35 things to do in Vancouver this week: February 20 to 24

A brand new week means brand new opportunities to explore Vancouver! Here are 35 things to do in Vancouver this week, from live theatre to midnight snowshoe adventures, and everything in between.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Monday, February 20

Welcome to Night Vale with musical guest Erin McKeown

• What: Welcome to Night Vale has grown to be one of the most popular podcasts on the Internet. Hosted by Cecil Palmer (played by Cecil Baldwin), the live show features guest stars, live musical guests, live music from Disparition, and Cecil himself performing unheard scripts that complement and enhance the constantly evolving narrative of the podcast.
• Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
• When: February 20 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online, $27.50-$39.50

Stacked Comedy at Yagger’s Kitsilano

• What: Stacked Comedy is a weekly Monday night Stand Up Comedy showcase hosted by Karl Sullivan and features some of the best Comedians working in Vancouver as well touring headliners from across the US and Canada. Part of JFL Northwest.
  
• Where: Yagger’s Kitsilano – 2884 West Broadway, Vancouver
• When: February 20 at 9 pm
• Tickets: Online, $10

Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off

• What: The familiar tale of the enmity between Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots is retold with ferocious iconoclasm and boundless wit by Scotland’s most popular and contemporary playwright. Presented by Vitalsparktheatre.
  
• Where: Participating locations. See full list here. 
• When: February 17 to March 11 at various times
• Tickets: Online, $20-$25

Mark Schiff

• What: Mark Schiff has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with David Letterman; he has had both HBO and Showtime specials, and was the featured act at the Montreal Comedy Festival. Schiff has written for and guest starred on Mad About You, appeared on Empty Nest and served as a writer on The Roseanne Show. Part of the Chutzpah! Festival.
  
• Where: The Norman Rothstein Theatre – 950 West 41st Street, Vancouver
• When: February 6 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Online, $9-$11

Free Kung Fu Lessons

• What: Free lessons in traditional Shaolin Kung Fu. Includes 30 minutes of warm-up, stretching and basics, followed by 45 minutes of strength training, kicks and punches, traditional excercises, and more. Hosted by Matthias of Immortal Dragon Vancouver.
• Where: Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre – 7646 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver
• When: Every Monday at 6 pm
• Cost: Free

Pierce The Veil – Rest In Space Tour

• What: Since 2006, San Diego’s Pierce The Veil has made millions of fans worldwide with their honest and hypnotic hard rock. They’re on tour to support their fourth full-length album, Misadventures, with guests Falling In Reverse and Crown the Empire.
• Where: The Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: February 20 at 7:30 pm
• Tickets: Online, $32.50

AdventureSmart – Survive Outside Program Presentation

• What: BC AdventureSmart is presenting the Survive Outside Program at Capilano University with the support of the OREC program. There will a panel discussion after the presentation with members from Lions Bay SAR, North Shore Rescue, AdventureSmart and a backcountry enthusiast who was rescued recently on the North Shore mountains.
• Where: Capilano University – 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver
• When: February 20 at 7 pm

Tuesday, February 21

Intermediate Photography with Vancouver Civic Theatres and Doug Williams

• What: Learn the basics of architectural photography with instructor Doug Williams. Learn about window light portraits, using flash, various methods of creating abstracts, long exposures outdoors and review your work in the class and then practice some mroe.
• Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Annex Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street
  
• When: February 21 and 28 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, March 14 and 21 Annex theatre. Classes start at 6 pm.
• Registration: Online, $60

My Entire High School Sinking Into the Sea

• What: From acclaimed graphic novelist Dash Shaw (New School) comes a mixed-media animation film that is equal parts disaster cinema, high school comedy and blockbuster satire. Presented by The Rio Theatre and JFL Northwest, with voices by Jason Schwartzman, Reggie Watts, Maya Rudolph, Susan Sarandon and Lena Dunham.
• Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
• When: February 21 at 6:45 pm
• Tickets: Online, $12

Local Talks 9: Side Hustle: Pursuing Passion & Paying Bills

• What: The creative life isn’t always an easy one. How do you maintain motivation and focus on your dreams while still dealing the realities of everyday life? Fall For Local, alongside a group of creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, share stories of balancing their side hustles (or day jobs) with passion projects.
• Where: The Aviary – 637 East 15th Street, Vancouver
• When: February 21 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Online, $15

Dr Sketchy’s Mardi Gras Mambo

• What: Dr Sketchy’s Anti Art School is what happens when a simple question is asked: Why can’t figure drawing be sexy? Part art class, part cabaret, with Bettie Fever helping to celebrate Mardi Gras.
• Where: HOT ART Wet City – 2206 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: February 21 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Online, $12

Sawdust Collector presents Emily Rose Nyber and guests

• What: Sawdust Collector is a weekly concert series taking place on Tuesday nights at The Gold Saucer, curated by Barbara Adler, Cole Schmidt, James Meger and guests.
• Where: The Gold Saucer – 211 – 207 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
• When: February 21 at 9;30 pm
• Tickets: At the door, $5-$10. No one turned away for lack of funds

Alternative Facts: Untruth your learning!

