5 Things to Do in Vancouver This Week (March 13-19)

The Home and Garden Show, a Celtic Festival in honour of Saint Patrick's Day and a new museum costume exhibit.

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.

Two people staring at a plants display at a convention
Credit: Claire Henwood. Courtesy of BC Home and Garden Show

1. Get Ready for Spring at the BC Home and Garden Show

March 16-19

Whether you’re looking to spring clean or indulge your green thumb, this annual event could be the inspo you’re looking for to spruce up the homestead. Canada’s favourite contractor and HGTV Canada’s Island of Bryan host Bryan Baeumler is headlining this year on The Sleep Country Main Stage, alongside a variety of other experts, including Megan Golightly, Graeme Huguet and Kathy Yuen. You also won’t want to miss out on the indulgent presentations at The Cooking Stage, which will feature culinary experts such as French Chef Bruno Feldeisen (The Great Canadian Baking Show) and Chef Tarek Chellouf, and the Vancouver Sun Gardeners’ School, where local gardening gurus will be offering daily seminars and DIY demonstrations. Finally, be sure to check out the Got Craft? Spring Pop-up Market, where you can shop for locally made artisan jewelry, clothing, paper goods and more.

When: March 16-19
Where: BC Place Stadium
Cost: From $8
More Info: bchomeandgardenshow.com

 

Promo with text overtop a picture of a period piece gown
Credit: Museum of Vancouver

2. Get All Dressed Up for the Opening of MOV’s Newest Costume Exhibition

March 16

The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) is getting dressed up for a new exhibition that’s sure to be a fashionista’s dream come true. Dressed for History: Why Costume Collections Matter explores the importance of preserving costumes to document the past and inspire our present and future. With rare garments and fabrics from four remarkable local collectors on display, visitors will be transported through time and around the world, connecting with stories of resource extraction, trade, labour, and technology. So put on your best outfit and head to MOV starting March 16th—this exhibition is sure to have as many period piece dresses as Keira Knightley‘s career.

When: March 16
Where: Museum of Vancouver
Cost: From $20
More Info: museumofvancouver.ca

 

Credit: dibeppe.com

3. Di Beppe’s ‘Festa della Polenta’

March 16

Spring is in the air and so is the aroma of polenta at Gastown’s Di Beppe. The fifth annual Festa della Polenta is back and bringing with it a night of Italian gastronomic delights. This family-style feast has been celebrated for centuries in Tuscany, where polenta was offered to the hungry masses during a famine. Lucky for us, we can skip the struggle and celebrate the bounty. For just $95 per person, join in on the feast, including antipasti, ossobuco with bone marrow and polenta cake with raspberry sauce. Optional Northern Italian wines are available for those who want to toast to the occasion.

When: March 16
Where: Di Beppe Restaurant
Cost: $95
More Info: dibeppe.com

 

Credit: CelticFest Vancouver

4. CelticFest 2023 (CelticFest Vancouver Free All-Ages Festival)

March 11-18

Get ready to embrace the spirit of the Celts because CelticFest Vancouver is back for its 19th year. From March 11 to 18, downtown Vancouver will turn green with a plethora of festivities, including an outdoor public festival in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square during the weekend. The celebration culminates on March 17 and 18 with live performances on two stages, a curated marketplace, a family zone, food trucks, a beer tent and more. This year’s festival features a lineup of talented performers and entertainment, including local favourites, The Whiskeydicks, and Irish-dancing drag queen Jas Minh. Don’t miss out on the fun and come join the community to celebrate Celtic culture through music, dance, and performance. Find event details on the festival’s website.

When: March 11-18
Where: Various
Cost: Free
More Info: eventbrite.ca

 

Credit: Vicky Hu (The Westin Bayshore)

5. The Secret Garden returns to H Tasting Lounge

March 18-May 14

Vancouver’s H Tasting Lounge is bringing a little bit of the English countryside to the city with the launch of its Secret Garden pop-up. Running from March 18 until May 14, the seaside patio will be transformed into an enchanting botanical oasis, complete with climbing vines and floral displays, where guests can dine in private, English garden-inspired domes. The menu will feature an array of West Coast-inspired dishes, including shareable light bites and hearty entrées like the Flamed 50oz. Certified Angus Beef Tomahawk Steak. Guests can also sip on bespoke handcrafted cocktails, including the Nitro Strawberry Jungle Bird and the tequila-based Fruitería. Reservations are now available on Tock, with minimum spends ranging from $150 to $500, depending on the time and day of the week.

When: March 18-May 14
Where: H Tasting Lounge
Cost: From $150
More Info: htastinglounge.com