herbal craft. This one-night celebration honours women who craft, lead, and heal through cocktails. No tickets or reservations needed. First come, first served.
When: April 30 from 7 p.m.-midnight
Where: Chupito - 2450 Yukon St
Nikkei Experience Dinner: Locanda dell’Orso x Masayoshi
Locanda dell’Orso is hosting a sumptuous six-course Nikkei Experience Dinner, presented by S.Pellegrino, which features an amalgamation of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. The event reunites Chef Alvarez with longtime colleague and friend Chef Masayoshi Baba of Michelin-starred Masayoshi – a seasoned relationship that fuels the bar-setting creativity and expertise a dinner of this magnitude demands. Space is limited and advance reservations are required
When: May 1 at 7 p.m.
Where: Locanda dell’Orso - 350 W Pender St
Cost: Tickets are $249 per person, including wine pairings (plus tax and gratuity). Purchase tickets via OpenTable.
The 3rd annual Lucky Red Chili Party
This fiery celebration of food and community features a delicious collab with Lee's Donuts, Torafuku, and Fresh Ideas Start Here (F.I.S.H.). Tickets go on sale April 22 and include a five-course tasting experience. Plus, Lee's Donuts is making their Chinatown debut with a special collab alongside Holy Duck Chili featuring two exclusive donut boxes, available for purchase day-of only. All proceeds of the event support the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Your $22 ticket includes the food and admission to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre.
When: May 3 from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Chinatown Storytelling Centre - 168 E Pender St
Cost: Tickets on sale April 22. Head to @foodhungcurios on Instagram for updates and info.
Sunday Seafood Boil for Two at The Sandbar
Available every Sunday night starting from May 4, The Sandbar's Seafood Boil for Two ($109) includes a full pound of mussels and clams, jumbo prawns, two lobster tails, Old Bay broth, Andouille sausage, potatoes, and local corn on the cob.
When: Sunday nights starting May 4
Where: The Sandbar - 1535 Johnston St (Granville Island - Creekhouse)
Matthew Finn x Nero Tondo
Nero Tondo welcomes Chef Matthew Finn for a special collaborative dinner on Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7. Known for his bold, flavour-driven cooking style, Chef Matthew will showcase locally sourced and aged meats alongside standout vegetable dishes from Nero Tondo’s Chefs Devon and Lucas. Seating is limited to two-hour slots, and vegetarian or vegan options are not available for this event.
When: May 6 & 7
Where: Nero Tondo - 1879 Powell St
Cost: $99 per person plus tax and tip. Reserve via Tock
Spring Banquet - Vancouver Chinatown Foundation
The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation will host the 2025 Spring Banquet, presented by Scotiabank, on Thursday, May 8. This festive evening in the heart of Chinatown celebrates the collective efforts that continue to strengthen and uplift the community. Proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s ongoing mission to revitalize the historic neighbourhood. Note: Business casual attire expected.
When: May 8; registration at 5 p.m., dinner begins at 6 p.m. sharp
Where: Floata Seafood Restaurant - 180 Keefer St
Cost: $161 via Eventbrite
Chambar Apprentice Dinner #2: Chef Uddhav Neupane
Each month, an up-and-coming talent from Chambar’s kitchen will take the lead, presenting a set menu with dishes inspired by their heritage with the support of Chambar co-founder and chef Nico Schuermans. Showcasing nostalgic home cooking or unique ingredients from where they grew up, these chefs will offer their signature interpretations, bringing fresh global flavours to the table. For May, it's Chef Uddhav Neupane.
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Uddhav grew up in a home where food was more than just sustenance—it was love, culture, and responsibility. With his father away serving in the military, Uddhav spent much of his early childhood at home with his mother, who passed down family recipes and a deep respect for cooking.
Uddhav carried those early lessons into his professional journey. He began his restaurant career in Nepal in 2018, before moving to Canada and joining the Chambar team in 2023. Since then, he’s been building both his career and life in Vancouver alongside his wife, who is pursuing a career in nursing. For his Apprentice dinner in May, Uddhav showcases the warmth of home-cooked meals and the spirit of his mother’s teachings.
