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 21 free and inexpensive things to do in Vancouver this month, including the Museum of Personal Failure, Lunar New Year events, 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
Museum of Personal Failure
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
What: The Museum of Personal Failure, a community art project showcasing artifacts of the contributors’ perceived failures, will remain open until Monday, Feb. 9.
Artifacts on display range from unfinished art pieces to abandoned albums to rejection letters from jobs and past lovers. There is a half-built bicycle, handwritten notes, and more pieces being added throughout the run.
When: Now until Monday, Feb. 9, 2026
Where: Kingsgate Mall — 370 E. Broadway, Vancouver
Admission: Free
The Lantern City
What: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with LunarFest and discover the many stories at The Lantern City.
Guests are invited to take a walk through five different locations in downtown Vancouver and on Granville Island to see dozens of lanterns created by artists of diverse cultural backgrounds.
When: Various dates in February and March
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free
Skate Plaza at The Shipyards
City of North Vancouver
What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is open until the end of March, and skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq. ft. surface daily from noon 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 March 29, 2026
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)
Lunar New Year at the Met
What: Metropolis at Metrotown invites everyone to enjoy the family-friendly activities of Lunar New Year at the Met.
Running from Feb. 3 to March 2, this festive experience has something for everyone wanting to celebrate the Year of the Horse, including LEGO Play, calligraphy demonstration, lion dance performance, dumpling eating contest, and more.
Where: Tuesday, Feb. 3 to Monday, March 2, 2026
Time: Various times
When: Metropolis at Metrotown, 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Underneath the Harlem Moon featuring Krystle Dos Santos
What: Underneath The Harlem Moon is a “Smokey Soul-era Harlem cabaret” curated and produced by Krystle Dos Santos. Each month features a variety of spoken word and vocal guests backed by the Harlem Moon band.
When: The first Tuesday of each month
Time: 9 p.m.
Where: Guilt & Co. – 1 Alexander St., Vancouver (downstairs)
Admission: Pay what you can
Orpheum Tours by Vancouver Civic Theatres
Orpheum Theatre. (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: 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: The Robson Square Ice Rink skating season continues until the end of February, 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.
When: Now 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.
Lunar New Year Celebration
What: Coquitlam Heritage is hosting Lunar New Year celebrations on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Yuto Books will present story time sessions throughout the day in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, and there will also be crafts and art activities. Make sure to take a Lunar New Year photo at the photoshoot station on site, and try some Lunar New Year snacks too.
When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Where: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House – 1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Lights at Lafarge
Tourism Coquitlam
What: Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, features over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until February. Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones.
When: Now until Monday, Feb. 16 2026
Time: Nightly from 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
Big Bang Festival
What: Music on Main and Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre are teaming up for the Big Bang Festival, a day of musical adventure for children ages 5 and up.
The immersive festival will be a journey through music and sound art, with mini-concerts, interactive activities, and more to discover. There will also be free activities like face painting, a Bounce House, and a carnival band.
When: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
Time: Doors at 11:30 a.m., festival starts at 12 p.m.
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre – 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Tickets: Free and ticketed events. Purchase online
Surrey Civic Plaza Ice Rink
What: This is the first-ever activation of the public plaza in Surrey City Centre with an outdoor ice rink, and the City of Surrey is aiming to potentially turn this into a new annual civic tradition.
The ice rink spans an area of 4,000 sq. ft., with 5,000 gallons of water used to create the slick surface. Moreover, it is fully covered under a large tent, protecting it from inclement weather.
When: Now until Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
Time: 1 to 8 p.m.
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza — 13450 104th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free for all ages. Skate rentals are also available for a fee.
Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration and Parade
Lunar Year Parade (@scootercooks/Instagram)
What: The 52nd Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration is happening on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, the sixth day of the Lunar New Year.
The popular event is expected to draw over 5,000 participants and more than 100,000 spectators to the historic neighbourhood, with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and more for everyone to enjoy.
When: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. (parade start), 2 to 4 p.m. (fair)
Where: Various locations throughout Chinatown
Cost: Free for parade and fair
Super Weekend at Fraser River Discovery Centre
What: Fraser Valley Discovery Centre hosts a series of public programs for families on the last weekend of each month, with immersive activities that help guests of all ages discover the important waterway.
January and February explores the Blustery Fraser Canyon and how its unique geography of the Fraser Canyon shapes the Lower Mainland’s weather patterns.
When: Jan. 24 and 25 and Feb. 28 and March 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre – 788 Quayside Dr., New Westminster
Cost: Included with admission, $5-$8. Free for ages 2 and under
Vancouver Public Library’s Black History Month Celebration
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a film screening and community social celebrating leader and advocate Nalda Callender.
The event will feature a screening of the uplifting feature-length documentary, Jireh Gospel: Hearts in Chorus.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Montalbano Family Theatre, VPL Central Library — 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Cost: Free, drop-in welcome
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery — Free Admission Day
Bill Reid Gallery
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to the contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast. The gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions, and more.
Guests can visit the Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: By donation
Vancouver Public Library Movie Screenings
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a variety of movie screenings for the public at its branches throughout the month, and the best part is that they are free to check out. Expect to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters, timeless classics, and more.
When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Various VPL Branches
Cost: Free
Family Saturdays at Chinatown Storytelling Centre
What: Learn about Chinatown’s heritage and culture through hands-on activities during Family Saturdays at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The event happens on the third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes guided tours, prizes, special offers from neighbouring restaurants, and free admission for youth 17 years and under.
When: The third Saturday of each month
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Centre is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Where: 168 East Pender St., Vancouver
Cost: Free for youth 17 and under; guests under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Admission $10 to $12, purchase online
Vancouver Art Gallery – Free First Friday Nights
Vancouver Art Gallery/Facebook
What: The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and is renowned as one of North America’s leading visual arts institutions. The largest public art museum in Western Canada currently has a variety of exhibitions on display, and you can check them out for free during the Free First Friday Nights events.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 750 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Community Jam at The Improv Centre
What: The Improv Centre welcomes performers of all levels to get up onstage with professionally trained improvisers at its free monthly community jam. The 18+ event features theatre exercises, improv games, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Cost: Free
Farmers markets in Metro Vancouver
Granville Island Public Market
What: You can shop at the Granville Island Public Market year-round. It’s indoors, so it’s a great option on a rainy day. This place is loved by locals and tourists alike. Shop for all your basics and extras here and grab lunch from some of the city’s best eats.
When: Every day
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Granville Island – 1661 Duranleau St., Vancouver
Riley Park Winter Farmers Market
What: Visitors will find over 85 farms and producers and a selection of food and coffee trucks. Shop for fruits and veggies, eggs and dairy, meat, prepared food, craft beverages, craft items, and more.
When: Every Saturday until March 28, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 50 E. 30th Ave. and Ontario Street, Vancouver
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 April 26, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: West 10th Avenue and Trafalgar Street, Vancouver