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East Van Farmer Markets – Spring & Summer 2019

29 Apr

 

Spring is finally here which means lots of farmer markets around East Vancouver. If you’ve attended, you will know there’s always an amazing selection of fresh locally grown produce, handmade goods, artisans breads, locally made jams, cheese, free range and organic eggs and of course wineries, breweries as well as spirits.  Each market is unique and offers a little something different. Trout Lake hosted by Vancouver Farmers Market is the largest.  Mount Pleasant Farmers Market which is in Dude Chilling Park is a smaller market, but we love that it’s on a Sunday. Riley Park Farmers Market is next to one of the most beautiful community gardens we’ve seen and is now year round every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Italian Market at The Italian Cultural Centre we see is only being held once this summer on June 14th. This market features all things Italian including gourmet food items as well as the food trucks on hand.  The Main Street Farmers Market is a great afternoon market and perfect for those just leaving downtown for home, or a quick cycle from Mount Pleasant and the Olympic Village. We have set out below the dates when the markets begin and end for the Spring/Summer season. We encourage you to stop by one or all of these markets during the summer season and support local.

Trout Lake Farmers Market
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: May 4, 2019 – October 19, 2019
Location: Lakewood Drive & E 13th Avenue

Main Street Station Farmers Market
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Every Wednesday: June 5, 2019 – October 2, 2019
Location: 1100 Block Station Street along Thornton Park across from the VIA Rail Station and near the Main St Skytrain Station

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Sunday:  May 26, 2019 – October 27, 2019
Location: Guelph Street between 7th & 8th Avenues (on the paved play area between Mt. Pleasant Elementary and Guelph Park/Dude Chilling Park)

Riley Park Farmers Market
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Every Saturday: All Year Round
Location: 30th Avenue and Ontario Street

Italian Market
4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday, June 14, 2019 (1 Day Only)
Location: Italian Cultural Centre – 3075 Slocan Street

June Hunter Studio Sale May 4th & 5th

24 Apr

JuneHunterSpringSale2019East Van artist, June Hunter, is hosting a Studio Sale Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, June 5th.  If you follow us regularly, you know we are big fans of her work.  Vancouver’s urban nature features prominently in June’s work as do some iconic East Van landmarks. If you wish to know more about the crows that inhabit the green space in our neck of the woods, you may wish to check out some of her blog posts. She regularly features crows and other birds that come to visit her idyllic backyard which houses her working studio. During her Studio Sales, June transforms her working space to showcase all her creative works which include cushion covers, jewellery, small prints, large scale wall art, crow-bars, wall decals and more. She has lots of beautiful new designs which say Spring and bring a touch of nature indoors.  Her rescue dog Geordie is usually on hand as ambassador to greet you. June Hunter’s Studio is located at 2785 Parker Street (one block west of Renfrew – between Hastings St. and First Avenue). The Studio Sale runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday May 4th and 5th.

If you are not able to attend this weekend’s Studio Sale, we invite you check out her online shop which is open 24/7.  You can also find some of June’s pieces at Doctor Vigari Gallery, 1816 Commercial Drive and Bird on A Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street.

 

Trev Deeley’s Day For Animals Saturday April 27th

22 Apr

TrevDeeleyDayForAnimalsIf you love animals, you will want to stop by the Second Annual Trev Deeley Day For Animals happening this Saturday, April 27th at the Trev Deeley dealership located at 1875 Boundary Road.  As you might guess this day is ALL about the animals. There will be a host of local rescue organizations on hand as well as those that provide services for pets or gear for them. One of those on hand will be local East Van business, ScouterWear which we’ve featured previously. They have created a Harley Davidson inspired dog coat for this weekend’s event.  Stop by this weekend to check out their new design in person along with their other styles plus learn about some of the rescue organizations doing amazing work in and around the Lower Mainland.

We’ve set out below some of those that will be participating at this weekend’s event.  Trev Deeley’s Day For The Animals kicks off at 11:00 and runs till 3:00 pm.

AJ Brown Artist
Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Radina Pet Photography
Riplee’s Ranch
Neuterhead Ace of Spays
Tisol Pet Nutrition & Supplies
VOKRA Cat Rescue
ROK Pet Leashes
Rabbitats Rabbit Rescue
Loveabull Dog Rescue
Scouterwear Dog Clothing
Hearts On Noses – Mini Pig Sanctuary

Chocolate Challenge At Gourmet Warehouse May 2, 2019

15 Apr

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The Chocolate Challenge is back at the Gourmet Warehouse on May 2, 2019. If you love chocolate, this is the place to be.  The Chocolate Challenge is truly a decadent event for chocolate lovers.  This event pits local chocolatiers against each other to create something amazing, both beautiful and delish, with chocolate.  You have the opportunity to taste their creations and vote on them.  This event is a fundraiser for 3 great local charities, specifically the Strathcona Backpack Program, Project Chef and the Vancouver Firefighters `Snacks for Kids` Program. Tickets are $79 and 100% of ticket sale proceeds go towards these charities. As well, there will be a silent auction featuring a host of items including a Chef’s Dinner at Joe Fortes valued at $2,000 and $1,000 Shopping Spree at The Room at Hudson’s Bay.  To keep you fed and hydrated during this evening event, there will be gourmet food stations situated around the store along with a wine bar.  Event gets under way at 6:30 pm.  Come out and try some amazing chocolate, socialize with other chocolate lovers and support local charities doing great work in our community. To purchase tickets for this event, visit Gourmet Warehouse.

