Lights of Hope, TechVancouver, One Man Stranger Things, and more to fill your week. Here are 28 things to do in Vancouver from January 6 to 9. Invite a friend to join the fun.

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

Monday, January 6

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

Preparing for Job Interviews: A Free Career Workshop

What: WorkBC Centre and Port Moody Public Library teaches basic strategies on answering interview questions. A WorkBC Career Advisor will provide attendees the tools needed to structure answers and place skills at a higher level.

When: January 6, 2020
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: Port Moody Public Library – Parklane Room — 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody
Price: Free

Dominique Fricot

What: Vancouver singer-songwriter Dominique Fricot performs at Guilt & Co. on January 6 for one night only.

When: January 6, 2020
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Guilt & Co. — 1 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Italian Film Festival

What: VIFF Year-round, the Italian Cultural Centre (il Centro), the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, and the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver present the seventh annual Vancouver Italian Film Festival at Vancity Theatre. Enjoy award-wining films, anniversary screenings, and more.

When: Now until January 9, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Vancity Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Carved Out and Stitched Together

What: Nehiyaw Métis visual artist,Adele ᒪᐢᑿ ᐃᐢᑵᐤ Arseneau uses wood carving, beadwork and digital art to reclaim her displaced heritage and language. Carved Out and Stitched Together is showcased at the Roundhouse until the end of February.

When: Now until February 29, 2020
Time: 9 am to 9:45 pm (Monday to Friday),  9 am to 4:45 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre – Window Gallery – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Comedy Night at The Morrissey

What: Comedy Lizard presents stand-up at The Morrissey on January 6 with Dion Arnold, Morris Bartlett, Jessica Pigeau, and more.

When: January 6, 2020
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: The Morrissey — 1227 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

La Befana Party

What: Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre invites children and families to enjoy La Befana, a family show that tells the story of an old Italian lady who traditionally brings treats to children.

When: January 6, 2020
Time: 6 pm
Where: Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre – Ballroom – 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Tuesday, January 7

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

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

Infinity

What: Infinity from award-winning playwright Hannah Moscovitch tells the story of Sarah Jean, a skeptical, cynical daughter of a composer and a theoretical physicist. During the comedic drama, Sarah Jean’s talented yet dysfunctional family learns that love and time itself are connected in astounding ways.

When: Various dates from January 7 to January 19, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Historic Theatre, The Cultch — 1895 Venables St, 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

Blues Jam

What: Anza Club hosts a Blues Jam on January 7 and 28, with old standards and more being performed throughout the evening.

When: January 7 and 28, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm to close
Where: The Anza Club – 3 West 8th Ave, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Crazy8s Top 6 Live Reveal & Fundraiser

What: Crazy8s Film Society reveals the top six films of Crazy8s 2020 at Fox Cabaret. The fundraiser brings together staff, supporters, sponsors, and the public to celebrate local films, and to raise funds for the annual filmmaking challenge.

When: January 7, 2020
Time: 7 to 11 pm
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Wednesday, January 8

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 (we know that guy!); Angel Pui, co-founder and CMO of Discover Therapies; and Michelle Sklar, entrepreneur in residence at [email protected].

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

Gordon Grdina’s Nomad Trio

What: Vancouver Juno Award winner Gordan Grdina, New Yorker pianist Matt Mitchell, and drummer Jim Black make up the Nomad Trio, and perform at Orpheum Annex on January 8.

When: January 8, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Orpheum Annex — 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Publishing in the 21st Century: Guernica Editions

What: Canadian Authors hosts award-winning author and publisher Michael Mirolla in a showcase of Guernica Editions press. Michael will talk about publishing in the 21st century, Guernica Editions’ history, vision and mandate, and what it takes to write for Guernica.

When: January 8, 2020
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: BC Alliance for Arts + Culture – #100-938 Howe St, Vancouver
Admission: Members free, students $5, non-members $10

AliA

What: Japanese rock collective AliA – made up of AYAME (singer), Okamura Eren (guitarist), TKT (keyboardist), RINA (violinist), SEIYA (bassist), and BOB (drummer) – brings the AliAliVe2020 Around the World -Re: AliVe tour to Biltmore Cabaret on January 8.

When: January 8, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: Biltmore Cabaret — 2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Jams in the Key of Green

What: 12 Kings Pub hosts a weekly music jam for all skill levels and backgrounds. Guitars, drums, keyboards, microphones, and many more instruments and equipment are available to play with.

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 9 pm to 1 am
Where: 12 Kings Pub — 395 Kingsway, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Women & Queer Night at The Bike Kitchen

What: Learn how to tune up your bike in a positive space for trans women, cis women, queer and genderqueer folks in a relaxed environment led by female and/or LGBTQ2I identified mechanics and volunteers. All bicycle and mechanical skill levels are welcome, and pizza will be provided.

When: January 8, February 12, March 11, 2020
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: The Bike Kitchen – 1896 East Mall, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Thursday, January 9

One Man Stranger Things: A Parody

What: Charles Ross (One-Man Star Wars, One-Man Lord of the Rings) presents his solo-show take on the Netflix sensation Stranger Things. Experience the Upside Down with all of the favourite characters, Eggos, and more.

When: January 9, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall — 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Tickets: Online

Hands On Scientist Barn Owls

What:​ Owl researcher Sofi Hindmarch hosts an evening of interesting owl study insights and a walk to look for signs of owls at Campbell Valley Regional Park.

When: January 9 and January 11, 2020
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Campbell Valley Regional Park — 20285 8 Avenue, Langley
Register: Phone 604-432-6359. $8.50 per adult, $4.50 per adult 65+

International Folk Dancing Drop-in Sessions

What: Learn a variety of folk dances set to ethnic music from around the globe. Each International Folk Dancing Drop-In Session is held in a relaxed and friendly environment, and all skill levels are welcome. No partner or costume is needed.

When: Every Thursday until June 11, 2020
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Walnut Road Elementary School — 16152 82 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: First night is free. Then there is a $4 drop-in fee per evening or purchase an annual membership.

Roedde House Parlour Jazz: Much Wabi

What: The Roedde House Museum Parlour Jazz Series presents a live concert by trio Much Wabi, made up of Bernie Arai, Chad Makela, and Chris Gestrin

When: January 9, 2020
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Roedde House Museum – 1415 Barclay Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Thursday Artist Talk: PJ Patten, “About the Creation of Graphic Novels”

What: PJ Patten will talk about his artistic process on his illustrated memoir, Tower25, a graphic novel on the period of homelessness in his life after a decade of drug addiction. Patten will share some of his personal life events, as well as discuss the bigger role journal comics played in healing and recovery from addiction and personal trauma.

When: January 9, 2020
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue
Admission: Free

Gordon Neighbourhood House Movie Night

What: Gordon Neighbourhood House hosts a free movie night screening of 1996’s Big Night starring Minnie Driver, Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini, Tony Shalhoub, and Stanley Tucci. Free popcorn and a drink will also be available.

When: January 9, 2020
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Gordon Neighbourhood House – 1019 Broughton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, free

Locals Lounge presents: Jasper Sloan Yip

What: Ian Cromwell hosts Locals Lounge, a live interview and music series featuring Vancouver musicians. Jasper Sloan Yip is this month’s guest, along with opening act Tess Anderson.

When: January 9, 2020
Time: 7 to 11 pm
Where: Railway Stage & Beer Cafe — 579 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online