Photo via Fever
Maybe you want to treat yourself and your date to something new this season – be it a show, an activity, or an experience outdoors. And we’re here to share a couple of ‘quirkier’ date ideas that don’t require much planning at all! From a candlelit concert to making your own mosaic lamp, here are some spontaneous date ideas you can try out in Vancouver this cozy season.
The Mount Pleasant Trees Coffee is hosting a free live music night every Thursday this November, which means your next coffee date just got that much cozier and enjoyable. Treat yourself to your favourite warm beverage, flowing conversation, and tunes by local talent.
When: Every Thursday this November from 6 pm to 8 pm
Where: 255 East Broadway
Cost: Free admission
From Queen to Ed Sheeran, to Coldplay, to holiday classics, there are a ton of Candlelight Concerts taking place across the city this season. And honestly, there’s nothing more romantic than dim lighting and beautiful orchestral music!
Where: Various locations depending on performance
For a limited time over the holiday season, Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours is bringing back its iconic Holiday History & Hot Chocolate Tour, which dives into downtown’s most historic heritage buildings and takes participants to the city’s beloved “gingerbread lane” – among other festive destinations. Best of all? You’ll get to walk hand in hand with your date with some tasty cocoa from Trees!
When: Dates in November, December, and January
Where: Multiple locations in Vancouver
Cost: $49 per person, including hot chocolate
Set in the modern-day U.S., this theatrical show is a tribute to the hit ’80s series The Golden Girls, featuring four men in the roles of the iconic characters of the Golden Girls – as if the series never went off the air. The 18+ performance is sure to spice up your next date night.
When: Tuesday, November 12th to Saturday, November 16th
Where: Vancouver Playhouse
Cost: $62.25+
Here’s a fun one! Mosaic Art Studio in Vancouver offers guests the chance to create their own, one-of-a-kind Turkish mosaic lamps ($79 per person) Best of all? No knowledge or prior experience is required, and you get to take home your beautiful creations.
Where: 332 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Now, for a bit of arts and culture. The Vancouver Art Gallery offers visitors free admission the first Friday of every month, from 4 to 8 pm, which means the next free night is on Friday, October 4th.
When: Friday, October 4th and the first Friday of every month
Where: 750 Hornby Street
The beloved Eastside Culture Crawl is now in its 28th year, spotlighting the incredible work of hundreds of local artists. Visitors of the crawl can explore tons of open studios across Vancouver’s Eastside, with mediums ranging from paintings, sculptures, and pottery to fun prints, glassware, furniture, and jewelry.
When: Thursday, November 14th to Sunday, November 17th
Where: Venues at Columbia Street, First Avenue, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront
Cost: Free admission
The 21st annual DTES Heart of the City Festival is coming up at the end of October and will last through mid-November, and will feature over 100 local events across 40 venues – both indoors and out. With the 2024 theme of ‘Threads of Connection,’ the 2024 fest will take place over 12 days, showcasing music, stories, poetry, theatre, films, dance, ceremony, and much more.
When: Wednesday, October 30th to Sunday, November 10th
Where: 250 to 111 West Hastings
Cost: Free admission
One of Vancouver’s best-known improv theatre companies is always a fun time, especially this time of year. Right now, you can check out “Betrayers” on Fridays and Saturdays until November 2nd, as well as a ton of regular weekly shows, including TheatreSports, Date Night Wednesdays, Blockbuster Thursdays, Stand-up (November 3rd), and the upcoming 12th-year edition of Improv Against Humanity (November 16th).
When: Multiple dates this November
Where: 1502 Duranleau Street
Cost: Varies by seat
The Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden is somehow even more magical in the fall, with vibrant maple leaves to welcome you. Enjoy a quiet stroll or simply sit and immerse yourself in nature.
When: Open throughout the fall
Where: 1895 Lower Mall, UBC
Cost: $7 per person
With whimsical characters, daring acrobatics, and vibrant costuming and sets, ECHO is a celebration of everything we know & love about Cirque du Soleil. And the show makes for an exciting date night activity if you’re looking for something to bond over!
When: Wednesday, October 9th to December 15th
Where: Under the Big Top, Concord Pacific Place
Cost: $68 to $78+
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