60 things to do in Vancouver in January

Welcome to the new decade, everyone. Start off your 2020 with our rundown of 60 fun things to do in Vancouver in January, including Dine Out Vancouver, Ballroom Brawl, and more.

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

Fun events in and around the city

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: The provincial government’s Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the 2019/2020 season, and as per tradition, skating is free for all ages. Wedged under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink is operated seasonally by the government when temperatures begin to dip.

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: Daily until February 29, 2020
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)
Price: Free for all ages, if you bring your own skates. (Skate rentals are $5, and rentals end 30 minutes before closing time.) Robson Square Ice Rink accepts cash only. Helmets are mandatory for children 12 years and under.

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 the end of season
Time: 12 to 7 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free, skate rentals are available at a cost of $7 (quantities are limited)

Festivale Tropicale at Bloedel Conservatory

What: Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park will host Festivale Tropicale – a celebration of the city’s indoor tropical paradise that first opened its doors on December 6, 1969. Already a popular year-round attraction for its 150 free-flying birds, lush gardens, and exotic plants and flowers, Bloedel Conservatory is decorated for the holiday season with tropical themed décor, lights, and music.

When: Daily until January 5, 2020
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Bloedel Conservatory – Queen Elizabeth Park — 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets Info: Online

TechVancouver

What: TechVancouver‘s next monthly gathering of Vancouver tech leaders and innovators is on January 8, at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, with a focus on The Secret Weapon of Successful Founders – Mentors. This month’s speakers include Farhan Mohamed, editor-in-chief and partner at Daily Hive; Angel Pui, co-founder and CMO of Discover Therapies; and Michelle Sklar, entrepreneur in residence at entrepreneurship@UBC.

When: January 8, 2020
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre — 181 Roundhouse Mews
Tickets: Online

Revolution of Our Times

What: An exhibition highlighting images from the Hong Kong protests – “Revolution of Our Times” – will be hosted at the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver  on January 14 and January 26, 2020. The exhibition will feature photos, artifacts, artwork, and “human stories,” and will be travelling to other major world cities “with the goal of making the struggle of the citizens of Hong Kong real, and to put their fight into context.”

When: January 14 and January 26, 2020
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

QS World MBA Tour Vancouver

What: QS World MBA Tour is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to pursue an MBA. Attendees will be able to meet in person with admissions directors from top business schools from local colleges as well as from around the world. They will also be able to get advice on their applications from industry experts, network with peers, and get resume and career guidance as well as a free professional headshot for their LinkedIn profile. Attendees are also eligible to apply for a pool of scholarships, worth up to $7 million USD, to help finance their MBAs.

When: January 16, 2020
Time: 4:30 to 9 pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver — 655 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

LunarFest 2020 Year of the Rat

What: LunarFest brings cultures and traditions together in a variety of events in January and February. Check out Lunarfest Visual Arts at Oakridge Centre from January 16 to February 10, and Coastal Lunar Lanterns at Jack Poole Plaza from January 18 to February 9. And then explore the Lunarfest Celebrations, with live performances, community booths, crafts and more, at Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza on January 25 and 26.

When: Various dates from January 16 until February 9, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free

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. There will also be a Golden Dragon and Lion Dance on January 25 at 11 am and 12:15 pm, hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie and three-level government officials.

When: January 18 until January 26, 2020
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Aberdeen Centre – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond
Admission: Free

Chinese New Year Celebration at International Village Mall

What: International Village Mall’s celebration features traditional Chinese Spring festivities and rituals, as well as exhibition and sales booths on the Main and Upper Mall Levels. There will be Chinese New Year items, multicultural live performances and more. This three-day event includes an opening celebration with a ceremonial lion dance.

When: January 24 to January 26, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: International Village Mall – 88 W Pender Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Vallea Lumina

What: Vallea Lumina is a 45-minute adventure that follows two hikers seeking “a mystical valley where stardust falls from the sky.” The interactive experience gives hikers the chance to play, touch, and engage with Vallea Lumina’s ever-changing environment, and is presented by Montreal-based entertainment studio, Moment Factory and Whistler’s “The Adventure Group.”

