27 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: February 1 to 3

February has arrived! Fill your weekend with these 27 things to do in Vancouver on Friday, February 1, Saturday, February 2, and Sunday, February 3. Driverless Vehicle Demonstration, Lunar New Year, and more.

And for more things happening around town be sure to check out our events section.

See also

• Ladies can ski and snowboard at Mt. Seymour for $15 on Mondays
• 8 places to get Chinese New Year treats in Vancouver
• Squamish is getting a new music festival this July

Friday, February 1

Driverless Vehicle Demonstration Surrey 2019

What: An autonomous shuttle vehicle will be making loops in and around Surrey Civic Plaza over the span of more than two weeks in February 2019 to provide Metro Vancouver residents with an opportunity to experience the future of driving. This free public demonstration is a part of the joint partnership between the City of Surrey and the City of Vancouver for their Infrastructure Canada Smart Cities Challenge bid of creating Canada’s first two collision-free multimodal corridors with driverless vehicles.

When: Wednesdays to Sundays from February 1 to 18, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza — 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free. Book online to avoid lines

Ocean Wise Pop Up at the Vancouver Aquarium

What: This Ocean Wise Pop Up Restaurant will be located in the Vancouver Aquarium where Chef Ned Bell and his team will prepare eats after-hours surrounded by stunning marine wildlife.

When: February 1 and February 2, 2019
Time: 6 and 8 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium – 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Price: $70.05; buy online

Book Sale & Flea Market

What: Browse and discover thousands of Japanese/English books, manga, CDs and DVD.  The widest selection of used Japanese books in Metro Vancouver. Valentine-themed craft activities will be offered onsite.

When: Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre – 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby
Admission: Free

pARTy@PdA! Books with Burgundy

What: Want a fun and creative night out just for adults? Learn to make your own book with mixed-media artist Dawn Livera. Using traditional and some unconventional techniques, Dawn will inspire you to explore your creativity and make each book a personal artistic statement. Ticket price includes art supplies and instruction plus complimentary sweet and savory tidbits and a cash wine bar.

When: Friday, February 1, 2019
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online

Brain & Other Stories

What: A two-part performance by spoken word artist, former Canadian poetry SLAM champ, theatre artist, and musician Brendan McLeod. Brain is an upbeat, intense story about the miracle of the mind.

When: Friday, February 1, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave., Surrey
Tickets: Online

Lunar New Year at Metropolis at Metrotown

What: To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the mall will be hosting more than two weeks of activities to welcome in the Year of the Pig. The highlight, perhaps, is 399 lanterns that will be taking over the Grand Court. The hundreds of lanterns will act as a backdrop for visitors to take photos with their family or friends. A handful of other activities will also be taking place, including Chinese calligraphy, lantern making, traditional Chinese Dance performances, and a “travel through Asia” photo booth.

When: Friday, February 1 to Monday, February 18, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Metropolis at Metrotown – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

What: This annual celebration of all things hot chocolate is kicking off on January 19 and runs until February 14 – which means you have tons of days to try all of the participating ‘chocstars’ at this year’s fest. Each cafe, dessert bar, and restaurant has created sugary wondrous concoctions that take classic hot chocolates to a whole new level – there will be 70 drinks in total to explore.

When: Now to February 14, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Venues around Vancouver
More Info: Online

Saturday, February 2

The 2019 Unicorn Ball

What: The annual event, held by the Vancouver Pride Society, is returning to Vancouver for its third straight year. The winter fundraiser helps raise money for LGBTQ2+ communities. Taking place on Saturday, February 2 at the Imperial, the ball is celebrated with a dance party that runs from 9 pm to 2 am. Live music will take place throughout the entire night featuring DJ A$H, O Show, Angle, Krista, and Dezi Desire, to name a few. This year, all proceeds will go towards a VPS bursary fund to assist small, marginalized groups to participate in Pride or to create their own events come Pride season.

