The summer season for Vancouver Farmer Markets kicks off on Saturday, April 6th. Trout Lake Farmers Market is back, as is the perennial favourite Riley Park Farmers Market. Both markets feature an array of local vendors offering fruits, vegetables, flowers, beverages, baked goods, pre-made meals, soups, condiments and so much more. We encourage you to stop by and support our local producers. To see a full listing of all markets hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market and which vendors will be attending each week, visit eatlocal.org.
Trout Lake Farmers Market 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Every Saturday: April 6, 2024 – October 26, 2024 Location: Lakewood Drive & E 13th Avenue
Riley Park Farmers Market 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Every Saturday: April 6, 2024 – October 26, 2024 Location: 30th Avenue and Ontario Street
In case you hadn’t heard, The Eastside Flea Spring Markets are in full swing every weekend until March 23, 204. They are in their new space at 1101 Union Street with 50+ vendors, food trucks, photo booth, patio seating. They will have lots of vintage along side handmade items. You can also expect find local craft brews, Spring cocktails & non-alcoholic beverages. Admission is $5.00. Market runs from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
You are invited to the Bunny Café Vancouver on February 26th for Bunny Bliss Meditation. An experienced instructor will take you through a series of gentle movements and share techniques to connect you with your breath. The event will also feature bunny snuggles and feeding veggies to the bunnies on hand. Over the course of the hour, you will meditate for 30 – 45 minutes. The event kicks off at 7:00 pm. Beginners are welcome. Cost is $30 and you can book your spot online at Bunny Cafe Vancouver.
Gourmet Warehouse has lined up another round of great cooking and baking classes this New Year. If you haven’t already experienced one of their classes, it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with some like-minded food lovers. If you have participated, you know it’s a great way to pick up some knowledge and great tips in the kitchen. Added bonus is that after each cooking and/or baking class all the participants are offered a 10% discount for purchases made the day of your class. We have set out a few of their upcoming classes that caught our eye. For a full line up of all the classes Gourmet Warehouse is offering visit Cooking Classes. Heads up if you see a class you like, we encourage you to book your spot, classes do regularly sell out.
COOKIES WITH LIZZY: EAT YOUR HEART OUT – February 4, 2024
Chef Lizzy Wong from Butter Baked Goods with be on hand to teach you how to decorate cookies for that special occasion. Chef Wong will be using classic Royal Icing Techniques for this class. Specifically, you will learn about consistencies, colour, piping and much more so you have some showpiece cookies for Valentine’s Day. On arrival, you will be greeted with a mimosa as well as baked goods and small bites to nibble on during class. Plus, each participant will leave beautifully decorated cookies to take home.
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• Doughnut Heart. • Heart Pizza • Ice Cream Heart
OPA! A NIGHT IN THE GREEK ISLANDS – March 13, 2024
Chef Deniz Tarakcioglu is back to host this popular cooking class in which you will learn about the vibrant flavours from this part of the Mediterranean. These includes some traditional favourites such as Spanakopita, Ling Cod Souvlaki and Baklava. The menu for this upcoming class is set out below:
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• Spanakopita, Traditional Greek Spinach Pie with Barrel Aged Feta, Leeks and Herbs, Dressed Watercress. • Roasted Halloumi with Coriander Honey and Pistachios, Crispy Pita. • Ling Cod Souvlaki with Wild Oregano and Herb Marinade, Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Greek Salad with Olives, Tzatziki. • Walnut Baklava with Sweet Cream.
Learn to make flavourful dishes with Chef Alan Pavlakovic while accommodating dietary restrictions. Chef Alan will teach you tips and techniques so that you are not compromising taste or texture by eliminating gluten or dairy from your cooking repertoire. The menu for this upcoming class is set out below:
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• Nu Waldorf Salad, Sweet Apples, Creamy Herb Dressing, and Candied Walnuts. • Aleppo Beef Stuffed Peppers with Smoked Paprika Cashew “Cheese” Sauce. • Chicken and Salumi Risotto with Porcini and Asparagus. • Avocado Chocolate Mousse.
To see all the classes being offered and or to register, we invite you to visit GourmetWarehouse.ca.
Looking to get crafty this holiday season? If you are interested in making your own Christmas ornaments, you may wish to check out this upcoming workshop led by Strathcona potter, Laura Vanderlinde. You are invited to create your own designs with techniques that will be taught during the course of the workshops. Bring only your imagination and clay which is purchased on the first day of your class. This class runs during the day on Thursdays beginning November 30th at 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and going until December 14th. Cost is $114 not including clay. To register, visit www.vanrec.ca.
