While winter really feels like it’s trudging on, spring is just around the corner, which means there are some exciting concerts, live events, and new exhibits on the horizon. And the month of March is the perfect time to take advantage of both seasons. So with that in mind, here are 28 amazing things to do in and around Vancouver this March – from the return of HSBC Canada Sevens to celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day.
Live Events & Concerts
Joshua Bassett: The Complicated Tour
You might know of pop singer Joshua Bassett through his starring role in High School Musical: The Musical – or maybe you’re an Olivia Rodrigo fan and put two and two together. Either way, Bassett is quite the talent himself, definitely a great concert pick for acoustic lovers.
When: Saturday, March 11th
Where: 777 Homer Street
Cost: $36.83+
Masego
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Definitely one of our top picks for this month, Masego is known for his saxophone-heavy music, particularly his two 2016 EPS and hit single “Tadow” featuring FKJ. The Jamaican-American musician definitely has a unique sound, so be sure to check him out on Friday, March 17th.
When: Friday, March 17th
Where: 918 Granville Street
Cost: $42.50+
Nicky Romero
For a highly-anticipated EDM concert that requires some solid dancing shoes, check out Nicky Romero’s set at the Harbour Events Centre on Friday, March 17th. Doors open at 10 pm.
When: Friday, March 17th
Where: 760 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $36.43
SZA
Following the release of her long-awaited album ‘S.O.S’, SZA will be hitting the road and stopping in 17 different cities across North America, including Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Sunday, March 19th. Definitely at the top of our own list!
When: Sunday, March 19th
Where:
Cost: $221.39+
Red Hot Chili Peppers
After the release of two #1 studio albums, a wildly successful 2022 tour, and even a recent Grammy nomination (“Black Summer”), Red Hot Chili Peppers show no signs of slowing down. And their 2023 tour across North America and Europe begins right here in Vancouver on Wednesday, March 29th.
When: Wednesday, March 29th
Where: 777 Pacific Boulevard
Cost: $70.45+
Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity
Presented by Acuitas Therapeutics, Science World’s newest exhibit will bring guests up close and personal to the amazing properties of skin across multiple organisms. From skin receptors in crocodilians to the super thick skin of whales, you can learn about all the interesting shape-altering, colour-changing, and adaptable nature of the skin.
The exhibit was created by the California Academy of Sciences and distributed by the Science Museum of Minnesota.
When: March 3rd to May 29th
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Vicky Chow Plays Philip Glass
Fans of the piano will love this one. Described as a “monster pianist” by Time Out New York, Vicky Chow has scaled some of the highest levels of musicality and performance since making her orchestral debut with the VSO at the age of 10. Now, Music of Main presents a special concert on March 28th at Christ Church Cathedral, where the star pianist will perform legendary composer Philip Glass’ Piano Études, Book 1.
When: Tuesday, March 28th
Where: 690 Burrard Street
Cost: $48 for early bird tickets
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
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Spring is just around the corner, as is Saint Patrick’s Day, which means it’s time to dig out your green clothes and accessories from your closet soon. So with that in mind, here are 6 exciting Saint Patrick’s Day events happening in Vancouver – from this year’s CelticFest to a Saint Patrick’s Day pub crawl.
Where: See our picks above
Arts & Culture
CelticFest Vancouver
Speaking of, this year’s CelticFest looks like one for the books. Live music, Irish & Scottish dancing, a pop-up marketplace, Irish Wolfhounds, sports demonstrations, food trucks, and more – mark your calendars for Friday, March 17th and Saturday, March 18th if you want to take advantage of the special weekend festival. As for the rest of the festival from March 11th to March 18th, stay tuned via their socials for more info!
When: March 11th to 18th, with a two-day festival on March 17th and 18th
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: Varies per event
As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic
This month, the Polygon Gallery is hosting a curated exhibit by Elliott Ramsey celebrating the Black community and identities in Canada. The As We Rise exhibit features more than 100 photographs from the Wedge Collection – the largest privately owned collection championing Black artists in the country.
From African diasporic culture to the civil rights movement, the new exhibit (organized by Aperture) will feature powerful photography by a number of talented artists.
When: February 24th to May 14th
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Fringe Digital Remix
The largest theatre festival in BC is returning to Granville Island this summer, and this year, they’re bringing over 80 performing artists to the stage. And if you missed out on last year’s fest, you can get in on the action even sooner with an all-new streamable showcase featuring some of the best acts of the festival’s 2022 lineup.
‘Fringe Digital Remix’ will be available to stream online from midday Wednesday, February 15th to midday Wednesday, March 15th. Tickets can be purchased individually for $15 on their website, or at reduced rates when purchasing a Multi-Buy Pack in quantities of 3, 6, or 9 shows.
When: Streamable until March 15th
Visit the Eastside Flea Market
Every weekend in March, the Eastside Flea is back with a special market with a different roster of vendors and food trucks. The market will be open from 11 am to 5 pm at the Eastside Studios – so get ready to find some cool items to spruce up your home and wardrobe this season.
