Welcome to the first weekend of March, Vancouver! Time to embrace all things winter while you can, before we ‘spring forward’ next weekend. From the 17th Annual Coastal Dance Fest to a spring-themed pop-up market, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (March 1-3).

KSHMR

We’re starting off with a huge name in the EDM scene – Niles Hollowell-Dhar, known professionally as KSHMR. Known for his breakout song “Megalodon,” the artist has contributed to many compositions for famous producers, like Borgeous and DVBBS.

When: Friday, March 1st
Where: Harbour Event & Convention Centre
Cost: $93.79

2024 Vancouver South Job Fair 

From 11 am to 3 pm on Friday, March 1st, WorkBC Centre Vancouver South is hosting a free job fair at Marpole Neighbourhood House. Participating Metro Vancouver employers include Bayshore Home Health, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, First Nations Health Authority, Foundation Law Corporation, Telus, T&T, and the Vancouver School Board – to name a few.

Note that early access at 10:15 is available for job seekers with disabilities.

When: Friday, March 1st
Where: West 70th Avenue

Sponsored pick: Industry Apizza

Canada’s first New Haven-style pizza place just opened, and it’s right here in Vancouver! The trending New Haven-style pizza craze is taking the US by storm, and now Industry Apizza is bringing this thinner, crisper, and fire-charred slice to town. Apizza – it’s not a typo! It’s pronounced “ah’BEETZ” and it’s delicious. Check out the new location on Commerical Drive, available for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery through all major delivery apps.

When: Open daily
Where: 2360 Commercial Dr, Vancouver (Inside of St. Augustine’s)

17th Annual Coastal Dance Festival

This three-day festival honours Indigenous stories, song, and dance from across Canada and the world – featuring an exclusive excerpt from Dancers of Damelahamid’s upcoming work, ‘Raven Mother.’

The three-day festival honours Indigenous stories, song, and dance from across Canada and around the world, and will feature an exclusive excerpt from Dancers of Damelahamid’s upcoming full-length work, Raven Mother. The culmination of generations of artistic and cultural work, Raven Mother is the group’s most ambitious production to date, and will premiere at The Cultch in October 2024.

When: March 1st to 3rd
Where: 777 Columbia Street
Cost: By-donation and $25 for Dancers of Damelahamid

Rock’n / Blue Jay Valley / Hummingbirds all-ages rock show

Some of East Van’s best cross-generational rock bands invite rockers of all ages to an exciting show, complete with a limbo contest and other fun activities. Legendary over-the-top “dad band” Rock’n will headline, Blue Jay Valley will perform in the middle slot, and East Van singing group the Hummingbirds will open.

When: Sunday, March 3rd
Where: 1965 Main Street
Cost: $11.98

Sponsored pick: Birdies Charcoal Grill  

This line-up-worthy takeout spot has locals losing their minds over their Peruvian-style chicken. Birdies Charcoal Grill has made their name known for its beer-brined chicken, Peruvian marinades, eclectic side dishes and world-travelled chicken sauces. You can order their ‘Birdies’ from your go-to delivery app, or visit them in person at their take-out on East Hastings

When: Open 12 pm – 9 pm, Tuesday – Sunday
Where: 1205 East Hastings
Cost: See menu for pricing

Vancouver Pop-Ups: Spring Market

From 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, March 3rd, Heritage Hall is once again transforming into a local shopping experience, complete with over 40 artisans and vendors ranging from handmade jewelry and home decor to food and drink.

Oh, and your furry friends are welcome too!

When: Sunday, March 3rd
Where: 3102 Main Street
Cost: Free admission

RBC Dumpling Tasting Soirée 

From 6 to 10 pm on Saturday, March 2nd, there’s a massive dumpling tasting event hosted by the Asian Arts and Culture Society, located at BCIT’s Aerospace Building.

When: Saturday, March 2nd
Where: Richmond
Cost: $90+

Free Night at The Vancouver Art Gallery

You don’t need to know Monet from Cézanne to enjoy a day at the Vancouver Art Gallery. With new exhibits popping up all the time, it’s a fun, educational and culturally enriching place to check out. And of course, who doesn’t love ‘hmm-ing’ and ‘hah-ing’ at some crazy paintings, especially on Free Nights at the Gallery? 

The next one will be on Friday, March 1st

Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $6.50 – $24, free on the first Friday of every month

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. And why not start off the month with a couple of laughs and libations with your loved ones?

When: Shows throughout March
Where: 1515 Anderson Street
Cost: $26.50

So there you have it – have a great weekend, Vancouver!