20 things to do in Vancouver this week: January 30 to February 3

Another winter week is here, it’s almost rainy February and the news seems to get crazier with each passing day. We’re pretty sure you’re in need of some distraction.

Well, we’ve got your back. Here are 20 things to do in Vancouver this week, from a comedy trip to biscuit land to a nostalgic flashback film festival.

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

Monday, January 30

Backstage in Biscuit Land

• What: Jess Thom has Tourette syndrome. And she can’t stop saying “biscuit.” Through riotous comedy and song, you’re invited in to the English performer’s world, widening perspectives of what normal is and the intricate beauty of the brain.
• Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
• When: From Monday, January 30, through Wednesday, February 1, at 8 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketfly, $36

Shred For The Cause

• What: Good news ladies of Vancouver! You’ll be able to ski and snowboard at Mt. Seymour for only $10 every Monday night, starting this week. The event, known as Shred For The Cause, will benefit Downtown Eastside social services.
• Where: Mt. Seymour – 1700 Mt Seymour Road, North Vancouver
• When: Every Monday night, from 6 to 10 pm, from January 23 to March 27
• Tickets: $10 for women, $33 for men; cash recommended

Eight and a Half Inches of Comedy

• What: Every Monday pro comics from all over North America perform at Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge. $3.50 beers, and only $5 cover. Performing this week are San Aung, Oli Maughan, Hayley Beamish, and headliner Nick Beaton, amongst others.
• Where: Eight 1/2 Restaurant Lounge – 151 East 8th Ave, Vancouver
• When: Monday, January 30, from 9 pm to midnight
• Register: On Facebook, $5 on the door

Petunia and the Vipers

• What: A breath of fresh air amid the chaos. Every Monday until March 27, local band Petunia and the Vipers will be playing two sets of their highly original brand of roots music to folks in the WISE Hall & Lounge. Enjoy!
• Where: WISE Hall & Lounge – 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver
• When: Every until March 27, from 8 to 11 pm
• Admission: On the door, with $10 lounge membership

Tuesday, January 31

Ghostly Downtown Tour

• What: Take this unusual walking tour through Downtown Vancouver to hear the sordid history of the city’s nightlife with many ghost stories along the way. Stops include the Hotel Vancouver, and the Infamous Penthouse Nightclub!
• Where: Meet outside Christ Church Cathedral – 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver
• When: Every Tuesday and Friday night, at 7:30 pm
• Tickets: On Eventbrite, $20

Drunk Spelling Bee

• What: Do you always correct everyone’s spelling? Do you like beer and Japanese food? Then bring a team to compete for beer, shots, and kushi skewers. Be ready to drink when you’re wrong, when others are right, and when the host says so!
• Where: Q Shi Q Japanese BBQ – 159 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
• When: Every Tuesday, from 7 to 9 pm
• Reservations: Contact Kayte Wilson at [email protected] or call 604-428-7744

Impromptu Rock Choir: Freedom

• What: This week the Impromptu drop-in rock choir is singing Freedom! ’90 by George Michael and Riptide by Vance Joy. You don’t need to audition, read music, memorize song words, or sing solo – the choir is all about just having fun singing.
• Where: The Wise Hall – 1882 Adanac St, Vancouver
• When: Tuesday, January 31, doors at 7 pm, singing from 7:30 to 9 pm
• Tickets: On the door, $10

Eureka! The Experimental Improv Show

• What: The Fictionals Comedy Co. present award-winning improv comedy all through the week. On Tuesdays, it’s Eureka! The Experimental Improv Show, where you can witness the creation of brand new improv games and a new long-form extravaganza.
• Where: Cafe Deux Soleils – 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
• When: Every Tuesday, doors at 7:30 pm, show starts at 8 pm
• Tickets: On the door, $7 for adults, $5 for students

Wednesday, February 1

The Lemon Twigs

• What: American rock and roll band The Lemon Twigs are touring their debut album, Do Hollywood, fusing tightly constructed pop, sophisticated orchestration, and British invasion melodies.
• Where: The Cobalt – 917 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, February 1, doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm
• Tickets: On TicketWeb, $13

