Over 20 FREE and cheap events to check out in Metro Vancouver this winter
Winter has arrived in Vancouver and it has brought a bunch of great events you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Here is our rundown of 24 free and inexpensive events you’ll want to check out this season around Metro Vancouver! LunarFest, Street Food City, and more.
Be sure to check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
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Events and activities in and around Metro Vancouver
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival 2024
“Because i love the diversity” by Rakesh Sukesh (Irene Occhiato/Irene Narys)
What: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is back for its 20th groundbreaking year in Vancouver this winter, and it promises a lineup of works for every type of live arts enthusiast.
The Lower Mainland’s signature mid-winter cultural event is described as a “manifesto for live art,” with works featuring personal accounts of resistance and acts of vulnerability. Guests will also explore themes such as migration, displacement, labour, injustice, and artificial intelligence during the performances.
When: January 18 to February 4, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various venues
Tickets and Passes: $16.75 to $39 plus free events and top-tier ticket options available at the Playhouse. Purchase online
Free Tour: The Container Trail
What: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority invites guests to discover how Delta is a gateway to Canada’s trade with the world. The free guided tour will showcase a busy container depot, huge logistics warehouses, and Canada’s largest deep-sea container terminal. You can also get an up-close look at container ships loading and unloading at the Deltaport container terminal.
When: January 13, 2024
Time: 10 am
Where: Port of Vancouver Delta Community Office – 5223 Ladner Trunk Road Trenant Park Square, Delta
Cost: Free
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. There will also be live entertainment for the 12 days leading up to Christmas, including live DJs, jazz bands, and more.
When: Open daily until February 29, 2024
Time: 9 am to 9 pm (11 am to 5 pm on Christmas Day)
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
Street Food City
@streetfoodvancouver/Instagram
What: Vancouver has a pretty epic food truck scene, and this free food truck festival is here to prove it.
Street Food City is back for its 12th year, giving visitors a delicious opportunity to try some of the great food truck eats Vancouver has to offer, all in one convenient location.
Some notable trucks that’ll be at this year’s festival include Shameless Buns, Shawarma Time, Tornado Potato, Reel Mac and Cheese, Mad Greek, Dos Amigos, Slavic Rolls, and Chickpea.
When: January 20 to 28, 2024
Time: Weekdays, 11 am to 2 pm; Weekends, 11 am to various times
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free entry
Nature Work Parties
What: Help remove invasive plants and clean up litter at various parks in Surrey this winter. Tools and training will be provided and all ages are welcome.
Nature Work Parties are drop-in, rain or shine, though events may be cancelled in high winds or extreme weather conditions. Participants are also asked to wear appropriate clothing for outdoor winter activities.
When: January 13, January 27, February 10 and February 17, 2024
Time: 10 am and 10:30 am staggered start times
Where: Various parks in Surrey
Admission: Free
Holiday Shop at The Polygon Gallery
What: Festive season is just around the corner, and The Polygon Gallery is making sure that your holidays are ready to shine bright.
The vibrant public art institution in North Vancouver is hosting its annual Holiday Shop until January 7. Throughout the season, visitors to the Gallery’s main floor will discover a huge selection of unique gifts by independent makers and artists.
When: Now until January 7, 2024 (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Time: 10 am to 5 pm (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), 10 am to 9 pm (Thursday)
Where: The Polygon Gallery — 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Cost: Free
LunarFest 2024 – Year of the Dragon
LunarFest
What: LunarFest brings cultures and traditions together in a variety of events in February. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with performances, artist talks, film screenings and activities around Vancouver, and make sure to visit The Lantern City returning to Jack Poole Plaza, šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énk Square, and Granville Island
When: Various dates in February 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free
Skate Plaza at The Shipyards
What: The City of North Vancouver’s free Shipyards Skate Plaza is now open, and skaters of all ages can glide on the approximately 12,000 sq ft surface daily from 1 to 8 pm. Fun can be had no matter the weather – the Shipyards Skate Plaza is covered by a retractable roof.
When: Daily until March 31, 2024
Time: 1 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)
New Year’s Calligraphy
What: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre invites guests to begin 2024 with a free drop-in calligraphy activity. Write Japanese characters on washi with brush & ink, including auspicious words for the new year or your own aspirations for the coming months. Materials, examples, and guidance will be provided.
You can also learn how to play Shogi, a popular mind sport from Japan. There will be live instruction, games, and tournaments running throughout the afternoon.