When: Now until April 2020
Time: Shows begin at sundown
Where: Cougar Mountain, free shuttles from Whistler Village
Tickets: Online, $29.99 per adult; $24.99 per child

Keep the holiday fun going

Bright Nights at Stanley Park

What: Bright Nights at Stanley Park features over three million dazzling lights decorating acres of the dark forest, reaching as high as the forest canopy for all to see and enjoy. The attraction in the heart of the park is also accompanied by a train ride, music, snacks, entertainment, and even visits with Santa and his elves.

The annual tradition, now in its 22nd year, is operated and installed by 800 firefighters – a task that requires 8,000 hours of set-up over three months. Bright Nights attracts 200,000 visitors every year, with all proceeds benefiting the Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life-supporting, and life-enriching services to people in BC.

When: Now until January 1, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Stanley Park Miniature Railway – Pipeline Road, Stanley Park
Admission: $8.40 – 12.60, available online

Christmas at Canada Place

What: Free Christmas attractions presented by the Port of Vancouver will be taking over the Canadian Trail, along the west promenade of Canada Place from now until January 1, 2020, from 8 am to 11 pm daily. This year’s festivities include a historic peek into the past with Woodward’s Windows displays, the festive Avenue of Trees, and the iconic white sails of Canada Place being illuminated with bright colours and designs throughout the holidays. And make sure to stop by Canada’s North light display including “Chrismoose,” a massive 15-ft-tall moose light sculpture. Snap a photo to commemorate a fun time at Christmas at Canada Place.

When: Now until January 1, 2020
 Time: 8 am to 11 pm Daily
Where: The Canadian Trail, West Promenade – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Christmas Glow Vancouver

What: Christmas Glow will take place inside the Harbour Convention Centre until January 5, 2020. Visitors will be able to enjoy nearly 50,000 sq. ft. of enchanting twinkling lights and holiday activities.

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Harbour Convention Centre — 760 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

VanDusen Festival of Lights

What: The dazzling botanical garden will be covered in more than a million lights to help ring in the Christmas season. Visitors can stroll through interactive themed areas, watch the famous dancing lights show on Livingstone Lake, take a photo with Santa, light a candle at the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, or simply warm up with a specialty beverage at the licensed fireside lounge. All tickets, which can be purchased online or at the gate, include a free ride on the carousel.

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Time: 4 pm to 9:30 pm
Admission: Adults: $19 online and $21 at the gate. Youth and seniors: $14.50 online and $16 at the gate.

Grouse Mountain’s Peak of Christmas

What: Visitors can take a spin on Grouse Mountain’s 8,000-sq-ft outdoor ice skating pond or zip down the multi-lane snow sliding zone. You can also take a sleigh ride through the mountain’s Winter Wonderland, meet magic reindeer, watch family Christmas movies, and write a letter to Santa. At Santa’s Workshop, believers young and old can share their special Christmas wishes and take a photo. Photos are pay by donation to BC Children’s Hospital.

Access to the Peak of Christmas is included with your Annual Local’s Pass, Y2Play or Winter Season Pass, as well as regular Alpine Experience tickets.

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: 9 am to 10 pm
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Admission: Peak of Christmas activities are complimentary with Mountain Admission Ticket, Annual Membership, Winter Season Pass, or Lift Ticket. Tickets online. Discounted rates are also available for BC residents

Holidays at Vancouver Aquarium

What: Vancouver Aquarium has a variety of holiday favourite activities this season, including the electric-eel-powered Christmas tree (with feedings daily at 11:30 am), the tot-friendly kelp maze, and the picture-perfect jelly snow globe. Check out the “mistle-toad” near the Frogs Forever Gallery, and after wandering the galleries with cocoa in hand, it’s time for a journey to the North Pole in the Vancouver Aquarium’s 4-D theatre, where The Polar Express 4D Experience plays daily. 

When: Now until January 5, 2020
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Admission: Adults: $38| Senior/Student: $30 | Child (4-12): $21 | Child (0-4): $0  – Tickets available online

Lights of Hope

What: St. Paul’s Foundation’s Lights of Hope sees the building glow with over 100,000 bright lights, and more than 200 shining stars. New to the display this year is the Living Light, an interactive art piece that gives everyone the opportunity to light a star themselves.

