Today we were gathered at Metropolis at Metrotown to take in their newest installation for summer.
For the first time ever, BC’s largest mall will be hosting a Night Market. For one weekend only, starting July 4th to the 7th visitors can “keep cool” with this “Under The Sea” themed experience.
Located in the outdoor South Plaza by Chipotle. Parking by Zara underground gives you the closest proximity to the event. And it is complimentary 4-hour parking at the shopping centre.
The Market is free to enter and features local street vendors Wakwak Burgers, WA Bagel, Butcher’s Block BBQ, La Meza Grill, Don Oso, Connies Cravings, and Bak’d.
The following is the order that I had them. However, please note that your servings may be different as I got sample sizes.
Discovered Wa Bagels here, as the only bagels with their flavour profile baked right into the dough, and not as a filling or a spread. They are from the same restaurant group that is responsible for the wildly popular Miku & Minami Japanese restaurants. They flew their baker in from Japan just to prepare these bagels.
I enjoyed the tasty beef birria tacos from Don Oso restaurant. They have one location on Commercial Drive in Vancouver and the other in Burnaby Heights. The melted cheese and fresh diced onion and cilantro are the key, finished off with a healthy dunk into their beef jus.
The one bite mini lechon (crispy pork) and chicken sisig tacos from La Meza Grill were a fun and easy street snack, ideal for eating and moving at the same time.
Bak’d had giant classic cookies with a twist like matcha latte, caramel macchiato, and birthday cake with sprinkles.
There were fried chicken & smash burger sliders on a skewer with fresh fried potato fries, served in mini take out boxes just like how they make it in their Wak Wak Burger food truck.
Another Burnaby Heights restaurant, Butcher’s Block is here offering Southern style bbq with sides. Today we tried their pulled pork and beef brisket with a side of slaw and corn bread.
And another cookie option at the Metrotown Night Market is from Connie’s Cravings. She specializes in whimsical cookies with a childhood element as well as ones with familiar Asian flavours. There was a cookie with fruity pebbles and one with teddy grams, plus she had flavours like biscoff brownie and ube coconut.
You order what you want and get to enjoy it a colourful and fun decorative setting. Bubbles, fish, coral, and seaweed.
There are aquatic mascots shooting bubbles and live music to enjoy. You can also take in a street circus with dancers and flame throwers.
There are plenty of photo ops, with free photos from a booth with an Under the Sea backdrop.
Kids can have their face painted and get balloon animals that they can wear on their wrists.
And for every $25 spent at the night market, visitors get to spin the wheel to win a prize.
Night Market at the Met takes place July 4 (5-10pm), July 5 and 6 (4-10pm), and July 7 (4-8pm). It is located at the centre’s outdoor South Plaza on Central Boulevard, facing the Metrotown SkyTrain Station.
However, if you rather keep cool indoors, you can still immerse yourself in underwater decor within the mall. There are several installations hosted at several mini-parks throughout the centre. Expect jellyfish, coral reef, and seaweed décor, along with a colourful assortment of sea creatures.
The largest display is located in the Grand Court. And here you can take professionally managed photos for $20. Available from July 17-19, 11am-5pm; and July 20-28, 11am-7pm. In addition to ocean-themed props, the display features a fun and engaging sea creature that visitors can also pose with. And a portion of proceeds will be donated to Ocean Wise in support for sustainable seafood. Guests can reserve their photo spot at www.metropolisatmetrotown.com.
On July 13 and 14, also in the Grand Court, guest can expect a six-metre inflatable dome displaying 360-degree 4K footage of stunning ocean environments. This is a taste of “ocean life under a Sea Dome”, hosted by Ocean Wise. Here, visitors can speak with expert educators about threats to the ocean and actions for it protection, then explore interactive learning stations with ocean artifacts.
Looking for more sea creatures? You can watch the Under the Sea parade on July 6th and 20th, and on August 3, from 12pm-1:30pm. Parade participants will be adorned in eye-popping sea creature costumes designed by Lazy Wizard. The parade starts at Zara and ends in the Grand Court. Performers will congregate at each mini-park, providing the perfect photo opportunity for shoppers.
And since you are already in the mall, you might as well do some shopping because if/when you spend $150 you will receive a free gift that is said to be “perfect for the pool or beach”.
Also from now until September 2, you can pick up a Summer Passport at Guest Services that encourages you to explore the mall. Follow the instructions to take photos, find free samples (including ice cream and drinks), and collect stamps. Seven stamps earns a gift, and 10 stamps earns a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards to Metropolis at Metrotown.