When: May 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chambar - 568 Beatty St
Cost: $65 per person (does not include beverages, tax, or gratuity). Book online via Chambar's website.
Funk Coffee Bar: O5 Tea and Kam Wai Dim Sum Pairing
Funk Coffee Bar is teaming up with O5 Tea Bar and Kam Wai for a special dim sum and tea pairing pop-up on Wednesday, May 7. Guests will enjoy three courses paired with rare, thoughtfully selected teas, each introduced and prepared in traditional style. The evening promises a unique, sensory experience with time for tasting, learning, and discussion.
When: May 7 at 7 p.m.
Where: Funk Coffee Bar - 1025 Dunsmuir St
Cost: $55. Purchase tickets online
Around the World in 80 Days Afternoon Tea at H Tasting Lounge
This travel-inspired afternoon tea will whisk you away on a virtual world tour. Pay tribute to Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, following in the footsteps of the legendary Phileas Fogg. Experience faraway lands through the flavours of tea and an enchanting selection of sweet and savoury treats — where tradition takes a backseat to adventure.
Rather than the usual finger sandwiches, this globally inspired experience reimagines afternoon tea with bold and unexpected flavours. Nibble on Parisian macarons, taste the bright spices of India with chocolate cardamom cake, and take a virtual trip to Hong Kong with a deconstructed pork spring roll. Elevate your journey with fine Champagne by the glass or bottle, or explore an exquisite selection of black, white, green, oolong, and herbal teas from O-Five Rare Tea and Tea Leaves. A children's menu is available, featuring cotton candy, scones, bite-sized tea sandwiches, s’mores pie, and more.
When: Weekends, now through May 10
Where: H Tasting Lounge - 1601 Bayshore Dr
Cost: $75 per adult; $50 per child; prepaid for parties of 1 to 6. Reservations via Tock
The Secret Garden at the H Tasting Lounge
The clear, cozy outdoor domes of H Tasting Lounge have been reimagined for 2025 with the whimsy of vintage air travel in mind. From March 5 to May 11, take a spring voyage to this dreamy, imagination-sparking landscape where pastel-hued hot air balloons float overhead, cascading floral garlands drape from above, and flower-adorned archways invite you in. Each panoramic dome is equipped with a sound system, adjustable heaters, and everything needed for up to six guests to dine in comfort. At lunch or in the evening, savour cocktails and modern-coastal cuisine while taking in the beautiful waterfront views. Reservations are available via Tock. Please note, minimum spends of $150 to $300 apply.
When: Lunch and dinner daily from now through May 11
Where: H Tasting Lounge - 1601 Bayshore Dr
Indian High Tea at Desi Indian Lounge
Desi Lounge is offering a unique Indian-inspired high tea to celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Guests can enjoy a selection of savoury and sweet bites alongside Masala Chai, Indian Coffee, or a summer refresher for $35 per person, with optional featured cocktails available for $12 each. The menu includes treats like mango pastries, pav bhaji bruschetta, and paneer or chicken tikka croissants, all served with traditional chutneys.
When: May 11 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Desi Indian Lounge - 1355 Hornby St
Cost: $35 per person. Reservations via OpenTable
Nectarous Day
Four Winds Brewing celebrates Nectarous Day on Thursday, May 16 at four locations across Metro Vancouver (plus one in Victoria). Guests can enjoy the original Nectarous Dry-Hopped Sour along with six creative variants and a mystery flavour, available until the taps run dry. Participating venues include Four Winds Taproom, Four Winds Beach House, The Magnet, and The Barley Merchant in Metro Vancouver and The Drake in Victoria.
When: May 16
Where: Four Winds Taproom (Delta), Four Winds Beach House (Tsawwassen), The Magnet (Vancouver), and The Barley Merchant (Langley)
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.
