From the posh-est picnic of the year to disco dumplings — and lots of beer, wine, barbecue and beautiful dinners, too — we’ve got 31 (and counting!) delicious food events happening in and around Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»this August.
Afternoon Tea in The Window
Afternoon tea is typically served in the window-less “library†room of Notch 8, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver’s restaurant, but during the month of August, one duo of tea-time sippers each weekday can have their scones and Earl Grey served up in a West Georgia Street-facing display window. The table will be available for two afternoon tea-goers for one sitting at noon weekdays in August.
When: Aug. 1-Sept. 2, Monday to Friday; one reservation per day available at noon
Where: Fairmont Hotel Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€“ 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: $59 per person (maximum two diners per booking). Reservations can be made by phone only, from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 604-443-1843
Lobster Grill at Chop Steakhouse & Bar
Celebrate the great lobster for a few prime weeks this summer at B.C.’s only Chop location. They’ve got a special menu showcasing – you guessed it – Atlantic lobster. The menu is full of Chop’s favourite lobster recipes, including the Lobster Chowder; the Lobster Caesar Salad; a classic Steak and Half Lobster Combo featuring top sirloin and a half lobster; a whole lobster; and Disco Fries (lobster meets poutine).
When: Now until Aug. 27
Where: Chop – 10251 St Edwards Dr., Richmond
Harmony Arts Festival
There are a number of ways to put the focus on food at the upcoming Harmony Arts Festival in North Vancouver. At the Waterfront Lounge, enjoy eats from Glowbal’s Fish Shack and the upcoming Cantina Norte (moving into Edgemont Village) pop-up, while at the Park Royal Beachside Patio it’s food from local eatery FEAST. Three signature events (Best of the West, Indigenous Eats, and Night on the Pier, offer three distinct ways to dine and drink) while an array of on-site artisan eats round out the event’s stellar foodie offerings.
When: Aug. 2-11
Where: Various locations along the waterfront in West and North Vancouver
43rd Annual Powell Street Festival
Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Vancouver’s Japanese-Canadian population in the neighbourhood that has long been their home in the city. Enjoy live performances, workshops, vendors, art, and of course plenty of food.
When: Aug. 3-4 from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Powell Street area (near Jackson), Vancouver
Sunday Seafood Boil Series at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
The award-winning downtown seafood restaurant continues its popular al fresco Sunday Seafood Boil Series for a fifth consecutive year throughout the summer. Guests are invited to pull up a chair and tuck into a true, East Coast-inspired communal seafood feast of fresh-caught lobster, jumbo prawns, clams, mussels and Dungeness crab piled high on butcher’s paper and served with all the fixings.
When: Sunday Aug.4, 11, 18 and 25 at 6 p.m.
Where: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – 845 Burrard St., Vancouver
Cost: $68 per person (plus gratuity, taxes and service fees); tickets available .
VinVan Pop-Up Brunch
VinVan is putting on a three-course spread of brunchy delights created by Chef Dayna Rogers each paired with a glass of fizz. They’ll also have a breakfast margarita bar on the go (because why not?) as well as even more fizz to purchase if you are feeling it. There’ll be tunes, awesome food and some wine education thrown into the mix.
When: Sunday, Aug. 4 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Fiore – South Granville – 1485 West 12th Ave., Vancouver
Cost: $60; purchase
Pride Disco Dumplings
Burdock & Co celebrates Pride Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»with a special themed edition of their ever-popular Monday night Disco Dumplings. Sashay over to the beloved Main Street eatery and enjoy decadent dumplings made fresh in-house by award-winning Chef Andrea Carlson and her culinary team. Hungry diners can look forward to various seasonal dumplings, such as goat Camembert stuffed morels, and classic Pork and Burdock. The restaurant’s staple fried chicken with dill pickle mayo will make its regular appearance on the menu, along with fresh salads including charred corn and stone fruit. Of course, lots of craft beer and natural wine specials will be on offer, and two guest DJ’s will set the mood with Pride classics all while guests mix and mingle under the disco ball’s flickering rainbow reflection.
When: Monday, Aug. 5 from 6 p.m. until late
Where: Burdock & Co, 2702 Main St., Vancouver
AnnaLena Dinner Series #002: 808s & Picnic Plates
AnnaLena’s Dinner Series returns for the second volume this month. Join the team for a seven course modern picnic, with Bohemian interior decor, complemented by a killer 80’s playlist full of hits inspired by the Roland 808 drum machine playing in the background all night. For the second event, the team’s influence comes from essential summer picnics and the bounty of produce coming from local B.C. farms; fruits, vegetables and crisp wines.
