20 fantastic things to do in Vancouver this week: March 9 to 15
The last official week of winter has arrived! Say so long to the season and get ready for spring by having fun around Vancouver.
From St. Patrick’s Day events to the Vancouver Whitecaps and more, here are 20 things to do from March 9 to 15.
Be sure to view our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
What: Vancouver Whitecaps continue their MLS season this week with several exciting home games at BC Place. Cheer on the ‘Caps as they face the Seattle Sounders in the CONCACAF Champions Cup – Round of 16 on Thursday, March 12, and Minnesota United FC on Sunday, March 15.
Cherry Blossoms have a rich history in Vancouver, dating back to the 1930s when the mayors of Kobe and Yokohama gifted 500 trees to honour Japanese-Canadian World War I veterans. Today, there are more than 40,000 cherry blossom trees in Vancouver, with spring signalling the age-old Japanese tradition of flower viewing known as hanami. On March 15, Whitecaps FC will join in this cultural experience with a Cherry Blossom-themed match at BC Place.
When: March 12 and 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: BC Place – 777 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
Skate Plaza at The Shipyards
What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters of all ages to glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from 12 to 8 p.m. Fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.
When: Now until end of season
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: Free. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)
Bite of Burnaby
What: Bite of Burnaby is a month-long event that aims to support the city’s diverse dining establishments by offering special, affordably-priced menus at participating restaurants.
From now until March 31, the more than 65 restaurants included in the festival will offer special menus, combos, and deals at set prices ranging from $10 to $60. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy your favourites or dig into something new.
When: Now until March 31, 2026
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various restaurants across Burnaby; see the list online
Get your game on at Vancouver’s newest arcade and pinball hall
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
What: Warm up your thumbs and get ready to set the high score, because Vancouver’s newest arcade has officially opened its doors.
VanCity Pinball & Arcade is a gaming destination with over 60 pinball machines, with vintage titles like Evel Knievel from 1977 and The Addams Family from 1992, to newer ones such as Deadpool from 2018 and Godzilla from 2021. There are also more than 10 arcade machines, ranging from classic titles to modern-day games like Big Buck Hunter, Skee-Ball, and Mario Kart.
Time: 2 to 10 p.m. (Thursdays and Sundays), 2 p.m. to midnight (Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: 1739 Venables St., Vancouver
Cost: Unlimited gameplay for $15 for a half hour or $35 for an all-day pass
Milk and Cookies for Canuck Place
What: Beloved local bakeries, including Purebread, Lee’s Donuts, Bak’d, Benanna Bakery, Cozy Bean Bakery, and more, are all teaming up to offer special treats and host in-store fundraisers to raise money to support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Plus, B.C. dairy farmers are matching donations up to $30,000.
When: Various days of operation starting on Feb. 26, 2026
Time: Various hours of operation
Where: Various bakeries across Vancouver
Warrior Festival
What: The Cultch’s second annual Warrior Festival celebrates the strength of women and gender-expansive artists with six funny and fierce shows this month at York Theatre, Historic Theatre, and Vancity Culture Lab.
This year’s festival includes the frank theatre company’s Tomboy (Chłopczyca) (March 4 to 8), The Search Party’s People, Places and Things (March 10 to 22), and Troupe Courage’s The Horse of Jenin (March 25 to 29).
When: Various dates until March 29, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: York Theatre, Vancity Culture Lab, and Cultch Historic Theatre
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
July Talk
July Talk
What: Three-time Juno winners July Talk are beloved by fans for their catchy alt-rock hits, including “Push + Pull,” “Certain Father,” and “Beck + Call.” The Toronto-based band comes to the Commodore Ballroom with the Touch X Tour in March.
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 868 Granville St., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
BC Home + Garden Show
What: The BC Home + Garden Show returns this month with everything you need to whip your home and garden into shape. The exhibition will feature home improvement, design, culinary and garden experts to inspire you and your home this spring.
When: March 12 to 15, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Thursday and Friday), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Tickets: $13-$16, children 12 and under free. Half-price tickets are available after 4 p.m. Purchase online
Miguel
What: Grammy winner Miguel comes to the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Arena with his Caos Tour. His latest album of the same name was released in October, his first project in eight years, and fans are ready to see him live in Vancouver.
