34 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: February 15 to 18

Happy Family Day weekend, everyone! Here are 34 great events in Vancouver on Friday, February 15, Saturday, February 16, Sunday, February 17 and Monday, February 18. JFL Northwest Block Party, Children’s Arts Festival, and more.

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

See also

• Vancouver's largest comedy festival is throwing a free block party this weekend
• Passion Pit to perform live in Vancouver this spring
• See Camilo The Magician perform 'Magik' in Vancouver this March

Friday, February 15

Justin Timberlake

What: Justin Timberlake is on tour in promotion of his fourth studio album, The Man of the Woods.

When: Friday, February 15, 2018
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Notch8 Valentine’s Chocolate Cave

What: The cave lives in the eatery’s private dining room and features floor-to-ceiling custom built chocolate covered walls, along with a stunning array of 20 different chocolate desserts.

When: Now to February 17, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – 900 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Price: $65; make reservations by calling 04-662-1900 or email [email protected]

Vancouver Giants vs Spokane Chiefs

What: Vancouver Giants take on the Spokane Chiefs in WHL action at Langley Events Centre.

When: Friday, February 15, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Langley Events Centre – 7888 200 Street, Langley
Tickets: Online

JFL NorthWest Block Party 2019

What:  JFL NorthWest, Vancouver’s largest comedy festival, has announced the return of their beloved block party. The event takes place this week on Friday, February 15 and Monday, February 18 at šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn, formerly known as the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Attendees can expect a beverage garden featuring beer, spirits, and free hot beverages from Tim Hortons, a selection of food trucks, an LED games tent, and free giveaways and prizes. To liven up the atmosphere, DJ Flula!, one of the stars of Pitch Perfect 2 will be performing two DJ sets at the event.

When: Friday, February 15 and Monday, February 18, 2019
Time: 5 to 10 pm (Friday), 5 to 8 pm (Monday)
Where: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (QET Plaza)
Admission: Free

The Afronautics Research Lab

What: The Afronauts have returned to Earth to save the future of the planet. Become a researcher in a futuristic reading room and uncover evidence of Canada’s Black communities and histories. Contemplate ads by Canadian slave owners in 18th century newspapers. Once the past is acknowledged, the future WILL change. This free event is in the Alma VanDusen Room in the Lower Level of the Central Library.

When: Friday, February 15, 2019
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: Vancouver Public Library – 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Canada’s Walk of Fame – Hometown Stars Celebration –  Jimmy Pattison, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

What: Canada’s Walk of Fame is honouring Vancouver-based business leader and philanthropist Jimmy Pattison along with comedians Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg at a special Canada’s Walk of Fame Hometown Star unveiling. Special guests include 2009 inductee Howie Mandel.

When: Friday, February 15, 2019
Time: 4 to 6 pm
Where: Ocean Foyer, Level 2 at Vancouver Convention Centre – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Much Ado About Nothing

What: Set in a mesmerizing theatrical world, this deadly serious and sublimely ridiculous story — of soldiers in love and women confined by tradition — is a bold and playful romp through the extremes of desire and ambition, loyalty and redemption. Presented by Classic Chic Productions and part of the Femme Series: highlighting the strength and power of female-identifying voices and experiences.

When: Now to Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: The Cultch – 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver,
Tickets: Online

Saturday, February 16

Open Mosque Day BC

What: For the first time in Canada, major mosques across BC will be participating in Open Mosque Day on February 16, 2019. There will be a range of activities on site including hijab try-ons, henna tattooing, as well as delicious refreshments.

When: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Various mosques around BC, check website for details 
Admission: Free

Yoga Play

What: In this theatrical production, Joan has been hired to stabilize Jojomon, a yoga apparel giant, after its CEO is brought down by a fat-shaming scandal. But just as she finds her footing, more trouble surfaces and the sales freefall. Jojomon needs an image makeover—and fast. Risking everything on a wild plan, Joan and her colleagues are willing to try anything to save face. This hilarious satire asks what it takes to find authenticity in a world determined to sell enlightenment.

When: Now to Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Gateway Theatre – 6500 Gilbert Road Richmond
Tickets: Online

Exhibition Opening – Horizons

What: Horizons is an exhibition that will be held at the Deer Lake Art Gallery featuring the works of Deb Chaney, Jan Rankin, Wolfgang Vogt and Ronald Watt, and is hosted and organized by the Burnaby Arts Council.