Have you made your way down to the walking trails along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver? This generally sleepy hollow was pretty unknown until Wesgroup Properties started to develop on the lands East of Kerr below Marine Drive now known as River District. Add to that the pandemic brought many new people seeking new places to walk in the City. If you haven’t checked it out yet, Tugboat Landing is a sweet community at the foot of Victoria Drive at East Kent Avenue South. It was formerly an industrial area that housed tugboats at the landing of Victoria Drive on the Fraser River, hence the name. It was redeveloped into a community of condos and townhomes that enjoy river front living. The area is located on a public walkway and cycle path just steps away from Gladstone Park and less than a mile West of the now ever growing River District development.
On December 2nd and 3rd, here you will find the 7th Annual Tugboat Landing Artisan Market. This is a boutique artisan market that happens at 2010 East Kent Avenue at the foot of Victoria Drive. They have another great line up of vendors that make it fun and easy space to shop for gifts in an inviting and cozy space.
They will have lots of returning vendors including Ladner Artisan Chocolates, Guava Jelly with handpainted infant wear and t-shirts as well as Mad Laboratory Distilling with their small batch spirits. If you a love dogs, they’ve got 3 vendors with items that will keep your dog warm/dry (ScouterWear), styling with pet accessories (Furever.Eco) and fed with delicious dog treats (Barks & Biscuits). Ava Luna Creations is also back with beautiful handmade artistic soaps perfect for gift giving.
If you are looking for some edible items, last year’s fav Evie + Charlie is back with ready-to-bake cookies in a variety of delicious flavours. East Van Jam will be on hand with sweet & savoury spreads. If you love hot sauce, Toon’s Sauces is back with a few flavours for the foodie on your holiday gift list.
Bower Fibre Goods is back again with beautifully crafted textiles and ILiveInEastVan will be on site with a selection of totes, t-shirts and well as sew-on reflective patches. Knit Collective is also back with cozy designs to keep you warm as well as some very sweet plushies for the wee ones. Oopsiedaisy Ceramics is also back with some very fun whimsical designs which are sure to make you smile. New to the market this year is Little Wood Turning with beautiful handcrafted wooden designs, Marigold Collective with handmade scarves, blankets, jewellery and more from Women’s Fair Trade Co-operatives, Cao Leather Goods joins them with handcrafted leather pieces and PAMJY Candles with eco-friendly candles and diffusers. As always, they will have lots of great items on hand that are perfect for gift giving.
Last year, this boutique artisan market was deemed a Hidden Gem and 1 of 17 Happening Holiday Markets by Destination Vancouver. It’s a cozy inviting space away from all the crazy crowds. Stop by for hot cocoa or coffee and some sweet treats while warming up in front of the fireplace. Food and drink will be available by donation with all proceeds going to BC SPCA and SAINTS (Senior Animals In Need Today Society) Rescue. Market hours will Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. To learn more, visit them online at Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, or give them a follow @tugboatlandingartisanmarket on Instagram.
Who does not love to see a beautiful holiday wreath on someone’s door over the holidays. If you wish to create your own holiday wreath, be sure to check out one of the upcoming Holiday Wreath Making Workshops at Figaro’s Garden Centre. They invite you to come get into the festive spirit with this hands-on class. First workshop takes place on Saturday, November 25th at 9:30 am, the next one happens Saturday, December 2nd at 9:30 am. Tickets are $94.49 and available through Eventbrite.
Got Craft is back for another year with their Winter Holiday Market at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, November 18 and 19, 2023. The event will feature over 95 makers, designers, creative entrepreneurs showcasing ceramics, clothing, body + skincare, jewelry, food, homewares, greeting cards, art and much more. This year expect to find a newly expanded Mini Makers Market with kidpreneuers aged 16 years plus. Got Craft Winter Market is a great chance to get a jump on your holiday shopping while at the same time supporting a diverse community of independent artists, many that are BIPOC and women owned. There will also be a selection of food trucks on hand if you get hungry while you shop. Tickets are $5 and available online which cost lets you shop all weekend long Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For those that wish to shop local without heading outside, you can shop online at the Got Craft Holiday Virtual Market which kicks off Wednesday, November 22nd and runs till Sunday, December 3rd. Their virtual market features 70 creative entrepreneurs from across Canada and this is the last one so if you wish to shop in your PJs, this is your chance.
It’s that time of year again where the opportunities to shop local are abundant. There are some great artisan markets and craft fairs coming up to help you make your gift giving easy whether for Christmas or birthday gifts. Did you know: “for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $64 is re-circulated back into our BC economy versus $14 for multi nationals. Why? Because locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.”
When you buy from a local maker, you’re supporting your neighbor next door, your co-worker working full-time and holding down a side gig, moms carving out some extra income while still being home with their families. All have created a business doing something they love and are passionate about. We are 100% behind supporting those local dreamers and makers. Also, buying local is better for the environment. Items at markets are not being shipped long distances and there is usually much less packaging involved. All around win win. To that end, we have again created a list of all the artisan markets and craft fairs happening in East Vancouver this holiday season. Here’s hoping our big list will make it easier for you to shop local this holiday season.
