28 things to do in Vancouver this week: February 11 to 14

Discover a new favourite event this week in Vancouver! Here are 28 things to do from Monday, February 11 to Thursday, February 14. Check out Thank You For Being A Friend, Valentine’s Day, and more!

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

See also

• Khalid and Zedd to headline FVDED in the Park 2019
• Brewery hosting beer speed dating event on Valentine's Day
• Valentine's Day is cool, but have you tried a pizza party with friends instead?

Monday, February 11

Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks

What: The Vancouver Canucks take on the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena on February 11.

When: Monday, February 11, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Disco Dumplings at Burdock & Co

What: This weekly series features a savoury dumpling menu, DJ Chris Allen spinning vinyl, and a flashy disco ball setting the mood. Plates are $10 and guests can choose from an assortment of decadent dumplings including nettle and ricotta with wild greens and pork and burdock with charred chili sauce.

When: Every Monday
Time: 8 pm (walk-ins only; reservations on Mondays will only be accepted until 6:30 pm)
Where: Burdock & Co – 2702 Main Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online

Coastal Lunar Lanterns

What: The Asian-Canadian Special Events Association has created an iconic installation for Lunar New year. From now to February 18, eight gigantic lanterns will be set up and illuminated every night at the Jack Poole Plaza, using the mountains and water as a backdrop. The lanterns were designed by three artists from Coast Salish Nations, as well as an indigenous artist from Taiwan, and celebrate an important aspect of Lunar New Year tradition.

When: Now to February 18, 2019
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Lunar New Year on Granville Island

What: Granville Island is celebrating Lunar New Year traditions this month. Snap a photo in front of the lantern installations, outside on the Tree of Light in Triangle Square or inside the Net Loft atrium. Then enjoy Lunar New Year treats at the Public Market, including tea, pastries, and more.

When: Now to February 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Granville Island, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church

What: Electric Church tells the story of the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s involvement as the headliner of the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival, 1970, then hailed as the ‘Southern Woodstock’. His performance at the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival was not only significant on a musical level, but also in terms of socio-political dynamics.

When: Monday, February 11, and Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Time: 8:10 pm (February 11), 9:35 pm (February 26)
Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Shoplifters

What: Alma is a career shoplifter who prefers the “five-finger discount” over any senior citizen’s deal. When a grocery store theft goes awry, her elaborate life of petty crime is halted by an overzealous security guard and his affable mentor. With sharp-witted comic observations, Morris Panych has expertly drawn a cast of misfit characters that will leave you rooting for all sides to come out on top.

When: Various dates from now to March 9, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Arts Club Granville Island Stage – 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

VoiceStory

What: VoiceStory exists to provide a safe, positive space where any adult, regardless of age, gender, race or sexual orientation, can share a moment of their lives and inspire others. It’s all about people telling their authentic stories of facing their fears, overcoming adversity, accomplishing achievements, and experiencing great adventures. People empowering people through storytelling. The theme for February is love.

When: Monday, February 11, 2019
Time: Doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
Where: The Cultch – 1895 Venables St Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $12.50

Tuesday, February 12

Unsung Heroes Festival at Blue Water Cafe

What: Blue Water Cafe has been concocting weird and wonderful culinary creations from the sea for its annual Unsung Heroes Festival for over a decade, and this year’s selection is no different. Now in its 15th year, Executive Chef Frank Pabst has created an array of delights not commonly found on many menus for the festival, which runs throughout the month until February 28.

When: Now through February 28
Where: Blue Water Cafe – 1095 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
More Info: Online

The Galleria of Imperial Inspirations

What: Oakridge Centre and the National Palace Museum in Taiwan are pairing up to present “The Galleria of Imperial Inspirations.” The exhibitions and activities at the mall will be centred around tradition, fashion, imagination, celebration, and inclusion, as well as the artistic vision of “saving the moment.” In addition to fashion inspired by a number of famous Chinese paintings, families and children can enjoy performances and craft-workshops, as well as the chance to take home hand-held lanterns of their own.

