20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: Jan. 26 to Feb. 1

So long, January, and hello, February! Get the new month started off the right way with our rundown of 20 fun things to do around Vancouver!

Check out The Heat International Comedy Showcase, Merkules, and more from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1.

Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.

To stay up to date on everything happening in Metro Vancouver, B.C., and beyond, sign up for our newsletters.

The Heat International Comedy Showcase at The Improv Centre

What: The Improv Centre’s The Heat is an international showcase happening on Granville Island from Tuesday, Jan. 27 to Saturday, Jan. 31.

The Heat begins with an opening night featuring all of the teams, followed by a talkback session with the international comedians.

Each show will feature international performers and TIC artists teaming up in shows that feature short-form games, an international showcase of a visiting troupe’s improv style, and an “all-play” mixer.

When: Tuesday, Jan. 27 to Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices. Tickets available online.

You might also like:
• New outdoor music festival taking place just across the Alberta border this spring
• Canada’s best rugby party is coming to Vancouver and here's how to get tickets
• 12 festive Lunar New Year events to check out around Vancouver

Vancouver Canucks Lunar New Year Game

What: Vancouver Canucks host their annual Lunar New Year Game on Monday, Jan. 29, when the Anaheim Ducks come to town. There will be a variety of special Lunar New Year activities to enjoy during the celebration.

When: Monday, Jan. 29, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online

Taco Tuesday Stand Up Comedy Show

What: Comedy After Dark presents a live comedy show and optional all-you-can-eat tacos every Tuesday night. Enjoy a rotating lineup of Vancouver comedians and touring drop-in comics along with delicious tacos and drink specials.

When: Every Tuesday
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 117 W. Pender, Vancouver
Tickets: $15 plus fees for the show, $25 all-you-can-eat tacos. Purchase online

Surrey Libraries Expo

What: You’re invited to celebrate Family Literacy Day at the annual Surrey Libraries Expo. There will be a variety of fun activities for all ages to enjoy, including craft stations, coding sessions, book bowling and more. Plus, check out the mobile library to discover the latest reading releases.

When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Newton Recreation Centre – 13730 72 Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free

International Guitar Night 2026

What: The International Guitar Night features internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer Itamar Erez, Juno Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Jocelyn Gould, Canadian Guitar Festival Competition winner Jamie Dupuis, and Flamenco guitarist extraordinaire Caroline Planté. Enjoy an evening of exquisite performance at the Massey Theatre.

When: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Massey Theatre – 735 8th Ave., New Westminster
Tickets: $30-$62, purchase online

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Vancouver

What: A stretch of Stanley Park’s towering trees will be infused with a touch of magic. After dusk, the forest will glow with an otherworldly trail where wands are welcome, creatures stir in the shadows, and Harry Potter’s Forbidden Forest is brought to life beneath Vancouver’s canopy.

When: Now until Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026; weekends and select weekdays
Time: Starting at 4:45 p.m. each event night until late evening. All entry is timed.
Where: Site of the Stanley Park Train — Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
Admission: Tickets online. Starting at $49.50 for adults; free for children under the age of three

Merkules

What: There’s nothing like performing for a hometown crowd. And Metro Vancouver fans of Surrey’s own rap star Merkules will be cheering loud this month when he brings The Controlled Chaos Tour to the Vogue Theatre.

Merkules has collaborated with a number of other top rap and hip-hop stars, including Kevin Gates, The Game, E-40, Tech N9ne, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Twista, DMX, and many more. He has reached number one on Billboard’s Rising Artists Chart and is a multi-time Western Canadian Music Award nominee.

When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: $34.50 plus fees, purchase online

Late Night Show at Tightrope Theatre

What: Tightrope Theatre presents the Late Night Show on the last Friday of each month, with a different ensemble member taking over to present a comedy show they’ve always wanted to create. Expect the unpected at the 18+ event, as well as a bunch of laughs.

