More than 20 FREE and cheap things to do in Vancouver this February

Looking for February fun that doesn’t break the bank?

Here are 24 free and inexpensive things to do in Vancouver this month, including Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening, Lunarfest, and more.

And for more great events happening around town, be sure to check out our Listed section.

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One-time-only events and activities

Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening

What: The World’s Tallest Tin Soldier in New Westminster has been keeping a secret for over 20 years, and it will soon be revealed during a public celebration.

There will be a free hot beverage station, children’s activities, and a live reading of the book Tall Tale: The True Story of the World’s Largest Tin Soldier by author Tiffany Stone. Kwantlen artist Brandon Gabriel will transform the soldier into the World’s Largest Coast Salish Welcome Pole with a projection when the sun sets.

Items discovered inside the time capsule will be displayed inside the Fraser River Discovery Centre until 8 pm.

When: February 14, 2025
Time: 4 to 8 pm, with the capsule opening starting at 5 pm
Where: 810 Quayside Drive / Waterfront Boardwalk
Admission: Free

Lunar New Year at the Museum of Surrey

What: The Museum of Surrey, in partnership with the Chinese Village Club, hosts a free Lunar New Year event on February 8. Check out several live performances, including dragon dance teaching, poetry, dance, tai chi, storytelling and more. Guests will also learn about the history of the Lunar New Year and Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures.

When: February 8, 2025
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Museum of Surrey — 17710 56A Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Heartbeat of a Vessel by Jo Scott-b

What: The Vancouver Maritime Museum hosts the feature exhibit, Heartbeat of a Vessel by Jo Scott-b. Artworks on display will spotlight how each valve and gauge in an engine has a story to tell.

When: Now until May 2025
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Maritime Museum – 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $14 to $18.50, free for children five and under with a paying adult (max two free children per one adult)

LunarFest 2025 – Year of the Snake

What: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with LunarFest and discover the many stories of the snake through The Lantern City.

Guests are invited to take a walk through five different locations in downtown Vancouver and on Granville Island to see 36 lanterns created by artists of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Then, head back to Granville Island every weekend from February 1 to 16 for an artist’s market, crafts workshops, food, games, and more at Ocean Artworks. Each weekend, there is a different lineup of artisans, and it is free for all ages to enter.

Workshops and special events being offered this year include Reinventing the Written Word: Calligra-ffiti, Suona: Sounds from the East, and the Dumpling Games. Check out the full lineup for more information.

When: Various dates in February 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free and ticketed events

Vancouver Etsy Co. — Too Cute Pop-Up Market

What: Vancouver Etsy Co. is bringing together local artisans at Heritage Hall for their Too Cute Pop-Up Market on Saturday, February 8.

At this unique (and themed) shopping experience, you’ll be able to secure some of the cutest artisanal products, including art, pins, stickers, apparel, toys, jewelry, and more from various small businesses across the city.

It’s the perfect opportunity to find that perfect gift or a unique treat for yourself. And the best part? 50% of the proceeds are going to select charities across Vancouver.

When: Saturday, February 8
Where: Heritage Hall — 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Tickets: Tickets are $3, available on the Vancouver Etsy Co. website. The event is FREE for anyone under 12 and for those who come in costume (via refund).

Vancouver Public Library’s Black History Month Celebration

What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a family-friendly celebration of Black History Month at its Central Branch. Special guests include cultural drummer and musician Maurice Earle, a cultural storyteller for the younger children, and more.

VPL states that the event is best suited for young children ages two to five and their parents and caregivers. The celebration is presented in partnership with the BCABC Barbados Cultural Association of BC.

When: February 22, 2025
Time: 10 am to noon
Where: Alice McKay Room, Lower Level, VPL Central Library — 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free, drop-in welcome

Family Day at PdA

What: Place des Arts invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in art. Tour the not-for-profit arts education centre, then take part in the drop-in style activities inspired by the content and/or mediums in the current exhibitions.

When: February 9, 2025
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Cost: Free, register online

Black History Month at VIFF Centre

What: VIFF Centre presents two series of films that shine a spotlight on Black film, artists, and creators.

Akojo Film Collective presents six films exploring the ever-changing concept of home in African Cinema Now!‘s Dreaming of Elsewhere.

Celebrating Black Futures focuses on the themes of mythical and corporeal transmutations and is curated by Kika Memeh. It is also presented in partnership with the Vancouver Art Gallery.

When: Various dates from February 1 to 27, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online

Rajni Perera: Futures

What: Sri Lankan artist Rajni Perera brings nearly thirty works from throughout her career to the Surrey Art Gallery for the exhibition, Futures. While she looks ahead to unsure times with social inequities and climate change looming, her future goddesses and inventive armours work to adapt to challenging times and places.

When: Tuesdays to Sundays until March 16, 2025. (Closed Mondays and holidays)
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Art Gallery — 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free, though donations are accepted

Atlanthos: Youth-Driven Innovation Through Afrofuturistic Storytelling

What: The Museum of Anthropology commemorates Black History Month by hosting Atlanthos: Youth-Driven Innovation Through Afrofuturistic Storytelling.

The fictional futuristic underwater world was made by 11 Ethọ́s Lab Griots, youth storytellers inspired by the West African tradition of oral history. The Atlanthos event will also feature a panel discussion on Ethọ́s Lab’s work on Afrofuturism, storytelling, and youth-led creativity.

When: February 6, 2025
Time: 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Museum of Anthropology — 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free with museum admission

D/6 Super Bowl Viewing Party

What: Cheer on your favourite team while you enjoy some tasty food and drinks with fellow football fans.

When: February 9
Time: Starts at 1 pm
Where: D/6 Bar and Lounge — 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Starting at $11.93

Big Bang Festival

What: Music on Main, Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre and Zonzo Compagnie are teaming up for the inaugural Big Bang Festival, a day of musical adventure for children ages five and up.

The immersive festival will be a journey through music and sound art, with mini-concerts, interactive activities, and surprise performances throughout the day. Featuring performances by Belgian singer Naomi Beeldens, Vancouver musicians Dailin Hsieh and Saina Khaledi, and more.

When: February 16, 2025
Time: Doors at 11:30 am, festival starts at noon
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver
Tickets: Free and ticketed events. Purchase online

Black in BC: Celebrating Black Excellence 2025

What: Celebrate Black Excellence at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society’s third annual Black in BC at the Surrey Art Gallery. The free event features speakers, a live performance by Ndidi Cascade, limbo with King Fish, and more. There will also be traditional cuisine served and the Black Brilliance Awards ceremony.

When: February 7, 2025
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery — 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free, register online

Robson Square Ice Rink

What: Calling all whimsical winter lovers! The Robson Square Ice Rink is open for the new skating season, and all ages are invited to hit the ice.

Located under the covered outdoor plaza at Robson Square, the rink operates seasonally when temperatures begin to dip. Skating is free, and those without skates can rent them on-site for a fee. Helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 12.

The downtown Vancouver wintry tradition will operate until the end of February.

When: Open daily until February 28, 2025
Time: 9 am to 9 pm
Where: Robson Square — 800 Robson Street, 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

Skate Plaza at The Shipyards

What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is welcoming skaters until March 2025. Skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from noon to 8 pm. And fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.

When: Now until March 2025
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: The Shipyards Commons, North Vancouver
Admission: FREE. Skate rentals are available for $7 for adults and $5 for children (quantities are limited)