28 things to do in Vancouver this week: February 4 to 7

Jan 31 2019, 6:53 am

The first full week of February starts today!

Check out our picks of 28 things to do in Vancouver from Monday, February 4 to Thursday, February 7. There’s Lunar New Year, Mother Mother, and more.

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

See also

Monday, February 4

Aberdeen Centre Countdown Night to Chinese New Year of the Pig

chinese new year lunar new year oranges

Shutterstock

What: Countdown night to Chinese New Year will kick off with a live variety stage show from 8:30 to 10 pm featuring dance,music and games. Starting at 10:30 pm, there will be a live broadcast countdown to Chinese New Year and personal blessings from The Chinese God of Fortune, who makes special appearance to greet customers and bring good luck.

When: Monday, February 4, 2019
Time: 8:30 pm to 12:10 am
Where: Aberdeen Centre -4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Admission: Free

La Poutine Week 2019

What: La Poutine Week kicks off all across Canada for the seventh time, and we can taste the squeaky cheese curd-goodness already. In the past, the annual week-long celebration of fries, curds, and gravy has seen hundreds of participating restaurants dish out original takes on the iconic Quebecois dish. The fest takes place during the first week of February for the dining public to eat and vote on their favourites before a winner is announced at the end of the week.

When: Now to Thursday, February 7, 2019,
Time: Various times
Where: Various restaurants
More Info: Online

Flower Market at Yaohan Centre

What: Visit to the Yaohan Centre Flower Market during this time of the year is a great way to get into the spirit of Chinese New Year. The market is the perfect place to soak up in the joy of the festivities and pick up a few items to decorate the house.

When: Now to Monday, February 4, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7
Where: Yaohan Centre – 3700 No. 3 Rd #2220, Richmond
Admission: Free

Beau Jest

Beau Jest

Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts / Facebook

What: All Sarah’s parents want is for her to marry a nice Jewish boy. But Sarah has been dating anyone but. To get her parents off her back, Sarah hires an actor to play her imaginary Jewish doctor boyfriend at a family dinner. Hilarity ensues as Sarah attempts to keep the charade going as long as she possibly can. A play about family, growing up and the extent we’ll go to please our parents, this delightful comedy will chase away those mid-winter blues.

When: Various dates from now to Saturday, February 9, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Abbotsford Community Arts Addition – 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford
Tickets: Online, $12-$25

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

The Wife

What: An adaptation of the Meg Wolitzer novel, The Wife features powerhouse performances by Glenn Close as Joan Castleman, the long-suffering wife of a much-lauded American novelist, Joe played by Jonathan Pryce. Joe is about to be awarded the Nobel Prize for his acclaimed and prolific body of work. Joe’s literary star has blazed since he and Joan first met in the late 1950. The Wife interweaves the story of the couple’s youthful passion and ambition with a portrait of a marriage, thirty-plus years later — a lifetime’s shared compromises, secrets, betrayals, and mutual love.

When: Monday, February 4, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Kay Meek Arts Centre – 1700 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $7-$10

Celebration of Chinese New Year with Lulu Island Winery

What: Celebrate the Year of Pig with Lulu Island Winery and Tourism Richmond. Lulu Island Winery is offering winery tours with guided wine experts around their Tuscan-inspired estate winery. Come and learn the process of winemaking from harvesting to crushing to bottling. Complete the tour with tasting our award-winning wines, including the famous Icewine. Sip and savor with their signature charcuterie platter, plus every winery tour participant has a chance to win a mystery prize.

When: Now to February 20, 2019
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Lulu Island Winery – 16880 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Admission: Free, tickets online

Tuesday, February 5

Blessing Ceremony and Lion Dance at River Rock Casino Resort

What: Celebrate the Year of the Pig at River Rock Casino Resort. Watch the colourful lions and dragon come to life and join us in the resort lobby for our Blessing Ceremony and Lion Dance.  All ages are welcome.

