Vancouver 
A digest of What’s On in and around Vancouver during this weekend including free fun family activities, live music, performing arts & theatre, festivals and sports events.
Live Music on Weekdays are also listed.
Festivals, Other Events, & Activities: January 24 to 26, 2020
Contents:
- Family Activities
- Live Music/ Concerts & Music festivals
- Live Theatre & Theatre Festivals
- Sports
- All Other Events
I. Family & Kids Activities this Weekend
PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure
PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure on January 22, 2020 @ Abbotsford Centre
January 24 to 26, 2020
Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
$28 – $165+charges
Annual Divers’ Weekend
Celebrate the 21st anniversary of Divers’ Weekend at the Vancouver Aquarium. This much-loved event offers ocean lovers an opportunity to take an in-depth look at the fascinating underwater world. Divers and non-divers alike enjoy riveting dive demonstrations, intriguing exhibits, and informative presentations, inspiring them to explore and protect our vast oceans. Details
January 25th and 26th, 2020 | 10AM – 5PM
The Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Regular Admission
Lunar Fest Vancouver
There are hundreds of ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year through various cultures and customs. The new year is a chance to rise up to new challenges and look forward to better opportunities. The multicultural fabric that encompases our Canadian society is beautiful and worth celebrating. A teepee and yurt at LunarFest? All of our cultures are much more connected than they appear. Details
January 25 to 26, 2020 | 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, Vancouver
Free
Vive les voyageurs French-Canadian Festival
Shake off the winter blues and kick up your heels at our 11th annual French-Canadian winter festival! Enjoy interactive cultural experiences from Métis dancers to maple taffy and so much more. Join us to celebrate the importance of trappers, interpreters – and yes, voyageurs! – who helped shape the history of this site. Details
January 25 & 26, 2020 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada, Mavis Avenue, Langley
Regular Admission
Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
The Chinese New Year Parade will return for the 47th time on Jan 26, 2020.. This signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown will feature lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands. Details
Sunday, January 25, 2020 | 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Millennium Gate on Pender Street to Keefer Street
Free
Year of the Rat Temple Fair
Ring in the Lunar New Year at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden! Join us after the Spring Festival Parade in Chinatown to warm up and continue the festivities! Come with friends and family, and enjoy traditional crafts and activities, live music performances, tea tastings, a calligraphy contest, and more.
Sunday, January 26, 2020 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Free
Canyon Lights
Re-capture the feeling of wonder and excitement of the holiday season and be amazed by the hundreds of thousands of lights throughout the park. The suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk, the rainforest and canyon are transformed into a world of festive lights and visual enchantment. Details
Through January 26, 2020
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Regular Admission
River District Lunar New Year Celebrations
River District is hosting its annual Lunar New Year Celebration, with traditional lion dance performances at the Town Centre starting at 11AM to bring good luck and fortune to individuals and businesses. There will be lucky red envelopes, fortune cookies, lunar new year themed drink tastings inside Everything Wine, fried rice and sweet treats by Westminster Savings, a herbal tea station at River District physio and more!
Saturday January 25, 2020 | 11 AM – 2 PM
River District Town Centre, Sawmill Crescent & River District Crossing
River District Neighbourhood Centre, 8683 Kerr Street, Vancouver
Free
More Family Activities
1. Vancouver Public Library holds plenty of fun events throughout the year! Have fun times for free!
2. See a movie.
Family friendly movies to see during winter season
Cineplex Family Favourites: Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99.
3. Every Sunday, Vancouver Art Gallery offers FREE admission for children 12 & under when accompanied by an adult. Sundays at the Gallery offers a unique art experience for children and their families to have free and regular access to all of the Gallery’s exhibitions as well as the Weekly Family Programs, which feature family-geared programming that explores themes and activities related to the current exhibitions.
4. Museum Tots
This program, geared toward children ages 2 – 5, explores the museum world of learning through play, crafts, dance, and games.
