10 Tasty Events to Check Out This February

There’s no reason to limit your culinary revelry to February 14. From a magical beer festival to a pop-up at Whistler, there are great events happening all month long.

1. Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

January 18 to February 14

Run Down: The 10th annual Hot Chocolate Festival is in full swing. Restaurants and cafes all over the city are getting adventurous with over 114 flavours at 44 locations. The results, which include ingredients like lavender, chili, peanut butter and rosemary, are downright decadent. Make a day of it or explore the map over the next two weeks. Plus, there’s an Instagram competition to win over $1,000 worth of gift certificates from participating stores.

When: January 18 to February 14
Where: Locations across the city
Cost: Varies
More Info: hotchocolatefest.com

2. Street Food City 9

January 31 to February 9

Run Down: This family-friendly street food fair is back for it’s ninth year. 25 food trucks, offering everything from perogies to arepas, will be parked outside the Vancouver Art Gallery for this mid-winter picnic. Look for local favs like Chickpea and Tacofino as well as festival newcomers Shameless Buns, El Cartel and Salty’s Lobster Shack.
When: January 31 to February 9, Monday – Friday 11:00 am to 3:00pm, Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Where:  Vancouver Art Gallery, šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
Cost: Free
More Info: dineoutvancouver.com

3. Flourish VCC Foundation Gala

February 5

Run Down: The Vancouver Community College Foundation’s annual fundraiser will feature wine tasting by Naramata Bench Wineries Association and bites from renowned chefs from Hawksworth, Longtail Kitchen, Ephemere Supper Club and more. Plus the evening promises entertainment from students and alumni in fashion arts, auto restoration and music.
When: February 5 | 7 pm
Where: VCC Broadway Campus
Cost: $200
More Info: vcc.ca

4. Science World’s Science of Cocktails

February 6

Run Down: Science World’s fifth annual fundraiser will feature over 30 stations with science-related libations from some of Vancouver’s top chefs and bartenders. Expect drinks like batter washed rum with malic acid-dusted popcorn and beeswax infused whiskey. There will also be demonstrations by Science World staff (involving fire and dry ice), a bartender showdown and competition for the best dish. All proceeds go to the Science World Class Field Trip Bursary program.
When: February 6 | 8pm
Where: Science World
Cost: $165
More Info: scienceworld.ca

5. Hawksworth Pop-Up at Whistler’s Steeps Bar & Grill

February 8

Run Down: All-star chef David Hawksworth will bring his team to the top of Whistler for a fifth season of pop up events. The three-course lunch will be served overlooking incredible views. If you needed an excuse to plan a Whistler weekend, this is it.
When: February 8 | 11 am (and March 14)
Where: Steeps Bar & Grill, Whistler
Cost: $68 per person
More Info: hawksworthrestaurant.com

6. The Wizards Beer Festival

February 16

Run Down: Don your robes, grab your brooms and get ready for a day full of wizard-themed debauchery. Expect wand and potion making classes, tarot card readings, a DJ and plenty of beer and magic. A ticket includes a welcome beer and five tokens for various beer and activity stations.
When: February 16, 11 am – 8:30 pm
Where: Big Rock Vancouver Brewery and Eatery
Cost: $45
More Info: eventbrite.ca

7. Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown

February 20

Run Down: Taste the action as 13 chefs compete for the title of Chowder Chowdown Champion at the Vancouver Aquarium. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the soups and vote for their favourite. There will also be beer, wine and spirits sampling. All proceeds of the event go to Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program
When: February 20, 7-11 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium
Cost: $79
More info: ocean.org

8. Vancouver International Wine Festival

February 22 to March 1

Run Down: One of the biggest and oldest wine festivals of the world is coming back to Vancouver for its 42^nd year. There are over 50 events and 1,400 wines, so there’s something for everyone, from novice to sommelier. Don’t miss the Tasting Room at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where you can try over 700 wines.
When: February 22 to March 1
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre/all over the city
Cost: $55 -$225 (varies by event)
More info: https://vanwinefest.ca/

9. Bells and Whistles ‘A Big Night at the Oscars’

February 9

Run Down: Grab a group of friends and head to Bells and Whistles on Oscars’ night. There will be a ballot for all 24 major categories — winner gets half the pot, the rest is donated to BC Hospitality Foundation. Bells and Whistles will provide free popcorn and a paparazzi-inspired photo shoot. Get ready for your close-up.
When: February 9 | 4:30 pm
Where: Bells and Whistles
Cost: $10
More Info: bellsandwhistlesyvr.ca

10. 100th Anniversary of Prohibition Cocktail Program at Pourhouse

Ongoing

Run Down: Pourhouse is running a yearlong celebration of the international cocktail scene that spread after the start of Prohibition 100 years ago. Each month will highlight a new location across the globe — February’s theme is Paris, with two new cocktails inspired by the City of Lights to try.
When: Ongoing
Where: Pourhouse
Cost: $14 per cocktail
More Info: pourhousevancouver.com