When: Now to February 19, 2019
Time: Mall Hours
Where: Oakridge Centre – 650 W 41st Avenue, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Conscious Lab Community Gathering

What: Conscious Lab is building a community of like-minded individuals who are interested in personal development related to business growth and self-actualization. Head to their Community Gathering to learn more and share your ideas of what this might look like. This will be a casual evening of mingling and open conversation.

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2018
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Conscious Lab – 200 422 Richards St., Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

Casablanca

What: Released in 1942 against the unfolding backdrop of World War II, American expat Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) must choose between his love for former flame Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and helping her Czech Resistance leader husband escape the Vichy-controlled French-Moroccan city of Casablanca so that he can continue his fight against the Nazi regime.

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: The Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Cabaret

What: It’s 1929 and young American writer Cliff Bradshaw has just arrived in Berlin, a city where the party never ends. At the notorious Kit Kat Klub he meets the beguiling chanteuse Sally Bowles and his life is turned upside down forever.

When: Various dates from now to February 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Studio 58, Langara College – 100 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Live Painting Battle

What: Painters face off against each other in celebration of the opening of Opus Art Supplies newest location in Harbour Centre while helping support the Arts community in the Downtown Eastside. All 12 paintings will be exhibited at Opus Downtown Vancouver and will be available to bid on in their silent auction during the Grand Opening Event. Thirty percent of the proceeds raised from the sale of these paintings will be donated to the Covenant House Art Therapy, and the balance to the Artist who painted it.

When: Tuesday, February 12 and Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Time: 11 am
Where: Harbor Centre – Upper Atrium – 555 West Hastings St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Swelling with Pride: Queer Conception and Adoption Stories

What: In Swelling With Pride: Queer Conception and Adoption Stories, creative non-fiction writers celebrate LGBTQ2 families and the myriad of pathways to parenthood. Join editor Sara Graefe and contributors for an evening of honest, heartfelt, unabashedly queer stories covering a gamut of issues and experiences.

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2018
Time: 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Montalbano Family Theatre – Vancouver Public Library – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Wednesday, February 13

Thank You For Being a Friend

What: The Golden Girls coming to Vancouver — but in puppet form. Join Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia for a live puppet tribute show that is bringing the laughs and memories back, this February at the Vogue Theatre.

When: Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Time: Doors at 7 pm,  show at 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre — 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, $35 to $40

Branaire Ducru Dinner at Origo Club

What: Origo Club is a five-course dinner for $100/ per person with Branaire Ducru on February 13 at 6:30 pm.

When: Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Orio Club – 6888 River Road #110, Richmond
Price: $100; buy online

Women & Queer Night at The Bike Kitchen

What: Learn how to tune up your bike in a positive space for trans women, cis women, queer and genderqueer folks in a relaxed environment led by female and/or LGBTQ2I identified mechanics and volunteers. A great way to introduce yourself to the wonderful world of bike mechanics while eating pizza and listening to some great tunes.

When: The second Wednesday of every month
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: The Bike Kitchen – 1896 East Mall, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Subverting the Genre – Connie Walker on Podcasting and Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

What: As Connie Walker’s hit podcasts, Missing & Murdered—”Who Killed Alberta Williams,” and, “Finding Cleo” — approach the 20 million download mark, go behind the stories, into the editorial decision making, and into the struggles behind one of Canada’s most downloaded podcasts. How has the media transformed over the last five years when reporting in Indigenous communities? What is the importance of understanding the role of trauma in our communities in our news and feature stories? Following a public talk, Connie will be joined by Ryan McMahon, creator, writer, and host of the Thunder Bay podcast, for a Q&A with the audience.

When: Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue (Asia-Pacific Hall) Room 100 – 580 W Hastings St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

VSO Chamber Players: String, Sonatas & Sextet

What: The Chamber Players shine a spotlight on strings with Gorecki’s highly virtuosic, Bartók-inspired Sonata for Two Violins, Ravel’s strikingly spare Sonata for Violin and Cello, and Dvořák’s energetic Sextet for Strings, written during the composer’s Slavic period.