When: Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Time: 6:15 to 8 pm
Where: River Rock Casino Resort Lobby – 8811 River Road, Richmond
Admission: Free

Romance Week at Vancouver TheatreSports

theatresports

Vancouver TheatreSports League

What: Vancouver TheatreSports (VTS) presents the return of Romance Week, running from Tuesday, February 5 to Thursday, February 14 at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Visitors can bring their special someone to VTS and enjoy three special shows over the 1o-day event: Love Matches, Love Unscripted, and Red Hot Improv. Romance Week ends with My Funny Valentine, which will be hosted by none other than Cupid and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

When: Tuesday, February 5 to Thursday, February 14, 2019
Time: Showtimes vary based on performance
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online starting at $10.75

Aberdeen Centre’s Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair

What: The hallways of Aberdeen Centre will be transformed into a Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair, featuring vendors selling including gifts, decorations, fresh flowers, crafts, food, home goods and more. Your one-stop-shop for all Chinese New Year essentials.

When: Now to Tuesday, February 5, 2018
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Aberdeen Centre – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Admission: Free

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the 2018 and 2019 season. As per tradition, skating is free for all ages for those who bring their own skates. Those without skates can rent a pair on-site for a fee. An on-site concession stand will also serve warm drinks and snacks.

When: Now to February 28, 2019
Time: Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm – Holiday hours vary
Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street and Howe Street)
Cost: Free for all ages, if you bring your own skates (Skate rentals are $5, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time)
Note: Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under. Robson Square Ice Rink accepts cash only

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

Hot chocolate/Shutterstock

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

Yaohan Centre Chinese New Year Celebration

What: The hallways of Aberdeen Centre will be transformed into a Chinese New Year Flower & Gift Fair, featuring vendors selling including gifts, decorations, fresh flowers, crafts, food, home goods and more. Your one-stop-shop for all Chinese New Year essentials.

When: Tuesday, February 5, 2018
Time: 1 to 2 pm
Where: Yaohan Centre – 3700 No 3 Rd, Richmond
Admission: Free

Women’s Maker Meet Up

What: Whether you’re a seasoned maker or someone who has only made things in your head and have been too nervous to give it a go IRL, head to the Women’s Maker Meet Up and meet other makers and dreamers. There will be talks from women makers, demos, and the opportunity to network with like-minded women. Bring a project to share.

When: Tuesday, January 29, 2018
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: MakerLabs – 780 East Cordova Street Vancouver
Tickets: Online, Free

Wednesday, February 6

Driverless Vehicle Demonstration Surrey 2019

EZ10 Driverless Shuttle Autonomous

EZ10 Driverless Shuttle in Dubai. (Easy Mile)

What: An autonomous shuttle vehicle will be making loops in and around Surrey Civic Plaza over the span of more than two weeks in February 2019 to provide Metro Vancouver residents with an opportunity to experience the future of driving. This free public demonstration is a part of the joint partnership between the City of Surrey and the City of Vancouver for their Infrastructure Canada Smart Cities Challenge bid of creating Canada’s first two collision-free multimodal corridors with driverless vehicles.

When: Wednesdays to Sundays from now to February 18, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza — 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free. Book online to avoid lines

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

Improv Against Humanity: Game Of Love

What: Looking for love in a Horrible place? Join The Fictionals for Improv Against Humanity: Game of Love at the Rio Theatre. Featuring award-winning comedy, a live CAH game show, chocolaty prizes, and more. Plus someone will be crowned the next Most Horrible Person in Vancouver.

When: Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $12

In Fiction

What: In Fiction is a new work from Action at a Distance that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined. This visceral solo strikes a balance between cognitive understanding and phantasmal imagination with engaging, highly physical results. Created and performed by Vanessa Goodman in collaboration with lighting designer James Proudfoot.

When: Wednesday, February 6 to Saturday, February 9, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Tickets: Online, $15-$36

Mike Delamont: Hell Yeah! An Evening with the Devil

What: If you saw Mike’s God Is A Scottish Drag Queen you know it is time to hear the other side of the story. The Devil comes up to set the record straight on everything from marshmallows to Leviticus in a wickedly funny evening of comedy.

