Summer is in full swing, and so is Vancouver’s culinary scene.

Not only are restaurants in the city serving up special meals and menus, various local venues are also hosting food-themed events to satisfy bellies.

Here are five food and drink events happening around Metro Vancouver this month, which are worth checking out if you’re staying in town.

Toast to the Coast Gala at Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avison Way)

Self-proclaimed as a “foodie fundraiser”, this annual event takes place on July 12 (7 p.m. to midnight) and shines a light on sustainable seafood practices and ocean conservation. Guests are usually dressed to the nines, where they can indulge in gourmet seafood fare prepped by some of the top culinary talents in the city. Libations are poured all evening, and you’ll be able to sip on countless wines, cocktails, and local craft beers.

Some of this year’s participating restaurants and beverage partners include Minami, Market by Jean-Georges, Fanny Bay Oysters, Arc at the Fairmont Waterfront, Lone Tree Cider, Vancouver Island Brewing, Oliver Osooyos Winery, Blasted Church Vineyards, and Windfall Cider, among many others.

Tickets ($150 per person) can be purchased online.

Backyard Community BBQ at Ubuntu Canteen (4194 Fraser Street)

Chef David Gunawan’s neighbourhood barbecue on July 14 (3 to 9 p.m.) at his Fraserhood eatery is as local and seasonal as it gets. Suitable for the entire brood, this one-day event (featuring DJs spinning some tunes) will feature grilled items like Tamworth and Berkshire pull-pork sandwich, K & M Farms smoked-chicken salads, cumin-smoked Stillmeadow Farm lamb, and grilled summer squash.

Finish off the summer meal with a pecan pie—find room for it even if your stomach runs out of space. Thirst-quenchers like local craft beer, rhubarb lavender lemonade, ginger beer, kombucha, housemade cocktails, and wines will be available.

Food and drink tickets ($5 to $10) can be purchased at the event.

Special Anniversary Dinner Menu at Origo Club (110–6888 River Road, Richmond)

Richmond’s upscale French eatery Origo Club is celebrating its first anniversary with a special table d’hôte menu ($59 per person, plus taxes and gratuity) from July 16 to 20. The three-course pre-fixe meal is considerably more affordable than its regular a la carte menu, and guests will be able to choose from mouthwatering dishes like bouillabaisse (clams, mussels, sea bass, and lobster saffron sauce), magret de canard (five-spice duck breast with ginger bok choy and tarragon purée),  huîtres gratinées (baked oysters with herb garlic and comté crumbs), and filet mignon de boeuf (beef tenderloin, mushroom puree, and sherry jus)—with the option to add shaved black truffle and foie gras for an additional cost.

Dessert options like a sorbet trio and chocolate mousse cake finish off the meal. Small pours of wine pairings are also available for an extra cost.

Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

Benjamin Bridge Lobster Boil at the Wine Bar at Provence Marinaside (1167 Marinaside Crescent)

Lobster-lovers take note: Provence Marinaside will be collaborating with Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge Vineyards for a special lobster and bubbly dinner on July 15 at 6:30 p.m. The meal kicks-off with a reception featuring Kusshi oysters and crab-and-shrimp cakes, before guests sit down at a long table for the main event.

A crowd-pleasing lobster pot filled with half lobsters, crab legs, prawns, mussels, sausages, corn on the cob, and potatoes will take center stage, paired with fresh baguettes and garlic butter. Rosé will be poured, before some blue cheeses with house-made crostini are served. As for dessert, expect a refreshing lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.

Tickets ($165 per person) are very limited, and can be purchased online.  

Princess Tea Party at Fairmont Vancouver Airport (3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond)

Pinkies up—those who are fond of finger sandwiches and fresh scones will want to mark their calendars for this special afternoon tea event. The fifth annual Princess Tea Party takes place at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport on July 19 (1 to 4 p.m.), and all proceeds go toward Canuck Place—a children’s hospice delivering care and counseling at no cost to families.

Feel free to dress up as a mermaid, as this year’s theme revolves around everything sea-related. The menu includes freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade fruit preserve, grilled cheeses, peanut butter-and-jelly rolls, and egg salad sandwiches. Sweet treats like a starfish orange sweet-dough cookie, seashell macaron, pearl chocolate truffle, and coral-reef cupcakes will also be served. Besides a tasty meal, children can also enjoy musical entertainment, a photo booth, and special appearances from Elsa and Ariel.

Tickets ($99 for adults and $49 for children 12 and under, plus taxes and gratuity) can be purchased by making an advanced reservation by calling 604-248-3281. Complimentary parking will be provided.