Vancouver Adventures: April 11 to 17

This week: Have a (meat)ball, get a taste of the Okanagan on Granville Island, sip sake and slurp oysters at Minami + more

Vancouver Foodster Meatball Challenge – April 1 to 26

Meatball lovers will be in heaven this month with Vancouver Foodster’s Meatball Challenge. Fourteen restaurants across the Lower Mainland – Via Tevere, Salida 7, Cioffi’s Cucina, Meinhardt and more – will compete to see who can cook up the best ball. A panel of celebrity judges will select their favourites, but the public is also invited to cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award on Vancouver Foodster’s Facebook page.

Second Nature Grand Opening – April 11

Vancouver’s Graze Vegetarian Restaurant (3980 Fraser Street) is launching a new dining concept that brings the outdoors in. Upstairs from the restaurant, Second Nature’s indoor park features a beach bar and a food truck that will be switching up its menu them every six to eight weeks. Check out Second Nature’s grand opening BBQ party this weekend – a $30 ticket includes food, drink tickets and live entertainment.

Canucks Autism Network Festival – April 12

Team up with the Canucks to support autism research at their annual Canucks Autism Network Festival. Head down to Jack Poole Plaza for a day packed with fun events, including the re-lighting of the Olympic Cauldron. Following a family walk up to Burrard Street, guests can enjoy a BBQ lunch and live entertainment from Matthew Johnson, Charlotte Diamond and Neil Diamond tribute band Nearly Neil.

Credit: iStock

The Original Bridal Swap – April 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Something old and something new are one and the same at The Original Bridal Swap at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive) this Sunday. Former brides can sell their wedding dresses and decorations, while brides-to-be on a budget can shop the deals. To top it off, exhibitors will be selling their own creations, making it a one-stop-shop for those special wedding touches.

Edible Canada Guest Chef Market Dinner – April 15

Edible Canada at Granville Island is hosting a special Guest Chef Market Dinner, featuring some of B.C.’s finest this Wednesday. Chef Adair Scott of Osoyoos’ Watermark Beach Resort is teaming up with Derek Ulehmann of Oliver’s Covert Farms for a four-course meal and wine pairing that brings the tastes of the Okanagan to Granville Island.

Gastown Shop Hop – April 16

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s hottest shopping districts, but the experience will be taken up a notch for the Gastown Shop Hop. Forty-three stores and 14 restaurants will be taking part in the event and keeping their doors open extra late. Shoppers can grab deals, dining vouchers, and enjoy music and treats (look for businesses with balloons out front to find participants).

Sake + Oysters at Minami – April 16

Minami in Yaletown, one of Vancouver’s go-to spots for sushi, is hosting a gourmet dining experience you won’t want to miss. The Sake + Oyster Pairing Night brings in a panel of sake experts and a variety of freshly shucked oysters. Guests can taste, talk and learn about pairing oysters and sake in Minami’s beautiful Blue Ocean Private Room. Tickets are available online.

Co-Op Radio 40 Year Anniversary Party – April 17

Co-Op Radio celebrates 40 years on the air with a birthday party at Wise Hall (1882 Adanac Street) that’s as eclectic as the station itself. The night kicks off with a mixer event where on-air hosts past and present will share stories. Following the mixer, there will be a variety show featuring talent like poet/storyteller/broadcaster RC Weslowski (pictured above), musician Ramon Flores Trovador and many more. Last but not least, Purple Soul and the Creaking Planks will close out the night with music and dancing.

High Street Fashion Show and Social – April 17

Make the drive to Abbotsford’s High Street Mall (3122 Mt. Lehman Road) for a glamorous night of fashion and fun. The shopping centre is hosting its second annual High Street Fashion Show and Social to raise money for the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre. Your ticket will get you a complimentary drink, appetizers, access to the show as well as swag bags and a chance to win prizes.

Science World After Dark – April 17

Rediscover your inner child with an adults-only night at Science World After Dark. Explore Science World – as well as the newest feature exhibition, Animation – with a glass of beer or wine in hand. To get the full experience, upgrade your ticket to include the Omnimax film, Extra-Large Shorts, and grab dinner at Triple O’s, which will be open until 9 p.m.