When: Aug. 6 and 7
Where: AnnaLena – 1809 West First Ave., Vancouver
Cost: $119 per person (taxes and service charges not included). Reservations can be made .
DQ Miracle Treat Day
Thursday, Aug. 8, is Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day, benefitting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. On that day, participating Dairy Queen locations in B.C. will donate net proceeds of all BLIZZARD® Treat sales to help support BC Children’s Hospital. It’s an easy, fun and delicious way for the local community to help B.C.’s kids get the best healthcare possible.
When: Aug. 8
Where: Participating B.C. DQ locations
Le Dîner en Blanc
Not only is Le Dîner en Blanc when lucky ticket holders gather in one Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»spot all dressed in head-to-toe white for a DIY picnic en masse, but it is also about the excitement of the event going down in a secret location, revealed to participants only hours before their festive plein air summer soiree. Please note: the last day to purchase tickets is Monday, Aug. 5.
When: Thursday, Aug. 8
Where: Undisclosed location TBA day-of to ticket-holders
Cost: $53; register
Monte Creek Ranch Dinner at Dockside
Dockside’s new Executive Chef Zach Steele will present a five-course menu to be paired with selections from Monte Creek’s portfolio of outstanding BC wines. Monte Creek GM Erik Fisher and winemaker Galen Barnhardt will be on hand to discuss the wines and their estate winery. Monte Creek Ranch Winery is a pioneer, cultivating grapes and making wines just 10 minutes outside Kamloops, in the province’s newest winemaking region.
When: Thursday, Aug. 8
Where: Dockside – 1253 Johnston St., Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»(Granville Island)
Cost: $94.95 (plus taxes and fees). Tickets available .
Vegan Harvest Dinner at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar will add a new twist to its award-winning recipe for culinary excellence when the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»restaurant hosts a pair of Vegan Harvest Dinners in August and October. Spearheaded by Boulevard’s Executive Chef – Signature Restaurants, Alex Chen, each dinner will showcase the creativity of his kitchen team as he redefines the levels of sophistication and flavour of vegan cuisine.
When: Thursday, Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar – 845 Burrard St., Vancouver
Cost: $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. Buy .
Ubuntu Canteen Hosts Sunday Supper Series at Zaklan Heritage Farm
The team at organic, family focused café and counter-service restaurant Ubuntu Canteen will head out on the road for a night, as Chef/Owner David Gunawan joins forces with fellow locavore-minded Chef Kaylie Barfield (formerly of Vancouver’s Nuba Restaurant Group, currently of Portland, OR’s Tusk restaurant) to co-host an on-the-road edition of its popular Sunday Supper Series at Zaklan Heritage Farm in Surrey. The multi-course dinner features a whole spit-roasted lamb as the centrepiece and a full menu incorporating as many as 20 of the 40 different kinds of vegetables harvested from the farm on the day.
When: Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Zaklan Heritage Farm – 13278 84th Ave., Surrey
Cost: $125 per person plus tax. Buy .
Well Seasoned 15th Birthday Party
The Well Seasoned team is celebrating their 15th birthday with a free open house from the store’s parking lot. There will be live music, food samples, local vendors, birthday cake, bubbly and more! Everyone is welcome at this family-friendly event.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Well Seasoned – #117-20353 64 Ave., Langley
White Spot Pirate Pak Day
For this one day only, grownups can also enjoy the combo platter served in a cute cardboard boat, and it’s all for a terrific cause. That’s because for every adult and kid Pirate Pak (and select entrees) sold that day, White Spot will make a $2 donation to the Zajac Ranch for Children. On August 14, Pirate Paks are available for both dine-in and take-out. Adults can customize their Pirate Paks and veer off course from the kids’ menu, subbing in the traditional Legendary Burger with one of several options.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 14
Where: All 64 White Spot restaurants in B.C. and Alberta
Summerdine
Summerdine is the beautiful August night each year when several restaurants around the province set aside a special table at the same time in support of the Les Dames d’Escoffier scholarship fund. This year, on the evening of August 14, there will be 22 of these “dinner parties†with a cumulative 200+ seats across B.C., ranging from the Island to the Okanagan and including Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and the Fraser Valley.
When: Aug. 14
Where: Participating B.C. restaurants
Tickets: Get tickets online via each restaurant
RibFest Langley
Back for its second year in a row, RibFest Langley will be bigger and better than ever – featuring award-winning Champion Ribbers from across North America and an epic lineup of live music, local craft beer, and family entertainment. Admission to the family-friendly event is free and proceeds raised will be donated back into the Langley community.