• What: An evening of radical debates and drinks hosted by Pippa Mackie and Kayvon Khoshkam. Left Wing Radicals finally argue for the Rational Right, as six key topics will be debated and defended. All proceeds to be donated to Syrian refugees.
• Where: Emerald Supper Club – 555 Gore Street, Vancouver
• When: February 21 at 9 pm
• Tickets: At the door, by donation

Room: A History of Canada’s Oldest Feminist Literary Magazine

• What: What does it take to publish Room magazine (formerly Room of One’s Own), one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished literary magazines, and the country’s oldest feminist magazine? Join a panel of Room’s editors and contributors for an illuminating and inspiring discussion about the forty-year history of Room and what’s next for this important publication. Presented in conjunction with Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival.
• Where: Vancouver Public Library – Central Branch – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
• When: February 21 at 7 pm
• Cost: Free

Wednesday, February 22

Emerging Artists: Inspired by material and process

• What: An exhibition of works based in metal, ceramic and textile by emerging artists Jade Beck, Janet Harrison, Emily May, Laura Meyers and Christina Shimek, presented by the Craft Council of BC.
• Where: Craft Council of British Columbia – 1386 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
• When: February 22 to March 16, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm daily
• Register: Online, Free

Poetry, with a chance of rain

• What: An intimate poetry reading from Kara-lee MacDonald (Eating Matters), Jane Byers (Acquired Community), Elizabeth Bachinsky (The Hottest Summer in Recorded History), and Leanne Dunic (To Love the Coming End, BookThug.)
• Where: Notional Space – 1523 East Pender Street, Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, February 22, from 7 to 10 pm
• Tickets: Online, Free

Dianne Reeves

• What: Dianne Reeves has become known the world over as a living legend. Her breathtaking vocal technique, improvisational prowess, and unique blending of jazz and R&B have earned her five Grammy awards and a performance at the White House. For her Chan Centre debut, Dianne will be joined by the masterful talents of Peter Martin (piano), Romero Lubambo (guitar), Reginald Veal (bass), and Terreon Gully (drums).
• Where: Chan Centre for Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
• When: February 22 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online, $54-$108

BC Home + Garden Show

• What: Find fresh inspiration, helpful tips, innovative
  products and fantastic deals in remodelling, home improvement, decor and outdoor spaces with hundreds of experts all under one roof.
• Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
• When: February 22 to 26
• Tickets: Online,$6-$13

Wolf Parade

• What: Canadian indie rockersWolf Parade is back in Vancouver for three shows, with special guests The Pack AD, Low Levels, and Moths and Locusts
• Where: The Imperial – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: February 22 to 24 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online,$31.50, 19+

Community Forum on Immigration and Racial Discrimination

• What: A community forum on immigration and racial discrimination. S.U.C.C.E.S.S., a multi-cultural service agency, has partnered with a number of anti-racism organizations to present a panel of experts talking about what these sentiments and events mean for BC, how local communities can heal from racism, and what immigrants have to offer to our province. It also contributes to Vancouver’s 101 Days of Action Against Discrimination, the city’s pledge to speak out against hate.
• When: February 22, 1:30 to 6:30 pm
• Where: 800 Robson Street – UBC Robson Square
• Tickets: Online, $5

HyunA

• What: Named as “The sexiest Kpop singer” by Vogue Magazine, HyunA is one of K-pop’s biggest stars, attracting hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and more than four million followers on Instagram.
• Where: Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd, Coquitlam)
• When: Wednesday, February 22, 2017
• Tickets: Online, $95-$250

Thursday, February 23

The Graduate

• What: The classic film starring Dustin Hoffman comes to life 50 years later on the Coast Capital Playhouse stage. Benjamin Braddock stumbles his way through post-college life and straight into the infamous Mrs. Robinson’s arms.
• Where: Coast Capital Playhouse – 1532 Johnston Road, White Rock
• When: Now to February 25 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online, $20-$32

Small Business BC Awards Ceremony

• What: Join the celebration at the Small Business BC Awards Ceremony where the amazing entrepreneurs of our province are recognized. Enjoy drinks, appetizers and networking with BC business owners, industry leaders and government officials, as the winners of the 14th Annual Small Business BC Awards are announced
• Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel – Canada Place, Vancouver
• When: February 23 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
• Tickets: Online, $59