When: Last Friday of every month
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Where: Tightrope Impro Theatre – 2343 Main St., Vancouver
Tickets: $20 plus fees, purchase online

Vanier Park: Monthly Pay-What-You-Can Sundays at Vancouver’s Museums

What: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Vancouver are partnering up for Pay-What-You-Can Sundays.

On the first Sunday of every month, guests of all ages are invited to visit the three Kitsilano waterfront attractions and explore the exhibits without financial barriers.

The three Vancouver attractions are within walking distance of each other in Vanier Park, and guests can discover maritime history, learn about local heritage, and explore science and space.

When: The first Sunday of every month
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Vancouver
Cost: Pay what you can

Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2026

What: Taking place until Feb. 14, 100 vendors in the Greater Vancouver area will be serving up tasty and unique hot chocolate creations. There will be 100 participating vendors and a whopping total of 234 different flavours to try.

Previous years saw plenty of wacky and wonderful drinks like a hot chocolate with marinara sauce and Hot Cheetos, a Dragon Ball Z-themed drink, and even some hot chocolates that are illegal south of the border.

When: Now until Feb. 14, 2026 (specific vendor/drink dates may vary)
Where: Locations in and around Vancouver

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

What: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is back for another groundbreaking year this winter, and it promises a lineup of works for every type of live arts enthusiast.

Highlights include The Motha’ Kiki Ball, Khalil Khalil, and Everything Has Disappeared.

When: Now until Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Cost: Various prices, including several free events. Purchase online

Vancouver Giants

What: The Vancouver Giants continue the new year of WHL action at the Langley Events Centre with games against the Kelowna Rockets on Saturday, Jan. 31, and Red Deer Rebels on Sunday, Feb. 1.

When: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. (Saturday), 4 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200th St, Langley
Cost: Various; purchase online

Gimme Gimme Disco

What: Attention, dancing queens: It’s time to dust off your widest bell-bottoms, your most show-stopping sequinned jumpsuit, and your shiniest platform boots because this disco dance party was made especially for you.

Inspired by ABBA, Gimme Gimme Disco will have you dancing the night away at the Commodore Ballroom. The event is a DJ-based dance party that features hits from ABBA as well as other 1970s and ’80s disco icons, including The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher.

When: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Cost: $20-23 plus fees; purchase online

The Wellness Show

What: The 33rd annual Wellness Show explores new approaches to nutrition, fitness, and physical and emotional well-being. Discover over 200 exhibitors and more than 50 speakers while learning about different health and lifestyle resources.

When: Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: $14 for a one-day pass, $22.40 for a weekend pass. Purchase online

Say She She

What: Classically trained singers Piya Malik, Sabrina Mileo Cunningham, and Nya Gazelle Brown have teamed up to form Say She She, described as a blend of “disco, 70s funk, and other influences.” Catch them at Hollywood Theatre with guest Katzù Oso this month.

When: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Hollywood Theatre – 3123 W Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $29.50 plus fees; purchase online

Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting guided tours of the historic Orpheum theatre. The event is presented in partnership with the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, and will be sure to delight music fans, architecture enthusiasts, and history buffs.

When: Jan. 31, Feb. 14, March 7 and 28, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: The Orpheum – 601 Smithe St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 plus fees, register online

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip. Over 100,000 skaters are expected to visit each year.

Skating is free for all ages. Those without skates can rent them on-site for a fee, and helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 12.

When: Open daily until Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson St., Vancouver; beneath Robson Street and Howe Street
Cost: Free for all ages if you bring your skates. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.

Kitsilano Winter Farmers’ Market

What: Kitsilano Farmers’ Market takes place on Sundays in the parking lot of the Community Centre and offers a good selection of fresh local produce and gourmet treats to stock up on for the week. There are also a number of artisan vendors and food trucks to check out at the market.

When: Every Sunday until Apr. 26, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West 10th Ave. and Trafalgar St., Vancouver

The Last Resort