Saturdays | 11 AM –12 PM @ The Maritime Museum of BC
II. Live Music & Concerts This Week in Vancouver
Concert Tours/EDM and Weekday Concerts
Concert Tours in Vancouver – 2020
- Rex Orange County – The Pony Tour on Monday, January 20, 2020 | 7:00 PM @ PNE Forum
- Tinlicker on Friday, January 24 | 10:00 PM @ Celebrities
- Wax Motif on Friday, January 24, 2020 | 10:00 PM @ MIA Nightclub
- The Lil Smokies on Friday, January 24, 2020 | 7:00 PM @ Biltmore Cabaret
- Dermot Kennedy: Without Fear Tour on Friday, January 24 | 08:00 PM@ UBC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
- JAUZ – Dangerous Waters Tour on Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10:30 PM @ Commodore Ballroom
- Genix on Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10:00 PM @ Celebrities Underground, 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver
- COONE on Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10:00 PM @ Harbour Event Centre
- Leif Vollebekk on Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 8:00 PM @ Imperial
- Alexisonfire on Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 6:00 PM @ Pacific Coliseum, 100 N. Renfrew St., Vancouver
- Paravel w/ Kassie K on Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 7:00 PM @ The Roxy Cabaret
- Lucas and Arthur Jussen on Sunday, January 26 | 3 PM @ Vancouver Playhouse
Byrds and Bees
Vancouver Chamber Choir Jon Washburn, conductor Our Founder & Conductor Emeritus presents choral favourites, but with a misleading title. There’s music by Byrd and three Bs – Brahms/Britten/Bernstein – but nothing naughty is going on! It’s sacred music (wonderful motets, a beautiful Missa Brevis), plus music of nature, a world premiere by Ešenvalds. Details
Friday, January 24, 2020 | 7:30 PM
Pacific Spirit United Church, 2205 W. 45th Ave., Vancouver
$33+charges
New Year’s Winterfest 2020
2 night showcase of some of the best metal acts around! Featuring ANCIIENTS, The Hallowed Catharsis, GROSS MISCONDUCT, and many more! Details
January 24 & 25, 2020
Rickshaw Theatre, 254 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver
$22.50 – $40.00
Elevate Finale
The finale of ELEVATE will see our three finalists Noble Son, Strange Breed, and Michaela Slinger compete on the legendary Vogue stage for the grand prize! Join us for an amazing night celebrating extraordinary Vancouver talent and the music community! Details
Friday, January 24, 2020, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St, Vancouver
$15
Symphonie Fantastique: Märkl Conducts Berlioz, Ravel, Saint-Saëns
Audience-favourite Maestro Jun Märkl returns with a program tracing the evolution of the French sound: lush and masterful orchestration, cyclical forms, and great thematic cohesion. Young Hungarian cellist István Várdai brings his famed “Du Pré-Harrell” Stradivarius, built in 1673, to tackle Saint-Saëns’ beloved Concerto No. 1. Details
January 24 to 26, 2020
Orpheum Theatre, 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
$16.50 – $115.00 + Applicable Charges
An Evening with Shari Ulrich and Bill Henderson
In an event celebrating the artistry of some Canada’s finest and best-loved songwriters and performers, multiple JUNO-award winner Shari Ulrich joins fellow musical superstar Bill Henderson for an evening of originals, much-loved hits, and newly-penned songs. Details
Saturday January 25, 2020 | 8:00 PM
The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
$29-42
LunarFest A Musical Banquet
One of the most important Lunar New Year celebrations is having a grand feast with your friends and family. In Taiwan, street banquets are known for being sumptuous and delicious. World-renowned Chai Found Music Workshop brings their chamber-music interpretation to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for the first time. Celebrate the Lunar New Year like no other with “A Musical Banquet: A Feast of Sumptuous Classical Music.” Details
Saturday January 25, 2020 | 7:30 PM
Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
$19.88
Howard Jones Trio
Howard Jones Acoustic Trio is an intimate stripped-down trip through Howard’s 30-year music career. Featuring Howard on electric piano, Robin Boult (Roger Daltry, Dave Stewart, Fish) on acoustic guitar and Nick Beggs (Kajagoogoo, Belinda Carlisle, John Paul Jones) on chapman stick, these shows deliver a fresh take on Howard’s best-known hits. These shows also provide the opportunity for the audience to hear first-hand about the inspiration behind Howard’s beloved material as well as stories from his touring career. Details