NOVEMBER 2023
Nov. 3: Pop Up Market – Art Soul Methods – The Cultch 12:30 – 7:30 pm
Nov. 4: Pop Up Market – Art Soul Methods – The Cultch 12:30 – 7:30 pm Nov. 4: Made In The 604 Winter Market – Heritage Hall 11-5 Nov. 4: Fair Trade & Artisan Market – Trinity Grace United Church 10 – 4
Nov. 5: Fall Pop Up Market – Artworks Bldg, 237 East 4th Ave. 12-5 Nov. 5: Made In The 604 Winter Market – Heritage Hall 11-5
Nov. 16: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5-10 pm Nov. 17: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 5-10 pm
Nov. 18: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5 Nov. 18: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11- 6 Nov. 18: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm
Nov. 19: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street – 11- 5 pm Nov. 19: Got Craft Holiday Market – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5 Nov. 19: Eastside Culture Crawl – Various Locations 11-6 Nov. 19: East Van Holiday Market – 2285 Clark Drive 12- 4 pm
Nov. 22-Dec. 3: Got Craft Virtual Holiday Market
Nov. 24: Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Comm. Centre 4-8 pm
Nov. 25: Pottery Sale – Trout Lake Comm. Centre 9-4 pm Nov. 25: Bake, Quilt & Knit Sale – Trout Lake Comm. Centre 9 – 3 Nov. 25: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm
Nov. 26: Christmas Gift & Craft Show – Vancouver Flea Market 10-3 Nov. 26: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm
Dec. 2: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. S. 11-5 Dec. 2: Toque Craft Fair – 303 East 8th Ave. 11-5 Dec. 2: Hero’s Holiday Market – 3917 Main Street 1- 6 pm Dec. 2: Good Stuff Market – Heritage Hall Dec. 2: Winter Craft Market – Britannia Community Centre Dec. 2: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm Dec. 2: KrampusMarkt – Strange Fellows Brewing 11- 6 pm Dec. 2: Britannia’s Winter Craft Market – Britannia CC (Gym D) 10-4
Dec. 3: Tugboat Landing Artisan Market – 2010 East Kent Ave. s. 11-4 Dec. 3: Toque Craft Fair – 303 East 8th Ave. 11-5 Dec. 3: Good Stuff Market – Heritage Hall Dec. 3: Winter Craft Market – Britannia Community Centre Dec. 3: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm Dec. 3: KrampusMarkt – Strange Fellows Brewing 11-4 Dec. 3: Britannia’s Winter Craft Market – Britannia CC (Gym D) 10-4
Dec. 7: Make It Vancouver – PNE Forum 5-9 pm Dec. 7: Vegan Holiday Night Market – Waldorf Hotel 6-10 pm Dec. 8: Make It Vancouver – PNE Forum 11-9
Dec. 9: Make It Vancouver – PNE Forum 10-6 Dec. 9: First Pick Handmade Holiday Pop Up – Heritage Hall 11-6 Dec. 9: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm Dec. 9: New Gen Sip & Shop Christmas Market – 1659 Venables 11-6 Dec. 9: Kensington Holiday Craft Fair – Kensington CC 10-4
Dec. 10: Make It Vancouver – PNE Forum 11-5 Dec. 10: First Pick Handmade Holiday Pop Up – Heritage Hall 11-6 Dec. 10: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm
Dec. 11: Il Centro’s Christmas Market – Italian Cultural Centre
Dec. 13: Holiday Open House & Market – Kiwassa Neighbourhood House 3-6
Dec. 16: Made In The 604 – Heritage Hall 11-5 Dec. 16: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm Dec. 16: Indigenous Christmas Market – 2205 Commercial Street 12- 6 Dec. 16: Makers Market – 2408 Main Street 11 – 6 pm
Dec. 17: Made In The 604 – Heritage Hall 11-5 Dec. 17: Eastside Flea Holiday Market – 1101 Union Street 11-5 pm Dec. 17: Holiday Craft Fair – Sunset Community Centre 10 – 3 Dec. 17: Makers Market – 2408 Main Street 11 – 5 pm
Vancouver Farmers Markets are kicking off their winter farmer markets this weekend. In East Vancouver, you can expect to find two markets. First up is Riley Park Farmers Market which carries on in the same location as the summer market at 50 East 30th & Ontario Street every Saturday from November 4, 2023 to March 30, 2024. Next up is the Hastings Park Farmers Market which returns for another year and happens every Sunday from November 5th 2023 to April 28, 2024. The market is located on the PNE Centregrounds behind The Forum Building and is always a popular market. Both markets run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and jam packed with lots of great local goods. Be sure to stop by and support our local growers and makers. If you wish to learn more about what vendors will be on site at any given market, be sure to visit www.eatlocal.org.
Riley Park Farmers Market 50 East 30th & Ontario Street Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Hastings Park Farmers Market Hastings Park Centregrounds Sundays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
ILiveInEastVan.com 