Fun workshops for grown-ups in Vancouver
Dinner and a movie always make for a fun night out, but when you're ready to shake up your routine and try something a bit less conventional, an adult workshop can be an exciting and rewarding treat. From chocolate-tasting and soap-making to exercising your funny bone with stand-up comedy or taking a scuba diving lesson, here are a few Vancouver activities that’ll arouse your senses and spice up your social life.
Xoxolat
1271 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y9Who says only kids can have fun in a candy store? Indulge in a Chocolate 101 session at Xoxolat (pronounced sho-sho-la), and you'll be treated to a sweet history lesson on the origins of cacao beans, and get to taste some scrumptious samples. Forget the common candy bar and discover decadent chocolate drinks and out-of-the-ordinary confections such as maple caramelized bacon. Workshop participants also enjoy 10 per cent off in-store purchases.
Dancey Ballroom and Dance Studio
505 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R1Do you have three spare hours and a desire to dance? Then head over to Dancey Ballroom for the studio’s signature Beginner Salsa Bootcamp. This popular workshop will introduce you to the basic Latin dance step in a casual and friendly environment. You don’t have to bring a partner, but couples do qualify for a modest discount. Once you've mastered the basics, you can move on to one of Dancey's other classes, including Tango, Cha-Cha, Ballroom and more.
Vancouver Urban Winery
55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3A3Vancouver Urban Winery’s Sunday school is nothing like the Sunday school of your childhood. Join fellow grape enthusiasts for a laidback-but-informative instructional session on all things vino. Hosted by sommeliers David Stansfield and Lisa Cook, these two-hour classes include "a little education and a lot of wine." Workshops are offered once a month and are $40 per person to attend.
Just Potters
1803 1st Avenue E, Vancouver, BC V5N 1B2Looking for a fun and creative way to bond with your co-workers? Try getting your hands dirty during a corporate team-building workshop at Just Potters. Create a group mosaic or maybe a few new coffee mugs for the break room. You'll be sculpting stronger working relationships in no time!
Paint Nite
Various venues, including The Irish Heather 210 Carrall Street, B6B 2J2 604-688-9779 If an evening of art and alcohol sounds like a plan, you're in luck. PaintNite regularly hosts painting events at The Irish Heather and a number of other bars and restaurants across the Lower Mainland. Trained artists help you create your own personal masterpiece while you enjoy good company and a cocktail. All painting supplies are provided, including canvases, colourful paints, brushes and a smock to protect your clothes from dripping paint (or a dripping crantini).
Instant Theatre Company
650A Broadway E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X6Tired of being laughed at for the wrong reasons? Why not learn performance secrets from a genuine stand-up comic and develop your own hilarious routine! After this four-session workshop at Instant Theatre Company, led by comedian Adam Pateman, you'll have developed at least five minutes of material and your own comedic voice. Participants then test their chops at their own comedy show.
Soigne Atelier
393 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1G5Enjoy the sweet smell of success that comes from making your own artisan soaps and bath fizziers. Soigne offers three different soap-making courses to choose from; classes range from two to four hours long and start at $55 per person. Working with all natural ingredients and pure essential oils, you'll create sudsy works of art to be proud of and leave with recipes to help recreate your formulas at home.
The Diving Locker
2743 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1P9If you're looking for an exciting new adventure, consider taking the plunge with an introductory scuba diving class. Submerge the stress of the day while learning how to breathe underwater under the safe supervision of a qualified PADI instructor. Diving Lock offers four-hour sessions that start in the classroom and end in the pool at UBC for a fun and informative aquatic experience.