When: Wednesday, February 13, Thursday, February 14, and Sunday, February 17, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm (Wednesday and Thursday) 2 pm (Sunday)
Where: Pyatt Hall – 843 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Valentine’s Special Wild At Heart Cooking Class

What: Share your heart this Valentine’s with a hands-on cooking class and three-course gourmet tasting menu featuring the beloved heart. Learn how to prepare heart three ways as demonstrated by experienced wild game cook Jody Peck in this interactive workshop.

When: Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Strathcona Community Centre Association – 601 Keefer Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $125

Fraser Valley Comedy presents Chris Gordon

What: Fraser Valley Comedy presents headliner Chris Gordon at the Hastings Racecourse & Casino inside “The Eclipse Lounge.” Hosted by Ed Konyha with special guest Shane Clark, Robert Peng, Lisa Person, Alfie Rosselli and James Idol.

When: Wednesday, February 13, 2018
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Hastings Racecourse & Casino – 188 N Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Thursday, February 14

Vancouver Aquarium After Hours Valentine’s Day edition

What: Love will be in the water at the Vancouver Aquarium for this adults-only evening affair. Take your date around the galleries, after dark, with a drink in hand. The night will feature a ‘naughty puppet show,’ exploration of the sex lives of marine animals, and the opportunity to meet a penguin. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase around the venue.

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: 6 pm to 11 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: $27 for members and $35 for non-members, available online.

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

What: This annual celebration of all things hot chocolate is kicking off on January 19 and runs until February 14 – which means you have tons of days to try all of the participating ‘chocstars’ at this year’s fest. Each cafe, dessert bar, and restaurant has created sugary wondrous concoctions that take classic hot chocolates to a whole new level – there will be 70 drinks in total to explore.

When: Now to February 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Venues around Vancouver
More Info: Online

Romance Week at Vancouver TheatreSports

What: Cupid will be stopping by The Improv Centre on Granville Island for the return of Romance Week. Vancouver TheatreSports will be putting on three rotating shows in the week leading up to February 14th, ‘climaxing’ with a special finale called My Funny Valentine. Forget the boring box of chocolates, choose to experience a ‘Love Astrologer,’ improvised rom-com clichés, and love sonnets instead.

When: Now to Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: Showtimes vary based on performance
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Can be purchased online starting at $10.75

Mount Pleasant Senior Prom at Anza Club

What: Dig out that old, ill-fitting powder blue suit or outdated prom dress and turn back the clock to senior prom. Get a corsage for that special someone and head to Anza Club for live music, dancing, disco balls, and no chaperones. You’ll want to bring your A-game outfits and dance moves because ‘prom monarchy’ will be awarded as well.

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: 7 pm to 12 am
Where: Anza Club Vancouver – 3 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: Can be purchased online for $20

Justin Timberlake

What: Justin Timberlake is on tour in promotion of his fourth studio album, The Man of the Woods.

When: Thursday, February 14 and Friday, February 15, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

La Bohème

What: The Vancouver Opera’s production of La Bohème will be opening up on February 14th with a special offer of $40 tickets for anyone under the age of 40. The performance will transport the audience back to the 1920s when “writers flocked to Paris to live the bohemian life.” In order to redeem the Valentine’s Day offer, use the promo code 40/40 when purchasing seats. Valid ID will also be required to collect your tickets.

When: Thursday, February 14, 2019. Other performances on February 16, February 19, February 21 and February 24
Time: 7:30 pm (2 pm on February 24)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Beginning at $40 for those under 40 – use promo code 40/40 at online checkout.

JFL Northwest 2019

What: JFL Northwest 2019 has a star-studded lineup, including Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Whitney Cummings, Gabriel Iglesias, Michelle Wolf, Ken Jeong, Best of the West showcase, and more.

When: Thursday, February 14 to Saturday, February 23, 2019
Time: Showtimes will vary and can be found on the event website
Where: Various stages across the Lower Mainland
Tickets: Online