Installed front and centre of the display, the Living Light star is built with a dimmer that slowly waxes and wanes, as though the light is breathing. A kiosk installed below the star is fitted with a plaque that asks visitors to choose a donation amount, tap a contactless credit card to donate, and “Help Keep Hope Alive.” The star glows brightly every time a donation is made before gradually dimming again if it goes too long without a tap.

When: Now until January 6, 2020
Time: Every Day and Night
Where: St. Paul’s Hospital Burrard entrance – 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

What: The Canyon Lights features thousands of sparkling lights illuminating the iconic suspension bridge and other areas of the park. The 30-ton Douglas Firs of the Treetops Adventure will also be dressed in lights. Standing at an impressive 110 feet above the forest floor, the Douglas Firs that connect the suspension bridges are the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world, according to event organizers. Also returning to this year’s festival is the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt, gingerbread cookie decorating, and sing-along carols with a holiday band.

When: Now until January 26, 2020
Time: 11 am to 9 pm daily; holiday activities run from 4 to 9 pm
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Tickets: Available online, with annual passes (included with admission) available for BC residents

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks continue their NHL season with games at Rogers Arena throughout January. Games include New York Rangers on January 4, San Jose Sharks on January 18, and January 27 on January 27.

When: January 2, 4, 16, 18, and 27, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Giants

What: Vancouver Giants continue their WHL regular season at Langley Events Centre in January. Games include Spokane Chiefs on January 11, Victoria Royals on January 17, and Kelowna Rockets on January 25.

When: January 1, 11, 17, 19, 23, 25, 31, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Warriors vs Colorado Mammoth

What: The Vancouver Warriors take on the Colorado Mammoth in NLL action at Rogers Arena on January 17.

When: January 17, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

NORCECA Men’s Tokyo Qualification Tournament

What: The North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) hosts a three-day round-robin tournament in January at Pacific Coliseum. Canada, Cuba, Mexico and Puerto Rico will play to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, with Canada needing to finish first in order to qualify.

When: January 10 to 12, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Pacific Coliseum — 100 N Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

ECCW Ballroom Brawl XIII

What: This winter, you can witness the rope-jumping, high-flying action first-hand. On January 17 and 18, the Elite Canadian Championship Wrestlers (ECCW) group is bringing another Ballroom Brawl to the Commodore.

ECCW is Canada’s largest and longest-running independent wrestling promotion. Putting on quality shows for 19 years in the Lower Mainland and around BC, the ECCW has been the birthplace of several WWE Superstars. Fan favourites from all over North America like Douglas James, Tony Deppen, and Jake Atlas, will get in the ring and compete with ECCW’s roster.

When: January 17 and January 18, 2020
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street
Price: Starting at $35 for single-evening tickets (plus service charges) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Eat fresh with farmers’ markets

Riley Park and Nat Bailey Stadium Farmers’ 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: Open year-round on Saturday
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Riley Park Plaza — 50E 30th Avenue, Vancouver; Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Granville Island Public Market

What: Open year-round and boasting stalls of fresh, colourful produce, homemade products, and must-try eats. From the ocean, oven, or field — Granville Market has got it all. Grab items to-go or order some grub from one of the many established food vendors at this indoor market. You’re going to leave happy and full.

When: Open year-round, seven days a week
Time: 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 1661 Duranleau Street, Granville Island
Admission: Free

Richmond Country Farms

What: Family-owned and operated for nearly 40 years, Richmond Country Farms is the farm stand adjacent to Highway 99 off Steveston. Open from early spring to just ahead of Christmas, the market has a bounty of fresh local produce and prepared goods.

When: Open daily
Time: 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
Admission: Free

Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market

What: Launched in June 2008, this open-air market, situated in the North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall, offers visitors an assortment of food and craft stalls to peruse on Saturday mornings every Saturday.

When: Every Saturday
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Where: North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall (4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Parkway)
Admission: Free

Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market

What: Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market began as a bi-weekly market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local BC produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods.