Sunday, January 26, 2020 | 7:00 PM
Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver
$42+charges
III. Live Theatre
- What’s On Stage
- It’s Just Drag! Starring:Brooke Lynn Hytes and Monet X Change on Friday, January 24, 2020 | 8:00 PM @ Commodore Ballroom
- Blizzard by FLIP Fabrique on Thursday, January 23, 2020, 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
- Comedy Ring Presents: Tyler Morrison on Thursday January 23, 2020 | 8 PM @ LanaLou’s Restaurant, 362 Powell St, Vancouver
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
January 21 to February 9, 2020
Various Venues, Vancouver
$15 and up
Unikkaaqtuat
Bridging ancient traditions and contemporary forms, this multidisciplinary new work highlights the talents of Inuit artists at a national and international scale. Inspired by Inuit founding myths, this unprecedented creation will celebrate the Inuit culture, its traditions, and vision for the future, through a cross-cultural collaboration. In an atmosphere shaped by video projections and a world of shadows, actors, live musicians, and acrobats will transport the audience to an ancient world when life had not known death, days had not seen light, and where Inuit had not met white people. Details
January 22 to 25, 2020
Vancouver Playhouse Theatre,600 Hamilton St, Vancouver
$20-$69
Noises Off
Noises Off, hailed as the funniest farce ever written, treats audiences to a hilarious peek at a second-tier acting troupe performing a show. With egos, insecurities, and tempers flaring backstage—and forgotten lines, missed cues, and misplaced sardines onstage—this cast threatens to strike the old adage “the show must go on.” Michael Frayn’s dizzying play-within-a-play classic is sure to leave you doubled over with laughter. Details
January 23–February 23, 2020
Arts Club Theatre Company, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
$29 & up
Smash Comedy Fest
Produced by Nasty Women Comedy, the second annual Smash Comedy Festival is a three-day comedy festival spotlighting Vancouver’s best and brightest women/trans/femme/plus performers. Smash Comedy Festival is guaranteed to be a hilarious time, combining wildly funny, feminist-forward comedy from an elite squad of sketch, improv and stand-up comedians, PLUS writing and improv workshops, dance parties and killer drag performances. Details
January 23 to 25, 2020
Various venues, Vancouver
$15 to $50
Hidden Wonders the Speakeasy Magic Experience
This amazing show has been extended! Hidden Wonders is a speakeasy-style performance venue hidden behind a fake business facade in Vancouver’s Chinatown and is the brainchild of two-time world champion of magic, Shawn Farquhar. The idea is part of a new trend in magic entertainment that focuses less on grand-scale illusions and more on intimate experiences that leave the audience awestruck and moved. Similar venues can be found in such cities as New York, Chicago and San Diego where they have become hugely popular. Details
Friday January 24, 2020 to Sunday March 22, 2020
Hidden Wonder Showroom, 434 Columbia Street, Vancouver
$35 – $60
The Changeling
A tale of hidden sexual desires, bloody deeds, and characters who realize their intentions are less than pure, Thomas Middleton and William Rowley’s The Changeling is one of the darkest and most sensual of the 17th century English tragedies. Details
Thursday January 16 to Saturday February 1, 2020
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver
$11.50 – $24.50
Always a Bridesmaid
For more than thirty years four Southern belles have been making “the long walk” to support each other’s various marriages. This includes wearing some of the funniest bridesmaids dresses ever designed. They test the patience of the determined and experienced wedding planner to the max, particularly when one songstress threatens to shatter the good crystal. Details
January 17 to February 1, 2020
Metro Theatre Vancouver, 1370 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver
$15 to $28
Gramma