When: Aug. 16-18
Where: McLeod Athletic Park – 5687 Johnston Townline Rd, Langley City
Cost: Admission is free
Crave the Heights
Crave the Heights is a special 10-day dining showcase for the diverse selection of food you’ll find in Burnaby Heights. Neighbours, visitors, and foodies alike can join the celebration and enjoy full set menus, special appetizer deals, Happy Hour features, delicious desserts, and live music.
When: Aug. 16-25
Where: Participating Burnaby restaurants
The Fair at the PNE
Global, goofy, and gut-busting seems to be mantra for the creative culinary minds behind all of the new foods that you’ll be able to chow down on this year at the Fair at the PNE. For 2019, over 10 per cent of the food booths at the Fair are new, and there seems to be an increased emphasis on plant-based options. With nearly-unspeakable things being done to good old cotton candy and corndogs, along with something called a “Tipsy Unicorn,†and much, (much!) more, the PNE is its own food event.
When: Aug. 17-Sept. 2 (closed Aug. 19 and 26)
Where: PNE Grounds – 2901 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Yeast Van Block Party
Cheers to the first ever Yeast Van Block Party. Your entrance ticket includes your first two drink tickets; after that, all drink tickets will cost $5 for a 12-oz glass of beer. Big Day BBQ will be on site with their awesome grub, and Dr. Alex spinning original vinyl, along with the whole community, so come join us. Breweries included: Bomber Brewing, Luppolo, East Van, Off The Rail, Callister, Container, Strathcona, Hastings Mill, Postmark, Coal Harbour, Storm, Parallel 49, Odd Society Spirits, Resurrection Spirits, Andina, Powell, Strange Fellows and Superflux.
When: Sat. Aug. 17 from 2-8 p.m.
Where: In the parking lot at Container Brewing – 1216 Franklin St., Vancouver
Cost: $20; buy tickets
Railtown Tailgate BBQ
Get your appetites ready, because the Tailgate Barbecue Series has made a comeback at the original Railtown location one Sunday a month throughout the summer. Railtown chefs and co-owners Dan Olson and Tyler Day will once again roll out a custom-built, 12-foot barbecue barrel for the highly anticipated food events, where barbecue-lovers will be able to chow down on perfectly smoked meats and flavourful sides.
When: Sunday, Aug. 18 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Railtown – 397 Railway St., Vancouver
Cost: Tickets ($27 per person plus tax, $17 vegetarian plus tax) can be purchased online and in-person. All tickets purchased include a complimentary drink voucher (up to $6 value).
11th Annual Richmond Garlic Festival
Rain or shine, this is the day to celebrate all things garlic. The Sharing Farm hosts the Richmond Garlic Festival, which will feature fresh local garlic, a chef zone with garlicky delights, an expanded farmers market, live ‘Birds of Prey’ flying demonstrations, a kid’s zone, growing garlic workshops, farm tours, vendors, and live music.
When: Sunday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: The Sharing Farm at Terra Nova Rural Park, Richmond
Araxi 9th Annual Longtable Dinner
What better way to spend a day than taking in Araxi Restaurant’s Ninth Annual Longtable Dinner at spectacular North Arm Farm. Executive Chef James Walt and Chef Jorge Munoz Santos will craft a multi-course dinner paired with stellar B.C. wines that sing the praises of regionally sourced ingredients from nearby pastures and waters. The festive feast in the field begins with a lively barnside cocktail reception. Then, have a seat at the long table, as the season’s best of summer flavours will be showcased over four multiple course presentations by Toptable Group’s Araxi Restaurant, Il Caminetto, and Bar Oso, and served family-style. The entire service, overseen by Restaurant Director Neil Henderson, along with Wine Director Jason Kawaguchi handpicking the wine pairings, makes Araxi’s Longtable dinner a not-to-be-missed August event.
When: Sunday, Aug. 18. Reception at 3 p.m., dinner at 4:15 p.m.
Where: North Arm Farm, Pemberton
Cost: $265 per person; purchase
Barre & Brunch at Tap & Barrel Shipyards
Take advantage of North Vancouver’s beautiful views with a little sweat and burn on the patio before Saturday brunch. It’s the third installment of Barre & Brunch class. Tap & Barrel has partnered with local barre studio, Barre Belle, to bring you a 50 minute cardio and strength workout before you sit down and enjoy brunch. Your $30 ticket includes: 50 minute workout with a Barre Belle instructor (please bring your own yoga mat – all other equipment is included) and one Tap & Barrel Brunch Menu item, plus 1 Mimosa.
