20 Vancouver food events to check out this October

October is a fabulous month for food.

We’ve got Thanksgiving, Halloween, and all the pumpkin spice-flavoured goodies you can get your freshly-gloved hands on.

With so much going on, we almost forget that summer is behind us and the cold weather is here – but at least our bellies will be warm.

Here are 20 Vancouver food events, in or around the city, worth checking out this October.

See also

• New categories announced for the 2017 BC Beer Awards this fall
• 6 food trends in Vancouver you need to try right now
• Vancouver's first Uncle Tetsu cheesecake shop is opening in Metrotown

Game On Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

When: September 20 to November 26 from Wednesday to Sunday; sittings at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
Where: Notch8 Restaurant + Bar -900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: $59 per person, Kids 12 and under $29.50

Oktoberfest offerings at HandleBar Cafe and Apres

HandleBar Cafe and Apres in Whistler is offering Oktoberfest offerings all month long. HandleBar will be featuring a number of food and beer specials and pairings, including craft beer and German street food such as pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel. Patrons can also expect special casks, beer deals, and tap takeovers throughout the entire month of October.

When: All of October
Where: 4557 Blackcomb Way, Whistler

2-for-1 Tacos at La Taqueria

On Wednesday, October 4 from 3 to 6 pm, La Taqueria will be offering 2-for-1 tacos. This dangerously good deal comes as part of the family of restaurants’ National Taco Day Celebration, and they are offering it at all three of their Vancouver locations (Hastings, Hornby, Cambie), as well as their North Vancouver and Victoria locations. Patrons can choose from eight options (four meat, four vegetarian) and pair ’em up for only $3 for two meat tacos, and $2.50 for two veggie tacos.

When: Wednesday, October 4 from 3 to 6 pm
Where: Multiple locations in Vancouver

Tartine and Maple: The Best Fall Pies

See how easy it is to make three different kinds of fall-flavoured pies. Try rolling dough and preparing your own apple pie to take home. Enjoy a glass of wine while you’re here and bring home recipes and pie.

When: Wednesday, October 4 from 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Uncommon Cafe – 477 Powell Street, Vancouver
Cost: $59per person ; buy via Eventbrite

National Noodle Day at Noodlebox

On October 6 all 12 locations of Noodlebox Canada will celebrate National Noodle Day with $5 Spicy Peanut Noodle Boxes. Normally $10 will be up for order all day for only $5.

When: Friday, October 6 from open until close
Where: All Noodlebox locations
Cost: $5

Tipsy Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

When: October 6 to November 17 at 7 pm
Where: Notch8 Restaurant + Bar -900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: $75 per person (19+ only)

Espresso-Inspired Autumnal Dinner

Join Vancouver-based Milano Roasters for a coffee-inspired long table dinner featuring five courses from the talented Chef Nik Lim. Milano’s cozy Mount Pleasant roasting hub is the backdrop for an intimate evening full of great food, wine, company and – of course – Milano espresso.

When: Thursday, October 5 from 6:30 to 11 pm
Where: 156 West 8 Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $65 per person; buy via Eventbrite

North Shore Craft Beer Week

Did you know that Canada’s first ever craft brewery was actually the Horseshoe Bay Brewery, which opened in West Vancouver in 1982? Well it was (apparently) and now, 35 years later, the North Shore is finally getting its own craft beer week. Taking place from October 6 to 13, North Shore Craft Beer Week will feature seven days of festivities in venues across the area with events ranging from cask nights and guided tours, to live music, Brewmaster’s Dinners, and of course – beers!

When: Wednesday, October 6 to Wednesday, October 13
Where: Various locations throughout the North Shore

H2 Rotisserie & Bar’s Culinary Class & Thanksgiving Dinner

Led by Executive Chef Kamal Silva, Executive Sous Chef Mike Reid, and H2 Rotisserie & Bar Chef, Caitlin Mark, the first instalment of this spot’s culinary classes kicks off on Thanksgiving day. Attendees can expect informative demonstrations include everything from proper emulsification of vinaigrette to techniques for tableside turkey-carving. After the class enjoy a feast with an optional wine pairing.

When: Monday, October 9; class starts a 5 pm, dinner served at 7 pm
Where: H2 Rotisserie & Bar at The Westin Bayshore – 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $85 per person; to book call 604-691-6966

Tartine and Maple: Eclairs & Cream Puff – Halloween Special

Learn how to make the new pastry craze straight from France – Pâte a Choux – known to some as choux pastry. Make Eclairs, Cream Puffs, Profiteroles, and more. Decorate them Halloween-style and feel free to samples and take home leftovers and recipes.

When: Sunday, October 15 from 2 to 4 pm
Where: Trout Lake Community Center – 3350 Victoria Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $57 per person; buy via buy via Trout Lake CC

Chefs’ Table Society of BC’s Slow Fish Dinner

Lovers of local seafood and social times rejoice as the Chefs’ Table Society of BC‘s Slow Fish Canada Dinner returns to the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) on Sunday, October 15, from 6 to 9 pm for the fourth year. This annual event allows Vancouverites to gather and indulge in local sustainable seafood in the most interactive way.

