Welcome to the Vancouver Group Chat, your weekly taste of what’s going on in the city, what’s new, and what’s worth hitting “send” in your group chats. Every week, we’re dishing out five must-know highlights spanning just about anything you can think of—be it a new food spot, a must-see show, or a random happening that’s sparking interest online.
Maybe people are already talking about these, or maybe you’ll be the one to start the conversation! Either way, it’s time to get yapping.
Here’s what’s going on in Vancouver this week and beyond.
What’s new, Vancouver?
The City announced that the FIFA Fan Festival will be free to access at Hastings Park (June 11 to July 19, 2026), with a capacity for 2,600 attendees (GA) per match. Entry will be first-come, first-served, allowing thousands of soccer fans the chance to enjoy this once-in-a-generation live experience. Just plan to arrive at the amphitheatre extra early—perhaps on foot—and don’t even bother looking at people’s overpriced Craigslist rentals.
Car Free Days are officially back this September, after previously announcing that organizers were forced to cancel the festivities. Thanks to a massive wave of support from community members and partners (and a push by City Councillors Sean Orr and Lucy Maloney), funding for these iconic free summertime events has been secured. “No fun city” can’t touch this!
If you’re looking to shake things up with your regular coffee order, consider trying one of these newly opened cafes around town.
Nomad Coffee just spread its proverbial wings from North Van, landing its newest cafe in Kits. As of Sunday, March 15, 2026, the new spot is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of espresso and pour-over options, so bring your own mug or prepare to rent/purchase their reusable clay cups.
For a European-inspired sip or glass of vino, head to Cafe Lokal’s newest location, which also happens to be on West 4th Avenue. If you visit on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, there’s a good chance you’ll catch local jazz duo Joelle-Lush Music in action at Lokal Sekondo.
If you’re up for an adventure, head to Peace and Culture Coffee, tucked away in a Strathcona courtyard by vintage clothing brand, WOVEN. The no-tip cafe specializes in seasonal matcha beverages and classic espresso beverages. Think speakeasy cafe.
Finally, for your main matcha fix, head to Main Street. The newly opened Mitchie Matcha started out as a pop-up, bringing high-quality matcha from regions throughout Japan. Now, you can enjoy an expertly crafted cup at its permanent location.
First day of spring
Yes, you read that right. The first official day of spring is coming up on Friday, March 20, 2026, though cherry blossom season already got a head start a couple of weeks ago.
All around us, the birds are chirping, neighbourhood trees are preparing to sprout new leaves, spring buds are about to open, and the sky is about to be filled with lush, green foliage as opposed to bare winter branches. On your next walk, make sure to slow down for a minute and take it all in. Life happens fast, and these transition months are like balm for the soul.
Spring equinox
Ready to embrace the season ahead? Here are a handful of ways to celebrate the spring equinox this week and beyond:
Time Out Market Vancouver
The blooms aren’t the only reason to get out and about in the city this spring. On the heels of a new season are a slew of exciting openings, including Time Out Market at Oakridge Park. It was originally supposed to open in 2024, but nothing is more emblematic of Vancouver than a delayed opening. Let’s hope it’s worth the wait!
Set to open sometime this spring, Time Out Market Vancouver gathers all the best culinary experiences Vancouver has to offer under one roof. So far, foodies can look forward to dining from the following confirmed vendors:
- Barnacle by Bar Bravo
- Boba Run
- DownLow Chicken
- Feenie’s
- Heritage Asian Eatery
- Kishimoto
- Lunch Lady
- MaKaam
- Mee Bar
- Mello
- Peacock by Vikram Vij
- Santo Taco
- Via Tevere
You’ll soon be able to visit 18 different kitchens led by award-winning chefs and rising stars in the food and drink scene in Vancouver, plus a dedicated dessert bar, coffee shop, and three full bars. So get excited, and get ready to taste test your way through some of the city’s best.
Your sign to do something random
Everyone needs to break out of their routine sometimes. So consider this your sign to show up and show out! Remember, you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it, or even know anything about it, to try. Your best foot forward is still just your foot, after all.
- Attend a Silent Book Club at the Vancouver Public Library on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
- Check out a free play pinball tournament at Slice of Life on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
- Watch a dark comedy theatre show about a struggling actress at The Cultch.
- Sing along to songs from the iconic musical, RENT, with the Vancouver Opera on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
- Put yourself out there at a free networking event and job fair on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
That’s all for now, Vancouver. Stay strong as we weather these gloomy skies, because there’s a good chance the sun will pop back out this weekend.
We’ll be back next week with more updates.
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