ZamalaJournal

The Zamala Journal

The people who make Vancouver celebrate.

Spotlights, guides and stories from the event Pros our community loves.

Close-up of a bride's two open palms covered in intricate dark henna, gold and pink bangles at her wrists, her blurred magenta and gold outfit behind
Guide

How to plan a sangeet or mehndi night in Metro Vancouver

The room, the sound, the henna, the food and the paper, and where to start if your wedding falls between December and the spring.

November 4, 20265 min read

Spotlight

View all
An overhead view of a mezze spread on a wooden table: hummus topped with chickpeas, a red dip with a walnut and mint, three fried kibbeh on white spoons, folded pastries, a creamy dip scattered with pomegranate seeds, kale and pink flowers.
Spotlight

Tayybeh: Syrian catering and family-style dinners in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

Tayybeh started as pop-up dinners in 2016. Now the newcomer women in its kitchen cook Syrian food for group dinners in Mount Pleasant and catering across Metro Vancouver.

November 3, 20264 min read

A smiling couple arm in arm behind a low table banked with white roses, the bride in a patterned gown and veil, the groom in a teal suit and bow tie, with white candelabras, green apples, grapes and rows of lavender and pink flowers behind.
Spotlight

Viva Events & Decor: Sofreh Aghd and wedding décor in North Vancouver

Mariya on the Sofreh pieces couples ask about most, and on bringing two families' traditions into one wedding so both sides feel respected and represented.

October 29, 20265 min read

A table of Brazilian party food from Gimme Bakery in Vancouver: coxinhas, brigadeiros in paper cups, cheese bread and a chocolate cake topped with strawberries.
Spotlight

Gimme Bakery: the Brazilian party food in Vancouver

Two friends, a scooter and a Brazilian party-food kitchen that can have your order ready the same day.

October 6, 20263 min read

Guide

View all
A close-up of hands holding a white rose bouquet
Guide

Wedding flowers in Vancouver, piece by piece: the list to bring to your florist

Every piece a wedding can have, what decides how many of each, what it tends to cost, and what to drop when the quote comes back.

October 31, 20266 min read

A group of friends at a long table on a restaurant's covered terrace at dusk, with shared plates, candles and wine
Guide

Private dining in Vancouver for 10 to 40 guests: rooms, buy-outs and how to arrange it

What the headcount changes, set and family-style menus for a group, how much notice to give, bringing your own wine, and a private chef who cooks at your home.

October 30, 20266 min read

A group of friends raising wine glasses in a toast at an evening celebration
Guide

How far ahead to hire for a December celebration in Vancouver

Realistic lead times for caterers, DJs, bakers and photographers, what to put in your first message, and how to plan if you're starting in late October.

October 24, 20265 min read

A cocktail handed from one person to another across a marble counter, with star anise and a lit candle beside it
Guide

How to hire a bartender for a home party in Vancouver

How many you need, who buys the alcohol, whether a party at home needs a permit, Serving It Right, and what to ask before you hire.

October 22, 20266 min read

Raised glasses at a long table under warm string lights
Guide

How to throw an office holiday party on a small budget in Vancouver

Where a small number goes furthest, lunch or evening, the office or a community-centre room, and when a liquor permit comes in.

October 16, 20266 min read

A couple under an umbrella on a forest floor of fallen leaves in the rain
Guide

Fall engagement photos in Vancouver: where to go before the rain sets in

The gardens, beaches and forests worth the trip this fall, when the light is best, what to do when it pours, and the rules some parks set for a photo session.

October 14, 20266 min read

Community

View all
A small boat crosses a stretch of water in Vancouver on a grey autumn day, with autumn-coloured shoreline trees, highrise towers and cloud-wrapped mountains behind
Community

What's on in Vancouver this week: Nov 2 – 8, 2026

Two free Diwali Fest celebrations, Ballet BC's 40th-season opener, Prokofiev's Cinderella at the Orpheum, six days of music on Granville Island and Bear Creek Lights in Surrey.

November 2, 20265 min read

People walking the Stanley Park seawall in Vancouver after an autumn rain, with the downtown skyline hazy in the distance
Community

What's on in Vancouver this week: Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2026

A silent film with live organ at the Orpheum, Halloween in Burnaby and on Granville Island, the Lions' playoff game, the Parade of Lost Souls and Tosca's final performance.

October 26, 20265 min read

Vancouver's downtown skyline and the white sails of Canada Place lit up at night, reflected in the water across the harbour
Community

What's on in Vancouver this week: Oct 19 – 25, 2026

The Stanley Cup champions at Rogers Arena, Astra Lumina opening in Stanley Park, Diwali at Marine Gateway, short track back at the Coliseum and the Writers Fest's closing night.

October 20, 20264 min read

A singer playing guitar on a small stage with the crowd close by
Community

Halloween in Vancouver 2026: the nights with a live band

A forró party on East Hastings, a costume contest at the Astoria, a free parade in East Van — and what these nights teach you about throwing your own.

October 15, 20264 min read

Orange and yellow autumn trees in front of the Vancouver skyline
Community

What's on in Vancouver this week: Oct 12 – 18, 2026

Thanksgiving Monday on Granville Island, three Bruno Mars nights at BC Place, apples at UBC and the Vancouver Writers Fest opening at the Orpheum.

October 12, 20265 min read

A long dining table at home set for eight, plaid napkins on white plates and red flowers down the middle
Community

Hosting Thanksgiving for a big family in Vancouver: seats, turkey and the market

How to measure your table for a crowd, size and thaw the turkey in time for Monday, shop the markets still open this weekend, and share the cooking so you get to sit down too.

September 30, 20266 min read

More stories

The full band and guests gathered together with the audience at the end of the show, everyone smiling for a group photo at Zameen Art House.
Real Celebrations

The birthday that turned into our first show

A full house on Granville Island, a band and a set list that ran from Caetano Veloso to Amy Winehouse.

September 15, 20265 min read