Local Food

7 Food and Drink Events to Try in June 2025

From Crab Fest to happy hours, you've gotta try these delicious local food and drink events this June

By Nikki Bayley /

Can’t talk now. My face is stuffed full of spot prawns, asparagus and the sweetest new-season juicy strawberries fresh from the Similkameen Valley. Farmers market season is here, and although as I write we’re on the cusp of Juneary (damn you, false summer!), we still have months of glorious weather and delicious seasonal treats to look forward to.

Yay for seasonal fruits

I’m hearing nothing but good news from the Similkameen and Okanagan farmers so far this year—and heaven knows they deserve nothing less after the past few calamitous years. Before we know it, it will be cherry season, then apricots, peaches and all those gorgeous soft fruits and stone fruits that we missed so much last year. But you know the drill by now: buy B.C! Keep it Canadian and support our local growers and producers. 

Smoky-Dokey

Photo: Ardbeg

If we’re talking non-B.C. whisky, then I’m probably going to want to talk about those deliciously peaty single malts from Islay in the Scottish Highlands. I love those smoky notes, so imagine my delight with receiving a bottle of Ardbeg’s ‘high gravity mash experiment’: the Smokiverse. It comes in a fabulously kitsch 1980s intergalactic-vibes box, but what’s inside is seriously good: super creamy, fruity, toasty sourdough notes cloaked in a muscovado sugar-bonfire smokiness. Slow sipping on the rocks or perfect in a whisky sour with a splash of maple syrup, this limited edition release is a must-buy for any sci-fi-loving whisky nerd. 

Provisions is now open in Kits

Credit: Allison Kuhl

I absolutely adore Provisions in Whistler (part of the ever-excellent Top Table group) and had no clue they were opening a second location in Vancouver. But here they are (with some of the absolute best breakfast sandwiches around thanks to a breaded egg that will blow your socks off) opening up in the old Brown’s location on West 4th at Vine Street in Kitsilano. Expect excellent coffee with Thierry beans, superb bakes, additively chewy cookies and—new for this location—a smash burger made with a custom grind from Luigi & Sons.  

Grab those Crab Fest tickets

Fun fest PSA: the BC Crab Fishermen’s Association and Chef’s Table Society’s False Creek Crab Fest is back on Sunday July 6. Tickets, which always sell out, are now available. Enjoy a fresh Dungeness crab boil, drinks, live music and the joy of supporting two great organizations.

Chambar happy hour

Photo: Chambar

Snip! That’s the sound of the ribbon being cut on summer celebrations over at Chambar. Every day between 4 to 5 p.m. you can enjoy a special happy hour menu with excellent drinks deals such as a seasonal Sheringham Distillery cocktail for $9 or a Tommy’s Margarita for $10. From June 16 every Monday, expect DJs spinning sweet sounds.

Sizzling deal at Kobe

Credit: Nora Hamade

This is a great deal for downtown, and honestly such a fun experience. Head over to Alberni Street to Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, where the Art of Teppanyaki set menu experience is running till the end of June. Available Monday to Thursday, enjoy treats such as flame-grilled tiger prawns, teriyaki chicken, premium sirloin and more prepared table-side for just $58 per person (plus tax and tip).

Okanagan road trip

Photo: Blasted Church

Book your tickets, find somewhere to stay, workshop an amazing costume and then head to Blasted Church winery in Okanagan Falls for one of the season’s most iconic events, their ‘7 Deadly Sins’ party on Saturday June 21. This year guests are invited to “embrace their inner gluttony, lust, pride (and the rest!) with live circus performers, themed tasting stations, a live DJ, decadent bites, and, of course, plenty of wine.” Happening pool-side at the winery’s lake-view property, tickets are selling fast.