When: Every weekend in March
Where: 550 Malkin Avenue
Cost: $10
See some local art
By the same token, there are plenty of museums and art galleries in Vancouver offering free admission to their exhibits year-round. And while the list is by no means complete, we think this is a solid place to start if you’re looking to get into the local art scene.
Where: See our picks above
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 if you’re ready for even more fun this month, you’ll want to check out their Ladies Against Humanity show on March 15th and Oil In the Alley (rock + improv!) on March 18th.
Where: 1502 Duranleau Street
Check out a jazz night
No matter your beverage of choice, Vancouver has some stellar jazz nights to take advantage of on a weekly basis. So as long as you’re prepared to shell out the occasional cover fee here and there, consider this list a solid go-to for an after-work treat.
Where: See our picks above
Food & Drink
East Side Beer Fest
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) presents the 9th annual East Side Beer Fest & tasting event on Wednesday, March 11th from 7 to 9 pm. Tickets are just under $30 and they’re all-inclusive – meaning guests get access to all the participating craft beers of the event.
When: Wednesday, March 15th
Where: 1882 Adanac Street
Cost: $29.99
Granville Island Seafood Celebration at Honey Salt
On Wednesday, March 1st, Honey Salt will be hosting a special dinner inspired by the bounty of Granville Island seafood selection with local produce, seafood, meats, live music and more. The event starts at 6 pm with welcome drinks and the dinner starts at 6:30 pm.
When: Wednesday, March 1st
Where: 39 Smithe Street
Cost: $69 per person
New dinner series at The Vancouver Fish Company
A new dinner series is coming to The Vancouver Fish Company this month in collaboration with JoieFarm Winery. On the menu? An elaborate four-course meal prepared by Chef Quang Dang and Chef Matthew Blais. From Albacore Tuna to chargrilled Vancouver Island octopus, guests can expect some delicious, fresh local seafood and wine pairings.
Tickets can be purchased here for $199 each, and will include sparkling wine upon arrival and a canapé reception.
Note: This event has been moved from Thursday, March 2nd to Thursday, March 9th.
When: Thursday, March 9th
Where: 1517 Anderson Street
Cost: $199 per person
Hang out at a wine bar
The power of good wine and good company cannot be overstated, and since Vancouver has a ton of great wine bars – this list is a great starting point if you’re trying to find a new spot this month. Add in some charcuterie boards and low lighting, and you’ve got the perfect date night combo!
Where: See our picks above
Enjoy some covered patios
Whether it’s just drizzly or full-out storming, there are (thankfully) plenty of covered patios in Vancouver to choose from. Why not make the most of them and sip on a couple of happy hour bevies this month?
Where: See our picks above
Outdoors & Sports
HSBC Canada Sevens
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Rugby lovers, take note. Tournament passes for this year’s HSBC Canada Sevens event are currently on sale, so snag some before the craze begins. The 2023 tournament will mark the 8th time that the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series has visited Vancouver, and the first time full men’s and women’s series tournaments will run simultaneously! Guests can expect 28 teams to play 79 total matches, and two Cup Champions to be crowned.
When: March 3rd to March 5th
Where: BC Place
Cost: $149 for tournament passes, single tickets now available
Take a walk at VanDusen
Now open from 10 am to 5 pm, March is a great time to visit VanDusen and check out some beautiful spring foliage – once the weather gets on the same page, that is. This month on the bloom calendar? A mix of winter berries, cherry blossoms, and if we’re lucky – some rhododendrons and magnolias as well.
Where: 5151 Oak Street
Cost: $8.90
Snowshoeing at Cypress
And now, for some winter sports options. But, if you’re ready to take a day trip this month, know that Cypress Mountain has got a serious amount of snowshoe trails for you to explore. Our advice? Check in with your more outdoorsy friends and family to secure a pair, and eliminate half the cost of a trip out!
When: Open until mid-April
Where: 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
Cost: $20 without rentals, $38 with snowshoe rentals
Snow Tubing at Mt. Seymour
Tubing (or tobogganing) is certainly a rare opportunity for Vancouverites. Luckily, you can enjoy both on dedicated hills at Mt. Seymour. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip, or as a way to unwind after a day on the actual slopes.
When: Open throughout March
Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver
Cost: $10+
Downhill Skiing
Speaking of actual slopes, we can’t forget that all three of Metro Vancouver’s mountains offer great, close-to-home on-piste options. This is a no-brainer pick, so all we’ll say is that you’re better off playing hooky during the week than trying to visit on the weekend.
When: Open throughout March
Where: 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver, 6000 Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver and 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Vancouver Giants
The Vancouver Giants are facing off against the Royals, Cougars, Silvertips, and Rockets this month at the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre. The good news? Tickets start at just over 20 bucks a pop. There are several home games scheduled for this season, which you can view here.
When: Several dates in March
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $20
And that’s a wrap on some of the most exciting things to do coming up in Vancouver this March.
