29 things to do in Vancouver this Family Day long weekend: February 11 to 13

We made it to the long weekend, and now it’s time to have some fun!

There are tons of exciting events around the city this Family Day long weekend, and we’ve got a list of things perfect for you.

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

Saturday, February 11

Raise a glass at BC Brewery Open House

• What: Stop by Big Rock Urban for free beer samples, free food, free brewery tours, and live music to complete the atmosphere. Meet the brewing team behind Big Rock including Head Brewmaster Paul Gautreau and BC Brewmaster Jody Hammell.
• Where: Big Rock Urban (310 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver)
• When: February 11 from noon to 5 pm
• Cost: Free

Explore the skies with Sea to Sky Gondola

• What: Sea to Sky Gondola is offering half-price tickets for Family Day weekend. There will be live music, face-painting, an old fashioned Canadian Sugar Shack, and an outdoor bonfire complete with s’mores.
• Where: Sea to Sky Gondola, 36800 BC-99, Squamish
• When: February 11 to 13
• Tickets: Online

Go on an adventure with Instant Theatre’s Dungeon & Dragons drop-in

• What: Are your friends always making jokes about goblins that you don’t get? Ever wonder what the difference between a troll and a knoll is? Come flex those improv skills and join Instant Theatre in the fantasy world known as Dungeons & Dragons. If you have never played a role-playing game before then this is the perfect place to start.
• Where: Instant Theatre – 529 East Broadway, Vancouver
• When: February 11 from 6 pm to 8 pm
• Cost: Free

Get up close with JP Maurice at Blue Light Sessions

• What: After touring Canada, Europe, and then taking home 2nd place in the PEAK Performance Project radio contest in 2015, a loss in the family turned Maurice mostly inwards, where he focused on channeling his emotions into his art. Investing in his own studio allowed for late night collaborations, producing other artists, and creating endless song ideas. The result is the “Girls” EP, which sweeps from cinematic pop-noir info slinky neo-soul, all tied together with Maurice’s powerfully emotive vocals.
• Where: Blue Light Studio – 1839 Franklin Street, Vancouver
• When: February 11 at 8 pm
• Tickets: Online , $20

Take in some webseries with Vanchan

• What: Audience members watch 10 Vancouver shot webseries and choose five to return next month at the next VanChan screening with a follow-up or sequel to their winning web short.
• Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: February 11 at 7 pm
• Tickets: At the door, $10

Shop local at the Nat Bailey Winter Farmers Market

• What: Find local produce, meat, seafood, artisan cheese, bread, herbs, baked goods, artisanal crafts, and more.
• Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
• When: Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm

Get Musical with Ragtime

• What: At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, Ragtime weaves together three distinctly American tales. Presented by Fighting Chance Productions.
• Where: Orpheum Annex – 823 Seymour St, Vancouver
• When: February 7 to 10 at 8 pm, February 11 at 2 pm and 8 pm.
• Tickets: Online, $25-$30

Sip on some hot chocolate

• What: The sweetest festival of the year is back as Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival brings new and unique flavours to the city.
• Where: At participating locations around the city
• When: Running until February 14

Travel to The Other Shore

• What: Gateway Theatre’s Professional Development Program 2016/17 participants present a staged reading of Gao Xingjian’s controversial play, The Other Shore. Training under the direction of Taipei artist, Jocelyn Chang, these Canadian-Asian established and emerging professional actors have been exploring the physicality of this play, while working in the Mandarin language. Reading will be presented in Mandarin.
• Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
• When: February 11 at 8 pm
• Cost: Free

Fall in love on the dance floor with Harbour Dance Valentine’s Show and Party

• What: Learn a Romantic Waltz with Kathy Bradley, enjoy live performances with Onyxx and Endangered, and dance with Harbour Dance’s DJ’s until midnight.
• Where: Harbour Dance Centre – 927 Granville Street, Vancouver
• When: February 11 at 8 pm
• Tickets: At Harbour Dance Centre; $15 for waltz lesson, $15 for show or $25 for both

Give a darn at Knit2gether

• What: All ages, genders, languages, and skill levels are welcome to learn how to knit. Needles and yarn are provided, and there is always an experienced knitter available to help. Plus share your projects-in-progress or show off your completed pieces.
• Where: Burnaby Public Library’s Tommy Douglas Branch – 7311 Kingsway, Burnaby
• When: February 11 at 11 am
• Cost: Free

Go retro at 80s Night Valentine’s Prom Part at Fox Cabaret

• What: Come experience the ultimate high school style Valentine’s dance, but with less teachers and more drinks. Featuring resident Saturday night DJs Trevor Risk and Christa Belle, a makeout room, and the chance to be crowned Prom King and Queen.
• Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: February 11 at 10:30 pm
• Tickets: Online, $5-$15

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Sunday, February 12

Support a great cause at Variety Children’s Charity Show Of Hearts Telethon

• What: The 51st annual Show Of Hearts Telethon is back bringing a full day of live music, entertainment, stories of hope, and fundraising. Help raise hopes and hearts for kids with special needs in BC.
• Where: In person at Hard Rock Casino – 2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam or watch it on Global BC
• When: Sunday, February 12 from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Explore the world of anime at Anime Revolution

• What: AniRevo is Vancouver’s largest and fasting growing anime convention, celebrating anime, manga, cosplay and Japanese Culture at it’s Winter gathering. Featuring live shows, panel discussions, and cosplay contests.
• Where: The Art Institute of Vancouver – 2665 Renfrew Street, Vancouver
• When: February 12 to 13
• Tickets: At the door, $20-$25, children under 12 free

Enjoy a vegan Valentine at Blue Valentine Pop-Up Shop

• What: Join Blue Heron Creamery along with Say Hello Sweets and For the Love of Food for a delicious Blue Valentines Pop-Up Shop. Try plant-based chocolates, ice cream, cheeses, cookies, and cheesecake.
• Where: 400 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver
• When: February 12 at 6 pm
• Tickets: At the door, $5 which includes treats and a beverage.