When: Saturday, February 16, 2019. Exhibition runs until March 9, 2019
Time: 12 to pm
Where: Deer Lake Art Gallery – 6584 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: Free

Straight to DVD: 2 Straight 2 DVD

What: A night filled with scenes from movies that do not exist. Comedians will perform their scenes in a rehearsal/table read hybrid, then pitch brand new movies as well as audition for a super serious one. Hosted by Christine Bortolin and Kyle Fines, with an all-new Drunk Movie Day episode exclusive to the show

When: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 10 pm
Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 195 East 26th Avenue Vancouver
Tickets: Online, $7

Vancouver Warriors vs Saskatchewan Rush

What: Vancouver Warriors bring National Lacrosse League action to Rogers Arena with a home game against the Saskatchewan Rush on February 16

When: Saturday, February 16
Time: 7 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Artists in Conversation

What: Hear exhibiting artists Camille Turner and Jérôme Havre, with special guest Wayde Compton, reflect on the collaborative film project Triangle Trade installed in Surrey Art Gallery’s TechLab.

When: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 2:30 to 4 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Avenue, Surrey
Admission: Free

Westminster Savings Family Day

What: Westminster Savings Family Days aims to help build an appreciation of the arts by bringing families together in an Art Gallery setting. Visitors will tour the exhibition in the Art Gallery at Evergreen and participate in a variety of entertaining and illuminating activities led by our Art Gallery staff. All Family Days are drop-in and there is no charge to participate.

When: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Art Gallery at Evergreen – 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Free Roberts Bank Tour: The Container Trail 2019

What: Visitors will be taken on a driving tour through the container depots and logistics warehouses in Delta’s Tilbury Industrial Park, Port Authority’s Deltaport Truck Staging Area, Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility, and Delta iPort Logistics Centre. The tour will then end with a visit of Roberts Bank, where Canada’s busiest coal export facility and Canada’s largest container terminal are located. This includes an opportunity to get off the tour bus for an up-close look at container ships being loaded and unloaded at GCT Deltaport container terminal, which alone is 210 acres in size. Each tour takes about two hours and does not require any walking.

When: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 9 am and 1 pm
Where: Meet at the Port of Vancouver’s Delta Community Office — 5225A Ladner Trunk Road, Delta
Cost: Free! Book online

Riley Park and Nat Bailey Stadium Farmers’ Market

What: Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods and artisanal crafts.

When: Every Saturday to April 27, 2019 (except December 30)
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Riley Park Plaza – 50E. 30th Ave., Vancouver, Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Contemporary Art Gallery Artist Talk – Kameelah Janan Rasheed

What: Kameelah Janan Rasheed returns to Vancouver for a weekend of informal collective learning sessions, the shape of which will be determined by participants themselves, propelled in part by a word, an image and a fragment of text pulled from Rasheed’s current explorations in archives, scores, and ecology.

When: Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, 2019
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Where: Contemporary Art Gallery – 555 Nelson St, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Sunday, February 17

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

Family Day at PdA

What: Gather up the clan and drop by Family Day at PdA to immerse yourself in art. Tour the galleries and create your own masterpieces in a variety of all-ages, drop-in-style art activities based on the subject matter and/or mediums of the exhibitions.

When: Sunday, February 17, 2018
Time: 2 pm
Where: Place des Arts – 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Tickets: Online, Free

2018 Whammys Awards Celebration

What: The Whammys is an annual, independent music awards ceremony celebrating the best in Vancouver indie music. Live performances throughout the evening.

When: Sunday, February 17, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Cool Cats and Canines

What: Sink your claws into the world of cougars, bobcats, coyotes and wolves. All ages.

When: Sunday, February 17, 2018
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park – Meet at 11450 256th Street, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free

Lunar New Year on Granville Island

What: Granville Island is celebrating Lunar New Year traditions this month. Snap a photo in front of the lantern installations, outside on the Tree of Light in Triangle Square or inside the Net Loft atrium. Then enjoy Lunar New Year treats at the Public Market, including tea, pastries, and more.

When: Now to February 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Granville Island, Vancouver
Admission: Free

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

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 17, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Wise Hall & Lounge – 1882 Adanac Street, Vancouver
Admission: $10 suggested donation

Coastal Lunar Lanterns

What: The Asian-Canadian Special Events Association has created an iconic installation for Lunar New year. From now to February 18, eight gigantic lanterns will be set up and illuminated every night at the Jack Poole Plaza, using the mountains and water as a backdrop. The lanterns were designed by three artists from Coast Salish Nations, as well as an indigenous artist from Taiwan, and celebrate an important aspect of Lunar New Year tradition.

