Things to do in Vancouver on the 1st weekend of March

Photo by CTV Vancouver's Pete Cline in Chopper 9 on Monday, June 4, 2018.

The first weekend of March brings with it celebrations of food and drink, outdoor adventures and more. Here are some events to check out.

Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show

“B.C.‘s largest showcase of outdoor gear and adventure travel experiences” takes over the Vancouver Convention Centre’s east building this weekend, bringing with it more than 250 exhibitors and more than 40 “adventure presentations” to inspire guests' future travel plans.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket and exhibitor information can be found on the event’s website.

Whitecaps MLS home opener

The Vancouver Whitecaps hosted Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa at BC Place on Thursday night in CONCACAF Champions Cup play, but the team’s Major League Soccer home opener is this Sunday against the reigning MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy.

The ‘Caps started their MLS season with a 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers in Oregon last weekend and will look to keep the momentum going when Sunday’s match kicks off at 2 p.m. at BC Place.

Japan Market

Japan Market Vancouver will host its spring market this weekend at UBC Robson Square, bringing with it more than 60 local vendors offering handcrafted goods, food, art and more.

Japanese cultural performances and workshops are also scheduled. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and more information can be found on its website.

Vancouver Cocktail Week

Sunday marks the start of Vancouver Cocktail Week, the fourth annual celebration of the art of the cocktail and the creative bartenders who practise it in the city.

In addition to various ticketed events – including seminars and neighbourhood cocktail crawls – there will also be drop-in happy hours serving VCW signature drinks at bars around the city.

Vancouver Cocktail Week runs through March 9. A full schedule of events and list of participating venues can be found on the festival’s website.

Bite of Burnaby

Tourism Burnaby’s Bite of Burnaby festival begins Saturday and spans the month of March, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the city’s culinary scene.

Participating restaurants are offering special menus, combos, and deals at set prices ranging from $10 to $60, and there are a variety of special events associated with the festival taking place throughout the month.

More information can be found on the Bite of Burnaby website.

With files from MOVE 103.5’s Leanne McLaren