When: January 6, 2024
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Cost: Free
CelticFest Vancouver 2024
CelticFest Vancouver 2012/Facebook
What: Western Canada’s largest annual Celtic celebration takes place on March 16 and 17 and features a packed weekend of concerts and performances. There will also be a curated marketplace, a family zone, food trucks, a beer tent, and more.
When: March 16 and 17, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square north of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Cost: Free
Lights at Lafarge Lake
What: Lights at Lafarge, Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor winter lights display, is back for another holiday season.
The annual tradition will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam throughout the season, with over 100,000 twinkling lights to enjoy until the end of February.
Guests of all ages can explore the outdoor display that wraps around the lake, leading them on a 1.2 km loop through themed zones.
When: Now until February 2024
Time: Nightly until 11 pm
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
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 4, 2024
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Cost: Free, register online
VMF Winter Arts 2024
VMF Winter Arts/Submitted
What: The fourth annual VMF Winter Arts is transforming public spaces across downtown Vancouver into interactive, open-air galleries featuring augmented reality (AR) art and lights. The popular event also features a variety of exciting festivities and happenings to add to your seasonal schedule.
When: February 23 to 27, 2024
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free and ticketed events
Jazz Jam at the Shadbolt Centre
What: Cory Weeds hosts the Jazz Jam at Shadbolt Centre, with local jazz musicians performing an improvised evening of music. Attendees of all ages and abilities are welcome to bring their own instruments to jam.
When: February 6, March 5, April 9 and May 7, 2024
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Cost: Free
New Year’s Celebrations
Whistler Blackcomb Fire & Ice
Whistler Blackcomb
What: New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to welcome in 2024 with a bang, Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire and Ice is the perfect event for you.
North America’s largest ski resort is bringing back its popular outdoor winter event starting on Sunday, December 31, at 8:30 pm.
The free signature event features exciting performances, freestyle skiing and riding, and a stunning pyrotechnics display for all ages.
When: December 31, 2023, then every Sunday from January 7 to March 10, 2024. (No show on January 21)
Time: 8:30 pm (New Year’s Eve), 7 pm (January 7 to March 10, 2024)
Where: Skiers Plaza at Whistler Village base between Whistler and Excalibur Gondolas
Cost: Free
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim 2024
Vancouver Polar Bear Swim (Steve McConnell)
What: Start off 2024 the right way by plunging into the Pacific Ocean to ring in the New Year.
The 104th Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is officially returning to English Bay on Monday, January 1. Brave swimmers can dip into the frigid waters with thousands of other thrill-seekers or cheer them on from the shore.
When: January 1, 2024
Time: Noon to 4 pm; official swim at 2:30 pm
Where: English Bay Beach – Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street
Cost: Free. Participants are encouraged to register online.
Polar Bare Plunge 2024
What: The 16th edition of the Polar Bare Plunge, hosted by Surrey United Naturists, is officially returning to Crescent Rock Beach on Monday, January 1.
The plunge is different from others around the region because it’s clothing-optional. Though celebratory costumes and outfits are welcome.
When: January 1, 2024
Time: 1 pm
Where: Crescent Rock Beach near the boulder located close to the bottom of the 101 steps staircase at 24th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free
Recurring events and activities
Bill Reid Gallery – Free Admission Day
What: The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the renowned Haida artist and is the only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast in the country. 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 Bill Reid Gallery for free from 2 to 5 pm on the first Friday of each month.
When: The first Friday of every month
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Cost: By donation
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. There are a variety of exhibitions currently on display at the largest public art museum in western Canada, 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 pm
Where: 750 Hornby Street, 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 scenes, and more during the fun, interactive jam.
When: The last Saturday of every month
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: The Improv Centre — 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Eat fresh at farmers’ markets
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 30, 2024
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: 50 E 30th Avenue and Ontario Street, Vancouver
Hastings Park Winter Farmers’ Market
What: With over 35 farms and producers, the Hastings Park Winter Farmers Market makes it easy to keep meals farm-to-table. Highlights of the weekly event are winter produce, artisanal cheeses, bread, craft alcohol, treats, and delicious food truck offerings.
When: Every Sunday until April 28, 2024
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Hastings Park – 2901 East Hastings Street, 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 am to 6 pm
Where: Granville Island – 1661 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
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. There will also be live music and hot coffee and food to enjoy.
When: Every Sunday until April 2024
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody
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