NEW: Finfolk Nordic Inspired Food In East Van Craft Beer District

11 Apr

FinfolkArtWorkWe had the pleasure of popping in to check out the new Finfolk restaurant in East Van during their recent soft opening.  This is a unique space that we expect will be a happening spot in East Van’s Craft Beer District.  Finfolk has a Nordic inspired menu which was created by Jeff Bobyk, his father Karey Bobyk and their partner and Executive Chef Darren Brown.  If you are unfamiliar with the name, you will remember the food.  Chef Darren Brown has worked in a variety of kitchens including CinCin, Horizon’s and Whistler’s Quattro. So you can expect some unique high quality food but in a casual relaxed setting.

The menu is simple and straight forward, but will be evolving over the coming weeks as they get ready for the official opening in early  May.  Right now the menu includes pizza, one of which is named Hildaland which comes with lamb, potatoes, truffle cream and rosemary (pictured below). They will also be serving fresh Fanny Bay Oysters which will be delivered every Friday along with fresh organic produce from North Arm Farms in Pemberton.  If you wish to nibble, they will have some truly Nordic inspired grazing plates.  Finfolk brines and smokes all their own meats and pickles their own vegetables. As they do it all in-house, you can expect a bit bigger portions than you might find on your average charcuterie plates around town.

Last but not least, the beer! Here they are doing something a little different we like.  There are many more craft breweries popping up in other parts of the Lower Mainland making a name for themselves including the stretch in Port Moody and Four Winds in Delta. Finfolk will be bring a variety of different beers on top from other breweries to East Van. So you don’t have to travel to Port Moody to try Twin Sails beer, you can try it right here in East Van.  We understand the selection will be rotating, so expect it to change.  This is definitely a spot worth checking out. We will be keeping an eye out on their evolving menu as they gear up for their official opening. In the meantime, stop by Friday, Saturday or Sunday 11:00 am to 11:0 pm. They are located at 1600 East Franklin Street, just 1 block North of East Hastings. To check for updates on their update, new menu features, follow them on Instagram.

 

Make It Vancouver Spring Edition Is At The PNE Forum April 19-21, 2019

9 Apr

SpringMakeitMake It! Vancouver returns to the PNE Forum April 19 – 21, 2019 with over 200 makers.  This is the show of all shows, creator, Jenna Herbut, and her team always put together an amazing production that features a wide array of talents. The Spring Edition will feature accessories, jewellery, clothing, art, home décor, items for babies, kids and your 4 legged family members. We see a few personal favourites in the line up East Van Light, East Van Jam, Sarah Mulder Jewellery, Mameyo with beautiful handcrafted leather goods and Royal City Donuts, I mean honestly who doesn’t love donuts? Admission is $6.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free.  Purchase your advance ticket online and save 50%.  To purchase your advance ticket, visit Eventbrite. If you get hungry, food trucks will be on hand as well as a beer garden. Stop by and support local makers. To see a run down of all the makers at the upcoming show, visit Vancouver Makies.

Nifty For Fifty At The Heritage Hall Sunday April 14th

1 Apr

NiftyFor502019One of our favourite sales is back Sunday, April 14th at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street.  If you are unfamiliar with this sale, Nifty for Fifty was founded by Adhesif Clothing designer, Melissa Ferreira, in 2007 with 12 designers. It has now grown to over 30 sellers with over 3,000 shoppers attending the one day sale. The event is a way for local designers to show gratitude to their customers by clearing out local merchandise all of which is $50 or less.  At this year’s sale, you can expect to find clothing, jewelry, sketchbooks, pottery, bags, scarves and much more by some great local designers. Some of the designers on hand include Adhesif Clothing, Dig It Vintage, Daub & Design, Amara Blue Jewelry, Sarah Mulder Jewellery, Dahlia Drive, Lana Betty, Ebb and Flo Designs,  Devi Arts Collective and many more.  A number of items available on this day will be up to 80% off. So mark your calendar for this shopping event, but just a reminder this is a mainly cash event. For those that want the best selection or first dibs at some of the great deals, we recommend you get their early. We also hear Mixers & Elixirs will be on hand serving non-alcoholic beverages from homemade seasonal shrubs.  The sale starts at 11:00 a.m. and goes to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door.

 

The Vancouver Market At The Wise Hall Sunday, March 17th

13 Mar

The Vancouver Market March 17, 2019

A new market is coming to the Wise Hall on Sunday, March 17th called very simply The Vancouver Market.  The organizer behind the event is not new to organizing, Nikki Herbert has organized markets at The Astoria and currently organizes the Dark Eighties event. So might one just hear some 80s music at the Wise?  It’s certainly possible.  Drawing on her connections, Nikki will have a variety of vendors which include a good stash of vintage items plus handmade items by local artisans. Girls Rock Camp will be on hand selling instruments to raise funds for their programs. Always a great organization to support. Admission is $2.00 per person. Event happens from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm this Sunday. Being it’s St. Patrick’s Day, rumour has it that you might find a green leprechaun prancing about along with a few other unique surprises. Stop by and check it out in person.

