Here's a look at Vancouver's new spaces open for events this fall. The new and renovated Vancouver venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
A note regarding COVID-19: At BizBash, we're still committed to bringing you ideas and inspiration for when (yes, when!) events are back up and running. Some of the venues listed here may not yet be available for hosting events due to the pandemic, or they may be operating at a lower capacity.
Ophelia
From the same owners of WildTale and the Flying Pig restaurants, Ophelia is a Mexican restaurant that opened in July in Olympic Village. Named after chef Francisco Higareda’s mother, the restaurant is notable for its vibrant interior, which features a colorful mural and collection of Mexican folk-art sculptures of mythical creatures. Having worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain and France, as well as his own restaurant in Chihuahua, Mexico, Higareda is now using his expertise to bring authentic Mexican cuisine to Vancouver. The menu offers drinks such as tequila, mezcal, and handcrafted cocktails. With a capacity of 100 seated and 155 standing, Ophelia is available for buyouts and offers a covered and heated patio for year-round use.
Photo: Courtesy of Ophelia
The Chickadee Room
A pop-up at Chinatown’s Juke Fried Chicken, The Chickadee Room was created during the age of COVID-19 and is characterized by its reduced-contact, choose-your-own-cocktail experience. The bar allows guests to customize and order from an array of handcrafted signature and classic cocktails. They can choose from more than 50 different spirit labels, or opt for “dealer’s choice” drinks that can be tailored to suit their preferred style and flavor profile. Besides drinks, the pop-up will continue to serve Juke Fried Chicken’s signature menu of Southern fried chicken and ribs. With a capacity of 22, the venue is available for buyouts and also includes a full audiovisual setup for events.
Photo: Courtesy of The Chickadee Room
Vancouver International Film Festival Centre
The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) Centre reopened in September after a $2.8 million renovation, designed by McFarlane Biggar Architects + Designers. The renovation marks the center’s first major update since it was built 15 years ago. Now, in addition to its 169-seat, state-of-the-art Vancity Theatre, the venue boasts a 41-seat Studio Theatre equipped with a 17-foot-wide screen; a 500-square-foot Education Suite with a presentation system; a New Media Lab equipped with displays and VR headset systems; and a new Atrium event space suitable for receptions and performances. Each of these spaces is available for private bookings.
Photo: Andrew Latreille
Straight and Marrow
Located in Vancouver’s East Village, Straight and Marrow is a new eatery and cocktail bar that opened in July. The long, narrow venue has a capacity of 25 and features a 12-seat bar, striking light fixtures, and custom-built wall panels with decorative copper and wood elements. In terms of food, chef and restaurateur Chris Lam pays homage to his Asian heritage with dishes like the “KFC” Korean fried chicken oysters. He also adopts a sustainable dining philosophy that reduces food waste by highlighting unique and unusual cuts of meat and offal. The bar is led by Chad Rivard, who brings a list of sophisticated yet playful cocktails. Open on Wednesdays to Sundays, the venue is available for buyouts during the remaining days of the week.
Photo: Courtesy of Straight and Marrow
Hotel Zed Tofino
Opened in August, Hotel Zed Tofino is the brand’s third location in British Columbia. Located on Vancouver Island right by the water, the hotel is walking-distance away from iconic beaches and lush rainforests, and a short drive from town. Its colorful exterior is unmissable, and its 1970s-inspired interior is just as unique. Besides its 58 rooms, the hotel features a living room, office, mini disco, arcade, and a bike path that runs right through the lobby. Soon, there will also be a restaurant and bar, rooftop patio, and barrel sauna and hot tub in the nearby rainforest. The hotel is pet friendly and offers free parking and Wi-Fi. Since it is located on the traditional land of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, the business is a part of the Tribal Parks Allies, which supports the protection and restoration of the First Nation’s land and culture.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Zed Tofino