When: Now to February 18, 2019
Where: Jack Poole Plaza – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Admission: Free

Hastings Park Farmers’ Market

What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, craft alcohol producers, and food trucks. There is free parking for market shoppers at Gate 2 off of Renfrew St.

When: Every Sunday to April 28
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Hastings Park Centre grounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
Admission: Free

Booker Prize-Winning Author Marlon James in Conversation with Ian Williams

What: Man Booker Prize-winner Marlon James captivates the literary world with his unique style, most recently showcased in the internationally-lauded A Brief History of Seven Killings. On February 17, James speaks with author and UBC Creative Writing Instructor, Ian Williams, about his anticipated new epic novel, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, just days after its official launch.

When: Sunday, February 17, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Waterfront Theatre – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online

Monday, February 18

Vancouver Aquarium – Free admission on Family Day for kids 12 and under

What: The Vancouver Aquarium is offering complimentary admission for kids 12 and under on Monday, February 18. Activities include story time, meet the parrot and meet the penguin programs, a screening of the exhilarating Shark: A 4-D Experience in the 4-D theatre every 30 minutes starting at 11:15 am and more.

When: February 18, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Vancouver Aquarium — 845 Avison Way, Vancouver
More info: Available here. Offer does not apply to online ticket purchases.

City of New Westminster Family Day 2019

What: Explore the City of New Westminster on Family Day for the Lower Mainland’s largest free event. All City Parks & Recreation facilities along with the Anvil Centre and River Market will be offering Family Day fun for free.

When: Monday, February 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Anvil Centre – 777 Columbia St, New Westminster
Admission: Free

Children’s Arts Festival 

What: Celebrate BC Family Day at the 11th annual Children’s Arts Festival in Richmond. Children and their families are encouraged to spark their imagination through music, hands-on activities, literary and performing arts. Enjoy a vibrant, colourful atmosphere with interactive workshops, activities and events tailored for children ages 3 to 12.

When: Monday, February 18, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Richmond Cultural Centre – 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: General Admission is $5. Creativity Classes are $15 (register in advance here). Children ages 2 and under are free.

Family Day at the Carousel

What: Enjoy the antics of a children’s entertainer, craft activities, heritage games and unlimited carousel rides. All activities take place in the Carousel Pavilion. No access to Museum site. Children and adults must attend together.

When: Monday, February 18, 2019
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
Admission: $6.50 per person ($5.85 per member). Pre-registration recommended to avoid entry lineups.

Family Day at the Oval

What: Take on the Family Passport Challenge, with activities including Olympian autographs, Vancouver 2010 Olympic Podium Photo, trivia and more. Then explore the Olympic Experience Museum, enjoy family rock climbing, and skate with the family. Skate and helmet rentals available. Extra fees apply for activities and equipment.

When: Monday, February 18, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Richmond Olympic Oval – 6111 River Road, Richmond
Admission: $10 family admission (up to 2 adults + 3 children)

Family Day Vancouver Architectural Walking Tours 2019

What: This Family Day, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) is hosting architectural walking tours within both areas in the city centre, with each family-friendly tour led by experienced guides. The Gastown tour explores structures built during Vancouver’s early history, as well as the expansion and relocation of the downtown centre from Gastown to its current location. It will also showcase how heritage restoration and preservation efforts established in the 1970s have transformed and renewed this historical part of the city. For the Downtown tour, guides will provide participants with insight on the unique challenges of preserving “modern heritage” in the face of continuing redevelopment and urban change. A walk through the Central Business District will highlight modern and contemporary architecture

When: Family Day — Monday, February 18, 2019

• Gastown Tour: starts at 10 am
• Downtown Tour: starts at 1 pm

Where: Both tours start at the Architecture Centre — 440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Cost: $10.00 per person. Book online

Family Day Open House at Queen Elizabeth Theatre

What: Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting a free fun-filled Family Day morning at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from 10 am to 1 pm. An opportunity to view their latest visual arts exhibition and to meet the artists. VSO School of Music will be hosting an Instrument Petting Zoo where children will have the opportunity to hear, touch and try a variety of real musical instruments, meet instructors and try their hand at musical crafts and games. You can also warm up with a hot chocolate, and bring the whole family for free kids crafts.

When: Monday, February 18, 2019
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 630 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Admission: Free