Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for April 26 to May 2

This week: Eat brunch southern-style at Mamie Taylor's, check out the real Wolf of Wall Street, cheer on others at the Vancouver Sun Run and more

Credit: Mamie Taylor's

Brunch Menu at Mamie Taylor’s – Saturdays and Sundays, staring April 26

Looking for a southern-influenced brunch menu that’s going to stick to your ribs in the best way possible? Mamie Taylor’s is launching a brand new brunch menu filled with Down South delicacies like the Kentucky Hot Brown, a house-smoked confit turkey, tomato, crisp bacon breakfast sandwich with a creamy Mornay sauce, as well as Eggs and Grits (pictured), Chicken Fried Steak and more. Stomach still grumbling? We highly recommend the Freedom Toast, which swaps out traditional brioche with Mamie Taylor’s buttermilk biscuit, topped with candied pecans, fruit compote and buttermilk ricotta. This is true comfort food.

Credit: Flickr / VAHMS

Asian Heritage Month Festival – May 1 to June 1

Many cultures, many languages, one celebration. That’s the tagline for Asian Heritage Month Festival, unfolding from May 1 to June 1 at various Lower Mainland venues. But don’t let the name fool you: everyone’s welcome to enjoy the all-ages agenda featuring loads of Far East fun, including art exhibitions, author readings and a world poetry festival along with Korean dance, youth activities and flamenco performances.

Credit: Original Bridal Swap

The Original Bridal Swap – April 27

What to do with that old wedding dress? Or how about that god-awful bridesmaid gown? Bring it to The Original Bridal Swap, an annual event where brides past and present can buy or sell their dresses and décor. Bargain-hunters can check out the deals on April 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews).
 

Vancouver Sun Run – April 27

So you didn’t sign up for the Vancouver Sun Run? You can still enjoy the fun at the finish line at this 30th anniversary road race, kicking off at 9 a.m. on April 27 at Burrard and Georgia. Stake out a spot along the scenic route – wending through the downtown core before finishing off at BC Place – and high-five the winners and cheer on the stragglers at Canada’s largest 10k, attracting 50,000 participants each year.

Credit: MS Walks

Scotiabank MS Walk – April 27

Canada can take pride in many accomplishments, but being a country with one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world isn’t one of them. On April 27, you can join thousands of Lower Mainlanders as they take a step toward ending this disabling disease at the Scotiabank MS Walk, beginning at various times in Surrey, Langley and the Tricities. Can’t make it? Check it out on May 4 in Kelowna, Penticton, White Rock, Richmond and Abbotsford instead.
 

Credit: Eco Fashion Week

Eco Fashion Week – April 27-29

Green is the new black, so they say. And here to underscore the point is Eco Fashion Week, held April 27 to 29 at various downtown Vancouver venues. This eighth-annual extravaganza features stylish soirees, green seminars, glam runway shows and an all-star lineup of local designers, including Nicole Bridger, John Fluevog and Obakki.

Credit: thewinefestivals.com

The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival – May 1-11

The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival has been called “one of Canada’s best small festivals.” And it’s no wonder. With more than 100 events taking place from May 1 to 11 – everything from sommelier-led seminars to food pairings to gourmet dinners — wine lovers are guaranteed to have a great (or should we say “grape”?) time.

Giggles & Gags – May 1-4

Cancer is nothing to laugh about – except when you’re talking about Giggles & Gags, a fundraiser supporting Aunt Leah’s Place and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Held from May 1 to 4 at PAL Studio Theatre (8th Floor – 581 Cardero St, Vancouver), this “fresh and funny grab bag of guffaws” spotlights 16 local stand-ups whose specialties range from the silly to the surreal. Doors open at 7 p.m., with tix available online.

Jordan Belfort, the Wolf of Wall Street – May 1

Love him or hate him, the original Wolf of Wall Street kicks off his first Canadian tour in Vancouver on May 1. You’ve seen the movie; now meet Jordan Belfort in person at the Vancouver Convention Centre. In a three-hour talk, held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., he’ll share his personal strategies for achieving massive success while schooling you on how to avoid own punishing failures. Tickets are $137 per person; $795 for VIP access.

Credit: Flickr / ruocaled

Playland at the PNE – May 3

It’s enough to make your head spin! After months of hiatus, Playland powers up for another season of rides, games and tasty treats on May 3. So grab a corndog, cotton candy or candy apple and check out the 30-plus rides and attractions, including old faves like the Haunted Mansion, Hellevator and roller coaster plus all-new additions like Rock-N-Cars – a Formula 1-themed foray that replaces the Bumper Cars. Drop by Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m., with admission at the gate.