The 15^th annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival (January 20 to February 5) is quickly approaching, and food-lovers are already planning where to make reservations around town.

Besides pre-fixe menus being offered at various price points, there are also a number of innovative food-focused events taking place in the city.

The ticketed and date-specific happenings will feature various kinds of foods and drinks, new gastronomy knowledge, and a sense of fun (not your average meal at a restaurant).

Here are five culinary events to check out at Dine Out Vancouver 2017.

DISCOVER THE EAST VILLAGE CULINARY TOUR (2257 East Hastings Street)

Tour around Hastings Sunrise and try tasty fare (think Southern-style eggs benny, espresso and biscotti, charcuterie tasting, and more) from five local businesses. Some of the stops include Jackalope’s Neighbourhood Dive, Bianca Maria, and Steam. Since it will be a walking tour, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Tickets ($68 per person) are available for January (21, 22, 28, 29) and February (4 and 5) from 10 a.m. to noon.

NIGHTINGALE’S CHEF’S TABLE EXPERIENCE (1017 West Hastings Street)

Grab your family and friends for a family-style feast at one of the city’s most stylish eateries. Head chef Phil Scarfone will be creating dishes with seasonal produce and flavours. Tickets ($63.35 per person) are available for January 20 to February 5, with a suggested seating time at 6 p.m.

SECRET SUPPER SOIRÉE (1150 Station Street)

Take a culinary road trip on a 1930s trolley to taste canapés, drinks, and dinner at secret locations. This foodie tour is speakeasy-themed, so guests are encouraged to dress in fancy attire (but not required). Tickets ($125 per person) are available on January (20, 27, 28) and February 4, with departures at 7 p.m. (Fridays) and 6 p.m. (Saturdays). Latecomers are not permitted.

STREET FOOD CITY VI (Robson Street and South Plaza, Vancouver Art Gallery)

Indulge in all your favourite food truck fare on the South plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Some participants include Aussie Pie Guy, Le Tigre Cuisine, Melt City, Tacofino, Vijs’ Railway Express, Yolks, and Rocky Point Ice Cream. Entry to this week-long event (January 23 to 29) is free of charge, and takes place Monday to Friday (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and weekends (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  

OCEAN WISE POP-UP (Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way)

Check out this bistro dining experience at the Vancouver Aquarium, which will be offering dishes made with sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Menu items include Haida wild razor clam soup, brown butter & honey-glazed Skipper Otto ling cod, and sea salt caramel cheesecake, among others. Tickets ($58 per person) are available for January 20 to February 5, with seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.