The Renaissance of Vermouth with Odd Society Spirits

• What: Odd Society’s cocktail lounge will be transformed into a Mediterranean tapas bar, where guests will receive an aperitif cocktail to start followed by a flight of vermouth. Plus a variety of delicious Italian and Spanish-style bites prepared by Chef Jesse McMillan of Campagnolo ROMA will be served.
• Where: Odd Society Spirits – 1725 Powell Street, Vancouver
• When: February 23 at 7 pm
• Tickets: $65, purchase by emailing [email protected]

A Night of Readings on the Dark

• What: Join the exhibiting artists of A Terrible Signal for an evening sharing favourite passages penned about the dark, from the realms of poetry, fiction, song, philosophy, and children’s literature.
• Where: Access Gallery – 222 East Georgia Street, Vancouver
• When: February 23 at 7 pm
• Cost: Free

11th Annual Moonlight Snowshoe

• What: An evening of guided snowshoeing under the moon. Join Take A Hike Youth At Risk Foundation on a winter adventure including delicious food, live music, silent auction and prizes, all in support of a great cause.
• When: February 23 at 5 pm
• Where: Mount Seymour – 1700 Mount Seymour Road
• Tickets: Online, $25

Launch Party for Cinema Sewer Issue 30

• What: Cinema Sewer celebrates its 20th anniversary and the latest issue of Robin Bougie’s ode to cinematic sleaze and genre film favourites.
• Where: Pulpfiction Books – 2422 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: February 23 at 7 pm
• Cost: Free

Rock For Dimes Vancouver 2017

• What: Rock for Dimes is a corporate battle of the bands held to benefit March of Dimes Canada’s programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Amateur musicians compete in this friendly fundraiser for the title of their city’s best corporate band, plus showcase their talents in front of a roster of Canadian music industry professionals.
• Where: Red Room Ultra Bar – 398 Richards Street, Vancouver
• When: February 23 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Online, $25

Friday, February 24

Coming Home: Traditions of Chinese New Year Exhibition

• What: Immerse into an experience focusing on the four major themes of Chinese New Year: decorating, eating, connecting and celebrating at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
• Where: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – 578 Carrall St, Vancouver
• When: Now to February 24 from 10 am to 4;30 pm
• Tickets: $9-$12 or free with membership

Tinder Tales

• What: Professional and amateur daters, storytellers, comedians, and everyday people confess their most outrageous Tinder Tales and other online dating disasters live onstage.
• Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: February 24 at 8 pm
• More Info: At the door, $12

Café Scientifique: SciComm vs. Fake News

• What: Join Dr. Vance Williams and members of the community as they discuss the changing face of public discourse. In an era where science and facts seem to be losing to emotion and rhetoric, how can scientists and science communicators best contribute to the public understanding of issues related to health, technology and the environment? This Café Scientifique will address the deficiencies in common approaches to scientific communication and discuss new ways forward.
• Where: Boston Pizza – 1045 Columbia St., New Westminster
• When: February 24 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Free, reserve your seat by emailing [email protected]

West End Games Night

• What: Go from toppling over the tallest tower in Jumbo Jenga to making the longest train in Ticket to Ride. Gordon Neighbourhood House has a wide range of games for you to check out, but feel free to bring your own as well. Free food and snacks will be served along with $3 beers.
• Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House – 1019 Broughton Street, Vancouver
• When: February 24 at 7 pm
• Cost: Free, 19+ and requires 2 pieces of ID

inFlux

• What: A multimedia night of art-making, socializing, and live performances. The theme of the evening is celebrating human bodies and movement through technology and science, presented as part of Surrey Art Gallery’s winter exhibitions on photography and video. 
• Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
• When: February 24 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Free

Carmelahhh Presents: Lifetime of Damage

• What: Carmelahhh presents a new sketch comedy show that delves into the ridiculous and the beautifully optimistic. Lifetime of Damage celebrates love, friendship, self-empowerment, and all the other nasty stuff in-between that nobody likes to talk about.
  
• Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 195 East 26th Avenue, Vancouver
• When: February 24 at 8:30 pm
• Tickets: Online, $5-$8

Brain Boxing

• What: An adrenaline powered event series where big ideas go head to head in a boxing ring. Experts are invited to defend their ideas against vigorous opposition and the audience decides the winner.
• Where: Eastside Boxing Club – 238 Keefer Street, Vancouver
• When: February 24 at 7 pm
• Tickets: Online, $25