Shop local at the Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market

• What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, and food trucks.
• Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
• When: Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm

Hit the dance floor at Baza Open House

• What: Learn about Baza’s wide variety of dance lessons, including salsa, bachata, tango, zouk, kizomba, hip-hop, latin fitness, ballroom and more. Includes free classes, prizes and an afterparty
• Where: Baza Dance Studios – 1304 Seymour Street, Vancouver
• When: February 12 at 1 pm
• Cost: Free

Ai & Om Couples’ Knife Skills and Cooking Class

• What: Create a romantic meal in a hands-on three-hour class with your other half and learn how to shuck oysters, make certain knife cuts, and prepare and plat (and eat) the meal.
• Where: Ai & Om – 129 East Pender, Vancouver
• When: Sunday, February 12 at 4:30 pm
• Cost: $235 per couple. Space is limited; guests must reserve in advance by emailing Douglas Chang at [email protected]

Rock out with Kitty Night’s Live Band Burlesque tribute to Kate Bush

• What: Kitty Nights presents a live band burlesque tribute to the trailblazing legacy of Kate Bush. Featuring the Kitty Nights band with guest vocalists playing a selection of Kate Bush’s most loved songs, and a cast of passionate burlesque artists performing works especially created for the show.
• Where: The Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
• When: February 12 at 9 pm
• Tickets: Online, $12-$15

Find love on the trails with Valentine’s Day Snowshoe Fondue at Grouse Mountain

• What: Enjoy an hour-long guided group snowshoe tour followed by a delicious chocolate fondue, served in an intimate setting. Prices include snowshoe and headlamp rentals, tour guide and chocolate fondue.
• Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
• When: February 12 at 3 pm and 6 pm, and February 14 at 3 pm, 6 pm, and 8:30 pm
• Tickets: Online, $52-$65

Get green at the Organic Gardening Intensive

• What: Want veggies this spring and summer? Crunchy homegrown lettuce and hearty kale and other greens? West End Urban Garden Club presents this two-part in-depth workshop covering the basics of planning, preparing and starting a food garden.
• Where: West End Community Centre – 870 Denman Street, Vancouver
• When: Sunday, February 12 from 1 to 4 pm
• Info: Email Ross Moster at [email protected]

Shake it out with Go Go Bungalow

• What: Shimmy and shake to retro surf, soul, Motown and more while enjoying delicious authentic tiki cocktails. Featuring performances by Giner Avenue, Gidget Gravedigger, and Ruthe Ordare in a vintage Polynesian pop environment.
• Where: The Shameful Tiki Room – 4362 Main Street, Vancouver
• When: February 12 at 9 pm
• Cost: Free

Sing along to 112

• What: The Atlanta R&B quartet is in town performing throwback hits like “Peaches & Cream” and “Only You.”
• Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
• When: Sunday, February 12 at 9 pm
• Tickets: Online, $35-$100

Sleep over at Vancouver Aquarium

• What: Meet the Vancouver Aquarium aquatic family on Family Day weekend. Spend the night at the Aquarium where you will learn about Chester, the false killer whale, as well as the wolf eels, clownfishes, marmosets, bats and jellies.
• Where: Vancouver Aquarium
• When: February 12 at 9 pm to February 13 at 9 am
• Admission: $115, registration required

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Monday, February 13

Celebrate Family Day on The Drive

• What: Free skating, caricatures, hot beverages, balloons, and more at Brittania Ice Rink. Plus Family Day specials along The Drive.
• Where: Brittania Community Centre – 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver
• When: February 13 at 1 pm
• Cost: Free

Ride the carousel at Burnaby Village Museum

• What: Bring the family and enjoy a day at the Carousel, including a children’s entertainer, arts activities, heritage games, and unlimited carousel rides!
• Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
• When: February 13 at 11 am
• Tickets: $6.50 per person ($5.85 per member). Pre-registration recommended.

Shop local at the Lonsdale Quay Market

• What: Lonsdale Quay Market is hosting a Family Day Market, with an assortment of local artisans as well as the Lonsdale Artisan Farmers Market. There will be opportunity to make crafts, learn cooking skills, and start seedlings growing.
• Where: Lonsdale Quay Market – 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
• When: February 13 at 10 am
• Cost: Free

Take in some art at Vancouver Art Gallery

• What: Bring the whole family to the Vancouver Art Gallery to explore current exhibits and try hands-on activities. Join their team of Art Agents as they bring the exhibitions to life. Then move on to The Making Place to experiment with themes, processes and materials in a number of engaging art-making activities.
• Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street
• When: Noon to 4 pm
• Cost: See online

Check out the family friendly activities at Tsawwassen Mills

• What: There’s much more than just shopping at Tsawwassen Mills this Family Day. From a 7,000 square foot indoor skatepark to Uncle Buck’s Bowling Alley, via kid-friendly activities such as magic shows and balloon animals there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
• Where: Tsawwassen Mills – 5000 Canoe Pass Way, Delta
• When: February 11 to 13