Another weekend has nearly arrived, and there are tons of things to do around Vancouver that are worth braving the rain. From the return of Canada Sevens to this year’s International Wine Fest and VMF’s Winter Arts Festival, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (February 23-25).
HSBC Canada Sevens
Rugby lovers, take note. The highly anticipated 2024 Canada Sevens 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. And the fun takes place this weekend!
When: Friday, February 23rd to Sunday, February 25th
Where: BC Place
Cost: $165 for GA
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Starting this weekend, the Vancouver International Wine Fest is returning to the city for its 45th installment. Running for an entire week and attracting tens of thousands of visitors, the festival is easily one of the largest of its kind in Canada.
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
Sponsored pick: Birdies Charcoal Grill
This line-up-worthy take out spot has locals losing their minds over their Peruvian-style chicken. Birdies Charcoal Grill has made their name known for their beer brined chicken, Peruvian marinades, eclectic side dishes and world-travelled chicken sauces. You can order their ‘Birdies’ from your go-to delivery app, or visit them in person at their take-out on East Hastings
When: Open 12 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Where: 1205 East Hastings
Cost: See menu for pricing
‘Sunrise Betties’ at the Russian Hall
This immersive theatre experience takes guests on a journey back in time to 50 years ago, when East Vancouver was controlled by drug-fuelled gang wars, and corruption ran wild at the local police force. Put on by ITSAZOO, the theatrical show is inspired by historian Aaron Chapman’s writing on the infamous Clark Park Gang.
Interested in checking it out? Sunrise Betties will run from Thursday, February 21st to Sunday, March 10th at the Russian Hall.
When: Until Sunday, March 10th
Where: 600 Campbell Street
Cost: $20 to $40
VMF Winter Arts Festival
Vancouver’s instalment of the VMF Winter Arts Fest is in full swing starting this Thursday, February 22nd. This weekend, festival-goers can check out an art installment called ‘Blanketing the City’: Lighting the Way. The light-based piece by Debra Sparrow will be projected on seven iconic Vancouver buildings, featuring a fun augmented reality piece by Joshua Conrad called ‘Thread Runner.’
The installations can be seen from sundown to 11:00 pm every night until February 27th.
When: Thursday, February 22nd to Tuesday, February 27th
Where: Canada Place, Cathedral Square Park, TELUS Garden, BC Place, Science World, Granville Island, and The Biltmore
Sponsored pick: 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?
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
Just For Laughs
It’s not too late to check out Western Canada’s largest comedy festival, which features everyone from Bill Burr to Ronny Chieng, to Bob the Drag Queen this year. If you’re looking for a good laugh this weekend, you have until Saturday, February 24th to go see a show.
When: Until Saturday, February 24th
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: Varies per show
Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Ready to treat yourself and a loved one to a special illuminated experience? North Vancouver’s famed Capilano Suspension Bridge has transformed for the month of February, and this weekend is your last chance to check it out.
When: Friday, February 2nd to February 25th
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $59.95 to $66.95 per adult
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
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver! Time to layer up and enjoy it.
