60 things to do in Vancouver this winter

Winter is nearly here, and Vancouver is filled with great events happening in the new season and new year. From New Year’s Eve to Street Food City 9, here are 60 events you need to check out around the city.

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

Enjoy the city and the outdoors

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.

Vancouver Polar Bear Swim

What: The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club is one of the largest and oldest Polar Bear Clubs in the world. Its initial swim was in 1920, when a small number of hardy swimmers took the plunge into English Bay on New Year’s Day. The afternoon will also have live musical performances, food trucks, and more.

When: January 1, 2020
Time: 12 to 4 pm. Swim happens at 2:30 pm
Where: English Bay
Admission: Free. Participants must register online. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food or cash – please be generous

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. Closed Christmas Day.
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Bloedel Conservatory – Queen Elizabeth Park — 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets Info: Online

The 2020 Vancouver International Boat Show

What: The 2020 Vancouver International Boat Show will include more than 250 exhibitors and over 125 presentations and workshops led by boating experts. This year’s event is taking place at two locations: BC Place and a floating show at Granville Island. Complimentary shuttle buses and water ferries will also be operating between the two venues.

Twiggy, a famous water-skiing squirrel, will be one of the highlights of the Vancouver International Boat Show. According to organizers, Twiggy will be performing on a daily basis during the event, while viewers also learn about water safety, waterskiing, and simply watch a water-skiing squirrel ski around her pool.

When: February 5 to February 9, 2019
Time: BC Place: Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm; The Floating Show at Granville Island: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Where: Indoors at BC Place (777 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver) and a floating show at Granville Island
Tickets: Online

24 Hours of Winter at Grouse Mountain

What: Grouse Mountain is once again hosting its annual 24 Hours of Winter event, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the slopes from sundown to sunrise. The non-stop event will take place from February 22 to February 23, and features skiing, snowboarding, skating and more with live DJs setting the musical mood. A complimentary shuttle will be running from 12 am to 7 am on Sunday between Grouse Mountain and key locations in North Vancouver.

When: February 22 to February 23, 2019
Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Where: Grouse Mountain – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
More Info: On the Grouse Mountain website

Study and Go Abroad Fair

What: The Study and Go Abroad Fair is a free event for students looking for undergraduate or postgraduate options at home or abroad. The expo offers an opportunity to meet directly with universities from around the world, and to learn about scholarships, admission requirements and program options. Also featured is a Travel Zone with work abroad, volunteering, internships and language travel programs.

When: March 3, 2020
Time: Feature Seminar starts at 1 pm. Expo hours from 2 to 6 pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building
Admission: Free, visitors can pre-register online or sign up on the day

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

Holiday Events and Christmas Lights

Vancouver Christmas Market

What: The 10th annual authentic German-inspired Christmas Market features a selection of traditional food and beverages, vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, and the opportunity to ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. Guests can also enjoy $10 admission at the gate every Tuesday.

When: Daily until December 24, 2019
Time: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (November 20 to December 23), 11:30 am to 6 pm (December 24)
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Tickets: Online. Adult, $12.99; seniors, $10.99; youth $6.99 (online) / adult, $15; seniors, $13; youth, $9 (gate admission). There is also free admission for children six and under, $8 Early-Bird Admission on weekdays before 2 pm (gate admission), and $10 admission all day every Tuesday (gate admission)

Christmas at Canada Place 2019

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 Pl, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Heritage Christmas

What: Take a trip back to holidays past at Burnaby Village Museum with Heritage Christmas. See vintage-themed displays, listen to live music, and enjoy theatre performances. There will also be crafts for children, baking in the Farmhouse, and visits with Father Christmas. There’s even the option to have a full turkey dinner, or festive drinks or treats from the Ice Cream Parlour.

When: Now until January 3, 2020 (closed December 24 and 25)
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65

Aurora Winter Festival 2019

What: The Aurora Winter Festival, now one of the largest events of its kind in Western Canada, is returning for the 2019 holiday season. The six-week, North Pole-inspired festival will be expanding its event to fifteen acres in size and relocating to Hastings Park.

Upgrades from last year include a larger surface for ice skating, a longer tube park, and double the number of rides and games. Other attractions include a light tunnel showcasing the Aurora Borealis, a story-time theatre with Santa for kids, a giant tube park, ice skating on a frozen pond, six amusement park rides, games, some of Vancouver’s best food trucks, and a market with 40 holiday-inspired vendors.

