Let’s talk about something exciting for the new year—Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW) 2025, now entering its fourth year. This series of events, spread across various venues in the city, is a stellar way to experience Vancouver’s best lounges, bars, and culinary hotspots.
Mark your calendars: VCW runs from March 2-9, 2025. It kicks off with the signature Sunday Cocktail Brunch at the ARC Restaurant (Fairmont Waterfront) and wraps up on March 8 with the glamorous Black & White Gala at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Be sure to dress to impress in your finest black-and-white attire for an evening of elegance in the Spanish Ballroom.
The Event Rundown
Aside from the signature brunch and gala, VCW offers an incredible lineup of activities, including:
• VCWEvents: From masterclasses to cocktail-paired dinners and drag shows, these ticketed events showcase Vancouver’s vibrant cocktail culture. At last count, there were 18 events listed, with more being added as we approach the date. Full details can be found on the VCW Events page.
• Neighbourhood Cocktail Crawls: Explore Vancouver’s eclectic neighbourhoods—Gastown, Main Street, Yaletown, and Commercial Drive—through curated cocktail crawls. These ticketed events offer a fantastic way to discover the city’s charm while sipping on creative concoctions.
• Seminars: If you’re a cocktail enthusiast eager to dive deeper, these sessions are for you. Led by some of Canada’s top experts, they cover everything from the history of spirits to mixology techniques. Learn about martinis, tequila, agave, and even the dreaded hangover (I’m sure we’ve all suffered :-))! There are currently 11 seminars scheduled, with more to come.
• Cinq à Sept (Happy Hours): Happening daily throughout the week, these events at partner bars are perfect for a more casual outing. While not ticketed, reservations may be required, so check ahead. With over 30 participating venues, the options are endless.
Pro Tips for Attendees
Tickets for individual events range from $20 to $1,100.42 (for a table of six). Make sure to review each event’s details, as some have specific requirements or limited seating times. Whether you’re into tantalizing cocktail creations, gourmet pairings, or lively entertainment, you’ll find something to suit your taste.
This is your chance to experience a local exploration of libations and gastronomic delights in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, Vancouver. But fair warning: with so many overlapping events, you’ll need to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes to plan your week wisely.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pour myself a port and break out the magnifying glass—it’s time to sleuth out which events I’ll be attending. Cheers!
