Well, Vancouver, the long weekend is finally here! And while it might not be sunny skies or bbq season just yet, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion with your loved ones this year. From free activities hosted by local community centres to meeting your fave celebs at this year’s FAN EXPO, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this long weekend (February 17-20).
Just For Laughs
Just For Laughs is Western Canada’s largest comedy festival, and every year, the organizers bring their A-game when it comes to creating the perfect lineup of talent. This year? They’ve gone above and beyond – casting everyone from Sarah Silverman and Tim Dillon to Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness and Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey from The Office.
When: February 16th to February 25th, 2023
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: Varies per show, 3-show passes available for $110+ fees
Eastside Flea Vintage Pop-up
The Eastside Flea is officially back with a pop-up event this weekend from noon until 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. So get ready to peruse a ton of local vendors, vintage collections, and food truck eats. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for there, there are always these vintage & consignment shops to check out!
When: Saturday, February 18th and Sunday, February 19th
Where: 1739 Venables Street
Sponsored: Geek out at Vancouver’s FAN EXPO this weekend
Canada’s largest comic con expo returns to Vancouver this weekend! From Feb 18 – 20, the Vancouver Convention Centre will be transformed into the ultimate family-friendly pop culture playground featuring exciting attractions, events, and celebrity guests.
Meet stars from hit shows like Star Trek, The Mandalorian, The Flash, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars! Snag an autograph or photo op with your favourite costume characters and treat yourself to some shopping madness with hundreds of unique gift options.
If you’re a sci-fi, horror, anime, or gaming fan, this one’s for you!
When: Friday, February 18 – Sunday, February 20, 2023
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3
Cost: $33 – $119
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Beyond Van Gogh
If you visited the Imagine Van Gogh exhibit at the Vancouver Convention Centre last year, you’ve already had a taste of the incredible post-Impressionist art that’s making its way back to Metro Van. Only this year, visitors will get the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Beyond Van Gogh experience.
What’s in store? Over 300 of Vincent Van Gogh’s greatest works transformed into a three-dimensional, multi-sensory exhibit. The experience will bring a new life to classic masterpieces like “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” “Café Terrace at Night,” and much more.
When: February 1st to March 5th, 2023
Where: 17798 62 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $31.99
Family Day Celebration at Douglas Park
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The Douglas Park Community Centre is hosting a day of family fun, complete with free entertainment, crafts, and light refreshments from 10 am to 1 pm.
When: Monday, February 20th
Where: 801 West 22nd Avenue
Cost: Free
Family Day Celebration at Trout Lake
The Trout Lake Community Centre will be hosting a mix of arts, sports, dances, and pottery events this Family Day, accompanied by live music. If you’re for something festive to do with the family, this is it.
Where: 3360 Victoria Drive
Family Day at Thunderbird Community Centre
From 10 am to 2 pm at Thunderbird Community Centre, families can enjoy a free Parent & Tot Playtime Gym session, face painting, snacks, and balloon twisting.
When: Monday, February 20th
Where: 2311 Cassiar Street
Cost: Free
Go on a scenic road trip
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Luckily, the long weekend means there is a whole extra day to make the most out of your winter road trip. Whether you head to Lillooet Lake or Osoyoos, you can’t go wrong with these destinations.
Where: See our picks above
Check out a free museum
For the art enthusiast and the museum lover, Vancouver is not exactly the cheapest place to be. Luckily, these museums and art galleries all offer free admission, which make for the perfect spontaneous activity!
Where: See our picks above
Go skiing
From the Grouse-Cypress-Seymour trifecta to Apex Mountain Resort – there are plenty of exciting ski hills to check out before this season’s end.
Where: See our picks above
And that’s a wrap on the long weekend, Vancouver! Remember to plan ahead for closures!