When: Now until December 31, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, General Admission passes start at $17.99 / Senior and Child passes start at $12.99 / Family passes start at $49.99

Christmas Glow Vancouver

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

When: Now until January 5, 2020 (Closed Christmas Day)
Time: Hours of operation vary depending on date of visit. Check the calendar here.
Where: Harbour Convention Centre — 760 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

VanDusen Festival of Lights 2019

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 (closed Christmas Day)
Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden – 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Time: 4 pm to 9:30 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: $19 online and $21 at the gate. Youth and seniors: $14.50 online and $16 at the gate.

Lights of Hope 2019

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 center 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

Ring in the New Year

Family First Night – New Year’s Eve at Mount Seymour

What: Ring in the New Year at Mount Seymour and their Family First Night. The event includes snow shoeing, laser tobogganing, acro fire entertainment, food vendors, live performances, and more. There will also be an early countdown and fireworks at 8:25 pm.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 8 pm
Where: Mt. Seymour — 1700 Mt. Seymour Road, North Vancouver
More Info: Online

New Year’s Eve with Vancouver TheatreSports

What: Vancouver TheatreSports’ Year in Review is an improvised look at 2019’s top stories and gives a comedic perspective on the year’s happenings as the New Year approaches. There are three shows to choose from, with the late show including party favours and a complimentary glass of bubbly.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm, and 11:15 pm
Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

New Year’s Eve at Tap & Barrel Shipyards

What: Tap & Barrel Shipyards is throwing its second annual New Year’s Eve Party in Lower Lonsdale. There will be a DJ setting the party atmosphere, plus tickets include canapés and bubbles at midnight.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 9 pm to 1 am
Where: Tap & Barrel Shipyards – 8 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration at Grouse Mountain

What: Skate on the 8,000-sq-ft mountaintop Skate Pond, take a sled down the Sliding Zone and enjoy the outdoor Light Walk around Blue Grouse Lake at Grouse Mountain on New Year’s Eve. There will also be live performances throughout the night as well as a 9 pm countdown for the young ones.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: Festivities starts at 5 pm
Where: Grouse Mountain Resort – 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Variety Show

What: Circus 3’s New Year’s Eve Variety Show features circus acrobats, a live orchestra, magic, and one of the city’s biggest balloon drops. Shows on New Year’s Eve in Vancouver and New Year’s Day in Abbotsford.

When: December 31, 2019, December 1, 2020
Time: 3 pm and 8 pm (December 31), 3 pm (January 1)
Where: Vancouver Playhouse – 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver; Abbotsford Arts Centre – 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford
Tickets: Online

NYE 2020 at TELUS World of Science

What: NYE 2020 at TELUS World of Science features five fully licensed bars, two rooms of music on two floors, six DJs and live performers, and sounds, lights and visuals that will have you dancing as soon as you arrive.

When: December 31, 2019
Time: 9 pm to 3 am
Where: TELUS World of Science – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Bon Appétit

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 to 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

Street Food City 9

What: Now in its ninth year, Street Food City will take place on select dates from January 17 to February 6, where foodies can find a rotating selection of food trucks 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
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 entry

Spice Girls-Themed Brunch – Vancouver

What: A Spice Girls-themed brunch is slated for January 25 at The Charles Bar. This event teases a brunch buffet, juice, Spice Girls trivia, and karaoke. Attendees at this event are urged to bring their costume A-game, as there will be prizes for best karaoke performance and best dressed.

When: January 25, 2020
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: The Charles Bar – 136 West Cordova Street, Vancouver
Price: $45; buy online

Drake Brunch

What: Attendees will be able to enjoy all things Champagne Papi at The Drake Club taking place at Vancouver’s Charles Bar on January 25, 2020. The ultimate Drake Party is hosted by The Brunch Club and includes two Drake-themed beverages and appetizers. There will also be prizes for best karaoke performance and best dressed.

When: January 25, 2020
Time: 5 to 7 pm
Where: The Charles Bar – 136 W Cordova St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Science of Cocktails 2020

What: Science of Cocktails brings together the city’s most talented bartenders and chefs to showcase the chemistry, biology, and physics behind preparing modern cocktails and cuisine. Attendees will have access to the open bar with over 30 bar stations serving unique cocktails crafted by award-winning bartenders, access to special cocktail science activities, and hands-on demos and Science World programming.