When: Every Sunday until April 26, 2020
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody
Admission: Free

New West Winter Farmers’ Market

What: The market features farm-fresh produce, plants, quality crafts from local artists and artisans, gourmet prepared foods, community information, live entertainment, and more.

When: February 1 and 15; March 7 and 21; April 4 and 18
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Belmont Street, New Westminster
Admission: Free

Bon Appétit

Festive Set Menu at TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

What: The Festive Set Menu at TWG features a festive special mocktail, a main course of lightly seared foie gras and duck breast, and a choice of two desserts also with the Magic Christmas Tea, among other things.

When: Daily until January 3
Where: TWG Tea Salon & Boutique – 1070 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Reserve: Online

Sunday Night Movie Series at Bells and Whistles

What: Enjoy movies every Sunday night at Bells and Whistles. January screenings include The Hangover (January 5), Galaxy Quest (January 12), The Naked Gun (January 19) and This is Spinal Tap (January 26). Enjoy free popcorn.

When: January 5, January 12, January 19 and January 26, 2020
Time: 9 pm
Where: Bells and Whistles – 3296 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Gluten Free Expo

What: Canada’s largest gluten free event is returning to the Vancouver Convention Centre East with hundreds of products to check out. Plus hear and learn from registered dieticians, nutritionists, doctors, and chefs.

When: January 11 and 12, 2020
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Wildebeest X The Acorn “Roots to Shoots” Winter Harvest Dinner

What: Wildebeest will be hosting a collaboration dinner with The Acorn on January 13 at 7 pm. The all-vegetarian “Roots to Shoots” Winter Harvest Dinner will be a multi-course feast. There is also a vegan option for this meal.

When: January 13, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Wildebeest – 120 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dinner With A View – Vancouver

What: Dinner With A View Vancouver starts when guests enter their assigned a 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: January 15 until February 16, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver
Price: $199.99 for dome reservations and $109.99 per dinner per person; tickets online

Dine Out Vancouver 2020

What: Dine Out Vancouver is an annual festival boasting 17 days of culinary experiences from over 300 restaurants. Events include guided dining adventures, brunch crawls, cocktail masterclasses, wine debates, guest chef dinners, BC VQA wine and craft beer tastings, street food markets, and more.

When: January 17 through February 2, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: $15, $25, $35 and $45 per person(plus tax, gratuity and beverages). Special event tickets are on sale now

Street Food City 9

What: Now in its ninth year, the food truck extravaganza will take place on select dates from January 17 to February 6, where foodies can find a rotating selection of purveyors outside the Vancouver Art Gallery, in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, on the north side of the building.

When: January 17, 18, 19, and 31, February 1 to 6, 2020
Time: 11 am to 3 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm on weekends
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square (in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery), Vancouver
Admission: Free

“Cabane à Sucre” Dinner Series at St. Lawrence

What: St. Lawrence’s “Cabane à Sucre” dinner series features a welcome Sugar Shack-inspired cocktail, multi-course menu of Cabane-styled cuisine, cognac, and dessert.

When: January 19 until January 23, 2020
Time: Seatings at 5:30 pm and 8 pm
Where: St Lawrence Restaurant – 269 Powell Street, Vancouver
Price: $125 per person; buy online

It’s Just Drag: BRUNCH

What: Hosted by Kendall Gender and featuring many talented Canadian queens, It’s Just Drag includes a brunch buffet as well as live performances.

When: January 25, 2020
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Colony Bar Granville – 965 Granville Street, Vancouver
Price: $40 – $500; buy online

Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea

What: Available daily until March 22, Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea features eats like a ruby chocolate lace lollipop, mont blanc cream puff, and a roasted spice duck slider, to name a few.

When: Daily until March 22, 2020
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: The Trump Champagne Lounge – 1161 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Price: $65 per person or $118 for an additional box of macarons and a glass of bubbles; reserve online

Enjoy Arts and Culture

2020 Year of Predictions at Vancouver TheatreSports

What: Vancouver TheatreSports’ ensemble take a comedic look into the future with predictions of the top news stories of 2020.

