34 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: February 14 to 17

Valentine’s Day, Family Day weekend and more! Enjoy your long weekend with our picks of 34 things to do in Vancouver! Have a great time!

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

Friday, February 14

Illuminate Yaletown

What: Illuminate Yaletown, presented by Yaletown Business Improvement Association, features light art installations, activities and entertainment, and more. It’s the perfect place to snap a cute selfie or two with a neon jungle by Hfour Productions as the backdrop. There’s also going to be an ’80s arcade room hosted by Soho Billiards featuring classic games like Frogger, Pac-Man, and Galaga.

Get hands-on with interactive digital art, play games with massive illuminated inflatable game pieces by Tangible Interaction, and challenge your friends in the virtual game room put on by Go2 Productions. Plus select restaurants and bars will also be honouring the 10th anniversary of the Games with unique cocktails plus screenings of the gold medal hockey game.

When: February 14 and 15, 2020
Time: 5:30 to 9 pm
Where: Yaletown — 1200 Block of Hamilton Street & Bill Curtis Square (behind Yaletown-Roundhouse Station)
Admission: Free

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

What: Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is back for its 10th year celebrating all things hot chocolate. There are 44 participating ‘chocstars’ at this year’s fest, all of which are local purveyors. Each cafe, dessert bar, and restaurant has created sugary wondrous concoctions that take classic hot chocolates to a whole new level – there will be 114 drinks in total to explore.

When: Now until February 14, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Venues around Vancouver
More Info: Online

Love Matches: A Valentine’s Day All-Out Love Battle

What: If you’re looking to go all out this V-Day, be sure to check out Love Matches: A Valentine’s Day All-Out Love Battle. On February 14 at two showings (7:30 and 9:30 pm), Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and VTS’ very own, very dapper GQpid will host an all-out love battle of epic proportions. Watch improv couples duke it out in an audience-inspired competition to prove that love (and laughter) truly conquers all.

When: February 14, 2020
Time: 7:30 and 9:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

WWE Friday Night SmackDown at Rogers Arena

What: WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown will be held at Rogers Arena on February 14. It’s the first televised event to be held in Vancouver since Monday Night Raw came to the Pacific Coliseum in 2003.

Announced wrestlers (subject to change) include Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley, Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, The New Day, Sasha Banks and more.

When: February 14, 2020
Where: Rogers Arena — 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Time: 4:45 pm
Tickets: Online via Ticketmaster

Vancouver Aquarium After Hours Valentine’s Day Edition

What: Pucker up for an intimate Valentine’s Day affair at the Vancouver Aquarium’s adults-only (19+) After Hours event. With a drink in one hand, your sole mate or pals in the other, get set for an otterly adorable evening. Learn about the coral sex lives of aquatic animals and another range of hot topics while you explore the Aquarium’s galleries with a drink in hand. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site.

When: February 14, 2020
Time: 6:30 to 11 pm. VIP Entrance at 6 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Regular tickets are $30 for members and $38 for non-members. VIP tickets are $44 for members and $55 for non-members, available online

BeetBox’s Valentine’s Wine & “Cheese” Mingler

What: BeetBox in partnership with Blue Heron Creamery present a Valentine’s Wine & “Cheese” Mingler. Attendees can expect some welcome bubbly, amazing dairy-free cheeses, canapes, and Old-World all-vegan wine too.

When: February 14, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Beetbox — 1074 Davie Street, Vancouver
Price: $25; available online

Heart On Cabaret: A Night of Adults Only Puppetry

What: Vancouver International Puppet Festival and Axis Theatre presents an adults only puppet show. The fundraiser for VIPF and Axis features sexy puppet shenanigans, silent auction, live music, cocktails, and more.

When: February 14, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Performance Works — 1218 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Saturday, February 15

Fan Expo Vancouver

What: Fan Expo Vancouver is one of British Columbia’s largest pop-culture events, with thousands of comic book fans, cosplay lovers, and video game fanatics in attendance at Vancouver Convention Centre from February 15 to 17. Get an autograph and photos with celebrities like Brendan Fraser and Christina Ricci, check out live entertainment and activities, and more.

When: February 15 to 17, 2020
Time: Starting at 10 am – schedule available online
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre — 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online now starting at $30 for adults

Snowed In Comedy Tour

What: Snowed In Comedy Tour is Canada’s biggest comedy tour, with performances in 70 cities across the country. Just for Laughs winner Dan Quinn, Great Canadian Laugh Off winner Paul Myrehaug, six-time Canadian Comedian of the year nominee Pete Zedlacher, and Seattle Comedy Competition winner Damonde Tschritter perform at Surrey Arts Centre on February 15.

When: February 15, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre — 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Family Day Weekend at Britannia Shipyards

What: Britannia Shipyards presents a variety of events on Family Day weekend. Learn about Richmond’s past with the Living History Program, take part in an exhibit scavenger hunt at the Seine Net Loft, and more.

When: February 15 to 17, 2020
Time: Noon to 5 pm
Where: Britannia Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
Admission: Free

Black History Month Family Day

What: Mackin House celebrates African culture in Canada with a Family Day weekend event. Enjoy food, live performances, interactive drum circle, crafts, and a presentation by the African Descent Society of BC.

When: February 15, 2020
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Where: Mackin House – 1116 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Admission: By Donation

Family Day Geocache Treasure Hunt

What: Partners in Parks hosts a Family Day geocache treasure hunt. Form a team and navigate with a GPS unit to find hidden treasure boxes. Participants under 14-years-old must be accompanied by an adult. Instruction and GPS units provided. No experience necessary.

When: February 15, 2020
Time: 11 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Redwood Park — 17900 20 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free. One person per team must pre-register online or by phone (604-501-5100) for a start time

Westminster Savings Family Day

What: Westminster Savings Family Days invites visitors to tour the exhibition in the Art Gallery at Evergreen and participate in a variety of activities led by Art Gallery staff. On February 15, attendees can take part in Alter Ego Self-Portraits, and on March 21, they can experiment with Illuminated Sketchbooks. There will also be gallery tours at 2:30 pm (English) and 3:30 pm (Korean).

When: February 15, March 21, 2020
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Art Gallery at Evergreen — 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Labour’s trace

What: Richmond Art Gallery’s newest exhibition is Labour’s trace by Karin Jones, an interdisciplinary artist of African-Nova Scotian heritage, and Amy Malbeuf, a Métis visual artist from Rich Lake, Alberta. Working with a wide variety of materials and objects, the artists reflect ideas tied to livelihood and histories of colonization.

When: February 15 until April 20, 2020
Time: Monday to Friday,10 am to 6 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Richmond Cultural Centre — 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: Free

Shrek: The Musical

What: Align Entertainment presents a stage musical adaptation of Shrek, the hit animated Dreamworks film. Enjoy the adventures of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and more.

When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until February 15, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Michael J Fox Theatre — 7373 Macpherson Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: Online

Family Day Weekend Festival at Cypress Mountain

What: Cypress Mountain is celebrating Family Day with a whole weekend of fun activities for children of all ages. Head up and enjoy live music, giant Jenga and Instagram photo contest at The Shack, and fireworks on Friday night.

When: February 14 to 17, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Cypress Mountain
Admission: Free for activities. Info on passes, sky cards and lift tickets are online.

Forever Plaid

What: First Impressions Theatre presents Forever Plaid, the hit musical written and originally directed and choreographed by Stuart Ross. A quartet of male singers takes a detour to heaven on the way to their first big concert. They posthumously take the stage for one final gig in this comedic musical celebration of the 50s.

When: Now until February 15, 2020
Time: 8 pm (matinee performance at 3 pm on February 15)
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre – 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online

Sunday, February 16

Vancouver Canucks vs Anaheim Ducks

What: Vancouver Canucks take on the Anaheim Ducks in NHL action at Rogers Arena. There will be a pre-game ceremony that will celebrate Henrik and Daniel’s widespread off-ice contributions to the community and province.

Joining the twins for the pre-game ceremony, which begins at 1:45 pm, will be children from organizations that have been positively impacted by the Sedin family. Canucks players will wear Sedin jerseys in warmup, and the team will suit up in white primary jerseys for the game — something usually reserved for road games.

When: February 16, 2020
Time: 2 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

LIL FEST

What: LIL FEST features a huge lineup of performers at PNE Forum on February 16. Acts include Shoreline Mafia, bbno$ Lil Tracy, iann dior, Guapdad4000, DJ SCHEME, and more.

When: February 16, 2020
Time: Doors 5 pm
Where: PNE Forum – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Ravenous Raptors

What:​ Learn why raptors are great hunters by chatting with naturalists around displays and a campfire. The Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre Open House is also happening, with presentations, tours, and more. Presented by Kanaka Education & Environmental Partnership Society

When: February 16, 2020
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park – meet at 11450 256th St, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free

Wizard Beer Festival

What: The “most magical beer festival of the year” is taking place on February 16, 2020. The fest will “transport you into a mysterious and magical wizarding world” and will feature local DJs, tarot card readers, wand making classes, and more. Tickets are limited, and come with a 12 oz welcome beer and five tokens that will give you access to drinks and activities.

When: February 16, 2020
Time: 11 am to 8:30 pm
Where: Big Rock Vancouver Brewery & Eatery 310 W 4th Avenue Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Family Festival – Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre is hosting a Family Festival during Family Day weekend. There will be a massive book sale with thousands of Japanese books, manga, CDs and DVDs. Families can also enjoy a Japanese culture corner, games, live entertainment, and more.

When: February 15 and February 16, 2020
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Admission: Free, though some workshops have a price.

Mensch Jewish Delicatessen Brunch Pop-Up

What: On February 16, folks who head to Kafka’s Coffee (577 Great Northern Way) can enjoy a selection of special eats such as Hot Pastrami Shakshuka on a Latke, Eggs on Lox, Mensch’s Famous Reuben Sandwich, Egg Salad on a fresh Challah, Bubbe’s Sweet Cheesecake Blintzes with Fruit Confiture, and more.