When: Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Evergreen Cultural Centre – 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online

MACHiNENOiSY – Fragile Forms

What: Inspired by world-renowned Finnish theorist and architect Juhani Pallasmaa’s writings on architecture and the sensing body, MACHiNENOiSY’s most ambitious work to date is a site-specific, 360-degree contemporary dance performance tailored specifically for New Westminster’s iconic Anvil Centre. This adventurous piece brings together architecture; sound, visual and lighting design; and a team of extraordinary dancers from both Canada and Finland—all to stunning effect.

When: Now to Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
Tickets: Online

Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown

metrotown

Metropolis at Metrotown

What: To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the mall will be hosting more than two weeks of activities to welcome in the Year of the Pig. The highlight, perhaps, is 399 lanterns that will be taking over the Grand Court. The hundreds of lanterns will act as a backdrop for visitors to take photos with their family or friends. A handful of other activities will also be taking place, including Chinese calligraphy, lantern making, traditional Chinese Dance performances, and a “travel through Asia” photo booth.

When: Now to Monday, February 18, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Thursday, February 7

Mother Mother

What: Vancouver-based alt-rockers Mother Mother will be making a stop in Vancouver for their 2019 North American Dance and Cry Tour. The tour comes after the release of their new 12-track album, Dance and Cry. The tour will be the band’s most extensive to date, as they hit 40 cities across the continent.

When: Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: Doors at 8 pm
Where: Orpheum Theatre — 601 Smithe Street
Tickets: Online

Women’s Personal Safety Workshops 2019

Self-defense

Shutterstock

What: Women looking to learn more about self-defence are invited to join the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) for women’s personal safety workshops this winter. Participants will be able to learn easy self-defence tactics, and no prior training is required. The safety team encourages skills that involve “effective” self-defence.

The workshop is hosted by the VPD’s Women’s Personal Safety team. The VPD says the workshop is open to all women, but the minimum age to sign-up is 16-years old. Anyone under 18 must come with a parent to sign a waiver. More information is available online.

When: Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Price: Free, register via email [email protected] or call 604-717-3434

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band

What: Bog Seger & The Silver Bullet Band bring “Roll Me Away – The Final Tour” to Vancouver with special guest The Record Company.

When: Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Thursday Artist Talk: Joanne Dennis, “Opening the Doors”

What: Local artist Joanne Dennis has made a series of paintings inspired by the doors that have caught her attention in her travels. Her paintings are made from rich acrylic glazes, textures, and oil pastels. Journey with Dennis through the stories of these doors and the creative processes they’ve opened up for her. There will be time for questions and conversation following the talk. Refreshments are provided. This event is presented by the Surrey Art Gallery Association in partnership with Surrey Art Gallery, and with support from the Arts Council of Surrey.

When: Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Craft Brew Comedy at Moody Ales

Moody Ales/Facebook

What: This edition of Craft Brew Comedy features national touring headliner James Kennedy (Calgary Comedy Festival, Pemberton Music Festival, JFL NorthWest, 2014 People’s Champ of Comedy, 2015 Yuk Off Winner), plus hilarious special guests. Presented by Tri-Cities Comedy and sponsored by Pomo Arts and Poco Arts.

When: Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: 8 to 10 pm
Where: Moody Ales – 2601 Murray Street, Port Moody
Tickets: Online, $16

Yoga Play

What: Joan has been hired to stabilize Jojomon, a yoga apparel giant, after its CEO is brought down by a fat-shaming scandal. But just as she finds her footing, more trouble surfaces and the sales freefall. Jojomon needs an image makeover—and fast. Risking everything on a wild plan, Joan and her colleagues are willing to try anything to save face. This hilarious satire asks what it takes to find authenticity in a world determined to sell enlightenment.

When: Thursday, February 7 to Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road Richmond
Tickets: Online

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Alan Ball

What: During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee, estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with their own reason to avoid the proceedings below. These five very different women joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent, and touching celebration of the women’s spirit.

When: Thursday, February 7 to Saturday, February 9, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Blake Snyder Theatre at Go Studios – 112 E. 3rd Ave. Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10 online, $15 at the door

Daniel ChaiDaniel Chai

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