When: January 2 to January 4, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancity Comedy Extravaganza

What: Vancity Comedy Extravaganza features comedians Dino Archie (Jimmy Kimmel Live), Dave Merheje (CBC’s Mr. D, Hulu’s Ramy, and Netflix’s Half Hour), Ivan Decker (2018 Juno Award winner for Comedy Album of the Year), Yumi Nagashima (Just for Laughs), and Gavin Matts (2017 SiriusXM Top Comic).

When: January 4, 2020
Time: Doors at 7 pm; show at 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre — 918 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Help Wanted Improv with Hocus Focus

What: Hocus Focus presents Help Wanted, a comedy show inspired by real-life job postings, shared work experiences, and audience suggestions. The performers will also create an improvised mockumentary live at Cafe Deux Soleils.

When: January 7, February 4, March 3, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Cafe Deux Soleils — 2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Tickets: $7 or $5 for students

Guilty Feminist Podcast

What: The Guilty Feminist, an award-winning podcast hosted by Deborah Frances-White, is bringing its live show to Vancouver. The podcast explores 21^st century feminism — and all the insecurities, hypocrisies, and fears that come with it. The Guilty Feminist has been downloaded more than 60 million times since 2016. It was nominated for Best Comedy Podcast at the British Podcast Awards earlier this year. And for the first time ever, The Guilty Feminist tour is coming to North America.

When: January 15, 2020
Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm
Where: The Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street (Venue is 19+, ID required)
Tickets: $40 (including GST, plus service fees) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story

What: Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story by 2b Theatre Company is a concert and drama hybrid that tells the true story of Chaim and Chaya, Jewish refugees from the pogroms of Romania. The wild, witty, and inventive story shows the audience how they meet in 1908 while awaiting medical inspection in Halifax’s Pier 21 immigration centre, and continues forward to their lives together in Montreal and backward to the horrors of the Continent.

When: January 24 to 26, January 28 to 30, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm (1:30 pm on January 26)
Where: Frederic Wood Theatre — University of British Columbia — 6354 Crescent Road, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

The Fever

What: The Fever by 600 HIGHWAYMEN asks the questions “How much can we trust other people? How do we form our conceptions of them? What does it take for us to work together?” The theatrical performance is a study of community, caring and mutual reliance; limits will be tested and bonds will form. There is a post-show talkback on January 31.

When: January 29 to February 2, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: ANNEX — 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Frontera

What: Frontera is a multimedia performance that teams Montreal post-rockers Fly Pan Am with choreographer Dana Gingras and her dance company, Animals of Distinction. Frontera is one of the most accessible shows at PuSh: the show is deaf and hard of hearing friendly, with relaxed view spaces available for attendees. It is the first time VocalEye has been used in a dance show in Vancouver. The show also features scenography by United Visual Artists.

When: January 30, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Jackie Fabulous

What: Jackie Fabulous was a semi-finalist on the 2019 season of America’s Got Talent and was the only contestant Simon Cowell walked on stage to hug. She has been featured on the Arsenio Hall show, Gotham Comedy Live, FOX, BET, Last Comic Standing, Kevin Harts LOL Network and more.

When: January 30 until February 2, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: House of Comedy BC — 530 Columbia Street, New Westminster,
Tickets: Online

Free Admission

What: Free Admission is a personal, political, and philosophical solo show by Ursula Martinez. Described as a monologue with a meta twist, Martinez talks about life’s paradoxes, absurdities of contemporary living and her own intimate feelings while building a wall between herself and the audience.

When: January 31 to February 2, 2020
Time: 8:30 pm (January 31 and February 1), 4 pm (February 2)
Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre — 677 Davie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Wael Shawky: Al Araba Al Madfuna

What: For the first time in Western Canada, Egyptian artist Wael Shawky will be showing a collection of his latest work with Al Araba Al Madfuna. Shawky’s contemporary artwork gives visitors the chance to see how history and mythology blur together, or become interchanged as we search for meaning and narrative in real life.