Korean-born Maki is excited to begin her new life in a Regina basement suite, but her elderly landlady seems determined to treat her as nothing more than a servant. Playwright and actor of Suitcase Stories Maki Yi returns to Pacific Theatre with a poetic new tale of human connection in the loneliest of circumstances. What does it mean to connect? Directed by Laura McLean. Details
January 17 to February 1, 2020
Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
$20.00 to $36.50
The Shoplifters
Arts Club Production on Tour. Comic mishaps for society’s haves and have-nots. Meet Alma, a career shoplifter who prefers the “five-finger discount” over any senior citizen’s deal. When a grocery store theft goes awry, her elaborate life of petty crime is halted by an overzealous security guard and his affable mentor. Details
January 9–February 9, 2020
Various Venues, Metro Vancouver
$19 & up
House and Home
Jennifer Griffin’s biting, comic take on Vancouver’s current real estate crisis. Hilary, a waitress/poet turned social worker, and Henry, a Butoh dancer turned lawyer, didn’t know how lucky they were when they managed to escape bad roommates and buy a house before the real estate market skyrocketed. Details
January 11 to 25, 2020
Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E Cordova St, Vancouver
PWYC to $33
IV. Sports & Related Events
Whistler Pride and Ski Festival
Join in a for a week packed with winter-sport, culture, and entertainment. Each day begins with with daily guided ski/snowboarding groups followed by a free festival Après Skis at the host hotel, and nightly entertainment programming. FEATURING: * Daily guided ski/showboard groups * Theme Nights (Welcome Party, Game Night, #Throwback) * Private Spa Event and an Indoor Pool Party (bring cute swimwear) Details
January 26 – February 2, 2020
Various Venues, Whistler
free & ticketed events
V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events this Weekend
Street Food City
January 17, 2020 – February 6, 2020
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, Vancouver
Free entry
Dine Out Vancouver Festival
Produced by Tourism Vancouver, Dine Out Vancouver Festival is Canada’s largest annual celebration of food and drink. In addition to prix fixe menus at a record breaking number of participating restaurants across the city, foodies can choose from a range of unique culinary events. Details
January 17, 2020 – February 2, 2020
Various Venues, Vancouver
$20 and up
Dinner With A View
An intimate pop-up dining experience coming to Vancouver for a limited time only. Dine under the stars in clear frameless geodesic domes with a a blind 3-course menu expertly crafted by award winning celebrity chef. Meal options include Meat, Fish, and Vegan. All food is guaranteed to be shellfish, pork, and nut free. Details
January 15 – February 16, 2020
Ambleside Park, 1200 Argyle Ave
West Vancouver
$109.99 +dome fee
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
The Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival returns for its 10th year, bigger and better than ever, with Vancouver’s best chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes, gelato and ice cream makers coming together to make the humble hot chocolate hotter than it has ever been before. Details
January 18 – February 14, 2020
Various Locations, Vancouver
Varies
Dosed
Reel Causes is thrilled to present Dosed, a documentary that follows Adrianne as she turns to psychedelic medicine to overcome her depression, anxiety and addiction. Along with filmmakers Tyler Chandler and Nicholas Meyers, a representative from community cause, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Canada, will be participating in the post-film discussion. Details
Thursday January 23, 2020 | 7 PM to 10 PM
SFU Woodward’s, 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
$12 – $15
Vancouver Short Film Festival
January 24 to 26, 2020
Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
$10.00 – $80.00
Latin Women’s Business 2 Year Celebration
Latin Women’s Business is celebrating our 2 year anniversary. Join us on Saturday, January 25th. Both male and female professionals are invited to a night of good food, drinks, networking and more. Tickets cost $30 and include a 3 course dinner. We are pleased to bring you this event with the support of Audi, OpenRoad Audi, Freshslice Pizza, PVTAX, Cinco De Mayo Mexican Grill and All Around Design. Details
Saturday January 25, 2020 | 5 to 8 PM