Tequila & Agave Festival 2025
Sip and celebrate some of the world's livliest spirits at the 2nd annual Tequla & Agave Festival in Vancouver. At the marquee Grand Tasting Event, enjoy live Mariachi, DJ performances, culinary delights, a combo meal, and an incredible array of tequilas. VIP includes exclusive ultra-premium brands and a snack bar. Check out the event website for supplemental programming as part of the fest's programming.
When: May 24 from 7-10 p.m. (Grand Tasting)
Where: Italian Cultural Centre - 3075 Slocan St.
Cost: $96 per person. Purchase 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)
Spot Prawn Festival
On Sunday May 25 join the Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia for a celebration of an iconic B.C. product at the annual Spot Prawn Festival. The popular event is the primary fundraiser for the org, which provides education, mentorship, scholarships and sustainability initiatives across the province. The Spot Prawn Festival is held outdoors and will take place rain or shine, so plan accordingly. There are three ways to enjoy the event:
- Free: Access to the docks, view cooking demos and more (family-friendly)
- $10: 8 oz of Prawn Bisque + a Bun– to go if you want! (family-friendly)
- $79: Spot Prawn Brunch. Grazing stand-up style with a tasting menu of 6 delicious spot prawn dishes. This event is limited to guests 19 years and older only (no pets)
When: May 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fishermen's Wharf - 1505 W 1st Ave
Cost: Free / $10 / $79. Purchase via Eventbrite.
Art of Teppanyaki menu at Kobe
Experience the sizzle and spectacle of teppanyaki at Kobe with their limited-time "Art of Teppanyaki" set menu, available Monday to Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m. until May 31. This $58 per person feast celebrates Kobe’s signature style of tableside cooking. The menu features seasonal vegetables, grilled shrimp, Shabu Shabu soup, flame-kissed tiger prawns, premium-cut sirloin steak, teriyaki chicken, wok-tossed bean sprouts, and steamed Japanese rice, all finished with a scoop of artisanal gelato for dessert.
When: Now through May 31
Where: Kobe Japanese Steakhouse - 1042 Alberni St
Cost: $58 per person; reservations via OpenTable
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, 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.
Wild Blue Long Table Dinner Series (Whistler)
Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar is bringing back its Long Table Dinner Series for the third consecutive year in Whistler Village. Set for July 20 and August 10, 2025, these outdoor dinners will take place at The Range at Whistler Golf Club, offering stunning mountain views. Chef Alex Chen and Executive Chef Derek Bendig have curated a four-course menu featuring local ingredients, complemented by wine pairings from the restaurant’s partners. Neil Henderson, Restaurant Director, will host the evening. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. Tickets are $259 per person, with the events expected to sell out quickly.
When: July 20 and August 10, 2025
Where: The Range at Whistler Golf Club - 4025 Whistler Way, Whistler
Cost: $259 per person plus tax and gratuity. Purchase via Wild Blue's website.
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.
Ongoing
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
Oh Canada menu at The Flying Pig
The Flying Pig launched its new "Oh Canada" menu on April 2, featuring local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients to celebrate Canadian products. The menu will change every 30 days, maintaining a Canadian theme to support local producers.
For the debut April menu, appetizers will include fried B.C. oysters with pickle and dill dip, Alberta beef croquettes, PEI mussels and spicy frites, and Canadian bison carpaccio. For main courses, there will be Fraser Valley game hen with smashed B.C. potatoes, B.C. ling cod with local prawn risotto, and PEI beef cheek ragu with red wine-braised beef cheek and pappardelle. Desserts include Quebec maple sugar pie, based on an old family recipe. The feature cocktail, the Okanagan Sunrise, is made with Reifel rye, elderflower, apple, lemon, and sparkling wine. The wine selection includes options by the glass and bottle, highlighting B.C. wineries like Monte Creek and Burrowing Owl.
When: Changes monthly, starting April 2
Where: The Flying Pig - 1168 Hamilton St.
With files from Valerie Leung
Want to have your event included? Email lindsay@vancouverisawesome.com with the info and links.
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