40 things to do in Vancouver this January

Welcome to 2018, everyone!

Hit your resolutions running with our list of 40 great Vancouver events happening in January. From headlamp hiking to delicious dining!

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

Enjoy the great outdoors

Headlamp Hikes

• What: Discover pristine solitude in the outdoors on a guided sunset headlamp hike or snowshoe. If conditions permit, the group will snowshoe instead of hike.
• When: Daily until January 7, 2018
• Time: 4:15 pm
• Where: Plaza at the Sea to Sky Gondola Summit Lodge
• Register: Online, $10 (not including lift ticket). Snowshoe/crampon rental $5, headlamps provided.

Whooo’s Hoot Owl Prowl

• What: ​Join naturalists on a night prowl for owls and discover why owls are such great hunters of the night.
• When: Friday January 19, 2018
• Time: 7 to 9 pm
• Where:  Campbell Valley Regional Park
• Register: Online, $8 per adult, $4.25 per child/youth/adult 65+

Conifer Walk

• What: ​​​Get to know your tall green neighbours – the common conifers in the temperate rainforest.
• When: Saturday January 20, 2018
• Time: 10 to 2 pm
• Where: Capilano River Regional Park
• Register: Online, $8 per adults, $4.25 per adult 65+

Nest Box Program

• What: ​​Help service over 200 nest boxes that provide homes for wood ducks, flying squirrels, swallows and chickadees. Presented by Burnaby Lake Park Association.
• When: ​Sunday January 21, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 1 pm
• Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park
• Price: Free

Moonlight Ski Down

• What: Enjoy a winter tradition in Manning Park’s true Alpine wilderness. Experience Nordic skiing in the magic of winter after dark with Manning Park Resort’s Moonlight Ski Down.
• When: Saturday, January 27, 2018
• Where:  Manning Park Resort
• Price: $15 per person, includes classic cross country ski rentals, an evening trail pass, shuttle ride, and safety patrol. Prices adjusted accordingly if you bring your own skis.

Lookout Society Vancouver Chilly Chase

• What: The 5K, 10K, 15K and Half routes take walkers and runners along an out and back course along the Seawall. This is a quick, flat course with a gorgeous winter views of Vancouver, and all participants earn a great souvenir finishing medal
• When: Sunday, January 28, 2018
• Time: 9 am
• Where: Creekside Community Recreation Centre – 1 Athlete’s Way, Vancouver
• Register: Online, $55-$65

Hike the city yourself

• What: The New Year is here, and with it come a thousand resolutions, which will inevitably fall by the wayside. But here’s one you can keep right away – go hiking. Metro Vancouver and beyond has so many trails recommended all year round, you can easily venture out to visit our coast, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls right now. here’s our list of 56 hikes for January. Be sure to read our guide to winter hiking too.
• When: Throughout January
• Time: Be sure to allow for the shorter daylight hours
• Where: All over Metro Vancouver

Celebrate in the city

Robson Square Ice Rink 2017

• What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is free for all ages for those who bring their own skates. Those without skates can rent a pair on-site. A concession stand on the side will also serve warm drinks and snacks.
• When: Now to February 28, 2018
• Time: 9 am to 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday; 9 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday
• Where: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver (Robson Street & Howe Street)
• Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals are $4, 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.

Support Our Pal – A Fundraiser For Christian and Larry

• What: The Parlour pizza restaurant in Yaletown is hosting a fundraiser for Christian Zelichowski and Larry Claypool, two Vancouverites who were seriously injured in the Burrard Bridge crash before Christmas. Their friends are holding an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet to give everyone a chance to show their support in person. All funds raised during the evening will be shared between Zelichowski and Claypool.
• When: Monday, January 15, 2018
• Time: 7:30 pm to 1 am
• Where: The Parlour – 1011 Hamilton St, Vancouver
• Tickets: On Eventbrite or in person, $50

Cinema in Concert

• What: Relive the magic of the movies with live orchestral accompaniment at Cinema in Concert, featuring Beijing’s 80-member China Broadcasting Film Symphony Orchestra. Led by acclaimed conductor Pang Ka Pang, the internationally-renowned CBFSO will bring new life to soundtracks from Braveheart, Casablanca, Jurassic World, Legends of the Fall, Pirates of the Caribbean, classics from the Chinese Movie Music Collection, and more.
• When: Friday, January 12, 2018
• Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
• Where: Orpheum Theatre – 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $23-$158

Club PuSh

• What: The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival hosts its less-formal, night-time weekend series, Club PuSh, at two venues in 2018: the Fox Cabaret in Vancouver and the Anvil Centre in New Westminster. Spend an evening alongside artists and art-lovers while taking in your choice of eight shows ranging from the hip and queer, to the radical and riotous.
• When: January 20 to February 3, 2018
• Time: Various times
• Where: The Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver; Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
• Tickets: Online