OpenRoad Audi Boundary,3701 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby
$30
Planetarium Laser and Light Show
VidLaser GORILLAZ features the best from GORILLAZ over the years plus new songs from Humanz Choreographed LIVE with 360 lasers & video in an audiovisual feast for the senses! Details
Saturday, January 25 | 7:20 PM to 11:30 PM
BCIT Planetarium, 3700 Willingdon Avenue Building SW3,
Burnaby
$1.25 to $22
The Brunch Club Vancouver: Spice Girls
Get ready to spice up your life with a fun themed brunch like no other. The Brunch Club presents… THE SPICE GIRLS BRUNCH! People of the world, spice up your life! Every boy and every girl SPICE UP YOUR LIFE! Re-live you the most iconic part of your childhood with your BFF as you dance and sing along to all your favourite Spice Girls hits. This themed brunch will include 5 food items, Spice Girl trivia and of course karaoke. Details
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Charles Bar, 136 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
$45.00
F•R•I•E•N•D•S Brunch
You can now join us in The One Where They All Went For Brunch. The Brunch Club presents… A Friends themed brunch is coming to a Central Location near you and your ‘FRIENDS’ are invited to relive the nostalgia of your favourite episodes. You can now join us in The One Where They All Went For Brunch. Don’t worry there won’t be any of Rachel’s shepherd pie trifle on offer, but maybe a few moist-maker sandwiches of Ross’s, just make sure you put your name on them. If anyone spots Joey remember he doesn’t share food. Details
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Charles Bar, 136 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
$45.00
Repair Cafe
Repair Cafés are community gatherings where visitors get their broken household items fixed, FREE OF CHARGE, with the help of experienced volunteers. At a typical event, you can expect to see fixing stations for Electronics, Small Appliances, Textile, Jewelry, Woodwork and Bikes. Anything that can be carried in is welcome. Details
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier St, Vancouver
Free
Winter Used Book Sale
Every book lover will find something special at the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library’s Winter Used Book Sale this January! Details
January 23 to 25 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Central Library, 350 W. Georgia, Vancouver
Free
Weathered Beer Celebration 2020
Weathered Beer Celebration is a curated beer and art event, celebrating stouts, barleywine, hazy hops, sours, wild ales and lambic! Details
January 25 & 26, 2020
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
$100.00
It’s Just Drag: BRUNCH
It’s Just Drag: BRUNCH is the newest Drag event by TFD presents, bringing some of the best drag to an all ages audience…with food! Details
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Colony Bar Granville, 965 Granville Street, Vancouver
$40.00 – $500.00
Exhibition On Screen – Matisse from MoMA and Tate
Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs was hailed the most successful exhibition in Tate Modern’s history. This intimate, behind-the-scenes documentary, includes contributions from people who knew Matisse and experts such as curators, historians and the Tate and MoMA directors. The film includes breathtaking, specially commissioned performances by Royal Ballet principal dancer Zenaida Yanowsky and jazz musician Courtney Pine, a portrayal of Matisse by acclaimed British actor Simon Russell Beale, with narration by actor Rupert Young (Merlin). Details
Sunday January 26, 2020 | 3:00 PM
The ACT Arts Centre,11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge
$15-19
North Van Shipyards Food Tour
North Vancouver’s Lower Lonsdale’s Shipyard District hosts its emerging foodie scene. On this 2.5-hour food walking tour, you will learn about the historic ship building industry and early settlers to the area as you savor a delicious culinary experience. Details
Saturdays | 1:30 PM
Lonsdale Quay Bay 14, North Vancouver
$73.00
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Yeah Bill settle down piglet
yeah, BIll…you’re gonna have a jammer over two bucks.
So glad Im not going to the event with Bill. Imagine the rant he’d have on pay parking.
Bill, Billy & William all got 2 dollars for their allowance. What is the combined sum that they will spend?
👀