While the winter months can feel a bit slower in pace, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a ton of exciting things to do around the city this time of year. From the return of the largest comedy festival in Western Canada to special Valentine’s Day events, to celebrating Black History Month – here are 30 exciting things to do in and around Vancouver this February.
Live Events & Concerts
Night Lovell
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Canadian rapper, songwriter, and record producer Night Lovell (AKA Shermar Cuba Paul) initially gained fame after his song “Dark Light” went viral online in 2014, now known for his unique dark, atmospheric sound. Lovell will bring his “I Hope You’re Happy Tour” to Vancouver on
When: Wednesday, February 7th
Where: The Commodore
Cost: $51.25
The Strumbellas
Genre-defying The Strumbellas are a Canadian rock band from Linsday, Ontario, formed back in 2008. They’re known for their ‘gothic folk’ sound, described as an alternative country/ indie rock band.
When: Friday, February 9th
Where: The Commodore
Cost: $53.75
Feist
Feist is bringing her Multitudes Finale Tour to Vancouver on Monday, February 12th and Tuesday, February 13th. The Canadian indie pop singer-songwriter is known as both a solo artist and a member of the indie rock group Broken Social Scene.
When: Monday, February 12th and Tuesday, February 13th
Where: The Commodore
Cost: $129.71
FOUNDATION – 1-Year Anniversary with Eric Prydz & Special Guests
Eric Sheridan Prydz is known by many names, including Pryda and Cirez D – and is a Swedish DJ coming to Vancouver on Saturday, February 17th. He rose to fame with his 2004 single “Call on Me”, and has since seen more success with his chart-topping singles.
When: Saturday, February 17th
Where: Pacific Coliseum
Cost: $88.50
Ice Cube – Straight Into Canada Tour
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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+
Sam Roberts Band
Sam Roberts Band consists of lead Sam Roberts, a Canadian rock singer-songwriter who has released seven albums total so far, four of which are with his bandmates. The band will perform in Vancouver on Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th at The Commodore.
When: Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th
Where: The Commodore
Cost: $115.43
See an improv show
From Date Night improv to monthly standup sessions, House Team showcases, and more – there’s always something exciting going on at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. And if you’re ready for even more fun this season, you’ll want to check out their Kiss & Tell show on Valentine’s Day, and their Single, Not Single show on Fridays and Saturdays this month.
Where: 1502 Duranleau Street
Arts & Culture
Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence
From 3 to 7 pm on Thursday, February 1st, the Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey Civic Theatres is hosting a free event with inspirational speakers, food, music, and dance – bringing over 200 people together to celebrate the talent, cultures, and achievements of black communities in Canada.
When: Thursday, February 1st
Where: 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free admission
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
Happy Valentine’s Sip ‘n Shop Event
Pacific Arts is hosting a special Valentine’s Day market where guests can sip on delightful drinks as they shop for gifts for their loved ones. If you’re looking to shop local and find something one-of-a-kind to give your favourite person (or yourself), it’s worth checking out!
When: Sunday, February 11th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: $9.85
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 Bill Burr to Ronny Chieng, to Bob the Drag Queen.
When: February 15th to 24th, 2024
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: Varies per show
VMF Winter Arts Festival
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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
Take a free class at VPL
In addition to an official Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, February 10th, visitors at the VPL can participate in multiple free events and workshops honouring the lived experiences of black communities. For starters, there’s Morgan Campbell’s “My Fighting Family” on Monday, February 12th and a “Virtual Tween Book Club” on Thursday, February 22nd.
Where: See our picks above
Food & Drink
Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
Chocolate lovers likely need no reminder that Vancouver’s beloved Hot Chocolate Fest is in full swing, but we’ll give one anyway. Hot chocolate enthusiasts have until February 14th to check out over 100 new specialty cups of cocoa at dozens of participating cafes and bakeries – and it’s certainly way cheaper than a night out!