Dine Out Vancouver 2018

• What: Dine Out Vancouver is back for its 16th year, bringing with it a crowded calendar of food events, with almost 300 restaurants participating in this year’s exciting event. Taking place from January 19 through February 4, 2018, the popular annual fest features hundreds of restaurants, each offering multi-course dinners at $20, $30 or $40 (plus tax, gratuity and beverages).
• When: January 19 to February 4, 2018
• Where: Various locations throughout the city
• Price: $20, $30 or $40 (plus tax, gratuity and beverages)

Hot Chocolate Festival

• What: Back for another year, chocoholics will love this cocoa-fuelled festival, which features an unbelievable array of exotic and specialty hot chocolates.
• Where: Various locations throughout the city.
• When: January 20 to February 14, 2018

Gluten Free Expo

• What: Discover and sample hundreds of gluten-free products while learning from leading experts, at Canada’s largest gluten free event.
• When: January 13 to 14, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 4 pm
• Where: Canada Place – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
• Tickets: Available online

Rock into the New Year

Big Boi

• What: As one-half of OutKast, Big Boi has won seven Grammy Awards, sold more than 25 million albums, and created an array of music’s most influential work. Big Boi’s 2010 solo debut, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, peaked at #3 on the Billboard Top 200. His 2012 follow-up Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors enamoured tastemakers and fans alike and boasted collaborations with A$AP Rocky, Killer Mike, Kid Cudi, and more.
• When: Tuesday, January 9, 2018
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $45 + fees

K.Flay

• What: Since making her debut in 2010, LA-based alt-pop/hip-hop artist K.Flay has spun fearlessly detailed lyrics that show the bright and dark of the world in her head. For her second full-length album Every Where Is Some Where, K.Flay pushed deeper into introspection, while adding an element of political commentary.
• When: Sunday, January 21, 2018
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: The Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $29.50

Tyler, The Creator

• What: Tyler, the Creator is an American rapper, record producer, and music video director. He rose to prominence as the leader and co-founder of the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future. He is also the founder of Golf Wang clothing company.
• When: Saturday January 26, 2018
• Time: Doors 6 pm
• Where: Pacific Coliseum – 2901 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $47

Hollow Twin with guests Porteau and Little Crow

• What: Hollow Twin is dark folk rock based in Vancouver. The band is fronted by Emmalee Watts and Becky Wosk who bonded over their old souls and love of classic music. The two have been making music together since 2012 and have opened for bands such as Repartee, The Darcy’s, Miss Quincy, Skye Wallace and more.
• When: Friday, January 26, 2018
• Time: Doors 7 pm
• Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $9.99

Wallows

• What: Wallows are the LA-based trio of Cole Preston, Braeden Lemasters, and Dylan Minnette. The band released their debut single, Pleaser, in April 2017 and quickly amassed more than 3 million streams on Spotify. The song was followed with the release of singles Sun Tan and Uncomfortable, along with a series of sold out shows.
• When: Saturday, January 27, 2018
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $21.50

Lights

• What: Through her first three records, Lights built an incredibly passionate fan base, selling out tours around the world, earning 100 million in US streams, more than 200,000 in US album sales, two JUNO Awards, and three Gold album certifications. Lights has played numerous festivals including Coachella, and toured with OneRepublic, Tegan & Sara, Paramore, Kaskade, PVRIS and many others. She will embark on her worldwide headlining tour in 2018.
• When: January 30 and January 31, 2018
• Time: Doors 7 pm
• Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville Street, Vancouver,
• Tickets: Online, $40.50

Stone Sour and Halestorm

• What: American heavy metal band Stone Sour and country music group Halestorm are coming to Metro Vancouver with special guests The Dead Deads.
• When: Saturday, January 27, 2018
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
• Tickets: $39.50, $59.50, $69.50 (including GST and service charges) – Tickets available via Charge by Phone 1-855-985-5000 and via Ticketmaster

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

• What: The Vancouver Canucks continue their NHL season throughout January at Rogers Arena.
• When: January 2, 23, 25 and 30, 2018
• Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

Vancouver Giants

• What: Vancouver Giants bring Western Hockey League action to Langley Events Centre throughout January.
• When: January 13, 19, 20, 24, 26 and 31, 2018
• Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
• Tickets: Online

Vancouver Stealth

• What: Vancouver Stealth continues their National Lacrosse League season at the Langley Events Centre.
• When: January 6 and 27, 2018
• Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
• Tickets: Online

Eat fresh with winter farmers’ markets

Hastings Park Winter Farmer’s Market

• What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, craft alcohol producers, and food trucks.
• When: Every Sunday to April 29, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
• Admission: Free

Nat Bailey Stadium Winter Market

• What: Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal crafts.
• When: Every Saturday to April 21
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street
• Admission: Free

Make new connections

Lighthouse Labs YVR Demo Day

• What: Lighthouse Labs new grads are about to start their careers as professional web developers, but first they want to show you what they’ve learned to build in just eight weeks. Expect pizza, beer, networking with developers and entrepreneurs, and an inside look at the skill set of the new graduates.
• When: Thursday January 11, 2018
• Time: 6 to 8 pm
• Where:Lighthouse Labs – #350 128 West Hastings, Vancouver
• Register: Online, Free