Check out screenings of the multilayered film productions Al Araba Al Madfuna I and Al Araba Al Madfuna II, which will take place during the run of the exhibition on select days. Each explores how mythologies are recorded alongside our current narratives of uncertainty and change.

When: Tuesdays to Sundays from now until January 12, 2020.
Time: 10 am to 5 pm, closed Mondays
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Admission: By donation

Transits and Returns at Vancouver Art Gallery

What: Transits and Returns is Vancouver Art Gallery’s newest exhibition and showcases local First Nations artists and those from communities throughout the Pacific region. Transits and Returns explores wide-ranging experiences that are inclusive of both global connections and ancestral knowledge.

Participating artists include Edith Amituanai, Christopher Ando, Natalie Ball, BC Collective with Louisa Afoa, Drew Kahuʻāina Broderick with Nāpali Aluli Souza, Hannah Brontë, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Mariquita Davis, Chantal Fraser, Maureen Gruben, Bracken Hanuse Corlett, Taloi Havini, Lisa Hilli, Carol McGregor, Marianne Nicolson, Ahilapalapa Rands, Debra Sparrow, and T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss.

When: Now until February 23, 2020
Time: Daily 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays until 9 pm, and the first Friday of each month until 9 pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery – 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Out of Concealment – Female Supernatural Beings of Haida Gwaii

What: Bill Reid Gallery presents the Vancouver premiere of Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson’s solo exhibition Out of Concealment. Williams-Davidson honours Indigenous feminine power by re-imagining supernatural figures from Haida tradition. Her vivid portraits — which feature Williams-Davidson herself — use creative design, photographic collage, and subtle integration of designs by celebrated Haida artist Robert Davidson.

When: Now until April 5, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art – 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Sing along to your favourites

The Jim Cuddy Band

What: The Jim Cuddy Band brings the Countrywide Soul Tour to Commodore Balltoom on January 3. Expect to hear re-imaginings of solo and Blue Rodeo hits, plus classic covers. Featuring special guest Oh Susanna.

When: January 3, 2020
Time: 9 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Half Moon Run

What: Indie-rock band Half Moon Run is coming to Vancouver on the Canadian leg of their A Blemish in the Great Light world tour.

When: January 15, 2020
Time: Doors open at 7 pm, show starts 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street
Price: Starting at $29.50 (plus service charges) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

King Princess

What: Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter King Princess will be performing live at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with special guests on Thursday, January 16, 2020, during her Cheap Queen tour. In 2018, her debut single “1950” became an instant hit, garnering more than 200 million streams to-date.

When: January 16, 2020
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street 
Price: $29.50, $39.50, $55.00, $59.50 — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Choir! Choir! Choir!

What: Toronto-based Choir! Choir! Choir!, led by creative directors Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman, invites the audience to become an impromptu choir. Each event features attendees learning an original arrangement to a beloved song, and then performing it together.

When: January 18, 2020
Time: Doors 8 pm
Where: Vogue Theatre — 918 Granville Street Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Dermot Kennedy

What: Rising star Dermot Kennedy kicks off his North American tour, Without Fear, at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on Friday, January 24. Kennedy’s debut album, Without Fear, was released in October 2019. His global streaming numbers continue to rise with over 600 million across all platforms and more than nine million listeners on Spotify alone. The artist’s work has received praise from the Los Angeles Times, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, NPR, Complex, and Billboard.

When: January 24, 2020
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre — 6066 Thunderbird Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $29.50 (plus service charges) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Alexisonfire with The Distillers

What: Southern Ontario–born indie band Alexisonfire is coming to Vancouver in January. Opening the shows for Alexisonfire on all dates are reunited modern-day punk icons The Distillers. Meanwhile, Montreal garage punk rockers Nobro will be opening all Canadian show dates.

When: January 25, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Pacific Coliseum — 100 North Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $80.50 (plus fees) — Available via TicketLeader

Theory of a Deadman with Guests

What: Theory of a Deadman kicks off their Say Nothing world tour with two shows at the Commodore Ballroom on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1.

When: Friday, January 31; Saturday, February 1, 2020
Time: Doors at 8 pm, Show at 9:30 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Price: Starting at $42.50 (including GST) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster