21 things to do in Vancouver this week: February 18 to 20

Make the most of your shortened work week with our list of 21 things to do in Vancouver from February 18 to 20. Check out Talking Stick Festival, JFL NorthWest, and more.

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

Tuesday, February 18

Talking Stick Festival 2020

What: The 19th annual Talking Stick Festival (TSF), which is proudly presented on the traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, celebrates Indigenous performance and art through theatre, storytelling, writing, music, spoken word, dance, film, and visual arts. The theme of this year’s festival is Chén̓chenstway, a Squamish word that translates to “upholding each other” and “lifting each other up.”

Highlighted events include theatrical performances of Tlakentli Dance-Theatre and Isitwendam (An Understanding), Matriarchs Uprising dance, music from Digging Roots, Logan Staats, Quique Escamilla and Ferron, family programming, the Celebration of Powwow Culture, Métis Fair, the Industry Series and Knowledge Sharing workshops, among others.

When: February 18 to 29, 2020
Time: Start times vary based on event
Where: Various locations including the Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre and other venues
Tickets: Prices range from being free, by donation, and set based on event

West Coast College of Massage Therapy February Information Session

What: The West Coast College of Massage Therapy hosts Information Sessions to provide the opportunity to learn about their program, tour the school, and have questions answered. WCCMT New Westminster is the birth place of massage therapy education in British Columbia with over 35 years of success. Plus they are just steps from two Skytrain stations.

In addition to academic and practical classrooms, the campus includes a Public Intern Clinic that operates 7 days a week. If you’re considering a career in Registered Massage Therapy, check out their February Information Session.

When: February 18, 2020
Time: 6:15 pm
Where: West Coast College of Massage Therapy — 613 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free, register by emailing [email protected]

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

What: The Shipyards’ large, covered outdoor plaza has been converted into a free ice rink for the season. The rink will be open to skating seven days a week from 12 to 7 pm.

The skateable surface is approximately 20,000 sq. ft., including the floor area of the 12,000-sq-ft plaza and the adjacent 8,000-sq-ft summertime water spray area, both of which are covered by a retractable roof. Skaters can either bring their own skates or rent a pair of skates on-site for $7, although quantities are limited. Helmets and skating aids are free.

When: Daily until mid-March (weather permitting)
Time: Noon to 7 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free, skate rentals are available at a cost of $7 (quantities are limited)

Ghosted – Improvised Answers To Your Dating Disappearances

What: Loch Land Entertainment presents Ghosted, featuring Vancouver comedians providing improvised answers to the audience’s dating questions. Share your good, bad, and ghosted love stories at Cafe Deux Soleils and help create the comedy.

When: February 18, April 21, June 16, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Cafe Deux Soleils — 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: $7 or $5 for students

Tuesday Tunes at Chickpea

What: Enjoy an evening of live music at Chickpea with two local artists each show.

When: February 18, 2020
Time: 8:30 to 10 pm
Where: Chickpea Restaurant — 4298 Main Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Steel Magnolias

What: Boone Dog Productions presents Steel Magnolias, a comedic and heartbreaking tale of six Southern belles and their strong friendships through marriage, illness, childbirth, and loss. Based on a true story, and directed by Shel Piercy. Starring Gillian Barber, Chy, Lalainia Lindbjerg, Ranae Miller, Jaime Piercy, and Sheryl Anne Wheaton.

When: Now until March 8, 2020 (no show on Mondays)
Time: Various times
Where: The Nest on Granville Island – 1398 Cartwright Street, Granville Island, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Metronomy

What: Mercury Prize-nominees Metronomy bring their Metronomy Forever – North American Tour 2020 to Vancouver with a performance at Commodore Ballroom on February 18. Featuring special guests BODEGA.

When: February 18, 2020
Time: 9 pm
Where:  The Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Wednesday, February 19

Kim’s Convenience

What: Mr. Kim is proud of his store, Kim’s Convenience. After thirty years of selling lottery tickets, catching petty thieves, and reporting illegally parked cars, he tries to convince his artist daughter, Janet, to take over the store. The play by Ins Choi that inspired the hit TV sitcom. An Arts Club Theatre Company production based on the 2018 Pacific Theatre production.

When: February 19 until March 1, 2020 (no show Monday)
Time: Various times
Where: Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre — 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: Online

PechaKucha Night

What: PechaKucha Nights features creative people sharing their works, ideas, passions and stories with 20 images for 20 seconds each. Hosted by Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

When: February 19, 2020
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: Online; free

BC Home + Garden Show

What: The BC Home + Garden Show features over 400 booths and several unique feature displays to explore. Shop for products and services and learn from industry experts including Bryan Baeumler, Angela Callas, and more.

When: February 19 until February 23, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

How the Other Half Loves

What: White Rock Player’s Club presents How the Other Half Loves by Sir Alan Ayckbourn. The comedic play tells the story of three different marriages that turns into a spirited game of mixed doubles involving sex, jealousy, and ingenious stagecraft.

When: Wednesdays to Sundays until February 22, 2020
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: White Rock Playhouse — 1532 Johnston Road, White Rock
Tickets: Online

Artist Talk with Susan Point

What: Susan Point discusses her travelling exhibition Spindle Whorl at the Surrey Art Gallery on February 19. The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A.

When: February 19, 2020
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery — 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Vancouver Canucks vs Minnesota Wild

What: Vancouver Canucks face off with Minnesota Wild in NHL action at Rogers Arena.

When: February 19, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Maz Jobrani

What: Maz Jobrani has appeared on a wide variety of TV shows and films, including Superior Donuts, Grey’s Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Interpreter, Friday After Next, and more. He has recorded comedy specials for Netflix and Showtime and was a founding member of The Axis Of Evil comedy tour, which aired on Comedy Central. Part of JFL NorthWest.

When: February 19, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre — 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Thursday, February 20

Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown  – Vancouver

What: Now in its 12th year, Vancouver’s culinary heavyweights will go ladle-to-ladle in the soup-centric cook-off as attendees and a panel of judges sample the goods before casting their votes to name the 2020 champion.

When: February 20, 2020
Time: 7 to 11 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Price: $79; online

Art Vancouver 2020 Sneak Peek

What: The Art Vancouver International art fair hosts a sneak peek in advance of their sixth year’s event. Attendees can meet artists and the Art Vancouver team, enjoy food and wine, and explore art from the upcoming International show.

When: Sneak peek is on February 20, 2020. Artwork will stay up on the walls from February 18 to 28.
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Gallery Pendulum — 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Whose Live Anyway? – Hard Rock Casino and River Rock Casino

What: Whose Live Anyway? features Ryan Stiles along with fellow comics Greg Proops, Jeff Davis, and Joel Murray. Together, they perform many of the hilarious games made famous on their Emmy-nominated TV series, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which aired from 1998 to 2004 and returned to the airwaves in 2013.

When: February 20 and 21, 2020 (Hard Rock), February 22 and 23, 2020 (River Rock)
Time: 8 pm (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), 7 pm (Sunday)
Where: Hard Rock Casino – 2080 United Blvd, Coquitlam (Thursday and Friday), River Rock Casino – 8811 River Rd, Richmond (Saturday and Sunday)
Tickets: Available online at Hard Rock Casino and River Rock Casino

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville

What: The Barber of Seville by Rossini tells the tale of Figaro’s escapades as he helps Count Almaviva get Rosina away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Ashlie Corcoran, Artistic Director of the Arts Club Theatre Company, and Canadian conductor Nathan Brock make their mainstage Vancouver Opera debut.

When: February 20 and 23, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm (2 pm on February 23)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Community Movie Night: Lilo & Stitch

What: City Centre Community Centre hosts a free, all ages screening of the Disney animated classic Lilo & Stitch. Light refreshments will be provided to the attendees.

When: February 20, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: City Centre Community Centre — 5900 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond
Admission: Free

Heritage Week 2020 – Bringing the Past into the Future: The Saving of Melissa Park Lodge

What: Port Coquitlam’s Community Integration Services Society in collaboration with PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives and the City of PoCo hosts a tour of Melissa Park Lodge as part of Heritage Week 2020. Attendees will learn how the historic building was restored.

When: February 20, 2020
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Melissa Park Lodge — 2175 Mary Hill Road, Port Coquitlam
Register: Online; free

Beth Stelling

What: The way Beth Stelling tells stories on stage will easily have you in tears of laughter within just minutes of her set. You might recognize her from her Netflix stand-up special The Standups, but Stelling is also a writer for I Love You America with Sarah Silverman and wrote for Judd Apatow’s Crashing on HBO as well as Another Period on Comedy Central. Stelling’s feature on Comedy Central’s The Half Hour was named by Vulture as “one of the best stand-up specials of 2015.” Part of JFL NorthWest.

When: February 20, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret — 2755 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online