Sea Salt Soaps

• What: Learn all the basics of making cold process (and vegetarian) soap with salt! You’ll go step by step through the process to safely mix oils and lye, to create long lasting bars of natural, handmade soap. Great for beginners.
• Where: Homestead Junction – 649 E Hastings St, Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, February 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
• Tickets: Online, $35

Throwdown International TheatreSports Festival

• What: If you’re looking to laugh your way through the next two weeks, then here’s a festival for you. Watch improv teams from around the world compete for your giggles in knockout rounds based on suggestions from the audience.
• Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
• When: From Wednesday, February 1, to Tuesday, February 14, times vary
• Tickets: Online, $15 for adults, $10 for students

Arkells

• What: Hailing from the gritty industrial outpost of Hamilton, Ontario, the Arkells have notched up four Juno Awards and a gold record on their sweat-rusted belts, proving there’s still a place for passionate, no-bullshit rock ‘n’ soul in the mainstream.
• Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 6066 Thunderbird Blvd, Vancouver
• When: Wednesday, February 1, doors 7 pm, show at 8 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $26-$50.50

Thursday, February 2

Pancakes & Booze Art Show

• What: Witness more than 50 artists showcasing live audio and visual performances, painting, photography, sculptures, drawings, and graffiti – and get free pancakes! – at North America’s largest pop-up underground art show.
• Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 E. Pender St, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, February 2, from 7 pm to midnight
• Tickets: On the door, $5, or skip the line with online VIP tickets for $10

Canucks vs. Sharks

The new Canucks supporters section shows their love for their team! (Vancouver Canucks/Twitter)

• What: The Vancouver Canucks take on the San Jose Sharks for the first time this season, in their quest to reach the playoffs. They could make it with your support – look out for the new supporters’ section making their third ever appearance!
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, February 2, at 7 pm
• Tickets: On Ticketmaster, $39.75-$197.75

Andrew Johnston

• What: Originally from Brockville, Ontario, Andrew Johnston has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most prolific gadabouts and hottest up-and-comers on the Toronto comedy scene – and now he’s coming to Vancouver!
• Where: Yuk Yuk’s Vancouver Comedy Club – 2837 Cambie St, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, February 2, at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online, $9.53

Lydia Loveless

• What: Blessed with a commanding, blast-it-to-the-back-of-the-room voice, American singer-songwriter Lydia Loveless pulls, teases and stretches from soaring, singalong pop gems, with roots around the edges to proto-punk.
• Where: The Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
• When: Thursday, February 2, doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm
• Tickets: On TicketWeb, $15

Friday, February 3

Quique Escamilla

• What: Juno World Music award winner Quique Escamilla offers us his unique talents in a solo show, full of energy and variety, fusing traditional Mexican styles of music with modern sounds of rock, reggae, ska, pop, jazz, cumbia, and bolero.
• Where: Guilt and Co. – 1 Alexander St, Vancouver
• When: Friday, February 3, doors at 7 pm
• Tickets: On BrownPaperTickets, $12

Nikki Glaser

• What: Nikki Glaser is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young comedians and actors in the comedy world, starring in her own Comedy Central series Not Safe w/ Nikki Glaser, and touring the US and Canada as a headliner.
• Where: The Comedy MIX – 1015 Burrard St, Vancouver
• When: Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4, shows at 8 and 10:30 pm, doors open an hour before showtime.
• Tickets: Online, $28

Taboo Naughty But Nice Sex Show

• What: The Taboo Show offers an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles, encouraging romance, personal betterment and all things taboo. Enjoy provocative, educational seminars, shopping, fashion shows and live demos.
• Where: The Vancouver Convention Centre East, Hall B and C – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
• When: From Friday, February 3 to Sunday, February 5, from 5 pm to midnight on Friday, noon to midnight on Saturday, and noon to 6 pm on Sunday
• Tickets: On the door, $20, or in advance online, $15

Flashback Film Fest

• What: Retreat into the comforting world of nostalgia at the Flashback Film Fest, which is screening 17 retro movies that will have you harking back to a simpler time, including Groundhog Day, Jurassic Park, and of course, Princess Bride.
• Where: The Park Theatre – 3440 Cambie St, Vancouver
• When: From Friday, February 3 to Thursday, February 9, showtimes vary
• Tickets: Online, $7.99 for individual movies, buy five or more for $6.99 each, or get a full festival pass to all 17 films for $69.99