Vancouver Adventures: May 2 to 8

This week: hit the first of the spring Vancouver Farmers Markets, swap your vintage bicycle and your wardrobe, run a marathon + more

Wheel2Heal – May 2

See the sights of the Tri-Cities on two wheels for a great cause at the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation‘s Wheel2Heal. On Saturday, May 2, cyclists of all ages and fitness level are invited to raise $250 and ride to support the provision of much-needed services and medical equipment to the 100,000 patients that visit Eagle Ridge Hospital each year.

There are several routes to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty and a special kid’s race. All routes start at Lot E at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, beginning at various times depending on route distance.

For a detailed route map and event schedule, see the Wheel2Heal website. Register or pledge today.

Got Craft? Spring Edition – May 2 and 3

Founded in 2007, Got Craft? is a celebration of all things DIY and handmade. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Maritime Labour Centre (1880 Triumph Street), come and shop for lovingly created jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stationery, housewares, and toys; taste the homemade magic of crafted baked goods and artisan chocolate; and learn how to DIY at one of the many workshops. The spring edition – the tone of which differs greatly from the December fair – features over 75 designers, music, free swag bags, and much more.

Tickets are $3 at the door; check out the Got Craft? website for a list of attending vendors.

Vancouver Bird Week – May 2 to 9

Bird lovers, you won’t want to miss the chance to celebrate Vancouver’s avian community during Vancouver Bird Week. Inspired by the United NationsWorld Migratory Bird Day initiative, Bird Week is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the conservation of migratory birds, which are key indicators of environmental health.

The week-long series of events in Vancouver begins with an opening walk led by biologist Robyn Worcester in the city’s River District (8683 Kerr Street), and also includes drawing workshops, film screenings, presentations, walks + more.

See the schedule for a complete list of events.

BMO Kids Fun Run and Vancouver Marathon – May 2 and 3

The BMO Vancouver Marathon kicks off its 44th year with a special Kids Fun Run, a race around Stanley Park for runners aged 5-12 on Saturday, May 2. Registration includes an official race shirt, bib, medal, snack, and an exclusive visit from elite athletes.

The following day, the Vancouver Marathon begins at 8:30 a.m. on a 42.2 km route that follows the city’s most beautiful beaches, parks and urban sites. Participants can run the marathon individually, or register as a relay team.

The Half Marathon, beginning at 7 a.m., follows a separate (but no less scenic) course through Yaletown, Chinatown, and the West End.

Finally, the 8km race begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs through Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, and the downtown core – the ideal way for new runners to break into the running scene.

Check out the Vancouver Marathon website for registration and event details.

Spring Farmers Markets Begin – May 2

You know spring has finally sprung when farmers’ markets around Vancouver open once again, bringing locally grown produce and artisan edibles to urban centres.

It all starts on the North Shore, when the markets at Lonsdale Quay (East Plaza, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Van) and Ambleside (1500 block of Bellevue, West Van) open at 10 a.m. on May 2 and May 3, respectively.

Burnaby’s market (4949 Canada Way) also opens on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Yaletown Farmers Market (1200 Mainland Street), located just outside the Yaletown-Roundhouse Skytrain station, launches its inaugural event on May 7 at 2 p.m.

Two days later, the Trout Lake Farmers Market (Lakewood Drive at 13th Avenue) holds its first event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The rest of the city’s markets – Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, Mount Pleasant, West End and Main Street Station – follow suit over the next few weeks, brightening the city with the best of the local seasonal bounty.

Check out the Vancouver Farmers Markets and the Artisan Farmers Markets websites for a complete list of market dates.

Vancouver Wheelmen Vintage Bicycle Swap Meet – May 3

Are you a vintage bicycle owner or an admirer of all things vintage or two-wheeled? If so, you won’t want to miss the 5th annual Vintage Bicycle Swap Meet on May 3, hosted by the Vancouver Wheelmen Bicycle Club at the Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier Street). There, you’ll not only encounter a boisterous crowd of vintage bicycle enthusiasts, you’ll also have the chance to purchase or trade in your own vintage-style bicycle, find that certain part you’ve been scouring the city for, and partake in barbecued delectables. You could even win the vintage bike of your dreams.

The swap starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m.

B-Side Clothing Swap – May 3

Here’s your chance to free up space in your closet, and perhaps fill it up again with a whole new wardrobe. Pack up garments and accessories you’ve forgotten about or grown tired of and bring them to the B-Side Clothing Swap on May 3 at The Astoria (769 East Hastings Street). For every item you donate to the swap, you’ll receive a ticket that can be exchanged for new-to-you items from the collection.

The Astoria kitchen will also be open during the event, providing fuel for your swapping frenzy. The event starts at 2 p.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door (with or without a donation); all proceeds will go towards Terminal City Rollergirls equipment and travel to away-games. Any items remaining after the event will be donated to WISH Drop-In Centre Society.

Theatre BC’s Festival of Plays – May 4 to 9

Every year, Theatre BC holds festivals in its 10 regional zones across the province, with the aim of naming the “best of the best” performance in BC.

The North Shore Zone takes its turn from May 4 to 9 at the Presentation House (333 Chesterfield Avenue) in North Vancouver, where a different production will take the stage each night and compete to proceed to the Destination Mainstage! Provincial Theatre Festival in July.

This year’s presenting companies include North Vancouver Community Players, SMP Dramatic Society, Deep Cove Stage Society, Seabrooke Entertainment and Driftwood Players.

All shows start at 8 p.m.; ticket prices vary – see the Presentation House website for scheduled shows and pricing information.

Veni, Vidi, Vino Dinner Series at Cibo Trattoria – May 6

If you’re craving tasty Italian fare, reserve a table at Cibo Trattoria (900 Seymour Street) on May 6 for the first Veni, Vidi, Vino dinner of the four-part celebration of Italy’s best cuisine and wine-producing regions. Designed and created by General Manager and Sommelier Robert Stelmachuk and Executive Chef Faizal Kassam (pictured above), the five-course “In Vino Veneto” meal features white and red wine produced in the Veneto region of Northeast Italy.

The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with Cache Creek Ox Tongue served with smashed favas, pecorino-mint pesto and a 2012 Monte del Frá Dardolino red, and finishes with a Walnut and Caramel Tart served with honey, coffee cream and a 2008 Masi Amabile Degli Angeli Recioto Classico red.

Tickets are $89 per person plus tax and gratuity (and there are only 35 available) and can be purchased by calling  778-870-3787.

Vancouver Audio Show – May 8 to 10

If you thought your favourite artist or opus sounded amazing through your earbuds, you’ll be blown away when you hear the music played through the world’s best audio systems at The Vancouver Audio Show.

Held at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown (6083 McKay Avenue) from May 8 to 10, this exhibition of all things sound brings together every imaginable type of audio gear from the world’s best brands, including Sony, Sumiko, Bang & Olufsen, IsoTek and many others.

Across over 30 demonstration rooms, guests are given hands-on experience with everything from speakers and turntables to headphones and music streaming systems. They also have the chance to learn from industry experts and designers in a number of seminars and presentations. It’s the best way to get informed and try out the gear you’ve been coveting before taking the purchase plunge.

Full weekend passes are $30 online or $35 at the door; single day passes are $17 and $20 respectively.