Welcome to the first weekend of February, Vancouver! Time to get excited about multiple returning events in the city, from Winter Pride to Lunar New Year markets, to Black History Month at VIFF. So let’s dive in: Here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (February 2-4).
La Poutine Week
If you’re a fan of poutine, you’ve likely already heard of La Poutine Week – Canada’s largest poutine festival. And if not, now’s your chance to try some unique poutine creations in the area. La Poutine Week runs from February 1st to 7th and features six participating restaurants in Vancouver.
During this gravy-filled week, customers will also have the chance to vote for their favourite spots on the festival’s official website.
When: Thursday, February 1st to Wednesday, February 7th
Where: Participating restaurants across Vancouver
Vancouver Winter Pride Festival
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Vancouver’s beloved Winter Pride Festival is back starting this weekend, and this year’s fest is set to be bigger and better than ever. From interactive events like Community Skate Day to this weekend’s Ricecake Lunar New Year celebration, there’s something for everyone here – and all are invited to celebrate the diversity within Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
When: Friday, February 2nd to 24th
Where: Locations around Vancouver
Cost: Free and ticketed events
Sponsored inclusion: MEC Warehouse Sale
MEC is having a massive warehouse sale in February, and it’s the perfect time to stock up on new gear! This in-person warehouse sale is happening at the Old MEC Warehouse in Surrey and will run from Saturday, February 3 to Sunday, February 11 with new items added every day. All items will be final sale, credit and debit only. If your old tent has leaked one too many times, or your bike is a single pothole away from total collapse – consider this a sign!
When: 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday, February 3rd to Sunday, February 11th
Where: Old MEC Warehouse, 13340 76 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free to attend
Love Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Ready to treat yourself and a loved one to a special illuminated experience this Valentine’s Day? North Vancouver’s famed Capilano Suspension Bridge is set to transform for much of February, and if you loved their holiday-themed Canyon Lights display, you’ll definitely want to check this out.
When: Friday, February 2nd to February 25th
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $59.95 to $66.95 per adult
Single, Not Single at The Improv Centre
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Attention, Improv lovers! The Improv Centre on Granville Island is kicking off the month of love with a “Single, Not Single” show that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re in a couple currently or not, if you need a good laugh, you’ll certainly find plenty here.
When: Every Friday and Saturday from February 2nd to 24th
Where: 1502 Duranleau Street
Cost: $26.50
Visit 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, February 2nd.
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $6.50 – $24, free on the first Friday of every month
Vancouver Giants
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Now, for a little action from the Vancouver Giants. Head to the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre on Friday, February 2nd to watch them face off against the Cougars.
Tickets start at just over $20 a pop, and you can view the full list of home games scheduled for this season here.
When: Friday, February 2nd
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
Lunar New Year Market at UBC Botanical Garden
It’s almost time to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which officially begins on Saturday, February 10th. Even sooner is this year’s Lunar New Year Market at the UBC Botanical Garden, which will bring together over 30 local makers, artists, and food trucks in celebration of the Year of the Dragon.
In addition to local vendors and artists, visitors can enjoy Lion Dance performances, Kung Fu performances by UBC’s Kung Fu Club, and a number of interactive cultural workshops.
When: Saturday, February 3rd and Sunday, February 4th
Where: 6804 South West Marine Drive
Cost: $8.88
Black History Month at Pacific Arts Market
The Pacific Arts Market is celebrating Black History Month from February 3rd to February 25th with a special (nearly) month-long event honouring the amazing work of black artists in Vancouver.
Each weekend, organizers have planned a mix of art exhibitions, poetry readings, live music performances, workshops, and thought-provoking talks.
When: Saturday, February 3rd to February 25th
Where: 1448 West Broadway
Cost: $22.63
Black History Month at the VIFF Centre
All month long, you can check out what’s playing at the VIFF Centre in honour of Black History Month. This year, you can check out two series: Icons and Dispatches. The former spotlights the accomplishments of American movie stars like Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Chadwick Boseman, and the latter takes on a more documentarian lens, looking at social justice work by James Baldwin and Camille Billops.
You can also catch a showing of two of the most acclaimed movies last year: Alice Diop’s Saint-Omer and Margaret Brown’s Descendant.
When: Showtimes throughout February
Where: 1181 Seymour Street
Cost: 3 ticket pack for $33
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver! Enjoy the first couple of days of February.