When: Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: 9 pm to 2 am
Where: The Imperial – 319 Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online for $27 (after service fees)

The Arkells

What: In honour of their fifth studio album, Hamilton’s The Arkells has announced a nation-wide tour that’s kicking off in Vancouver on February 2, with special guests, Lord Huron.  The Arkells have also partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold is going to support the rights of refugees and vulnerable migrants in Canada through the Canadian Council for Refugees.

When: February 2, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Pacific Coliseum – 100 N Renfrew St, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Winter Watershed Snowshoe Tours

What: ​Explore the connection between snow and your drinking water.  Learn about your water supply in a fun and active way while discovering alpine plants and animals. After a moderately strenuous snowshoe, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Ages 16+.

When: Every Saturday from February 2 to March 30, 2019
Time: 10 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Mt. Seymour
Admission: $18 with own snowshoes; $25 includes snowshoes rental

WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania

What: Professional wrestling returns to Vancouver as Rogers Arena hosts WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania. Three matches involving eight Smackdown superstars have already been announced: AJ Styles vs WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio vs Rusev vs United States champion Shinsuke Nakamura, and Asuka vs Charlotte Flair vs Smackdown women’s champion Becky Lynch The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods) are also scheduled to attend. Samoa Joe was not mentioned in the announcement, but he is pictured in the marketing material.

When: Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: Doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online, starting at $20

Pleasant Comedy

What: On the first Saturday of every month, Colin Sharp brings top touring comedians from Vancouver and across the country to Our Town in Mount Pleasant. This month’s headliner is Katie-Ellen Humphries from The Lady Show, CBC’s The Debaters, and JFL NorthWest. Also featuring Ivan Decker, Randee Neumeyer, Kody Audette, and Emma Cooper.

When: Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: 8 to 10 pm
Where: Our Town Cafe – 245 East Broadway Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $10

Lion in the Streets

What: Award-winning Canadian playwright Judith Thompson’s seminal play, Lion in the Streets (1990), is a cumulative play whose central character, Isobel, is the ghost of a murdered, nine-year-old Portuguese girl. Returning to the neighbourhood seventeen years after her death, young Isobel drops into the lives of her neighbours and reveals the hauntingly raw underbelly of human nature.

When: Various dates from now to Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Chan Centre for the Performing Arts – 6265 Crescent Road, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

World Wetland’s Day at MacKay Pond

What: A maintenance and clean-up of MacKay Pnd for World Wetland’s Day. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Tools will be provided.

When: Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Where: 1st St W and Lloyd Ave – North Vancouver
Admission: Free

Nicomekl Riverfront Park World Wetlands Event

What: Attend a keynote presentation by Dr. Sean Boyd, Research Scientist from Environment Canada Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch. Then go on a walking tour of the wetland and riparian areas at the future Nicomekl Riverfront Park. Celebrate and converse with environmental professionals, enthusiasts and interested individuals. Wear waterproof footwear for the walking tour.

When: Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: Elgin Community Hall – 14250 Crescent Rd; Nicomekl Riverfront Park – 14391 Crescent Road & 3600 King George Boulevard
More Info: Online

Vancouver Giants vs Prince George Cougars

What: Vancouver Giants  face off against Prince George Cougars at the Langley Events Centre.

When: February 2, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

PuSh Festival Closing Night Party

What: PuSh is celebrating the final evening of its 15th anniversary Festival with a (FREE) party at the ANNEX.

When: Saturday, February 2, 2019
Where: ANNEX– 823 Seymour St, Vancouver
Time: 10 pm
Admission: Free

Sunday, February 3

Dine Out Vancouver 2019

What: Dine Out Vancouver is back for its 17th year, bringing with it a crowded calendar of food events, with hundreds of restaurants participating in this year’s exciting event. Taking place from January 18 through February 3, 2019, the popular annual fest features hundreds of restaurants, each offering multi-course dinners at $20, $30 or $40 (plus tax, gratuity and beverages).

