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Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for May 14-20

This week: Eat spot prawns on a dock, do yoga with your kids to help Fort McMurray, build a bird habitat + more

By Amy Watkins /

Credit: Richmond Night Market

Richmond Night Market – Friday, May 13 until October

The Richmond Night Market is back and bigger than ever with over 100 food vendors serving up 500 different food items from around the world at North America’s largest night market. The ducks and dancers will still be there, but look out for the 18 dinosaurs roaming the Magical Dino Park for this year’s family fun theme.

8351 River Road, Richmond, $3.25 (under 10 and over 60 free)
7 p.m. to 12 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays and holidays



Credit: Janine Verreault

Spot Prawn Festival – Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15

It’s officially spot prawn season! The 10th annual Spot Prawn Festival includes six one-hour cooking class at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts on Saturday and the ever-popular Spot Prawn Boil at Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday. New assigned time slots mean an end to the previous long lineups and more time to enjoy the free wine samples and dig into those sweet, succulent spot prawns.

Saturday: Spot prawn cooking classes tickets, $35, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, 1505 West 2nd Avenue
Sunday: Spot Prawn Boil tickets, $17.50 plus tax, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf, 1505 West 1st Avenue



Credit: Playland

Playland – Now open weekends

Nothing screams summer’s coming like a soaking on the Playland log flume (pictured), and the opening of the fairground gates is a sure sign that it’s nearly time for the sunny season. Get your thrills on classic rides like the 1958 wooden roller coaster and the terrifying one-armed pendulum ride, The Beast. Afterwards (definitely not before), get your fill of deep-fried cheesecake and other deliciously unhealthy treats.

Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Now until June 26)
Buy your PlayPass online.



Credit: La Brasserie

La Brasserie Brunch – Now open weekends

Brunch is back at La Brasserie. It’s been awhile since the West End gem had a weekend wake-up option, but brunch is now back by popular demand after a two-year hiatus. The German/French-influenced fare includes crepes and omelettes galore, but the huge burgers and breakfast poutine (with cheese curds, fries, gravy, bacon, poached egg, hollandaise and truffle oil) are where it’s at for a hearty start to the day.

1091 Davie Street
Brunch served from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays



Credit: Stanley Park Ecology Society

Weaving Bird Habitats – Saturday, May 14

Build a bird a new habitat and help the Stanley Park Ecology Society to harvest targeted invasive plants in Stanley Park. Weavers of all abilities collect the plants (May 14: English ivy; May 28: flag iris and holly; June 26: blackberry) and work together to weave them into basic forms that will be used as bird habitats through the Stanley Park Ecology Society Stewardship Group program. Together, the weavers and stewards will build habitats for the nesting needs of various species. Register online and meet at the SPES Pavilion by 9: 50 a.m. to fill out a volunteer form if this is your first time working with SPES.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stanley Park Dining Pavilion, 610 Pipeline Road



Credit: iStock

By Donation Family Yoga with Alana – Saturday, May 14

Raise money for the United Way of Fort McMurray by taking your family to yoga class on Saturday. Run by Alana Frogley, a certified kids’ yoga teacher, the class uses Asana (yoga poses), Pranayama (breath) and fun games to help families connect. It’s open to old and young yogis ages three and up.

10 to 11 a.m., Studio 202 for Inspired Living
1761 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver



Credit: Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra

Gorgeous Gershwin – Sunday, May 15

Spend the afternoon celebrating the composer of An American in Paris and Porgy & Bess at the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra (VAMSO)’s season finale this Sunday. It’s not only a chance to catch a live orchestra at the Orpheum for less than $10, it’s also a rare opportunity to see master pianist (and conductor of VAMSO), Leslie Dala perform on stage.

Buy tickets online, $10, 2 p.m.
Orpheum, 601 Smithe Street



Credit: Greasy Spoon Diner

Greasy Spoon Vol 15 – Tuesday, May 17

Held monthly at Save on Meats, the Greasy Spoon Diner pairs a chef and his team (often chosen from various kitchens) with a front-of-house team comprised of people from all sectors of our city. May’s Greasy Spoon dinner is hosted by Chef Pekka Tavela, previously of the legendary Boneta restaurant and now executive chef at Wildebeest. Proceeds from this month’s four-course dinner experience will go towards hunger solutions through A Better Life Foundation.

Buy tickets online, $95 plus tax, 5:30 and 8 p.m. seatings
Save on Meats, 43 West Hastings Street



Credit: Nikki Bayley

Nightingale – Now open

Nightingale, one of the city’s most anticipated new restaurants finally opened its doors this week. The new casual concept from Chef David Hawksworth is bringing some serious cool to Coal Harbour with a veggie-forward menu of pizzas, pastas, salads and share plates. Check out our full review of Nightingale here.

1017 West Hastings Street



Credit: Smash + Tess

Smash + Tess pop-up – Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21

Smash + Tess, a Vancouver-based line of premium ‘dreamwear’ (think comfy but classy lounge wear), will be celebrating the launch of their online shop with a pop-up at Little Mountain Shop next weekend. Check out the curated collection of tactile robes, kimonos, kaftans and bloomers, all of them designed and ethically made in North America. Original works by local artist Dana Mooney will also be on display.   

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Little Mountain Shop, 4386 Main Street