There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Vancouver this month, and you don’t have to spend a dime. Here are 20 free things to do in Vancouver this March.
The Vancouver Events Calendar has more.
Tuesday Nights at the Vancouver Art Gallery
- What: Tuesday nights feature admission by donation at the Vancouver Art Gallery. If you can afford it, drop in a few dollars. If you can’t, don’t worry – the largest art gallery in Western Canada is here for you.
- Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
- When: Tuesdays; 5 to 9 p.m.
Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory
- What: Gaze into the stars above Vancouver at the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory. Friendly staff are on hand to direct you to some of the galaxy’s heavenly bodies, with admission by donation.
- Where: Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory – 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
- When: Saturdays; 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Tech Cafe
- What: Today’s technological world can be overwhelming, but the fine folks at the Vancouver Public Library are here to help. Anything from how to find E-Books to how to check your email – no matter your skill level they’ll give you the tools you need to be a tech wizard in no time.
- Where: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
- When: Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Board Game Night at Strategies
- What: Drop in and play board games on Vancouver’s Main Street, with the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Strategies.
- Where: Strategies – 3878 Main Street, Vancouver
- When: Fridays; 6 p.m.
Inspiration Lab Drop-ins
- What: The Vancouver Public Library’s Inspiration Labs can help bring your digital dream into reality. Audio and video editing, green screens, mix boards, and much, much more. Check out listings for free drop-in sessions focused on Editing, Sound Recording, Digitization, and Voice Recording.
- Where: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
- When: Various dates
Antisocial Media
- What: A collection of work from iHeart, eafo and The Grominator focusing on their cliched experiences with love, addiction, and stupidity. Modern work for modern people with modern lives.
- Where: Hot Art Wet City – 2206 Main Street, Vancouver
- When: Thursday, March 3 to Saturday, March 19; 12 to 5 p.m. / Friday March 4; 7 to 11 p.m.
Don’t Apologize, Downsize!
- What: Let the Jewish Seniors Alliance teach you how to let go of your useless possessions, and get yourself a new and lean lifestyle.
- Where: JSA/Unitarian Centre – 949 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver
- When: Thursday, March 3; 11 a.m.
Justine Gabias presents “Exportée”
- What: Emily Carr graduate Justine Gabias presents home footage shot by her grandmother in Quebec in the ’50s and ’60s. This free event is a look back in time to a different lifestyle and a different culture.
- Where: Emily Carr University North Building – 1399 Johnston Street, Vancouver
- When: Friday, March 4; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
North Shore Art Crawl
- What: Explore the art scene of North Vancouver, from Lions Bay to Deep Cove. 250 artsist, 72 venues, two days, all free. Find your community again.
- Where: Various venues
- When: Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SPACE by Phantoms in the Front Yard
- What: Vancouver-based touring art collective Phantoms in the Front Yard showcases their new exhibit, “SPACE.” Seeking to challenge the contemporary Canadian art scene and reviving the human subject as a muse, “SPACE” explores the meaning of the word in all its forms.
- Where: Seymour Art Gallery – 4360 Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver
- When: Wednesday, March 9 to Saturday, April 2
Talk Bach
- What: A night with speakers Leslie Dala and Matthew White, discussing the work and life Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most influential composers in history.
- Where: Hodson Manor – 1254 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver
- When: Wednesday, March 9; 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Leery & Livid Ladies
- What: Three mini-operas from the Vancouver Academy of Music’s Vocal Theatre Department – The Women by Thomas Pasatieri with Seymour Barab’s I Can’t Stand Wagner and The Ruined Maid. Free of charge and full of life.
- Where: Vancouver Academy of Music – 1270 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
- When: Friday, March 11 and Saturday, March 12
MyVoice at the Chan
- What: The finale of this year’s VanMan Choral Summit, featuring over 300 vocal performers in this free afternoon concert.
- Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, UBC, Vancouver
- When: Saturday, March 12; 4 p.m.
Celtic Village Street Market
- What: A free, family friendly street market featuring some of Vancouver’s best artisans and vendors, food, and the Doolin’s Music Stage.
- Where: Granville Street between Robson and Nelson
- When: Saturday, March 12; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Sunday, March 13; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- What: Vancouver’s annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, featuring traditional Celtic music and dance, organizations from across the city, and thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
- Where: Starts at Howe and Davie Street, heads north on Howe, and ends at Georgia and Granville Streets
- When: Sunday, March 13; 11 a.m.
Visual Art Forums at Emily Carr
- What: A talk with ceramicist Greg Payce. With over 50 years of experiences in ceramics, Payce takes attendees through his career, experiences, tips, and wisdom.
- Where: Emily Carr University North Building – 1399 Johnston Street, Vancouver
- When: Tuesday, March 15; 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Death Cafe
- What: Discuss the end of your life in a respectful and informative way at the Death Cafe.
- Where: Banyen Books and Sound – 3608 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
- When: Tuesday, March 15; 2 to 4 p.m.
Forensic Science for Teens
- What: Learn the basics of the investigative skills used to solve crimes around the world in this free workshop at the George Mackie Library.
- Where: George Mackie Library – 8440 112 Street, Delta
- When: Thursday, March 17 and Thursday, March 24; 1 to 2 p.m.
Easter Puppet Show
- What: A free Easter puppet show for the kids! Two showings, so every can get in on the fun.
- Where: West Vancouver Memorial Library – 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
- When: Thursday, March 17; 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Yoga in the Gallery
- What: Instructors Kent Brun and Melanie Rae Birch take students through a creative yoga exercise in the beautiful Gordon Smith Gallery.
- Where: Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art – 2121 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
- When: Tuesday, March 22; 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.