7 things you can enjoy at LunarFest in Vancouver this month

Feb 7 2018, 7:39 am

The Lunar New Year is almost here, and you’re going to want to celebrate the Year of the Dog in style.

Thankfully, you have a plethora of options available to you as LunarFest is back in the city. It’s Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture that brings soul, art, and life together on one stage.

Just because the Lunar New Year falls on Friday, February 16 doesn’t mean that’s the only day that you can do something wonderful to mark this special occasion. In fact, there are a series of events taking place in Vancouver over the next two weeks that you can attend.

With that in mind, here’s a look at seven fun things you can do at LunarFest.

Lanterns of Blessings

Chinese lanterns/Shutterstock

This year marks the fourth year LunarFest is teaming up with Vancouver’s Oakridge Centre. Visit the centre on a day that suits you from February 7 to 25 and prepare to marvel at the most spectacular public art installations: ‘Lanterns of Blessings,’ where you’ll get to pass through a majestic pathway filled with 888 lanterns in the West Galleria.

Lanterns hold symbolic meanings in many nations, including new year’s celebrations in Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, China, and even Poland. In the Lunar New Year tradition, the lantern symbolizes hope, blessings, and sincere prayers, and Oakridge Centre hopes to share this heritage with everyone making a LunarFest lantern. You can even reserve a Lantern of Blessing of your own at the Concierge Desk during regular mall hours.

When: Wednesday, February 7 to Sunday, February 25
Time: Regular hours
Where: Oakridge Centre West Galleria– 650 West 41st Avenue
Price: FREE

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Perfect Year of the Dog

Do you ever consider the incredible bonds between you and your dog? Have you ever had to explain your non-verbal communication to friends that don’t have pets? Well, now you can go along to the East Galleria at Oakridge Centre to take in the magnificent art installation titled ‘The Perfect Year of the Dog’ which features 10 fully-golden dog posture sculptures designed by Taiwanese-Canadian artist, Jessica Sung.

When: Wednesday, February 7 to Sunday, February 25
Time: Regular hours
Where: Oakridge Centre East Galleria – 650 West 41st Avenue
Price: FREE

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Oakridge celebrates LunarFest on Family Day

You can also take the kids along to Oakridge Centre this coming Monday, February 12 where there will be tons of free Family Day activities happening in the West Galleria. While they’re here, children can craft their own lanterns, dogs, dog houses, and learn how to make a Chinese shuttlecock. And if you’re interested in purchasing some lunar-themed art, check it out the 100 ‘Year of the Dog’ inspired, artist-rendered figurines located in retail storefronts throughout the mall. They will each be for sale at the end of the festival, in aid of BCSPCA.

When: Monday, February 12
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Oakridge Centre West Galleria – 650 West 41st Avenue
Price: FREE

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Butterfly Lovers

Inspired by the world-renowned concerto and one of China’s Four Great Folktales, The Butterfly Lovers is a ballet you need to see. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day and the Lunar New Year in one romantic setting. Choreographed by Joshua Beamish, the brand new ballet presentation is performed alongside a classical concerto and showcases excerpts from Irene Schneider’s The Love Stories.

When: Friday, February 16
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton Street
Price: $30 to $45 – Tickets available via Vtx

It’s the Year of the Dog so it makes sense that there are awesome events taking place that both you and your furry friend can enjoy together (aww). You can go along to Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza on February 18 to enjoy everything from food trucks to doggie arts and crafts. Yes, we’re serious. It’s the optimal doggie day out and you can indulge in some appetizing Lunar New Year food while you’re there. This includes traditional fare and of course, your festival favourites (hurricane fries). Don’t forget to bring home a puppy lantern!

When: Saturday, February 18
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza – 750 Hornby Street
Price: FREE

2018 LunarFest at Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza

LunarFest activities at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza will feature exhibitions of hundreds of lanterns customized and blessed by schoolchildren around Vancouver. Make sure you check to see if you can you spot anyone you might know! On February 24 and 25, you can go along to the Plaza to lose yourself in a sea of celestial bodies during Moon Crawl – a super-sized ball pit that needs to be seen to be believed. All you have to do is see how quickly you can find your moon!

When: Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25
Time: 11 am to 6 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza – 750 Hornby Street
Price: FREE

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram 

Canadog – The Space Husky

Canadog taps into the excitement and exuberance that is Year of the Dog. And since huskies are a vigorous breed, nothing gets them more excited than to share a new toy with the family. Now you can supersize your ambitions, and inspire your community to think big, think outside the box, and share their happiness with everyone around them during LunarFest and year-round.

When: Throughout LunarFest 2018
Where: On tour throughout Metro Vancoouver


For more information and to see a full schedule of events, visit LunarFest.

Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of LunarFest 2018

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

+ Listed
+ Arts
ADVERTISEMENT