When: Now to Sunday, February 3, 2019
Where: Various locations throughout the city
Price: $20, $30 or $40 (plus tax, gratuity and beverages). Special event tickets are on sale now

MACHiNENOiSY – Fragile Forms

What: Inspired by world-renowned Finnish theorist and architect Juhani Pallasmaa’s writings on architecture and the sensing body, MACHiNENOiSY’s most ambitious work to date is a site-specific, 360-degree contemporary dance performance tailored specifically for New Westminster’s iconic Anvil Centre. This adventurous piece brings together architecture; sound, visual and lighting design; and a team of extraordinary dancers from both Canada and Finland—all to stunning effect.

When: Saturday, February 2 to Thursday, February 7, 2019
Time: 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
Tickets: Online

Shirley Gnome – Wise Lounge Residency

What: Shirley Gnome is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning musician/cabaret performer. She’s singing almost every Sunday of February at the Wise Lounge along with special guests. Be the first to hear songs from her upcoming album, along with old favourites.

When: Sunday, February 3, February 17 and February 24, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Wise Hall & Lounge – 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver
Admission: $10 suggested donation

Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival

What: The Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival is being held at arenas across Surrey from now to February 3, 2019. Celebrating women in hockey, this female hockey tournament brings together teams from as far as Atlantic Canada and the United States.

When: Now to February 3, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex Arena – 16555 Fraser Highway; Cloverdale Arena – 6090 176 Street, Newton Arena – 7120 136B Street; North Surrey Arena – 10275 City Parkway; South Surrey Arena, 2199 148 Street
More Info: Online

Chinese New Year Tea

What: Celebrate the festive Chinese New Year at the London Heritage Farm with a delicious serving of Chinese New Year Tea and homemade goodies.

When: Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, February 3, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Tea Room – London Heritage Farm – 6511 Dyke Rd Richmond
Price: $15

Owl Walk

What: Whooo can see in the dark and fly on silent wings? Listen for owls and other night sounds on this winter night 3.5 km walk. All ages.

When: Sunday, February 3, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 8 pm
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Ave., Burnaby
Admission: Free

Steamworks Yoga on Tap

What: Love craft beer? Love yoga? Join Steamworks Beer for Yoga on Tap. Modo Yoga Burnaby leads an all-levels yoga class. Please bring your own mat. Partial proceeds from this months event will go towards fundraising for the 4th annual Beer Wars. All money that is raised at Beer Wars goes to support Eastside Boxing gym which facilitates free exercise programs for at risk youth, LGBT2 and women that have been exposed to violence.

When: Sunday, February 3, 2019
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 am
Where: Steamworks Brewing Co. – 3845 William St Burnaby
Admission: Online, $20 ticket includes a craft beer flight and class.

La Poutine Week 2019

What: La Poutine Week kicks off all across Canada for the seventh time, and we can taste the squeaky cheese curd-goodness already. In the past, the annual week-long celebration of fries, curds, and gravy has seen hundreds of participating restaurants dish out original takes on the iconic Quebecois dish. The fest takes place during the first week of February for the dining public to eat and vote on their favourites before a winner is announced at the end of the week.

When: Now to Thursday, February 7, 2019,
Time: Various times
Where: Various restaurants
More Info: Online

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, inside a historic cannery setting. Admission to the museum is free on market days, with guided heritage tours by donation.

When: February 3 and February 17, 2019 
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond
Admission: Free

Sportsbar LIVE at Rogers Arena Super Bowl party

What: The Sportsbar LIVE at Rogers Arena is open for Super Bowl Sunday, with 102 high definition televisions showing the big game offering an audio/visual experience that is second to none. Apart from the game, the Sportsbar has a number of special things planned. From Canucks tickets and merchandise, tickets and accommodation for Seattle Seahawks games, they’re offering bigger and better prizes than ever before. Captain Morgan and his Morganettes will be on the scene, as will the Sportsbar promo team, getting the party started with free samples and giveaways. DJ Keilani Rose will be spinning tracks, which is sure to make for the best Super Bowl atmosphere in Vancouver.

When: Sunday, February 3
Time: Doors open at 2 pm (Game starts at 3:30)
Where: Sportsbar LIVE at Rogers Arena, 99 West Georgia St, Vancouver
Reservations: Entry is $30, email [email protected] to book a table (limited seating available)