When: February 6, 2020
Time: 8 pm to midnight
Where: TELUS World of Science – 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver
Price: $165 regular, $289 VIP; buy online

Wizard Beer Festival

What: The “most magical beer festival of the year” is taking place on February 16, 2020. The fest will “transport you into a mysterious and magical wizarding world” and will feature local DJs, tarot card readers, wand making classes, and more. Tickets are limited, and come with a 12 oz welcome beer and five tokens that will give you access to drinks and activities.

When: February 16, 2020
Time: 11 am to 8:30 pm
Where: Big Rock Vancouver Brewery & Eatery 310 W 4th Avenue Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver International Wine Festival 2020

What: Canada’s premier food and wine festival, the Vancouver International Wine Festival, will take place from February 22 to March 1, 2020, and it will feature 164 wineries from 15 countries. Known as “one of the biggest and oldest wine events in the world,” the festival will feature a plethora of French wineries (43 of them) this year, the showcase region for 2020. As always, HQ for the wine fest will be the Vancouver Convention Centre, but more than 25 other restaurants and venues around the city will host winery dinners, lunches, and seminars.

When: February 22 to March 1, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Venues around Vancouver
Tickets: Advance tickets online

Vancouver Tea Festival 2020

What: Dive into the world of the planet’s most consumed beverage at Vancouver Tea Festival 2020. Attendees of this weekend-long event can expect a marketplace, presentations, tastings and more at Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre.

When: March 7 to 8, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre — 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Tickets: Online

Cheer on the home teams

Vancouver Canucks

What: The Canucks continue their NHL regular season with games at Rogers Arena throughout the winter.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Giants

What: Vancouver Giants continue their WHL season at Langley Events Centre this winter.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

Vancouver Warriors vs San Diego Seals

What: The Vancouver Warriors face off with the San Diego Seals in National Lacrosse League action on December 29.

When: December 29, 2019
Time: 1 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

WWE Friday Night SmackDown at Rogers Arena

What: WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown will be held at Rogers Arena on February 14. It’s the first televised event to be held in Vancouver since Monday Night Raw came to the Pacific Coliseum in 2003.

When: February 14, 2020
Where: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Time: 4:45 pm
Tickets: Online via Ticketmaster

HSBC Canada Sevens

What: Once a year, BC Place transforms for the ultimate weekend sports event that feels more like a music festival: HSBC Canada Sevens. The Canada Sevens will be taking over BC Place Stadium for two days of rugby action, for the only Canadian stop on the World Rugby Sevens Series tour. Outrageous costumes are highly encouraged.

When: March 7 and 8, 2020
Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver
Tickets: $70 for Single-Day General Admission Passes; $109 for full weekend Tournament General Admission Passes — Tickets available via Canada Sevens

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 (except December 28)
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’ Winter 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 morning.

When: Every Saturday until April 18 (no market December 28, January 4 and January 11)
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall (4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Parkway)
Admission: Free

Cannery Farmers’ Market

What: The Cannery Farmers’ Market is Steveston’s indoor winter market, held at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. This unique market features local food and artisan merchants, as well as live entertainment, inside a historic cannery setting. Admission to the museum is free on market days.

When: February 9 and 23; March 8 and 22; April 5 and 19
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
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: December 21; January 4 and 18; 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

Enjoy Arts and Culture

Guilty Feminist Podcast

The Guilty Feminist

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.

When: January 15, 2020
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: The Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street (Venue is 19+, ID required)
Price: $40.00 (including GST, plus service fees) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster.

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. The show also features scenography by United Visual Artists. Presented by PuSh Festival.

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

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo / Photo by Zoran Jelenic

What: The world-renowned, all-male ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo returns to reinterpret ballet classics with great irrelevance at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Get ready for saucy and fabulous versions of Swan Lake, Le Grand Pas de Quatre, and more.

When: February 1, 2020
Time: 8 to 10 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

JFL Northwest 2020

What: JFL Northwest, Vancouver’s very own Just For Laughs comedy festival, celebrates its fifth year from February 13 to 25, 2020. Headliners include Bill Burr, Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Patton Oswalt, Maria Bamford, and more.

When: February 13 to 25, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets: Online

Dear Evan Hansen

What: Dear Evan Hansen, the story of a teenage boy who gets wrapped up in a tragic event by happenstance, is playing in Vancouver this February, as part of the Broadway Across Canada 2019/20 Season. Dear Evan Hansen picked up six Tony awards in 2017, including Best Musical, as well as a 2018 Grammy Award.