When: Sunday, October 15 from 6 to 9 pm
Where: Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts – 1505 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $109 per person;  buy via Eventbrite

Ancora Winemaker’s Dinner

Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio is offering an intimate one-of-a-kind 40-seat dinner with special guest Alberto Di Grésy (principal and world-renowned owner and winemaker of Marchesi di Grésy). Produced in the Piedmont region of Italy, the distinctive notes of Marchesi di Grésy’s elegantly crafted line of wines will be paired with an inspired selection of plates prepared by the stellar culinary team at Ancora including Panca Glazed Sablefish and 12-hour Braised Short Rib to name a few.

When: Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30 pm
Where: Ancora – 1600 Howe St #2, Vancouver
Cost: $195 per person; purchase by emailing [email protected]

Summerhill Winery X The Acorn Forages Mushroom Dinner

This epic five-course dinner celebrates wild foraged mushrooms and of course, the wines from Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna. The Acorn Restaurant and Wildcraft Foraging will be creating a unique, one-night-only menu from a variety of specially foraged wild mushrooms courtesy of Victoria, BC’s Lance “Wildcraft” Staples. Each course will involve a celebration of the unique varieties of local mushrooms currently in season, even dessert!

When: Wednesday, October 18 at 7 pm
Where: The Acorn – 3995 Main Street, Vancouver
Cost: $121.75; buy tickets online

Tartine and Maple: French Gastronomy Series – Champagne

While learning about culinary and cultural facts from the Champagne region, you will be shown how to make a main dish typically crafted in that region -“Potée Champenoise”. After the demonstration enjoy a full dinner complete with appetizer, main, and dessert, plus a glass of wine in the restaurant.

When: Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Uncommon Café – 477 Powell Street, Vancouver
Cost: $69 per person; buy via buy via Eventbrite

Restaurants for Change 2017

Make a dinner reservation at a participating restaurant on October 18, 2017, and the restaurant will donate from 50% to 100% of their total food sales from dinner service to support community food programs in low-income neighbourhoods. Restaurants in Vancouver include Burdock & Co, Farmer’s Apprentice, and Jamjar on Commercial Drive.

When: Wednesday, October 18
Where: Three participating restaurants in Vancouver

Toast to the Coast

This event sells out fast – so read quickly and get your tickets ASAP. Enjoy gourmet bites prepared by top Ocean Wise restaurants and taste signature BC wines during this culinary journey celebrating the conservation of our oceans. Food and beverages are included in the ticket price. All proceeds support the Vancouver Aquarium’s important research, education and direct action programs that benefit ocean conservation.

When: Friday, October 20 at 7 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Cost: $150 per person; buy tickets online

The BC Beer Awards and Festival 2017

It’s almost BC Craft Beer Month, and that means The BC Beer Awards and Festival 2017 is back too. You can check out this annual event on October 21 at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver and taste some of the best brews around. All tickets include four 5 oz drink tokens and entrance into the festival that celebrates the best in craft brewing from across the province.

When: Saturday, October 21 from 4 to 10 pm
Where: Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cost: $40-55 per person; buy online

13th Annual Culinary Apprenticeship Dinner at the Fairmont Waterfront

On Wednesday, October 25, 25 young cooks from Fairmont Hotels in the Pacific Northwest region will strut their cooking stuff at the 13th Annual Culinary Apprenticeship dinner.  The event includes a cocktail reception, canapés, dinner, and wine. Head to the Ballroom of the Fairmont Waterfront to enjoy this year’s dinner themed ‘From Nose to Tail’, and after you’ve tasted everything, vote on your favourite dish.

When: Wednesday, October 25 at 5:30 pm
Where: Fairmont Waterfront – 900 Canada Place Way , Vancouver
Cost: $149; purchase by emailing [email protected]

Tartine and Maple: Easy Everyday French Dinner

Learn how to put together an easy French dinner. The menu includes Salade Lyonnaise, Herb Crusted Salmon, and Chocolate Mousse. You will sample all the food demonstrated and take recipes home.

When: Thurs day, October 26 from 6 to 8:30 pm
Where: Kensington Community Center – 5175 Dumfries Street, Vancouver
Cost: $60 per person ; buy via buy via Kensington CC

What’s Up? HotDog! becomes Bob’s Burgers

What’s Up? HotDog! in East Vancouver is transforming into the Bob’s Burgers restaurant for the third year in a row to celebrate Halloween with patrons. The Fox TV cartoon series is a cult favourite, so What’s Up? HotDog is gearing up for an even bigger event than last year. The takeover will feature all the Bob-themed dishes from last year’s special menu, along with brand new creations, surely all named after our favourite cartoon burger shop.

When: Saturday, October 28 to Tuesday, October 31 from 11 am ’til late
Where: 2481 East Hastings Street, Vancouver

The Witchery- Halloween Samhain Dinner

Hosted by Intuitive & Psychic, Chloe Elgar of Chloe’s Countertop, Psychic Medium Natalie Miles- The Psychic Upgrade and plant based chef Emily Davies- Wholesome slice, the Witchery is a mystical five-course plant-based dinner, complete with psychic and tarot readers. Despite this event falling on Halloween, event organizers ask that you come dressed as your normal witch/wizard self.