Foodies and live music lovers are in for quite the weekend here in Vancouver. Especially fans of Italian cuisine, and those who enjoy EDM concerts and heavy metal. From the start of this year’s Dine Out fest to the return of Vancouver’s annual Winterfest, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (January 20-22).
Dine Out Vancouver
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Spanning over two weeks, Dine Out is an amazing way to enjoy a whole boatload of the best dining options in Vancouver, whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or going all out for dinner. And if you’re looking for a special occasion meal, Kitchen Table is bringing together these Michelin-recommended Italian restaurants for a special five-course dinner for $188 per person on Sunday, January 22nd.
When: January 20th to February 5th
Where: 1115 Alberni Street and at participating restaurants linked above
Street Food City
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Speaking of great eats, Vancouver’s original street food festival is also returning this weekend. The festival kicks off the delicious Dine Out Vancouver program. And this year, they’re celebrating the festival’s 11th year with an amazing lineup of food trucks, serving everything from Indian food to grilled cheese. Luckily, you can snag some delicious eats without putting too large a dent in your wallet.
When: Saturday, January 21st to January 29th
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square
Year of the Rabbit Paint Event
On Sunday, January 22nd, you can join the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in celebrating the lunar new year with a DIY lucky rabbit painting session. Visitors will meet the God of Wealth (caishen, choi sun), who will share blessings and pass out treats.
When: Sunday, January 22nd from 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Chinatown Storytelling Centre, Main Lobby
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival
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The long-awaited return of the Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration is set to ring in the Year of the Rabbit this Sunday, January 22nd. This festival is a signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown, and includes the return of the LNY parade and lion dance.
The 1.3-km long route starts at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street (between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street), proceeds east along Pender Street, turns south onto Gore Street, turns west onto Keefer Street and then ends on Keefer at Abbott.
When: Sunday, January 22nd, parade will take place from 11 am to 1 pm
Where: 108 East Pender Street
Cost: Free
New Year’s Winterfest
New Year’s Winterfest is an annual heavy metal music extravaganza, bringing together some of the best local metal artists in and around Vancouver for an exciting music festival. This year’s lineup? Pound, Greylotus, No Light Escapes, Hyperia, Kosm, Param-nesia, and Crown of Madness.
When: Saturday, January 21st
Where: 254 East Hastings
Cost: $25.16
PuSh Festival
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That’s right, one of the most exciting performing arts festivals in the country is officially back – and all events are in-person this year! You can buy four-show ($120), six-show ($180), and digital passes ($100) on their website.
When: Thursday, January 19th to February 5th
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies
Ben Nicky
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The Harbour Event & Convention Centre is about to get wild this weekend, because Ben Nicky is coming to town – and he’ll be spinning fast-moving beats until 3 am. According to Insomniac, Nicky is poised to take the world by storm as one of the busiest EDM artists around.
When: Saturday, January 21st
Where: 760 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $41.81
Frozen: Film With Live Orchestra
Whether you’re looking for a fun performance to check out as a family, or just an avid Frozen fan, the VSO’s live orchestra will certainly bring a new life to the iconic Disney film. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 21st at 7 pm.
When: Saturday, January 21st
Where: 601 Smithe Street
Cost: $21.43+
Rent a couple of e-bikes
Since we are due for a break from the rain this weekend, now’s as good a time as any to go on a joyride with emission-free e-bikes! Whether you bike through Stanley Park or go across the Lions Gate Bridge, Mobi has you covered. The 24-Hour Pass gives you access to e-bikes for 25¢/min for the first 30 minutes and 35¢/min thereafter.
Just make sure to pick a clearer day sans ice!
Swing by your local Farmer’s 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
And that’s a wrap for this weekend, folks! We hope it’s a great one.
