The week following a long weekend is never easy, but these exciting events & happenings around the city might just give it the extra “oomph” you need. From seeing Tove Lo and Mod Sun live, to checking out a new photography exhibit at The Polygon, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (February 21-24).
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
Indulge in cherry blossom-themed afternoon tea
If you’re looking to jumpstart spring or escape the chilly weather, you can’t go wrong with afternoon tea – especially when it’s cherry blossom-themed! Notch8 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is launching a new afternoon tea service that you’ll definitely want to check out this week.
When: Available starting Thursday, February 23rd
Where: 900 West Georgia Street
Cost: $74 per person
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: Until February 25th
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: Varies per show, 3-show passes available for $110+ fees
Mod Sun
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and rapper, Mod Sun has worn (and continues to wear) many hats in his career. The Minnesota-born artist has released four solo studio albums, three EPs, and six mixtapes, and his latest tour is coming to Vancouver this Thursday, February 23rd. So hold onto your hats!
When: Thursday, February 23rd
Where: Rickshaw Theatre
Cost: $160.76 for VIP
Tove Lo
One of the bigger performers slated to take the stage this month, Tove Lo is known for her raw, “grunge take” on pop. And the Swedish singer-songwriter is bringing her Dirt Femme Tour to Vancouver along with special guest Slayyyter on Friday, February 24th.
When: Friday, February 24th
Where: Commodore Ballroom
Cost: $295.12
Take a free class at VPL
In addition to online and in-person educational courses, VPL offers guests all kinds of free workshops, career services, family-friendly activities, book clubs, film screenings, and more. From sound editing to STEAM (science, technology, art, engineering, and math) courses for kids, there are plenty of options to fit any age or skill set. Best of all? All of them are free to attend!
Where: See our picks above
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
See the Vancouver Giants
Last but not least, we come to the next Vancouver Giants’ home games at the Langley Events Centre. On Monday, February 20th, you can watch as they face off against the Chiefs, and on Friday, February 24th, they’ll compete against the Cougars.
When: Several dates in February
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
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
Weekly specials at Lunch Bar by Kafka’s
Warm up with a bowl of stew or a hot sandwich at Lunch Bar, Kafka Gastown’s newest venture. And to sweeten the pot, the new Lunch Bar is serving up weekly stew specials for $13.50 – one vegan and one meat. And what’s more, both are served with a slice of fresh-baked focaccia.
Where: 151 West Hastings Street
And that’s a wrap on this week, Vancouver! We hope it’s a great one.
