Happy short week, Vancouver! The weekend will be here before you know it, so it’s a great time to dive into all the concerts, festivals, and events you can check out in the area in the meantime. Here are 10 of the best things to do in & around Vancouver this week (February 20-23).
Ice Cube – Straight Into Canada Tour
This one’s a bit of a journey and requires heading to Abbotsford, but if you’ve always wanted to see the cultural icon that is Ice Cube perform live, now’s your chance.
When: Tuesday, February 20th
Where: Abbotsford Centre
Cost: $171.36
Madonna
Whether you love her or love to hate her, Madonna is recognized as the undisputed queen of pop for a reason. And as the best-selling female solo touring artist of all time, seeing her perform live is the stuff of bucket lists. Vancouverites can see her onstage on Wednesday, February 21st.
When: Wednesday, February 21st
Where: Rogers Arena
Cost: $280.44+
Sponsored inclusion: Visit Cowichan
Craving a little peace and quiet? If you’re planning a Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or a solo weekend, you can’t get any more relaxing than a visit to the Cowichan region. This stunning string of communities on Vancouver Island is awash with old-growth forests, farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shopping, and a coastline that stretches for eternity. Take a wine tour, try out the cuisine, or enjoy a taste of the local art and culture. What better way to check out for a few days?
VMF Winter Arts Festival
Winter Arts Festival transcends boundaries, taking art beyond gallery walls and into the heart of urban environments, infusing city spaces with the magic of sculptures, projection mapping, augmented reality (AR), and live performances.
The 2024 festival is taking place in Vancouver and Victoria this February, and it will feature a ton of public art, live performances, pop-up dance parties, and more – all by a variety of local artists.
When: February 16th to 19th and February 22nd to 27th
Where: Victoria and Vancouver
PICS Mega Job Fair Vancouver
Now, we come to the PICS Mega Job Fair on Thursday, February 22nd. Taking place at the Croatian Cultural Centre from 10 am to 3 pm, this fair will include thousands of exhibitors, including retailers, restaurants, service providers, banks, credit unions, and crown corporations.
When: Thursday, February 22nd
Where: 3250 Commercial Drive
Black History Month at VIFF
In honour of Black History Month, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is hosting a new series celebrating Black filmmakers and artists. Visitors can catch a free screening of Mighty Jerome – an inspiring documentary paying tribute to the late Charles Officer every Thursday this month.
When: Every Thursday this February
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Cost: Tickets vary
HSBC Canada Sevens
Rugby lovers, take note. The 2024 Canada Sevens tournament will mark the 9th time that the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has visited Vancouver, and it kicks off this Friday, February 23rd.
When: Friday, February 23rd to 25th, 2024
Where: BC Place
Cost: $165 for GA
Black History Month at Pacific Arts Market
The Pacific Arts Market is celebrating Black History Month from February 3rd to February 25th with a special (nearly) month-long event honouring the amazing work of black artists in Vancouver.
Each weekend, organizers have planned a mix of art exhibitions, poetry readings, live music performances, workshops, and thought-provoking talks.
When: Saturday, February 3rd to February 25th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: $22.63
Check out a jazz night
No matter your beverage of choice, Vancouver has some stellar jazz nights to take advantage of on a weekly basis. So as long as you’re prepared to shell out the occasional cover fee here and there, consider this list a solid go-to for an after-work treat.
Where: See our picks above
Robson Square Ice Rink
There are only a couple of weeks left to take advantage of the Robson Square Ice Rink, so if you haven’t laced up your skates yet this winter, now’s your chance. Stop by on a spontaneous trip downtown, or plan a special pre-dinner visit on your next date night.
When: Open until February 28th
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
And that’s a wrap on the week, Vancouver! We hope it’s a great one.
