Photo via Shutterstock
The sun might be gone over the weekend, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of fun to have around town. There are tons of Lunar New Year festivities to enjoy, as well as this year’s PuSh Festival to look forward to! Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (January 31-February 2).
The 51st annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival is taking place this weekend, marking the fifth day of the Year of the Snake. Visitors can expect tons of live entertainment, family-friendly cultural programming, and of course, a massive parade with lion and dragon dancers!
The parade starts at 11 a.m. and travel through the parade route from Main Street to Gore Avenue.
When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Where: Locations throughout Chinatown
Cost: Free admission
One of Canada’s top performing arts festivals is back in Vancouver, and there’s a ton on the roster in terms of events. This weekend, check out BOGOTÁ, a performance of choreography based on Colombia’s political and spiritual heritage, a late-night double feature called SEEING DOUBLE, and more.
When: Thursday, Jan. 18 to Feb. 4, 2025
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies per show
This year’s LunarFest tells the story of the Year of the Snake through five different locations in downtown Vancouver and on Granville Island, where 36 lanterns curated by local artists await. Plus, starting this weekend until Feb. 16, there will be an artisan market, cultural workshops, tasty bites, and more at Ocean Artworks – all free to check out.
When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, and Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, and every weekend until Feb. 16, 2025
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events
American singer and songwriter Gallant is known for his debut EP, Zebra in 2014, though he’s touring his newer music this weekend at the Commodore.
When: Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $46.50
The beloved Vancouver Hot Chocolate Fest is back in the city, and this year’s participating spots have truly crafted some innovative sips of cocoa.
Where: Now until Feb. 14, 2025
It won’t be long before some of the best food in the city is brought right to your plate at Canada’s largest food & drink festival. From January 22nd to February 9th, guests can immerse themselves in guided foraging excursions, interactive cooking classes, cocktail masterclasses, street food markets, and so much more.
When: Now until Feb. 9, 2025
Where: Participating restaurants across Vancouver
The Met is hosting a traditional Lion Dance through the Grand Court, as well as various cultural workshops in collaboration with the Chinese Canadian Museum this weekend. This includes Chinese lantern-making and other family-friendly activities!
The best part? You’ve got plenty of time to enjoy it all.
When: Now until Feb. 16, 2025
Where: 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Cost: Free admission
Spending the weekend in Langley? The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Kamloops Blazers on Saturday and the Spokane Chiefs on Sunday at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre.
When: Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20
La Poutine Week brings the cheesiest, most gravy-filled, and most inventive poutine concoctions to centre stage, and in Vancouver, you can take advantage from Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, to Feb. 7, 2025. The three poutine creations to check out are the Aquarium’s Slow Braised Short Rib Poutine, Thai Express’ Thai Poutine, and Blaze Gourmet’s Crispy Chicken Poutine.
When: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2025, to Feb. 7, 2025
Where: Participating restaurants across Vancouver
Robson Square’s ice skating rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until the end of the month, so be sure to get your skate time in!
When: Open all weekend
Where: 800 Robson Street
Cost: $5 for skate rentals
And that’s a wrap on the weekend. Enjoy!
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