Whether you’re into Valentine’s Day or not, this week is slated to be an exciting one, filled with fun events, live shows, and special meals out. From the return of Just For Laughs to a pop-up Latin dance class, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (February 13-17).

Just For Laughs

Just For Laughs is Western Canada’s largest comedy festival, and every year, the organizers bring their A-game when it comes to creating the perfect lineup of talent. This year? They’ve gone above and beyond – casting everyone from Sarah Silverman and Tim Dillon to Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness and Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey from The Office.

The festival officially begins this week on Thursday, February 16th – so now is prime time to snag some tickets to the shows you want to see!

When: February 16th to February 25th
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: Varies per show, 3-show passes available for $110+ fees

Enjoy a romantic meal for two 

If the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, consider this list a one-way ticket to a great Valentine’s Day Dinner. Whether you’re craving Italian, Japanese, or just want to go out for drinks, there are a ton of Valentine’s Day specials happening in Vancouver this week.

Where: See our picks above

Visit Artspeak Gallery

 

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The Artspeak Gallery in Gastown has a new exhibition to reveal this week: “No Neutral Language” by Kosisochukwu Nnebe and Chukwudubem Ukaigwe. The exhibition deals with the parallels of language as a medium of instruction – an interesting dialogical gallery that is definitely worth checking out.

Where: 233 Carrall Street

‘Heartbreak Hotel’ at Greta Bar

And now, for an Anti-Valentine’s pick. Greta Bar in Gastown has transformed into the ultimate “Heartbreak Hotel,” and between now and Tuesday, February 14th, you can drown out your heartbreak with some special cocktails ($13.34 each), like the Heartbreak Martini and the Pucker Up Passion Margarita. All jokes aside, a night out playing arcade games with friends sounds like the perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening, if you ask us.

The best part? $2 of each heartbreak-themed cocktail will be donated to the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. So drinks with a purpose!

When: Now until Tuesday, February 14th
Where: 50 West Cordova Street

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Un-Valentine’s Day improv at Granville Island

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate “the unromantic,” then look no further than this 90-minute “Un-Valentine’s Day” show at Granville Island’s Improv Centre. The show commences at 7:30 pm, and will no doubt be a fun way to connect with fellow Anti-Valentine’s Day folk.

When: Wednesday, February 15th
Where: 1502 Duranleau Street

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 

This Monday and Tuesday mark the last couple of days for chocolate lovers to enjoy this year’s Hot Chocolate Fest offerings, so don’t miss out! From Viva Cafe in Kits to Trafiq bakery on Main, here are all the participating cups of cocoa you can sip.

When: January 14th to February 14th
Where: Participating locations across Vancouver

Attend a hat-making workshop

If you’re looking for a cute date idea that’s not food-related, consider attending a hat-making workshop at Gastown’s Cappelleria Bertacchi. Shape your favourite hat and sip some bubbly at this two-hour workshop.

When: Tuesday, February 14th
Where: 131 Water Street, #121
Cost: $200 for all materials and two glasses of wine

Vancouver Canucks

There are several Canucks games taking place in Vancouver this week, including a home game against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday, February 13th and the NY Rangers on Wednesday, February 15th.

When: Monday, February 13th and Wednesday, February 15th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way

Timmy Trumpet

As his name suggests, Timothy Jude Smith (AKA – Timmy Trumpet) combines his passion for DJ-ing and talent playing jazz instruments into one fusion genre. The Australian musician, DJ, and record producer is set to take center stage (along with his trumpet) on Friday, February 17th.

When: Friday, February 17th
Where: 760 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $84.91

Thrift some vintage fits

From Community Thrift to Mintage Mall, to all the hidden gems in between, here are some fantastic places to peruse if you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe with some cool vintage finds.

Where: See our picks above