When: Sat. Aug. 24 from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Tap & Barrel Shipyards – 8 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver
Cost: $30. Tickets available .
Steveston Beer Fest
The Beer Fest will host approximately 40 booths and will showcase craft beer from British Columbia, the United States and other countries from around the world. This event is intended to entice those that are new to craft beer as well as the experienced palate.
When: Saturday, Aug. 24 from 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Gulf of Georgia Cannery – 12138 Fourth Ave., Richmond
Cost: $55 (plus taxes/fees). Purchase tickets
Wild Salmon Celebration
Grazing through the six food stations and savouring B.C. wines, you will be participating in the only outdoor high-end event celebrating BC wild salmon. Dishes will be prepared by some of B.C.’s finest chefs, a nice way to sample various creations and for you to say hello to the chefs as you move between the food stations and savour samples of wine from Peacock & Martin. 19+ only.
When: Saturday, Aug. 24 from 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf – 1505 West First Ave, Vancouver
Cost: $60 (plus taxes/fees). Purchase tickets .
Haut Dogs – Size Matters Pop-Up
In a continuation of its very successful Hot Dogs, Cool Bubbles event this past June, TWB –The Wine Bar is once again morphing in to The Wiener Bar for one night only this month with Haut Dogs, Size Matters – Big House Champagnes and Foot-Long Hot Dogs. They’ll have The Coney Island Foot Long Hot Dog paired with Veuve Clicquot Rosé and The Ball Park Foot Long Wiener teamed up with Moët Chandon Rosé. This is first-come, first-served with the Haut Dog pairings available only while supplies last.
When: Saturday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m.
Where: TWB – The Wine Bar – 1167 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver
ONGOING
Sunday Night Movie Series at Bells and Whistles
Bells and Whistles gives cinephiles a front-row seat to some classic flicks every Sunday night during its Sunday Night Movie Series, which continues this August with screenings of The Goonies (Aug. 4), Tommy Boy (Aug. 11), Wayne’s World (Aug. 18) and Dazed and Confused (July 28). Guests can also take advantage of late happy hour specials from 10 p.m. to close that include $7 Negronis, $5.50 draught beer, $5 classic hot dogs and $7 chili cheese dogs and Chicago dogs.
When: Sunday, August 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 9 p.m.
Where: Bells and Whistles – 3296 Fraser St., Vancouver
Hip Hop Trivia Night at Juke Fried Chicken
Teams of up to six are invited to take part in five rounds of questions on all things Hova, Dre and Wu-Tang with food and drink specials and prizes up for grabs at Juke’s new Hip Hop Trivia Night. Sign up as an individual or a team of up to six via email ([email protected]), Instagram (@jukefriedchicken) or Facebook (/jukefriedchicken) to guarantee a spot. Walk-ins are also welcome.
When: Third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
Where: Juke Fried Chicken (Chinatown) – 182 Keefer St., Vancouver
Shipyards Night Market
The Shipyards Night Market will once again liven up Shipbuilders’ Square in North Vancouver’s lower Lonsdale with over 100 vendors, including food trucks, and a 19+ beer garden. With a “hot food alley†stacked with dozens of food trucks, the Shipyards Night Market is one of the summer’s most delicious pop-up weekend eats destinations. Plus you can sip on craft beer and cider in the beer garden, shop from the many vendor stalls, and enjoy live entertainment.
When: Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m., May 3 to Sept. 27
Where: Shipbuilders’ Square – 15 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver
Richmond Night Market
Midway games, vendor booths, live entertainment, and an insane amount of food will once again draw crowds at this popular event. The market consistently offers an impressive quantity of options for shopping and eating–they have over 100 food stalls and 200 vendors. But the food is always one of the most exciting parts of the Night Market, so you can expect to find everything from those iconic “tornado potatoes†to grilled meats, bubble waffles, “large†fried chicken, wild beverage concoctions, epic treats, and who knows what else is in store for this year.
When: May 10 to Oct. 14 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (May 10-Sept. 2): 7 p.m. to midnight; Sundays (After Sept. 2) and stat holidays: 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: 8351 River Road, Richmond
Cost: General admission $4.75; kids 8-under free; seniors 60+ free
West Coast Culinary Experience at PICA
The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) recently launched this immersive exploration of B.C.’s vibrant culinary landscape. Take a guided tour of Granville Island with food and wine experts, then enjoy some delicious food. The experience takes about three hours.
When: Daily from now through Oct. 13. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: PICA – 1505 West Second Ave., #101, Vancouver
Cost: $167 per person before tax. For more information or booking, please call: 604-734-4488 or email [email protected]