Waterfront Chats – Business Resolutions Roundtable

• What: Get a jump start on your business goals and resolutions for the New Year with Small Business BC’s Business Resolutions Roundtable Meetup Event. Connect with other small business owners to discuss your main goals and key metrics for 2018. Get insights and feedback from your fellow entrepreneurs on how you can best execute your plans to meet your objectives.
• When: Tuesday, January 16, 2018
• Time: 4:30 to 6:30 pm
• Where: Small Business BC Suite 54 – 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
• Register: Online, $10

Business Excellence Series: Understanding Blockchain

• What: Blockchain, a ledger of the transactions of bitcoin, is revolutionizing the financial industry as a secure and transparent system. But its disruption remains often misunderstood and treated skeptically as an untrusted element of financial technology. This discussion demystifies blockchain, evaluates its opportunities in BC, and examines its power and potential for the global financial economy.
• When: Thursday, January 18, 2018
• Time: 3:30 to 6 pm
• Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $59-$69

Economic Outlook Forum Presented by National Bank

• What: Each year the Economic Outlook Forum provides business leaders a detailed and insightful look at the year ahead by blending local, national and international perspectives.
• When: Friday, January 19, 2018
• Time: 7:15 am
• Where: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, Grand Ballroom – 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $179-$358

CEO Series: YVR lifts off

• What: YVR is now one of the fastest-growing airports in North America, welcoming millions of new passengers every year and establishing connections with key destinations all over the world. Join Craig Richmond, YVR’s President and CEO, to learn more about how YVR’s growth will support businesses and communities for years to come.
• When: Tuesday, January 23, 2018
• Time: 11:30 am
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
• Register: Online, $89-$178

2017 Forty under 40 Awards

• What: After 28 years, Business in Vancouver continues to highlight the achievements of BC’s young entrepreneurs, executives and professionals by finding 40 outstanding professionals worthy of the Forty under 40 distinction. Winners are under 40 and have demonstrated excellence in business, judgment, leadership and community contribution.
• When: Tuesday, January 23, 2018
• Time: 6:15 to 9 pm
• Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, West Ballroom – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $195-$225

Northern Vision, National Opportunity: Planning for the sustainable development of Canada’s North

• What: The Northwest Territories (NWT) has all the ingredients for strong economic growth, including abundant natural resources, and significant participation and support for economic development from Indigenous-owned businesses and governments, but they can’t capitalize on these advantages without a plan. NWT Premier Bob McLeod leads a discussion on how all Canadians can join with the territorial and federal governments to create a plan for developing the north.
• When: Thursday, January 25, 2018
• Time: 11:30 am
• Where: Downtown Vancouver – Location TBC
• Register: Online, $69-$138

Dance all night

Swollen Members

• What: Over the course of their long career, Swollen Members has managed to develop some of the most electrifying hip-hop chemistry. From the release of their debut album Balance in 1999, Swollen Members captivated the underground hip-hop world with live shows that took the raw explosive energy of rock music and powered it with the group’s jaw dropping lyrical abilities. The group’s universal appeal caught the attention of both underground and mainstream audiences, while earning accolades, as well as Juno Awards and Video awards.
• When: Thursday, January 6, 2018
• Time: Doors 7 pm
• Where: Fortune Sound Club – 147 East Pender Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $20-$40

R3HAB & Skytech

• What: R3hab and Skytech spin at the Harbour Event Centre for an epic night out.
• When: Saturday, January 13, 2018
• Time: Doors 10 pm
• Where: Harbour Event Centre – 750 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $35.72

Smooky MarGielaa

• What: A$AP Rocky protégé Smooky MarGielaatakes over VENUE for an all ages show with Illy Miniachi & ACdatyoungnigga.
• When: Friday, January 19, 2018
• Time: Doors 6:30 pm
• Where: VENUE – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $12.50

Cedric Gervais 

• What: Grammy Award-winner Cedric Gervais returns to Celebrities for #CelebsPlayhouse.
• When: Saturday, January 20, 2018
• Time: 10 pm
• Where: Celebrities – 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $30

Lil Xan

• What: Get betrayed with Lil Xan as he brings his Xanarchy Tour to VENUE with Steven Cannon $C for an all ages show.
• When: Thursday, January 25, 2018
• Time: Doors 7 pm
• Where: VENUE – 881 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online

12th Planet

• What: Dubstep pioneer and leader of SMOG Records, 12th Planet makes his return to Vancouver for the Sooo Sick Tour.
• When: Friday, January 26, 2018
• Time: Doors 10 pm
• Where: Celebrities – 1022 Davie Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $15

Passion Pit

• What: Passion Pit’s first tour since 2016 will span new songs and fan favorites from the band’s diverse catalogue.  Joining founder/songwriter/producer Michael Angelakos in the Passion Pit live band will be Chris Hartz, Aaron Harrison Folb and Giuliano Pizzulo.
• When: Friday, January 26, 2018
• Time: 8:30 pm
• Where: Commodore Ballroom – 867 Granville Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $39.50

See also

• 12 must-try Vancouver food events happening in January
• Experience insanely futuristic home technologies at this Vancouver event
• Reservations for Canada's national parks launch in January