While we’re almost past this cold spell in Vancouver, we’ve got a full weekend of rain ahead of us, so don’t pack away your layers just yet. If you feel like staying cozy, there are plenty of Dine Out options and cups of cocoa to try out this weekend, as well as a mix of concerts and free events. So with that in mind, here are 10 of the best things to do in & around Vancouver this weekend (January 19-21).
PuSh Festival International Performing Arts Festival
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That’s right, one of the best performing arts festivals in Canada is officially back in Vancouver, and all events will be in-person this year. If you’re looking for some cool events to check out, there’s a performance at Waterfront Theatre (January 20th at 1 pm) by Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim ($16.75 per person), and a free installation by Nellie Gossen at the Scotiabank Dance Centre that’s open to the public until February 3rd.
When: Thursday, January 18th to February 4th
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies
Hotel Mira
Formed right here in Vancouver in 2010, Hotel Mira is an alt-rock band consisting of Charlie Kerr on vocals, Mike Noble on bass, Clark Grieve on guitar and keyboards, and Cole George on drums. Their hit singles include “The Eyes On You,” “Jungle,” and “Arcade Heart.”
When: Friday, January 19th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $36.75
Sponsored Pick: Tacofino’s New Breakfast Menu
Calling all breakfast enthusiasts! Tacofino had just launched a new breakfast menu at select locations across Vancouver and Squamish. Get ready to indulge in a section of egg tacos, breakfast burritos, specialty coffees and loaded breakfast tots!
When: Now available from 8:00-10:45 AM daily
Where: Tacofino Hastings, Tacofino Oasis, Tacofino Kits and Tacofino Squamish
Cost: See full menu
Khanvict + Raaginder: The Arrival Tour
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The Arrival Tour culminates where it all started for Khanvict. The BC artist fuses bass music with his Pakistani roots, bringing an entirely new genre to the table. And his concert on Saturday, January 20th promises to be the largest and most spectacular of his tour.
When: Saturday, January 20th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $36.50
Street Food City
If you love food truck eats, you’ve likely already heard about Street Food City, Vancouver’s original street food festival. The festival kicks off the delicious Dine Out Vancouver program. This year, they’re celebrating the festival’s 12th year with an amazing lineup of food trucks, serving everything from Indian food to grilled cheese.
When: January 21st to January 29th
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
Dine Out Vancouver
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Speaking of Dine Out experiences, Canada’s largest food & drink festival is officially back from January 17th to February 4th. Guests can immerse themselves in guided foraging excursions, interactive cooking classes, cocktail masterclasses, street food markets, and so much more.
When: January 17th to February 4th
Where: Participating restaurants across Vancouver
Discovery Day
From 10 am to 2 pm on Sunday, January 21st, the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) is hosting a free, family-friendly ‘Discovery Day’ at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Here, visitors of all ages can partake in hands-on activities to promote STEM learning, including gold panning, high-tech drones, fossils, and geology-related activities.
Mascots Buddy the Miner and Better the Miner will also be on-site, offering free face painting, balloon twisting, popcorn, and cotton candy.
When: Sunday, January 21st
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, East
Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
Also in full swing is the beloved Vancouver Hot Chocolate fest, which has over 100 new specialty hot chocolate flavours to debut. So if you’re looking to warm up with a cup of cocoa this weekend, you have no shortage of options.
Where: January 13th to February 14th
Canyon Lights
This is your last weekend to enjoy the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s magical holiday transformation. Visitors can check out the light tunnels, a glowing forest and Capilano River beneath you, and of course, a changing multi-colour display across the Treetop Adventure’s seven suspended bridges.
When: Friday, November 17th to Sunday, January 21st
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $49.95 to $66.95 per adult
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. This weekend, you can check out
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Shipyards Skate Plaza
Finally, if you’re looking for a spot to lace up your skates now that the snow is slowly melting away, look no further than the Shipyards Skate Plaza. Admission is free, so all you’re paying for is the price of your skate rentals.
When: Open throughout January
Where: 125 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free, rental costs vary
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver! Stay dry out there.