When: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Arena – 6066 Thunderbird Blvd., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival 2026
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
What: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, which runs from Feb. 27 to March 11, is here to inspire you with dozens of films celebrating climbing, snow sports, mountain biking, and more.
Guests will also hear from inspiring guest speakers and thought-provoking filmmakers from around the world in the thrilling lineup of films, presentations and workshops.
When: Feb. 27 to March 11, 2026 (in-person), March 14 to April 11, 2026 (online)
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Elisapie
What: Canadian Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie is a multiple Juno winner whose territory and her language, Inuktitut, remains the heart of her creative journey. Her album, Inuktitut, is also her second to receive a shortlist nomination for the Polaris Music Prize.
When: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Vogue Theatre – 918 Granville St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, purchase online
Vancouver Story Slam
What: Vancouver Story Slam features 10 storytellers sharing original short stories in a competition for cash and prizes as well as a spot in the championship show. Performers at The Pleasant on March 12 include Erin Reddekopp, Joy Ong, Steve Miller, and more. The event will also include special guest storyteller Abby Crispo.
When: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: The Pleasant – 2434 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: $10 cash at the door
Vancouver International Wine Festival
Vancouver International Wine Festival
What: Vancouver International Wine Festival is filling glasses for its 47th year, and there’s so much for connoisseurs to discover.
When: March 7 to 14, 2026. International Festival Tastings from March 12 to 14, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Venues around Vancouver. International Festival Tastings at Vancouver Convention Centre East – 999 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Cost: Various prices, purchase online
CelticFest Ceilidh
What: The CelticFest Ceilidh is always a highlight with its lively assortment of music and dance. Hosted by Blackthorn, the event will feature performances by the White Spot Pipe Band, O’Brien School of Irish Dance, and Shot of Scotch Vancouver Company.
When: Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Hellenic Community Centre — 4500 Arbutus St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices, children 12 and under are free. Purchase online
Terminal City TableTop Convention
What: Terminal City Tabletop Convention (TCTC) returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre this month for its 12th anniversary. Get your game on with drop-in tabletops, a silent auction, exhibitors, panels, trivia and more to check out over the three days.
When: March 13 to 15, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to midnight (Friday and Saturday), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West — 1055 Canada Pl., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online
Teen Angst Night at Fox Cabaret
Sara Bynoe (Chelsey Stuyt/Submitted)
What: Teen Angst is a comedic reading series where brave performers share the most embarrassing parts of their teenage notebooks for the audience’s entertainment.
The lineup of performers includes comedians, actors, filmmakers, and people who may have never been on stage before. Laugh along with live readings of high school poetry, LiveJournal posts, songs, letters, journals, and more.
When: March 14, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Fox Cabaret – 2321 Main St., Vancouver
Tickets: Purchase online
Around The Kitchen Table: Crafting Connections
What: This exhibition explores how making by hand can function as a language of its own. Through contemporary jewellery, clay works, and a participatory installation inspired by dumpling-making, the project reflects on communication across generations, cultural memory, and the quiet power of shared gestures around the kitchen table.
When: Monday to Friday from Feb. 26 to April 23, 2026
Time: 10 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Craft Council of BC – 1386 Cartwright St., Vancouver
Admission: Free
Taste of the Tri-Cities
What: Taking place from Feb. 15 to March 15, select restaurants around the Tri-Cities will be offering special menus at discounted prices for you to enjoy.
When: Now until March 15, 2026
Time: Various restaurant hours
Where: Participating restaurants in the Tri-Cities
Vancouver Aquarium presents Dragons
Vancouver Aquarium. (Kenneth Chan)
What: Vancouver Aquarium’s new exhibit, Dragons, invites you to explore the new limited-time exhibit where myth and reality meet. Guests of all ages can say hello to the real creatures behind legends, get hands-on with immersive habitats and activities, enjoy daily dragon presentations, and more.
When: On for a limited time.
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Cost: Included with admission, purchase online
What’s the Craic? A Night of Irish Devilry
What: Clare Voyeur presents a Paddy’s Day party as part of the 2026 Celtic Fest’s programming. Guests of the annual variety show will enjoy burlesque, comedy, live music, games, and more while learning about the spirit and lore of the Emerald Isle.
When: March 14, 2026
Time: Doors 8:15 p.m., show 9 p.m.
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 E. Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: $40 online, $45 at the door plus fees. Purchase online