When: January 13th to February 14th
Where: Participating vendors across Metro Vancouver
Vancouver International Wine Festival
In just a few short weeks, the Vancouver International Wine Fest is returning to the city for its 45th installment. Running for an entire week this month and attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the festival is easily one of the largest of its kind in Canada. It’s not without good reason, as it attracts producers from all over the world, both big and small.
This year’s festival will focus on winemakers from Italy, with 71 of the 149 participating wineries pouring delicious Italian wines from all over the countryside.
When: Saturday, February 24th to Sunday, March 3rd, 2024
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: Varies per tasting
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
Hang out at a wine bar
The power of good wine and good company cannot be overstated, and since Vancouver has a ton of great wine bars – this list is a great starting point if you’re trying to find a new spot this month. Add in some charcuterie boards and low lighting, and you’ve got the perfect date night combo!
Where: See our picks above
Swing by your local Farmers’ Market
You better believe that we think a trip to the farmers market is worthwhile any time of year! Picking up great groceries from local producers? This requires no selling on our part.
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Enjoy some covered patios
Whether it’s just drizzly or full-out storming, there are (thankfully) plenty of covered patios in Vancouver to choose from. Why not make the most of them and sip on a couple of happy hour bevies this month?
Where: See our picks above
Sports & Outdoors
Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Ready to treat yourself and a loved one to a special illuminated experience this Valentine’s Day? North Vancouver’s famed Capilano Suspension Bridge is set to transform for much of February, and if you loved their holiday-themed Canyon Lights display, you’ll definitely want to check this out.
When: Friday, February 2nd to February 25th
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $59.95 to $66.95 per adult
HSBC Canada Sevens
Rugby lovers, take note. Tournament passes for this year’s HSBC Canada Sevens event are currently on sale, so snag some before the craze begins. The 2024 tournament will mark the 9th time that the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has visited Vancouver, with full men’s and women’s series tournaments running simultaneously.
When: February 23rd to 25th, 2024
Where: BC Place
Cost: $165 for GA
Snowshoeing at Cypress
Ok, emphasis on the ‘around’ Vancouver part here. But, if you’re ready to take a day trip this month, know that Cypress Mountain has got a serious amount of snowshoe trails for you to explore. Our advice? Check in with your more outdoorsy friends and family to secure a pair, and eliminate half the cost of a trip out!
When: Open until mid-April
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $20 without rentals, $38 with snowshoe rentals
Snow Tubing at Mt. Seymour
Tubing (or tobogganing) is certainly a rare opportunity for Vancouverites. Luckily, you can enjoy both on dedicated hills at Mt. Seymour. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, or as a way to unwind after a day on the actual slopes.
When: Open throughout February
Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $10+
Downhill Skiing
Speaking of actual slopes, we can’t forget that all three of Metro Vancouver’s mountains offer great, close-to-home on-piste options. This is a no-brainer pick, so all we’ll say is that you’re better off playing hooky during the week than trying to visit on the weekend.
When: Open throughout February
Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver and 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Vancouver Giants
Switching gears a bit, the month wouldn’t be complete without a little action from the Vancouver Giants. Head to the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre to watch them face off against the Cougars, Silvertips, the Wild, Winterhawks, Chiefs, and Blazers.
Tickets start at just over $20 a pop, and you can view the full list of home games scheduled for this season here.
When: Games throughout February
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
Vancouver Canucks
Another sports pick coming your way. There are several Canucks games taking place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver this month. This includes games against the St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, the Winnipeg Jets, the Boston Bruins, and more.
When: Games throughout February
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Robson Square Ice Rink
For just $5 per skate rental, you can skate to your heart’s content at Robson’s Square. 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
Go on a classic winter stroll
A wintertime stroll in the new year is the perfect way to get some fresh air, reflect on the month and spend time with friends and family. So be it in snow, rain, or shine (or a combination of the three), here are some scenic walks to go on.
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on some fun things to do around Vancouver this February. Cheers!
