This weekend marks the official start of the Lunar New Year, and there are tons of ways to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there are plenty of things to check out with your date or pal-entine as well. From a ‘Cupid’s Market’ to the Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (February 9-11).
The Strumbellas
Genre-defying The Strumbellas is 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
Taste of Chinatown
Taste of Chinatown is back, and bringing with it a three-day festival that will coincide with the Lunar New Year. According to organizers, visitors can expect a specialty food pop-up in the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, a Lunar New Year Parade, glowing lights and lanterns, walking tours, and a passport program that offers exciting prize draws.
When: Friday, February 9, from 11 am – 4 pm, Saturday, February 10, from 11 am – 4 pm, and Sunday, February 11, from 11 am – 4 pm
Sponsored inclusion: Tacofino Metrotown’s Grand Opening Weekend
Just when we thought Tacofino couldn’t get any better, they unveil a new location! Join the festivities at Metrotown for their Grand Opening Weekend, featuring OG favorites and exciting new menu items. Don’t miss out – the first 500 visitors will score a free taco voucher valid for redemption from March 1st to April 30th!
When: Friday, February 9th to Sunday, February 11th – Open from 8 AM to 10 PM
Where: Located inside Station Square Metrotown at 6036 McKay Ave, Burnaby
Cost: Click here to see their full menu
Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
While the website for the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival is not yet updated with 2024 info, the organizers have confirmed that a festival and parade will ring in the Year of the Dragon on Sunday, February 11th, courtesy of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., Chinese Freemasons Vancouver Branch, and Shon Yee Benevolent Association of Canada.
Stay tuned for more info as it comes, including the 50th annual parade route.
When: Sunday, February 11th
Where: 108 East Pender Street
Cost: Free
Watch the Super Bowl
Of course, we can’t forget about Super Bowl LVIII. From Blarney Stone to St. Louis Bar and Grill, here are some of the biggest watch parties you can check out in Metro Vancouver this Super Bowl Sunday.
Where: See our picks above
Cupid’s Market & Open Spin
Hosted by Pink Palett Productions at The Kent in Gastown, ‘Cupid’s Market’ is the perfect event to whisk your date off to for a day of curated shopping, food and drinks, and open DJ sets. And if you’d rather bring a Pal-entine or two instead, consider your weekend plans made.
When: Sunday, February 11th
Where: 538 Cambie Street
Cost: $13.31
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
Vancouver Giants vs the Wild
Switching gears a bit, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without a little action from the Vancouver Giants. Head to the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday, February 10th to watch them face off against the Wild,
Tickets start at just over $20 a pop, and you can view the full list of home games scheduled for this season here.
When: Saturday, February 10th
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
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
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! We hope it’s a great one.
