Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for March 17 to 23

This week: taste Irish fare for St. Patrick’s, celebrate local culture, meet the Easter Bunny + more

1. The Dreadnoughts 11 Year Punkstravaganza – Friday, March 16 & Saturday, March 17

The Dreadnoughts once again host two nights of local punk/folk/ska/metal at the Rickshaw on St. Patrick’s weekend before taking the stage themselves and pounding out their usual inebriated mayhem. The show features support from Daggermouth, Slip~ons, The Staggers & Jaggs, Russian Tim and Pavel Bures, and AntEater. Single night and weekend passes are available online.
The Rickshaw Theatre, 254 East Hastings Street, Vancouver; Doors at 7:30 p.m.; Tickets  for night one and night two $20 to $30

2. St. Patrick’s Day Party at Railtown Cafe – Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17

In an effort to redeem themselves after last year’s infamous Guinness pint pour, the Railtown team will be throwing a St. Paddy’s Day party all day (until 7 p.m.) at their original Railway Street location with food and drink specials. The cafe will treat any guests with a valid Irish passport to a perfectly poured pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson.
Railway Cafe, 397 Railway Street, Vancouver

3. Irish-themed brunch at Wildebeest – Saturday, March 17

For one day only, the award-winning Gastown dining room will be adding Irish-themed dishes and drink specials to its regular brunch lineup—from Guinness doughnuts to a full Irish breakfast, plus drink features such as Persephone Dry Irish Stout from Gibsons or a Boilermaker with Persephone Stout and a shot of Jameson Caskmates.
Wildebeest, 120 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

4. First Pick Handmade – Saturday, March 17 & Sunday, March 18

Check out Canadian indie designers at First Pick Handmade, a two-day pop-up that features local clothing and jewellery designers, accessory creators and beauty product makers. The event is curated by Janna Hurtzig of the local Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere and Astrosatchel labels.
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission $3 per person, at the door or on Eventbrite

5. Cobalt Eight Year Anniversary Party – Sunday, March 18

Celebrate eight years of parties at the Cobalt, with performances by reigning Mr. and Mrs. Cobalty winners Karmella Barr and Maiden China, and sets by DJs Softieshan and Jef Leppard. The event is invite-only from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and open to all after 9:30 p.m.
The Cobalt, 917 Main Street, Vancouver; Doors at 9:30 p.m.; Event is 19+; No cover

6. Culture at the Centre – Sunday March 18 until October 8, 2018

This is a first-ever collaboration between six First Nations communities: Musqueam, Squamish, Lil’wat, Heiltsuk, Nisga’a, and Haida nations. The exhibition is a unique opportunity to see the belongings from these communities presented in their own voices, organized under three main themes: Land and Language, Continuity and Communities, and Repatriation and Reconciliation.
Museum of Anthropology, 6393 N.W. Marine Drive at U.B.C, Vancouver; Admission $18

7. Dining Out For Life – Thursday, March 22

On Thursday, March 22nd, participating restaurants will donate 25 percent of their food sales in support of individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and co-existing illnesses. Over the past 24 years, DOFL has raised over $3.5 million, with all proceeds directly benefiting the programs and services provided free-of-charge by registered not-for-profit A Loving Spoonful.
See Dining Out For Life for a full list of restaurants taking part

8. Sonic Boom Festival – Thursday, March 22 to Sunday, March 25

Celebrate original music by B.C. composers at the annual spring Sonic Boom Festival. This multi-day celebration features a composer in residence, talented musical ensembles, and dozens of new works by emerging and established B.C. composers. The kick-off concert starts at 7:30 p.m on March 22.
Pyatt Hall, 843 Seymour Street, Vancouver; Various dates and times

9. Easter Fair – Thursday, March 22 to Wednesday, April 4

Hop on the Stanley Park Train for an egg-citing Easter ride through Stanley Park with music and themed scenes. After the train ride, kids (and adults) can enjoy seasonal face-painting, egg hunts, crafts and carnival games, plus and the chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself!
Stanley Park Railway, 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver; 10 a.m. 5 p.m.; Train tickets $6, Egg Hunt Tickets $5, Carnival Tickets $2

10. Festival du Bois – Friday, March 23 to Sunday, March 25

Life is bon at the 29th annual Festival du Bois‘ weekend celebration of francophone and French-Canadian culture. The festival is the largest of its kind in B.C. and includes music and dance, traditional food, educational workshops, shows for kids and fun activities.
Mackin Park, 1046 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam; Various dates and times; Tickets from $3 to $68