20 fun things to do in Vancouver this long weekend: February 14 to 17

Just For Laughs Vancouver

What: Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival is returning to Vancouver this February, and it’s heating up the winter season with a scorching lineup of stars.

The ninth annual Just For Laughs Vancouver will take place from February 13 to 23. Fans of all things funny will have lots to enjoy over the 10 hilarious days, including star-powered stand-up, podcasts, improv and sketch, and more.

Some of the stars include Silicon Valley and The Big Sick star Kumail Nanjiani, Fire Island and Drop Dead Diva star Margaret Cho, and The Daily Show’s Roy Wood Jr., as well as local favourites like Jacob Samuel and The Ryan and Amy Show.

When: February 13 to 23, 2025
Time: Various showtimes
Where: Multiple venues across Vancouver
Tickets: For sale online at jflvancouver.com

Jazz at the ‘Bolt

What: ​Cory Weeds hosts the fifth annual Jazz at the ‘Bolt, where local and international artists take over the Shadbolt Centre in Burnaby for an entire weekend of amazing live music.

When: February 14 to 16, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

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

Cosmic Valentine: A Space Love Story

What: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre invites you to blast off to Cosmic Valentine: A Space Love Story. There will be a Valentine’s trivia challenge, a planetarium show with live music, immersive presentations, drinks and appetizers, and more.

When: February 14, 2025
Time: 6 to 10:30 pm
Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre — 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $40 plus fees; purchase online

From Hakutsuru with Love: Sake Cocktails

What: Head to BCLIQUOR in South Burnaby, Park Royal, and Richmond Brighouse on Thursday, February 13, to try Hakutsuru sake in two romantic cocktails and their Gold Medal Award-winning Dai Ginjo. You can enjoy complimentary samples, learn pairing ideas, and discover exclusive promotions during the event.

When: February 13, 2025
Time: 4 to 7 pm
Where: Various BCLIQUOR locations

Dream Collective Grand Opening and Valentine’s Event

What: Dream Collective showcases over 70 local artisans under one roof in Downtown Vancouver. Shop local and find the perfect gift for all your loved ones while enjoying a live traditional Chinese sugar painting demonstration. You can also take home a handcrafted sugar treat for yourself or that special someone.

When: Grand opening from February 12 to 14, 2025. Chinese sugar painting on February 14, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm
Where: Dream Collective – 1132 Robson Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Family Day at Historic Stewart Farm

What: Take the family out for a memorable day at Historic Stewart Farm. Everyone will enjoy exploring the historic farmhouse and watching the various heritage demonstrations. The little ones can learn the art of dot painting from Lorelei Lyons of 2 Métis Women, and tasty refreshments will also be served.

When: February 15, 2025
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Historic Stewart Farm at Elgin Heritage Park – 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey
Cost: Free

Otosan

What: Otosan tells the tale of Shizu, who hides in her Otosan’s suitcase as he travels to the north. The dangerous environment is filled with white wolves, grizzly bears and snowy owls, and she and her father must learn to face the challenges together while discovering how to communicate their love. Otosan features puppetry, real wildlife projections, and an original score. It is suitable for ages 4+ and is deaf and hard-of-hearing friendly.

When: February 17 to 22, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond
Tickets: $13 to $23, purchase online

Abbotsford Canucks

What: The Abbotsford Canucks continue their AHL campaign this month, with home games including visitors San Diego Gulls on February 11 and 12 and Colorado Eagles on February 15 and 17.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Abbotsford Centre – 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
Cost: Various; purchase online

Burlesque Duos at the Rio Theatre

What: Burlesque Duos is an annual East Vancouver Valentine’s Day tradition that celebrates partnership and creativity on the day of love. The event pairs up renowned burlesque dancers to perform memorable duets at the Rio Theatre.

Starring Gigi LaVande and Honey Bee, April O’Peel and Homo Hardware, Diva the Violet Femme and Miss Kiss, and Vita Devour and Arabella Boop. Hosted by Ella Lamoureux and Gia Sangria.

When: February 14, 2025
Time: 8 pm
Where: Rio Theatre — 1660 E Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $30 online, $35 at the door, purchase online

Valentine’s Comedy with Jokers Canada

What: Jokers Canada is a travelling comedy club that showcases professional and hilarious stand-ups all over Vancouver. Laugh your way into love with special Valentine’s Day comedy shows at BMO Theatre Centre and Michael J Fox Theatre.

Featuring acclaimed comics that have performed at Just For Laughs and Winnipeg Comedy Festival, on CW and the CBC, and more.

When: February 14 and 15, 2025
Time: 7 pm (Vancouver), 8:30 pm (Burnaby)
Where: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre — Arts Club Theatre Company, 162 W 1st Avenue #203, Vancouver (February 14), Michael J Fox Theatre — 7373 MacPherson Avenue, Burnaby (February 15)
Cost: Various prices, purchase online

Heineken Silver Launch Event

What: Head to BCLIQUOR on Saturday, February 15, for the BC launch of Heineken Silver. Guests can enjoy the taste of Heineken’s latest brew, delicious bites, a live DJ, and more during the event.

When: February 15, 2025
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: BCLIQUOR 39th and Cambie

Love Your City

What: The Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) of Vancouver have come together to help you show love to your city, as well as to the many fantastic small businesses that make this place so amazing.

Visit your favourite neighbourhood and follow along @loveyourcitycontest for a chance to win over $4000 worth of goodies. Like a post and follow @loveyourcityconest and the daily neighbourhood. Write a love note to your favourite neighbourhood, business, or the best memory or event you experienced. For 10 bonus entries, visit one of the participating businesses and snap a photo in front of their love installation.

When: All February long
Where: Various neighbourhoods and small businesses around Vancouver
More information: Online

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 12 pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, Vancouver
Tickets: Free and ticketed events. Purchase online

Vive La Bourgogne!

What: Wine aficionados are in for a treat because Published On Main is bringing back Burgundy Week, featuring drinks ranging from “village” level wines to the highly sought-after Premier and Grand Cru bottles.

When: February 15 to 23
Where: Published on Main — 3593 Main Street, Vancouver
Reservations: Available online

Family Day Weekend at Britannia Shipyards

What: Britannia Shipyards in Steveston Village invites you to discover Richmond’s multicultural boatbuilding and fishing heritage this Family Day weekend. There will be a scavenger hunt, hands-on activities, crafts, and more to experience at the National Historic Site.

When: February 14 to 17, 2025
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Britannia Shipyards – 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond
Cost: Free

Candlelight: Valentine’s Day Special

What: Fever’s Candlelight is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a pair of romantic concerts this month. On February 14 and 15, fall in love with a special Valentine’s Day Classical Romance event showcasing music by Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Debussy, and more.

When: February 14 and 15, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church – 2733 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: Starting at $40 and $53, purchase online

Family Day Toonie Skate

What: The City of Burnaby has a variety of Family Day events lined up, including two Toonie Skates. Drop by Bill Copeland Sports Centre from 1 to 2:30 pm for a family skate, crafts, and face painting.

In the evening, stop by Kensington Complex from 4 to 5:30 pm and 6 to 7:30 pm for another family skate event.

When: February 20, 2025
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm (Bill Copeland Sports Centre), 4 to 5:30 pm and 6 to 7:30 pm (Kensington Complex)
Where: Bill Copeland Sports Centre – 3676 Kensington Avenue, Burnaby; Kensington Complex – 6159 Curtis Street, Burnaby
Cost: $2