Witching Hour YVR: The Coolest Kid-Friendly Cocktail Hour

I didn’t believe it. I could get to have a cocktail with my kiddo?! Didn’t think this would be possible for another 15 years, but Witching Hour YVR made it possible.

So, what’s a witching hour?

In case you have a perfect toddler and have no idea what witching hour is (lucky!!), it’s the time around late afternoon to evening where toddlers fuss and cry because it’s almost bedtime, but not. It also happens to coincide with Happy Hour! That usually means it’s not feasible to have a discounted drink at 5pm, but that’s where this event is a godsend for all us toddler parents.

The day before a huge snowfall in Vancouver, I picked up my daughter from preschool and headed straight to the heart of Mount Pleasant. (When kid-friendly cocktail parties call, you don’t waste a moment!).

My daughter didn’t know where I was taking her. She just knew it was for kids, and and she was all in.

Turns out, I was the first to arrive, so we got the pick of tables – and toys!

Cocktails for Cool Moms

Each ticket ($15 + tax) came with a cocktail ($12), so that in itself was worth it. I tried the Mango Sticky Rice. Although lightly sweet and palatable, there wasn’t the ‘oomph’ I’m used to with the actual dessert. But keep in mind this is coming from someone who lives in East Van’s Little Saigon neighbourhood, and only a stone’s throw away from the best mango sticky rice dessert in the city (that, I’ll keep a secret).

Since its inception, Witching Hour has been hosted at Please! Beverage Co – and the space is gorgeous! It was my first time there and I immediately noticed the highly kid-friendly design. The light birch coloured tables with an overly rounded oval shape looked like Montessori-inspired retail design; great for kids to use, beautiful for adults to enjoy.

Little Things that Made a Big Difference

One of the best (but littlest) thing was seeing milk bottles and snack boxes next to cocktails and JamJar appies. I didn’t think it was kosher to bring in her snacks so I’d refrained. But knowing it’s normal, hell yes I’m doing this next time! Although I’m sure she’ll object because she fell in love with the pita chips an dips. I did too.

Native Shoes surprised us by showing up with free toddler + adult shoes! I haven’t been to a media event for a while, and the two times I attended ones for Native (their original launch and their Gastown store opening), I didn’t get my size, so this was so satisfying getting a pair that fit my toddler.

Pro Tips

My friends arrived just as we were about to leave, but that was a blessing in disguise. I enjoyed getting to know other friendly moms around the city, something I don’t get to do too often. I’m not exactly the mommy-and-me type person. But add in cocktails? YES!

Tips to Minimize Toddler Tantrums

1. Get there early. By the time 5pm rolls around it’s bumpin (aka no more tables and you’ll be bumpin into people)
2. Bring snacks. The menu by JamJar is great! But don’t expect goldfish or cheese and crackers. It seemed okay for people to bring kid snacks so I’d suggest you do the same.
3. Be Open to Meeting New Friends. I think the best thing that comes out of these kind of events is the opportunity to connect with other fellow parents of toddlers. Who cares if you might never see them again? Think of it like talking to strangers at an airport; there’s beauty in having one-time conversations.

We were only able to stay for just over an hour before I need to go home to nurse the littler one, but the whole thing was so much fun! I’m signing up for the next one on Feb 20th when tickets go on sale this Friday, and you should too! Cuz they sell out fast, and I missed out on a few already.

Major props to Stacey McLachlan, the mastermind behind this incredibly cool mom (and dad) event. I can’t wait for the next one!

xo, Miranda