5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (April 24-30)

An annual Wine Festival, a pro-wrestling comedy show and an evening of sake and seafood.

Your weekly roundup of the top events in the city, including art exhibitions, local theatre, restaurant openings, concerts, film, markets and other to-dos we think you’ll love. If you have a Vancouver event you’d like to submit for consideration, send an email to kdonaldson@canadawide.com.

9 bottles of wine on a table
Credit: vanwinefest.ca/2022-winery-dinner-photos/

1. Come Swirl a Glass at the 44th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival

April 22-30

If you have ever been nervous ordering a bottle of wine for the table or consider yourself the seasoned sommelier of your friend group, the Vancouver International Wine Festival is a week-long party with 800 wines from 17 countries to explore and discover. It’s like a world tour without leaving the tasting room. And the best part? It’s all for a good cause—raising funds for Bard on the Beach Theatre Society. You can expect tastings, dinners, boozy lunches and brunches, panels with topics like: “Does BC have a wine identity?” and keynote speakers and guided tastings such as “The Shape of Wine” which explores how glass shape changes your wine experience. You can check out the extensive wine-fest-sched here and plot your festival-going experience. It’s your chance to drink a bunch of wine and (pretend to) be a connoisseur.

When: April 22-30
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre
Cost:
From $45
More Info:
vanwinefest.ca

A platter of oysters over ice with dips and lemon wedges
Credit: fannybayoysters.com

2. Come Get Your Saké and Seafood Fix at Fanny Bay Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market

April 26

Spring is in the air and what better way to celebrate than with a six-course saké pairing dinner with Chef Tommy Shorthouse, the Saké Samurai, and the saké team from Yoshi No Gawa? Fanny Bay Oyster Bar & Shellfish Market host this Spring Saké Celebration Dinner, serving up a six-course feast featuring fresh Fanny Bay catches and rare Saké varietals from Yoshi No Gawa—think marinated eggplant with daikon and ponzu; grilled octopus with miso butter, lemongrass, ginger, and confit fingerling potato; and a lemon tart with yuzu curd, lemon balm, lime meringue and berries. Each course will be paired with a different sake, showcasing the versatility of this celebrated beverage. Don’t miss this tide-to-table experience.

When: April 26
Where:
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar and Shellfish Market
Cost:
$175
More Info:
fannybayoysters.com

Guests at the event with a sign that says Made for Mixing.
Credit: Isabella Sarmiento

3. Science World Goes Mixology: Vancouver’s Most Entertaining Cocktail Fundraiser

April 27

Science meets cocktails in Vancouver’s largest fundraiser—the Science of Cocktails. In support of giving students, teachers, and families in need free access to Science World, the dome transforms into the world’s largest cocktail laboratory, where the city’s most talented bartenders showcase the science behind their tastiest tipples. Enjoy mouth-watering food samples prepared by locally renowned restaurants and caterers, witness astounding science shows, explore galleries, and mix and mingle with the nerdiest cool kids in town. With general admission, enjoy an open bar with 30 bar stations serving unique cocktails, access to a variety of special cocktail science activities, hands-on demos and Science World programming, and tastings prepared by locally recognized chefs. With VIP admission ($289), you get all the inclusions of a General Admission ticket plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge, premium cocktail offerings and hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment.

When: April 27
Where:  Science World
Cost: From $185
More Info: scienceworld.ca

A wrestling ring with a crowd cheering around it and two wrestlers
Credit: BOOM! Pro Wrestling

4. Get Ready to Rumble at Boom! Pro Wrestling

April 29

Get ready to rumble at Parm’s House Party, a special edition of Boom Pro-Wrestling at the Commercial Drive Legion. Don’t miss the unique blend of comedy, athleticism, and storytelling that makes Boom Pro-Wrestling an unforgettable experience for wrestling fans and newcomers alike. (Full disclosure: one of our editors is married to founder/owner Max Mitchell, the insane man puppeteering the whole thing.) Cheer on your favourite veteran wrestlers and up-and-coming stars as they bring their personalities, wild outfits and outrageous storylines to the ring. First-time Boomer? No problem: you can catch up on all the drama and lore with the BOOM! Youtube Channel. With $4 beers and a passionate following, this event is not to be missed. Bring your rowdiest friends and handmade signs.

When: April 29
Where:   Commercial Drive Legion
Cost: $26.74
More Info: boomprowrestling.com

A crowd seated at tables at an event with a stage
Credit: The Cultch

5. A Night of Food, Wine and Auctions at The Cultch Historic Theatre

April 29

Want to bid on a good time? Join like-minded theatre lovers for an evening of food, wine, and entertainment at The Cultch Historic Theatre. Enjoy a cocktail reception and online silent auction featuring amazing items, followed by a dinner by Chef Claire May and wine by Hester Creek. Bid on exciting live auction items, including trips to Mexico and a Saturna Island getaway. End the night with dessert and dancing in the Culture Lab. Limited tickets available, so book now and don’t miss out on a chance to do good and dance all night.

When: April 29
Where: The Cultch Historic Theatre
Cost: $250
More Info:
thecultch.com