7th Annual East Side Beer Fest March 13th At The Wise Hall

11 Mar

EastsideBeerFest2019Liberty Merchant Company presents the 7th Annual East Side Beer Fest tasting event on Wednesday, March 13th at the Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street. The event will feature craft beers from all over the world as well as bits of food from food purveyors on Commercial Drive. This event is also a fundraiser for the Great Vancouver Food Bank Society which helps provides some 25,000 people in need each week. All ticket sales and draw prizes directly support the Great Vancouver Food Bank Society.  Tickets are $29.99 each and available at all Liberty Wine Merchant locations. In East Vancouver, visit them at 1622 Commercial Drive or call them at 604.633.1922. The event gets under way at 7:00 pm and goes till 9:00 pm.

What’s On East Van: March 8th Edition

8 Mar

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Our weekly feature What’s On East Van sets out some cool events for the upcoming weekend.  Beyond the weekend, we invite you to check out our Event Listing which is updated daily and features events for the month and beyond.

Les Amis du Fromage Celebrates 10 Years With Pop Ups Plus – March 9th

A favourite spot, les amis du fromage, celebrates 10 years in business this Saturday at their East Van location, 843 East Hastings in Strathcona.  Along with cheese samples, they will have a few delish businesses on hand with pop ups including Ritchie’s Bakery with breads, La Glace Ice Cream with handcrafted creamy goodness and Petit Four Pastries. If that’s not enough, there will be demos by Lee Murphy and she will showcase her cookbook The Preservatory. Stop by this Saturday and support local business.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop – Gaston Park – March 9th

Got a fruit tree in your yard or community garden that could be producing more? You are invited to join Randi-Lee Taylor of Simply Barefoot Garden Services for some old fashioned hands on pruning techniques. Learn how to prune fruit trees for maximum production, taste, and plant health in this hands on FREE workshop. If you have pruners, you are encouraged to bring the, although they will  have some on hand. Event takes place in Gaston Park this Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

East End History Walk With James Johnstone – 696 East Hastings St. – March 9th

James Johnstone is back offering his East End History Walk this Saturday, March 9th.  Tour starts at The Heatley, 696 East Hastings at 10:00 am and runs for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Cost is $20 per person.  To reserve your spot, email James at historywalks@gmail.com.

Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride – March 9th

The annual Twilight Crow Roost Bike Ride happens this Saturday. All riders of all ages welcome. Crow inspired costumes are also encouraged.  Ride kicks off at a NEW LOCATION this year at the Central Valley Greenway and Garden Drive (one block west of Nanaimo). Ride begins at 5:30 pm.

Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue  – March 9th and 10th

Looking for some vintage? Maybe some collectibles or handmade items? The Eastside Flea is one of a couple options this weekend. The Flea happens Saturday and Sunday at 550 Malkin Avenue in Strathcona from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.  There of course food trucks at the ready in case you get hungry.

Bridal Swap – Croatian Cultural Centre – March 10th

The Original Bridal Swap happens Sunday at The Croatian Cultural Centre from Noon to 4:00 pm. If you are planning a wedding, or even a big party, there are some great colourful gently used items at great deals.  Tickets are available online or at the door. Visit the Bridal Swap for info on early bird tickets.

Main Street Mixed Bag – The Ellis Building – March 10th 

This Sunday, Main Street Mixed Bag takes over The Ellis Building, 1024 Main Street. This is as the name implies a mixed bag of yard sale vendors, collectibles, vintage and handmade.  Entry is free and dogs are welcome on a leash.  The market happens 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Biggest Dog Meet Up #5 – John Hendry Park – March 10th

Another large dog meet up is happening at John Hendry Park this Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm.  Bring your dog and your friends.

SPRING FORWARD – March 10thSpring Time Change

Don’t forget, clocks Spring Forward for Daylight Savings Time kicks in at 3:00 am on March 10th in Canada.  We figure if we add a picture of flowers, it will encourage Spring. We are ever hopeful! Enjoy the extra hour.

Comedy, Entertainment & Live Music

Looking for more live music, did you know The Heatley in Strathcona regularly features live music?  Every Sunday they offer bluegrass music with brunch 11 am – 3 pm.

Also 7 days a week, you will find live music at the Libra Room on The Drive. Tangent Café hosts live jazz Sunday nights  from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Saturday, Pat’s Pub has live jazz Saturday afternoons from 3-7 pm, no cover.

Looking to shop local? Be sure to check out one of the farmer markets happening this weekend. Saturday is Riley Park Farmers Market 10 am – 2 pm. Sunday is Hastings Park Farmers Market also 10 am – 2 pm.  To see more of what’s on in East Vancouver including local events for New Year’s Eve, check our Event Listing.  We also have a separate listing of Free Events for those watching their wallet and well who isn’t.

Image Credit: June Hunter