When: February 25 to March 1, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby/Facebook

What: Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby — known for her riveting comedy special Nanette — will be performing in Vancouver for the first time ever in February.

Gadsby took home top prizes for Nanette at the Melbourne and Edinburgh comedy festivals before dropping it as a Netflix special last year. Now, Gadsby is using the voice she found with Nanette in her new show Douglas, which she will perform at the Orpheum Theatre on February 25, as part of the 5th edition of JFL NorthWest presented in association with SiriusXM.

When: February 25, 2020
Where: The Orpheum Theatre — 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Time: 7:30 pm
Tickets: Online

My Dad Wrote a Porno

What: The team behind award-winning podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno is bringing their brand-new live show to Vancouver in March. Featuring never-before-heard material from the mind of Rocky Flintstone, you can join Jamie Morton, along with best mates James Cooper and Alice Levine, as he delves deeper into his father’s Belinda Blinked erotic saga.

Recently, My Dad Wrote a Porno won a Webby Award for Best Comedy Podcast 2019, as well as being named Podcast Champions at this year’s British Podcast Awards for outstanding contribution to British podcasting. The show has also won a European Lovie Award and Team Porno was listed on The Progress 1000 — London’s most influential people of 2018.

When: March 12, 2020
Time: Doors 6 pm, show 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Price: $32.50, $45, $69.50 — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Ladies Against Humanity

What: The Fictionals present the annual Ladies Against Humanity special at the Rio Theatre on March 18. Some of the funniest women from around Vancouver will bring CAH to life during the live tournament, give out epic prizes, and crown the newest Most Horrible Person in Vancouver.

When: March 18, 2020
Time: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm
Where: Rio Theatre – 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Sing along to your favourites

Five Alarm Funk – Hometown Holiday Blowout Bash

What: Vancouver-based Five Alarm Funk celebrate the holidays with a Boxing Day show at Commodore Ballroom with guests Small Town Artillery and Rain City.

When: December 26, 2019
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 8:30 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom – 867 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

CONTACT Winter Music Festival

Tiesto (Jordan Loyd/Facebook)

What: Tiësto, Major Lazer, Kaskade, and Rezz will headline CONTACT Winter Music Festival’s seventh edition, taking place December 27 and 28 at BC Place. Presented by Blueprint and Live Nation Canada, CONTACT is Canada’s largest indoor music festival hosting more than 34,000 guests annually and featuring state-of-the-art technical production, pyro, and lighting across two stages.

When: December 27 and 28, 2019
Time: 5 pm to midnight
Where: BC Place — 777 Pacific Boulevard, 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.

The four members, Conner Molander, Dylan Phillips, Devon Portielje, and Isaac Symonds released their first album, Dark Eyes, in 2012. After the record went platinum in Canada, Half Moon Run followed up their success with 2015’s Sun Leads Me On. They received a JUNO nomination for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2016.

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

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
Price: Starting at $42.50 (including GST) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

SuperM: We Are the Future Live

SuperM

What: K-pop supergroup, SuperM is slated to perform live at Rogers Arena on February 6 during their We Are the Future Live. SuperM is made up of seven members: Taemin from SHINee, EXO’s Baekhyun and Kai, NCT 127’s Taeyong and Mark, and Ten and Lucas of Chinese band WayV. They have sold over 14 million adjusted albums globally and amassed almost four billion online video views in their respective musical careers.

When: February 6, 2020
Time: Doors 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Price: Starting at $50 (plus fees) — Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Noah Reid: First Time Out Tour

What: The Schitt’s Creek star will be taking to the stage at the Imperial on Tuesday, February 11 with special guests for his First Time Out Tour. Known for his classic meets contemporary songwriting style, Reid released his debut solo album, Songs From A Broken Chair, in 2016 including popular tracks “False Alarms,” Never Gonna Get My Love,” “Runaway,” and “Still Don’t Know.” Now he’s working on a second studio album that is set to be released in 2020, produced by Matthew Barber.

When: February 11, 2020
Time: Doors at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm
Where: Imperial — 319 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $25 (including GST) — available via Eventbrite

Wolf Parade

What: Montreal indie rock band Wolf Parade performs at the Commodore Ballroom on February 12 as part of the release of its upcoming album, Thin Mind. Special guest Land of Talk will be opening the show here in town.

When: February 12, 2020
Time: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm
Where: Commodore Ballroom — 868 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $35 — Tickets available via Ticketmaster