Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for October 17 to 23

Brix & Mortar Opens in Time for Taste of Yaletown – October 15 to 29

Yaletown mainstay Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar has toasted its downstairs cocktail bar, George, farewell bringing the space together under one rebranded roof (plus two outdoor patios) as Brix & Mortar. And the renovation didn’t stop with the site itself. Food and drink menus have also undergone exciting updates (we can personally vouch for the pork belly, pictured above).  

Exectuive Chef Chris Bisaro’s modern Canadian cuisine features international influences, as does Bar Manager Chris Mosey’s refreshed cocktail list, inspired by his own recent world travels. (Fear not: the award-winning wine list has been refreshed, but Brix’s beloved wine by the glass program remains the same.) 

What better chance to try it all for yourself than during the 11th annual Taste of Yaletown? The two-week dining event promotes the neighborhood’s buzzing culinary scene with $25, $35 and $45 fixed menus at participating restaurants. Brix & Mortar will open its beautiful new doors October 15th, just in time to count itself among them. 

Accessible from 1138 Homer Street and 1137 Hamilton Street

West Coast Women’s Show – October 16 to 18

The West Coast Women’s Show is back and better than ever, celebrating 15 years with a jam-packed weekend of exhibitors, speakers and—of course—shopping at Abbotsford’s TRADEX this weekend.

The shoppers’ dream weekend, which showcases great deals from reputed brands and local designers, also features an impressive live entertainment lineup—including incredible performer, tireless advocate and inspiring cancer survivor, Bif Naked, who takes to the Main Stage on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Other highlights include the exceptional Artisan’s Marketplace, Sereno Wellness & Spa’s VIP Experience and sizzling back-to-back fashion shows by the 2016 Hall of Flame Calendar Firefighters on Friday and Saturday night.

Buy your tickets online or in-store at any Lower Mainland London Drugs location in advance to save $2 ($12 Adults; $9 Seniors)
1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford

Sunshine Coast Art Crawl – October 16 to 18

Immerse yourself in the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant creative community this weekend as artists open their studios and invite you to step inside. The Sunshine Coast Art Crawl features 125 participating venues along Highway 101 from Langdale to Earls Cove, as well as a Powell River Artists exhibit at the Roberts Creek Hall.

Presented by the Coast Cultural Alliance non-profit society, the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl makes discovering local culture easy with brochures and smartphone maps, clear signage and a convoy of fellow Crawlers.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various locations

Apple Festival – October 17 to 18

The UBC Apple Festival is your chance to learn all about one of B.C.’s favourite fruits. The event includes grafting and cider-pressing demonstrations, apple-identification activities, and disease and pest-management education. However, the main draw is the tasting tent, where a $5 entry fee allows you to sample and compare 60 varieties of B.C.-grown apples.

An apple-themed fair food—think apple pies, candied apples, hot apple cider and apple chips—will be available, further inspiring your appreciation for Mother Nature’s treats.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $4 (cash only)
UBC Botanical Garden

Kris Davis Trio – October 18

Vancouver-born pianist/composer Kris Davis is returning to the West Coast following an outstanding performance at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival this summer, this time playing for an intimate crowd at The Western Front.

Davis, who currently resides in Brooklyn, has been named “a freethinking, gifted pianist” by star pianist Jason Moran. NY Times’s Nate Chinen has suggested that one method for deciding where to hear jazz in New York City on any given night is to track down where Kris Davis is playing—luckily we’ve already tracked her down in Vancouver for you.

8 p.m., $38, tickets available online
The Western Front, 303 East 8^th Avenue

Election Day – October 19

By now you’ve surely heard about the upcoming federal election all over the news and in your Facebook feed. This Monday it’s finally time to act. Voting polls in British Columbia will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and all Canadians over the age of 18 are encouraged to exercise their democratic right to choose their government.

If advanced polling turnout was any indication of Monday’s voter turnout, this year’s election day is bound to be a busy one. The early-bird opportunity, which conveniently coincided with the Thanksgiving long weekend, saw keen voters take to polling stations across the nation in overwhelming numbers.

To learn more about candidates and parties running in your region, or to find the polling station nearest you, visit elections.ca.

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Various locations

Friends of Chamber Music presents the Dover Quartet – October 20

The Dover Quarter’s rise to stardom began with a clean sweep of the 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competition where they won the grand prize and all three special prizes. Recently named the “young American string quartet of the moment” by The New Yorker, the Dover Quartet is composed of Joel Link (violin), Bryan Lee (violin), Milena Pajaro-Van de Stadt (viola) and Camden Shaw (cello).

The group’s 2014/2015 season has included more than 100 performances throughout Europe, South America, the U.S. and Canada, with a stop in Vancouver this week that any serious music lover will not want to miss.

8 p.m., $48 for adults, $15 for students, tickets available online
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street at Dunsmuir

Mamie Taylor’s Taste of the States Longtable Dinner – October 21

Hip American eatery Mamie Taylor’s is bringing a taste of Charleston, South Carolina to Vancouver’s Chinatown district, with their next longtable dinner event. It’s the latest in the taxidermy-decked restaurant’s “Taste of the States” series, which spotlights the regional cuisine from a different pocket of the United States on the third Wednesday of each month.

Chef Tobias Grignon’s Charleston longtable menu captures the city’s quintessential Southern hospitality with devilled eggs, slow-cooked pork tenderloin, and fried prawns and succotash.

Last month’s inaugural New-Orleans-themed dinner sold out, so book your spot now and keep your eyes (and nose) peeled for upcoming meals inspired by Kansas City and Missouri BBQ.

6:30 p.m., $45
251 East Georgia Street

Fall for Local – October 22

Connect, network and collaborate with emerging independent businesses, up-and-coming brands, local celebrity bloggers and entrepreneurs of all types at the fourth annual Fall for Local event. The showcase, held at Heritage Hall on Main Street, features panel discussions, hands-on workshops, Q&As and the returning Pop Up Shop Soiree, featuring some of Vancouver’s best local boutiques and creatives. A long list of keynotes includes the two adorable sisters, Tegan and Lindsay, behind the successful lifestyle blog Treasures & Travels.

Early-bird tickets include The Speaker Sessions and Pop Up Shop Soiree in addition to complimentary cocktails and snacks, a canvas tote bag filled with goodies and your very own Fall for Local starter kit.

12 p.m. to 10 p.m., $75
3102 Main Street

Vancouver Home + Design Show – October 22 to 25

More than 325 exhibitors take over the Vancouver Convention Centre West to talk design, entertainment and home improvement at the 32ndannual Vancouver Home + Design Show. The inspiring event also includes a long list of keynote speakers and celebrity chefs. Participating local experts include Love It or List it Vancouver’s Jillian Harris and Todd Talbot, who will share their tips, trade secrets and all that witty banter we love them for.

Don’t forget to do some on-site souvenir shopping at M(art)ket and the London-inspired Portobello West, as well as enjoy wine and cocktails at the Floform Lounge. 

Check out our list of the show’s must-see highlights.

Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

$16 for adults,  $13 for seniors, buy your ticket online in advance to save $3 off regular ticket prices
1055 Canada Place