When: February 16, 2020
Time: 11 am
Where: Kafka’s Coffee — 577 Great Northern Way, Vancouver

Family Day at PdA

What: Place des Arts’ hosts a Family Day weekend event featuring a variety of drop-in-style art activities for all ages. Attendees can also check out the three new art exhibitions: Blind Contour Homage Series by Marlene Lowden, The Human Landscape by Suite E Life Drawing Society and The Endless Braid by Clarissa Banos.

When: February 16, 2020
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online, Free

Talking Sex on Sunday

What: Talking Sex on Sunday is a new musical by Sara-Jeanne Hosie and Nico Rhodes. On the first Sunday of every month Margot and her friends always host a theme party. What happens when Margot decides to kick it up a notch by having a Sex Toy Party? Women share fears, reveal dirty secrets, explore new possibilities, and find the power of female friendship.

When: Tuesday to Sunday from February 14 to March 8, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Firehall Arts Centre — 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dinner With A View – Vancouver

What: Dinner With A View Vancouver starts when guests enter their assigned dome that’s been transformed into a terrarium with a distinct terrain: tundra, tropical, grasslands, etc. Each dome seats a minimum of four and a maximum of six people.

Inside guests will find luxurious pillows, blankets, and decor as they enjoy a three-course meal prepared by a celebrity chef. Diners can choose between blind menus, which will accommodate several different dietary restrictions including meals that can be made meat-, fish-, and vegan-centric.

When: Now until February 16, 2020, and February 20 to 23, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver
Price: $199.99 for dome reservations and $109.99 per dinner per person; tickets online

Winter Festival – Skate for a Cause

What: Winter Festival – Skate for a Cause takes place in the north parking lot at Guildford Town Centre and will see the site become what organizers describe as a “winter wonderland,” complete with an outdoor skating rink, food trucks, and a life-size snow globe. The event is being presented in partnership with the Surrey Hospital Foundation to support their Children’s Health Centre campaign.

When: February 14 to 17, 2020
Time: 3 pm to 8 pm on February 14, and 12 pm to 8 pm all other days
Where:  North parking lot at Guildford Town Centre – 10355 152 St, Surrey
Admission: Free; skate rentals available for $5 a pair, with proceeds going towards to the Surrey Hospital Foundation

Monday, February 17

Children’s Arts Festival

What: Celebrate Family Day at the 12th annual Children’s Arts Festival. The event features a wide variety of hands-on activities, literary and musical performing arts, workshops, and more.

When: February 17, 2020
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Richmond Cultural Centre – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: General Admission is $5. Creativity Classes are $15 (register in advance). Children ages two and under are free

Valentine’s and Family Day Weekend Train Ride

What: Bear Creek Train & Mini Golf presents Valentine’s and Family Day Weekend train rides from February 10 to 17. There will also be crafts for the young ones to enjoy.

When: Now until February 17, 2020
Time: 10 am to 4 pm daily
Where: Bear Creek Park – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: $7

Family Day at the Museum

What: Play board games with the family, take part in a scavenger hunt, and pose for a photo with mascot Raj the Racoon at Museum of Surrey’s Family Day.

When: February 17, 2020
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Museum of Surrey – 17710 56a Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

City of New Westminster Family Day 2020

What: There are many Family Day events to check out in New West on February 17, including activities at City of New Westminster Parks and Recreation locations, the Anvil Centre, River Market and the Fraser River Discovery Centre.

When: February 17, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
Admission: Free

Soar Over Taiwan at Flyover Canada

What: Soar Over Taiwan takes guests through the water at Green Island, above the famous Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, past tea farms and into the heart of bustling cities. Inside the spherical flight-ride, this full 8-minute film was originally shown in Taiwan and created by the renowned Brogent Technologies. It’s the first time the film has ever been shown in Vancouver.

The experience starts with a unique Lunar New Year themed pre-show celebration before the film, and guests can finish the experience with authentic Taiwanese pineapple cake and Oolong tea available for purchase at the Flying Whale Waterfront Café.

When: Now until February 17, 2020
Time: Every 15 to 20 minutes from 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Flyover Canada – 999 Canada Place Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Civic Theatre – Free Puppet Show and Gallery Open House

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres hosts Vancouver Puppet Theatre and their show Baba Yaga and The Black Flower on Family Day. The free marionette show for children and adults is based on Eastern European folklore. All three levels of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre lobbies will be open for attendees to see the current art exhibit – Tatjana Mirkov-Popovicki and Pierre Vassura.

When: February 17, 2020
Time: 9:45 am to 1:45 pm. Puppet shows at 10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre Lobby — 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Coast Salish Family Day 2020 at Maplewood Flats

What: Maplewood Flats’ Coast Salish Family Day is a celebration of Coast Salish culture and conservation. The day begins with a pancake breakfast and hot beverages in the Corrigan Nature House. Attendees can then make artwork using paint from natural materials, listen to speakers on climate change and Tsleil-Waututh Elder storytelling, and go on a guided family walk on the trails.

When: February 17, 2020
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Maplewood Flats – 2649 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver
Admission: Free